Flywheel With Braking Band Patents (Class 482/64)
  • Patent number: 11904201
    Abstract: A treadmill for backward walking is disclosed. The treadmill may include a static frame and dynamic platform pivotally mounted to the static frame. A C-shaped support handle includes side portions that may be grasped or otherwise used by a user to stabilize their position, and a cross member against which the user may lean, e.g. with the user's hips or back. A user may press against a treadmill belt with the user's feet, against resistance from a brake, to move the treadmill belt away from the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventors: Ben Patrick, Greg Olson, Zachary Olson
  • Patent number: 11865428
    Abstract: A method for controlling a fitness machine by a user, where the method includes storing intensity ratings within a memory device, and the intensity ratings correspond to an intensity for the user operating the fitness machine. The method includes displaying initial operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, where the intensity for the user varies for each of the initial operating levels. The method includes determining and displaying the intensity rating associated with each of the initial operating levels, receiving a selection from the initial operating levels and automatically controlling the fitness machine to operate according thereto, displaying, after receiving the selection among the initial operating levels, new operating levels selectable to control the fitness machine, and determining and displaying the intensity ratings associated with each of the new operating levels. At least one of the new operating levels and one of the initial operating levels are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Life Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Christina M. Moritz, Mercedes R. Masias, Cory H. Lazar
  • Patent number: 11130015
    Abstract: A flywheel exerciser having a hybrid resistance system includes: a body having a flywheel unit; a wind resistance system disposed on the flywheel unit; and a magnetic resistance system disposed on the flywheel unit. The wind resistance system is a conventional wind resistance which provides segmental adjustment, the present invention is additionally provided with a magnetic resistance system. When the resistance generated by the wind resistance system is insufficient or excessive, the resistance can be further finely increased or decreased by adjusting the magnetic resistance system to provide the resistance that best meets the user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Ya-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 10449410
    Abstract: A rowing machine comprising: a main body portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end of the rowing machine to a second end of the rowing machine; a seat portion; a handle portion; the seat portion and handle portion configured to enable a user to simulate a rowing motion during use of the rowing machine; wherein the rowing machine comprises at least one mechanism configured for transferring a pitching motion to a user relative to said longitudinal axis, during use of the rowing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Anthony Carl Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10143875
    Abstract: A bench press includes a frame, a first portion of the frame configured to support a resistance load; a bench supported by the frame, the bench configured to provide a user access to the resistance load while the user is supported on the bench in an at least partially supine position; and a pair of movable foot pedals connected to a second portion of the frame and configured so that the user can engage the movable foot pedals while accessing the resistance load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Moschel
  • Patent number: 9968816
    Abstract: A cable exercise machine includes a first pull cable and a second pull cable incorporated into a frame. Each of the first pull cable and the second pull cable are linked to at least one resistance mechanism. The at least one resistance mechanism includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit arranged to resist movement of the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Olson, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9970835
    Abstract: A string pot system for a crash test dummy includes a pulley adapted to be disposed inside a body of the crash test dummy and a string wound around the pulley. The string pot system also includes a motor and/or flywheel connected to the pulley and an active control system in communication with the motor and/or flywheel that maintains a constant tension on the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HUMANETICS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Depinet
  • Patent number: 9757605
    Abstract: A cable exercise machine includes a first pull cable and a second pull cable incorporated into a frame. Each of the first pull cable and the second pull cable are linked to at least one resistance mechanism. The at least one resistance mechanism includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit arranged to resist movement of the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Olson, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9480877
