Linear magnetic damper

• US 7,121,980 B2
• Filed: 07/28/2004
• Issued: 10/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James Chen
• Original Assignee: James Chen
• Inventors: Chen, James
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US10/900,227
• Publication Number:
  US 20050176560A1
• Time in Patent Office: 811 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482 91-108, 482/114, 482/133, 482/900, 482/903, 482/135
• US Class Current: 482/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00065 by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00192 using resistance provided by magnetic means A63B21/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0052 induced by electromagnets A63B21/0056 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0626 with substantially vertical guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/903 Utilizing electromagnetic force resistance

Abstract

A linear magnetic damper includes a magnetically attractive rail, a damper body movable along the magnetically attractive rail and having a longitudinal passage, which accommodates the magnetically attractive rail, and having a plurality of openings symmetrically formed at two sides thereof and respectively arranged in alignment, and a plurality of magnetic members respectively mounted in the openings at two sides of the damper body for applying a magnetic force to the magnetically attractive rail.

Claims

1. A linear magnetic damper comprising:

a magnetically attractive rail;

a damper body movable along said magnetically attractive rail and having a longitudinal passage extending through two distal ends thereof for accommodating said magnetically attractive rail, and a plurality of openings symmetrically formed at two sides thereof and respectively arranged in alignment; and

a plurality of magnetic members respectively mounted to said openings at two sides of said damper body for generating a magnetic force to said magnetically attractive rail, whereby a resistance is formed for exercise.

2. The linear magnetic damper as defined in claim 1, wherein said damper body comprises two plate members fastened together and having said longitudinal passage therebetween, and four pulleys respectively rotatably mounted between said two plate members at four corners of said longitudinal passage.

3. The linear magnetic damper as defined in claim 1, wherein said magnetic members each comprise a magnet holder, said magnet holder having a recess on its midsection and two eye lugs bilaterally disposed at a bottom side thereof, a pin mounted in said eye lugs to pivotally secure said magnet holder to said damper body under one said opening, a magnet fixedly mounted in said recess, and a torsion spring mounted on said pin for forcing said magnet holder to pivot away from the corresponding opening.

4. The linear magnetic damper as defined in claim 3, wherein said magnet holder further comprises a hook-like springy retaining block projected from a top side thereof for engaging the corresponding opening to further hold said magnet holder to seal the corresponding opening.

5. The linear magnetic damper as defined in claim 1, wherein said magnetic members each comprise a housing fastened to one opening of said damper body, a shaft rotatably mounted in said housing and having a longitudinal groove in one half periphery thereof, a plurality of arched magnets fixedly mounted in said longitudinal groove, and a knob fastened to an end of said shaft outside said housing for turning by the user to rotate said shaft.

6. The linear magnetic damper as defined in claim 1, wherein said magnetic members each comprise an electromagnet and a coil wound round said electromagnet, said coil being electrically connected to a current control, said current control controlling supply of electric current to said coil, whereby said resistance is adjustable by adjusting the amount the electric current.