Endless Cord Exercise Machine with Rotary Viscous Dampers

• US 20090137370A1
• Filed: 11/28/2007
• Published: 05/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Eugene Kushnir
• Original Assignee: Eugene Kushnir
• Inventors: Kushnir, Eugene
• Granted Patent: US 8,021,285 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/120
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/008 using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0084 by moving the surrounding water A63B31/00, A63B35/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/151 Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0228 Sitting on the buttocks
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 7/04 Climbing-ropes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 7/045 Using endless ropes

Abstract

An endless cord exercise machine in which a user applies a continuous pulling motion to a cord that is attached to a resistance mechanism is disclosed. The machine may be arranged to simulate the acts of rope climbing or of scaling a wall with the assistance of a rope, or may be arranged to provide other types of upper and lower body muscle development. The resistance mechanism is ideally comprised of a plurality of rotary viscous dampers of differing viscosities housed in a rotating drum. A spring-loaded adjustment key mechanism extending through the hub of the drum and dampers allows the user to selectively engage any combination of dampers to provide exercise resistance.

Claims

1. A machine on which the act of scaling an inclined plane using a cord may be simulated, comprising:

a resistance mechanism providing resistance;

a single loop of cord connected to said resistance mechanism for allowing a force to be exerted against said resistance of said resistance mechanism;

an inclined movable belt mechanism connected by a transmission mechanism to said resistance mechanism; and

a frame supporting said machine.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said resistance mechanism provides resistance by one of manual and motorized means.

3. The machine of claim 1 wherein said resistance mechanism is bidirectional.

4. The machine of claim 1 wherein said resistance mechanism provides continuous variable resistance.

5. The machine of claim 1 wherein said resistance mechanism comprises a plurality of rotary viscous dampers.

6. The machine of claim 1 wherein said resistance mechanism is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism.

7. The machine of claim 1 wherein the inclination of said belt mechanism is adjustable.

8. The machine of claim 1 wherein said transmission mechanism is adjustable to vary the relative rate of movement between said belt mechanism and said resistance mechanism.

9. An exercise machine having an adjustable resistance mechanism, said resistance mechanism comprising:

a plurality of rotary viscous dampers, each of said dampers having a different viscosity;

said dampers arranged serially along a single center axis, said dampers being selectively combinable in combinations to provide varying levels of resistance; and

an adjustment mechanism for selecting said dampers to provide said varying levels of resistance, said adjustment mechanism extending through said center axis of said damp ers.

10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said resistance mechanism is bidirectional.

11. The machine of claim 9 wherein said adjustment mechanism includes a separate key corresponding to each said damper.

12. The adjustment mechanism of claim 11 wherein said adjustment mechanism and each said separate key has a separate key position to select each possible combination of one or more said dampers.

13. The adjustment mechanism of claim 11 wherein each said key moves independently when said adjustment mechanism is adjusted from one said key position to another said key position.

14. The machine of claim 9 wherein a looped cord is attached to said resistance mechanism for allowing a force to be exerted against said resistance of said resistance mechanism.

15. An exercise machine, comprising:

at least one adjustable resistance mechanism providing continuous variable resistance and comprising a plurality of rotary viscous dampers arranged serially on a single center axis, said dampers being selectively combinable in combinations to provide varying levels of resistance;

an adjustment mechanism for selecting said dampers to provide said varying levels of resistance, said adjustment mechanism extending through each said center axis of each at least one said resistance mechanism;

a fork member supporting each said at least one resistance mechanism; and

a single loop of cord connected to each at least one said resistance mechanism for allowing a force to be exerted against said resistance of each at least one said resistance mechanism.

16. The machine of claim 15, wherein the act of climbing a free-hanging rope can be simulated on the machine.

17. The machine of claim 15 having a supporting frame.

18. The machine of claim 17, wherein said frame includes at least one set of footrests.

19. The machine of claim 17, wherein the act of climbing a free-hanging rope can be simulated on the machine.

20. The machine of claim 17, wherein said frame includes at least one bench serving as a seat.

21. The machine of claim 20, wherein said bench is movable toward and away from at least one said resistance mechanism along a track connected to said frame.

22. A machine on which the act of scaling an inclined plane using a cord may be simulated, comprising:

an adjustable resistance mechanism providing continuous variable resistance, comprising a plurality of rotary viscous dampers aligned serially on a single center axis, said dampers being selectively combinable in combinations to provide varying levels of resistance;

a single loop of cord connected to said resistance mechanism for allowing a force to be exerted against said resistance of said resistance mechanism;

an adjustment mechanism for selecting said dampers to provide said varying levels of resistance, said adjustment mechanism extending through said center axis of said resistance mechanism, said adjustment mechanism including a separate key corresponding to each said damper;

an inclined movable belt mechanism connected by a transmission mechanism to said resistance mechanism; and

a frame supporting said exercise machine.

23. The machine of claim 22 wherein said transmission mechanism is adjustable to vary the relative rate of movement between said belt mechanism and said resistance mechanism.

24. An exercise machine, comprising:

at least one adjustable resistance mechanism providing continuous variable resistance, comprising a plurality of rotary viscous dampers arranged serially on a single center axis, said dampers being selectively combinable in combinations to provide varying levels of resistance;

a single loop of cord connected to each at least one said resistance mechanism for allowing a force to be exerted against said resistance of each at least one said resistance mechanism;

an adjustment mechanism for selecting said dampers to provide said varying levels of resistance, said adjustment mechanism extending through each said center axis of each at least one said resistance mechanism, said adjustment mechanism including a separate key corresponding to each said damper; and

a frame supporting said exercise machine.

25. The machine of claim 24 wherein said frame is inclined, said inclination being adjustable.