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a flywheel, a driving assembly, a magnet, and an analysis module. The driving assembly drives the flywheel to rotate and comprises two pedals. The user drives the flywheel via the pedals. The analysis module employs an angle sensor and a hall sensor to calculate a symmetry index of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hao Chiang, Brian Murray
  • Publication number: 20150051052
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flywheel device of a bicycle, including a flywheel means, a clutching means and a speed transforming means. The flywheel means is installed in rotation with the frame that is placed between the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The clutching means is engaged or disengaged between the flywheel means and the driving wheel according to an engaging state and a disengaging state thereof, wherein, a rotational energy is transferable between the flywheel means and the driving wheel during in the engaging state. The speed transforming means is connected between the flywheel means and the driving wheel by means of the clutching means to adjust a transmission ratio in relation to the driving wheel and the flywheel means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yun-Yin Cheng, Yi-Jia Wu
  • Publication number: 20140221168
    Abstract: A flywheel device for an exercise bike includes a frame body, a pedal unit and a reinforced glass flywheel. The pedal unit and the reinforced glass flywheel are assembled to the frame body. The frame body has a driving member connected with the pedal unit and the reinforced glass flywheel. The pedal unit and the reinforced glass flywheel are rotated spontaneously via the driving member. A driven device is pivotally mounted on a center portion of the reinforced glass flywheel. Two ends of the driven device are positioned on the frame body. One end of the driven device assembled with the driving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Chao-Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20140094349
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement that is configured to increase traction between a bicycle wheel and a resistance unit upon an increase in the speed of rotation of the wheel. The reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement is configured to mount the resistance unit in a suspension-type manner and has an actuator that initially positions the resistance unit against the bicycle wheel. The reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement tends to pivot the resistance unit against the bicycle wheel during use, to automatically bias the wheel toward the resistance unit to prevent slippage between the bicycle tire and the roller of the resistance unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Bass, Mark A. Dahl
  • Patent number: 8414299
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadanao Ichimi, Yukio Miyamaru
  • Patent number: 8062191
    Abstract: A recumbent stepper includes a frame, a pair of lever arms, pedals, pulleys, flexible members, springs and adjustable resistance devices The pair of lever arms are pivotally attached to the frame and are movable from a retracted position to an extended position. Pedals are attached to each lever arm. The pair of pulleys are rotatably attached to the frame. The pair of flexible members are attached between the lever arms and pulleys and are wound around the pulley when the lever arm is in the retracted position and deploys as the lever arm moves to the extended position. Springs are operably attached to each pulley such that each lever arm is biased to the retracted position. Adjustable resistance devices are operably connected to each pulleys whereby increasing the resistance on the pulley increases the force required to move the lever from the retracted position toward the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: 7702957 Canda Limited
    Inventor: Steven John Coates
  • Patent number: 8033830
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadanao Ichimi, Yukio Miyamaru
  • Patent number: 7833129
    Abstract: Training apparatus for physical exercise, preventive exercise and rehabilitation of injuries and increased balance, the apparatus designed as a stationary bicycle, similar to ergometer bikes or spinning bikes. The apparatus consist of a first lower stable frame configured to be supported on a floor and a second upper frame tiltable relative to the lower frame. The upper frame has an adjustable tilt movement relative the lower frame crosswise the flywheel's revolving motion. A steering gear is guided through the upper frame where a prolonged part of the steering gear is in contact with the floor, the part having a wheel suspension like design, consisting of barlinks, dampers, springs and wheels. Stabilizing of the upper frame is done by movement of the steering gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ziad Badarneh, Campbell Ellis, Benedict J. M. Hansen, Torbjorn Mollatt
  • Patent number: 7682286
    Abstract: Training apparatus for physical exercise, preventive exercise and rehabilitation of injuries and increased balance, the apparatus designed as a stationary exercise bicycle, similar to ergometer bikes or spinning bikes. The apparatus consist of a first lower stable frame configured to be supported on a floor and a second upper frame tiltable relative to the lower frame. The upper frame has an adjustable tilt movement relative the lower frame crosswise the flywheel's revolving motion. A steering gear is guided through the upper frame where a prolonged part of the steering gear is in contact with the floor, the part having a wheel suspension like design, consisting of barlinks, dampers, springs and wheels. Stabilizing of the upper frame is done by movement of the steering gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: Ziad Badarneh, Campbell Ellis, Benedict J. M. Hansen, Torbjørn Mollatt
