Exercise device with resistance mechanism having a pivoting arm and a resistance member

• US 7,482,050 B2
• Filed: 02/02/2004
• Issued: 01/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness Incorporated (HF HOLDINGS INC)
• Original Assignee: Icon-Ip Pty Limited
• Inventors: Olson, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAKER, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US10/770,273
• Publication Number:
  US 20040157709A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,821 Days
• Field of Search: 482/142, 482/44, 482/50, 482 91- 95, 482/102, 482121-129, D21/676, D21/686, D21/690
• US Class Current: 428/123
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/025 on rollers or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00065 by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00072 by changing the length of a lever
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0428 the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/055 extension element type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0555 Details of the rope or band, e.g. shape or colour coding
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0557 Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4034 for operation by feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0228 Sitting on the buttocks
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0355 A single apparatus used for either upper or lower limbs, i.e. with a set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limb or limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03566 the multiple stations having a common resistance device
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03575 Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0494 primarily by articulating the knee joints A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• 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: A63B 71/0619 : Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/907 : Stretching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/908 : Adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24207 : with strand[s] or strand-portion[s] between layers [e.g., upholstery trim, etc.]

Abstract

An exercise device is configured to provide adjustable resistance to the motion of a user exercising with the exercise device. The exercise device includes a frame that at least partially supports an operable assembly. Cooperating with the operable assembly is a resistance assembly that provides a resistance adjustable by the user of the exercise device. The resistance assembly includes an actuating assembly that engages with a pivoting arm. The actuating assembly includes a handle mechanism that is simple to operate and enables a user to easily select a desirable resistance level. A connecting member of the actuating assembly extends from the handle mechanism to a resistance member. Movement of the operable assembly moves the arm toward a fixed end of the resistance member. The connecting member temporarily lengthens the resistance member, while the resistance member inhibits such movement and provides resistance to the exercising user'"'"'s motion.

Claims

1. An exercise device for providing adjustable resistance to an exerciser, comprising:

a frame;

an exercise mechanism; and

a resistance assembly coupled to said frame, said resistance assembly comprising;

a curved arm having a first end pivotally coupled to said frame, a second end cooperating with said exercise mechanism such that movement of said exercise mechanism moves said arm;

an actuating assembly moveably coupled to said arm such that said actuating assembly encapsulates a portion of said arm, said actuating assembly including a user grippable handle mechanism including an engagement member that is selectively engageable with said curved arm, wherein a user can selectively move the actuating assembly by moving the handle mechanism; and

a resistance member coupled to said actuating assembly such that (i) movement of said exercise mechanism results in movement of said resistance member and (ii) movement of said actuating assembly from one position relative to said arm to another position relative to said arm selectively adjusts an amount of resistance applied by said resistance member to movement of said exercise mechanism.

2. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said curved arm includes a plurality of apertures spaced apart along said curved arm between said first end and said second end, said plurality of apertures being disposed along said curved arm in an arc.

3. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said actuating assembly further comprises at least one of a wheel or a friction-reducing block disposed adjacent said arm for aiding with translating said actuating assembly along said arm.

4. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein each resistance member comprises a light weight resistance member selected from the group consisting of springs and elastomeric members.

5. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said resistance member is coupled to said frame.

23. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein a connecting member connects said resistance member to said actuating assembly, said resistance member also being coupled to said frame.

6. An exercise device for providing adjustable resistance to an exerciser, comprising:

a frame;

an exercise mechanism; and

a resistance assembly coupled to said frame, said resistance assembly comprising;

a curved arm having a first end pivotally coupled to said frame, a second end cooperating with said exercise mechanism such that movement of said exercise mechanism moves said arm;

an actuating assembly moveably coupled to said arm, said actuating assembly including;

a first plate and a second plate, said curved arm being disposed between said first and second plates; and

a handle mechanism comprising an engagement member such that a user can selectively engage said curved arm, wherein a user can move said actuating assembly upon movement of the handle mechanism; and

a resistance member coupled to said actuating assembly and to said frame such that (i) movement of said exercise mechanism results in movement of said resistance member and (ii) movement of said actuating assembly from one position relative to said arm to another position relative to said arm selectively adjusts an amount of resistance applied by said resistance member to movement of said exercise mechanism.

