Exerciser having magnetic retarding device

• US 7,004,888 B1
• Filed: 01/03/2005
• Issued: 02/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Long Hua Yu, Tung Hai Lung, Yi Yu
• Original Assignee: Yen Shu Weng
• Inventors: Weng, Yen Shu
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow, Stephen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TAM M
• Application Number:
  US11/027,741
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/52, 482/56, 482/57, 482 60- 63, 482/114, 482/115, 482/118, 482/119, 482/148
• US Class Current: 482/57
• 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 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4049 Rotational movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers

Abstract

An exerciser includes a flywheel rotatably attached onto a frame and coupled to a pair of foot pedals with a transmission device, an arch having one end rotatably coupled to the frame, one or more magnetic members attached to the arch and moveable toward or away from the flywheel, to adjust the magnetic retarding force to the flywheel. A brake shoe is attached to the other end of the arch, and movable to engage with and to brake the flywheel. A spring may bias the arch and the brake shoe away from the flywheel, to allow the brake shoe to be moved toward and against the flywheel and to brake the flywheel selectively. An actuating device may force the brake shoe of the arch to engage with and to brake the flywheel.

Claims

1. An exerciser comprising:

a frame,

a flywheel rotatably attached onto and supported on said frame with a spindle,

a pair of foot pedals,

a transmission device coupling said foot pedals to said spindle of said flywheel, to allow said flywheel to be driven by said foot pedals,

an arch including a first end rotatably coupled to said frame with a pivot pin, and including a second end,

at least one magnetic member attached to said arch and moved in concert with said arch, to allow said at least one magnetic member to apply magnetic retarding force against said flywheel, said arch being rotatable and movable toward or away from said flywheel, to adjust said at least one magnetic member toward or away from said flywheel, and to adjust the magnetic retarding force applied to said flywheel,

a brake shoe attached to said second end of said arch, and movable toward or away from said flywheel together with said arch, to selectively engage with and to brake said flywheel,

means for biasing said arch and said brake shoe away from said flywheel, to resiliently space said brake shoe away from said flywheel, and to allow said brake shoe to be moved toward and against said flywheel and to brake said flywheel against said biasing means, and

an actuating device slidably attached to said frame, and engageable with said arch, to selectively move and force said brake shoe of said arch to engage with and to brake said flywheel.

2. The exerciser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating device includes a barrel engaged into a hole of said frame, and secured to said frame with fasteners.

3. The exerciser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said barrel includes a fastener flange extended therefrom and secured to said frame with the fasteners.

4. The exerciser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said barrel includes a non-circular opening formed therein, and said actuating device includes a non-circular block slidably engaged into said non-circular opening of said barrel, and arranged for allowing said block to slide along said non-circular opening of said barrel, but to prevent said block from being rotated relative to said barrel.

5. The exerciser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said block includes a screw hole formed therein, to thread with said bolt, and to allow said bolt to be rotated and adjusted relative to said barrel and said block.

6. The exerciser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said bolt includes a stop for engaging with said barrel, and for limiting a sliding movement of said bolt relative to said barrel.

7. The exerciser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said bolt includes a knob secured on top thereof, for rotating said bolt relative to said block, and for moving said bolt and said block relative to said barrel.

8. The exerciser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said bolt includes a cap attached to bottom for engaging with said arch.