  • Publication number: 20090291811
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism may be positioned in engagement with a slave sprocket of a drive train and a hub of a flywheel to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold. When the drive train is actuated in the forward direction, the slave sprocket and the hub may move together, and when the drive train is actuated in the rearward direction under the influence of a force greater than the break-free force threshold, the clutch mechanism may slip between the slave sprocket and the hub, allowing the slave sprocket and the flywheel to move independently of one another. The clutch mechanism may also include a spring tensioner whereby the break-free force may be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Warner, Michael H. Harding, Mu-Chuan Wu, Andy Baker
  • Patent number: 7481749
    Abstract: A body-training bicycle comprises: a seat has a long central rod; a driving portion having a treading portion, a driving wheel connected to at least one treadle, a flywheel and a driving belt; the rotation of the flywheel will make the power generator generating power; an electric control portion having a control panel, a battery unit, a magnetic resisting unit, a displacement controller, and electric wires; the battery unit serving to store power from the flywheel; the magnetic coil set being installed aside a wheel periphery of the flywheel and the central shaft of the flywheel; the magnetic cell set controller serving to control the movement of the magnetic resisting unit to move closer or away from the flywheel; electric wires being installed between the power generator and the control panel and between the power generator and the battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Chao-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7427256
    Abstract: An oscillated fitness bicycle structure includes a first driving apparatus and a second driving apparatus installed on a base, an eccentric portion on the first driving apparatus, a driving rod integrated to a handle support rod and disposed on a saddle support rod, a back-and-forth oscillation rod connected to the handle support rod and saddle support rod, and a resilient element for providing upward bounces anytime. When an exerciser sits on the saddle, the body weight of the exerciser pushes the saddle support rod downward and two driving rods drive a driving wheel of the first driving apparatus and a weight wheel of the second driving apparatus to rotate, such that the handle support rod and saddle support rod can perform leaping back-and-forth, up-and-down and sideway oscillations to provide an exercise similar to a horse riding exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Publication number: 20080220947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional fitness bicycle, comprising front and rear wheels, a saddle, a frame and hand-and-foot drive system; the hand-and-foot drive system includes at least one pedal, and a foot drive chainwheel, the foot drive chainwheel being coupled with the pedal via a pedal crank; the hand-and-foot drive system further comprises a front wheel drive system including a hand drive gear, which is driven by a rocker arm integrated with a front fork; the front driving rocker arm is pivoted to the front driving axle seat and drives the front wheel; characterized in that the bicycle further comprises an inertial energy storage wheel for adjusting resistance automatically and a variable-resistance control system, which automatically adjusts kinetic resistance of the inertial energy storage wheel when the bicycle is driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jie Meng
  • Patent number: 7385324
    Abstract: A magnetic control wheel having a flywheel and a magnetic ring. The magnetic ring is a plate with magnetic permeability that is mounted around the periphery of the flywheel. The connection line at the front and rear joint of the magnetic ring meets an end face of the flywheel at a non-right angle. The reaction of this connection line to the magnetic field of the magnets is focused at only one point rather than at a line at the same time. In this way, the vibration and noise of the magnetic control wheel can be considerably minimized to achieve a longer service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Lily Lin
  • Publication number: 20080119334
    Abstract: An exercise cycle is disclosed as having a base member that anchors and supports a vertical frame, a transmission mechanism, a cam mechanism, a seat and seat support, and pedals. The vertical frame includes a vertical supporting member mounted to the base member, and a vertical support extending upwardly from the vertical supporting member. The cam mechanism has two sides and one pedal is connected to each side. When a user pushes on the pedals, the cam mechanism rotates. The cam rotation surface conveys the motion to a standing support pulley and yoke pulley causing it to rotate. The yoke in turn conveys the motion to the seat support causing the seat to move up and down. The cam mechanism serves to provide an overall coordination and balance of the exercise cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Huan-Yau Peng