7. An exercise device as recited in claim 6, wherein said curved arm includes a plurality of apertures spaced apart along said curved arm between said first end and said second end, said plurality of apertures being disposed along said curved arm in an arc.

8. An exercise device as recited in claim 6, wherein said actuating assembly further comprises at least one of a wheel or a friction-reducing block disposed adjacent said arm for aiding with translating said actuating assembly along said arm.

9. An exercise device as recited in claim 6, wherein each resistance member comprises a light weight resistance member selected from the group consisting of springs and elastomeric members.

10. An exercise device as recited in claim 6, wherein said first plate and said second plate encapsulate a portion of said curved arm

11. An exercise device as recited in claim 6, wherein a portion of said first plate is spaced apart from said second plate.

24. An exercise device as recited in claim 6, wherein a connecting member connects said resistance member to said actuating assembly, said resistance member also being coupled to said frame.

12. An exercise device for providing adjustable resistance to an exerciser, comprising:

a frame;

an exercise mechanism; and

a resistance assembly coupled to said frame, said resistance assembly comprising;

a curved arm having a first end pivotally coupled to said frame, a second end cooperating with said exercise mechanism such that movement of said exercise mechanism moves said arm;

an actuating assembly moveably coupled to said arm, said actuating assembly encapsulating a portion of said curved arm, said actuating assembly including a squeezable handle mechanism configured to be squeezed by a user in order to selectively disengage said curved arm, said handle mechanism being connected to a connecting member; and

a resistance member cooperating with said connecting member and said frame such that (i) movement of said exercise mechanism results in movement of said resistance member and (ii) movement of said actuating assembly from one position relative to said arm to another position relative to said arm selectively adjusts an amount of resistance applied by said resistance member to movement of said exercise mechanism.

13. An exercise device as recited in claim 12, wherein said curved arm includes a plurality of apertures spaced apart along said curved arm between said first end and said second end, said plurality of apertures being disposed along said curved arm in an arc.

14. An exercise device as recited in claim 12, wherein said actuating assembly further comprises at least one of a wheel or a friction-reducing block disposed adjacent said arm for aiding with translating said actuating assembly along said arm.

15. An exercise device as recited in claim 12, wherein each resistance member comprises a light weight resistance member selected from the group consisting of springs and elastomeric members.

16. An exercise device for providing adjustable resistance to an exerciser, comprising:

a frame;

an exercise mechanism; and

a resistance assembly coupled to said frame, said resistance assembly comprising;

a curved arm having a plurality of apertures spaced apart along said curved arm, said curved arm having a first end pivotally coupled to said frame and a second end cooperating with said exercise mechanism such that movement of said exercise mechanism moves said arm;

an actuating assembly moveably coupleable to said curved arm by an engagement member engaging within an aperture of said curved arm, said actuating assembly including a plate having an aperture, said plate being disposed on a side of said curved arm, said engagement member maintaining engagement within an aperture of said plate so as to aid with aligning said engagement member with an aperture of said curved arm; and

a resistance member coupled to said actuating assembly and to said frame such that (i) movement of said exercise mechanism results in movement of said resistance member and (ii) movement of said actuating assembly from one position relative to said arm to another position relative to said arm selectively adjusts an amount of resistance applied by said resistance member to movement of said exercise mechanism.

17. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein said engagement member engages within said aperture of said plate and an aperture of said arm once said actuating assembly has been moved from one position relative to said arm to another position relative to said arm.

18. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein said actuating assembly further includes a second plate disposed on a side opposite from said first plate such that said first and second plates are disposed on opposite sides of said curved arm.

19. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein said actuating assembly encapsulates a portion of said arm.

20. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein said plurality of apertures are disposed along said curved arm in an arc.

21. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein said actuating assembly further comprises at least one of a wheel or a friction-reducing block disposed adjacent said arm for aiding with translating said actuating assembly along said arm.

22. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein each resistance member comprises a light weight resistance member selected from the group consisting of springs and elastomeric members.

25. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein a connecting member connects said resistance member to said actuating assembly, said resistance member also being coupled to said frame.