  • Publication number: 20070238586
    Abstract: An oscillated fitness bicycle structure includes a first driving apparatus and a second driving apparatus installed on a base, an eccentric portion on the first driving apparatus, a driving rod integrated to a handle support rod and disposed on a saddle support rod, a back-and-forth oscillation rod connected to the handle support rod and saddle support rod, and a resilient element for providing upward bounces anytime. When an exerciser sits on the saddle, the body weight of the exerciser pushes the saddle support rod downward and two driving rods drive a driving wheel of the first driving apparatus and a weight wheel of the second driving apparatus to rotate, such that the handle support rod and saddle support rod can perform leaping back-and-forth, up-and-down and sideway oscillations to provide an exercise similar to a horse riding exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 6945915
    Abstract: A transmitting device for exercise appliances includes a first, a second and a third shaft all fixed on a bike frame in parallel. The first shaft has a first transmitting wheel and a first transmitting wheel, the second shaft has a second transmitting gear with a one-way bearing and a second transmitting gear, and the third shaft has a third transmitting wheel with a one-way bearing, a fourth transmitting wheel and a fifth transmitting wheel. The first transmitting gear engages with the second transmitting gear, the first transmitting wheel is connected with the third transmitting wheel by a first connecting member, the second transmitting wheel is connected with the fifth transmitting wheel by an endless belt. The fourth transmitting wheel always rotates in an ordinary or forward direction, whether the first shaft is rotated in the ordinary or in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Tonic Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 6648802
    Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle having a frame; a base pivotally connected to said frame and having a front portion, a rear portion, and a side portion connecting said front portion to said rear portion; a pedaling mechanism connected to said frame; a flywheel in an operative relationship with said pedaling mechanism such that a rotation of said pedaling mechanism causes a rotation of said flywheel; and a tensioning member engaged with said flywheel and connected to said frame and said base such that said tensioning member exerts a tension on said pedaling mechanism, wherein said tension is reduced if said frame is tilted toward said front portion of said base and said tension is increased if said frame is tilted toward said rear portion of said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: John Scott Ware
  • Patent number: 6547701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pull/push exercise with an exercise machine that exercises the abdominal, back and arm muscles with the operator recumbent in the face upwards position. Foot contacts follow a closed elongate curve positioned above the recumbent operator. A linkage is provided for each foot contact in conjunction with a crank to drive a flywheel. Arm exercise is coordinated with the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6475122
    Abstract: A stationary bike includes a first shaft, a second shaft and third shaft, two pedal rods fixed on the first shaft, a first transmitting wheel and a flywheel fixed on the first shaft, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth transmitting wheel fixed on the second shaft. The second and the third one are fixed thereon with a one-way bearing, and the fourth and the fifth transmitting wheel are fixed firmly thereon, with the fifth one connected with the flywheel with a moving member. A sixth and a seventh transmitting wheel are fixed on the third shaft, with the sixth one connected with the third one with a moving member and with a one-way bearing. The seventh and the fourth transmitting wheel engage with each other to rotate in the opposite direction Then the flywheel a always rotates clockwise in spite of clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the pedal rods. And a resisting device with a generator may be affixed beside the flywheel to generate power to supply to the stationary bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Tonic Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 6328677
    Abstract: A small machine that can be removably mounted on a wall and may be used while sitting or standing to provide aerobic exercise without requiring the use of the legs. The machine simulates the action of a kayak by using an alternating power strokes from the arms, with an inertial component and adjustable retarding forces created by frictional and various speed-dependent mechanisms. A unidirectionally-rotating flywheel simulates the mass of the kayak plus operator, while friction pads, an eddy current generator and air vanes operating on the flywheel provide additional retarding forces. Various ways to grip the ends of the cord are provided, including individual hand grips and a single long shaft with or without paddles at either end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Raoul East Drapeau
  • Patent number: 6299567
    Abstract: An independently rotatably mounted container may be used, by agitating the contents thereof, in the performance of a multi-component reaction or assay, by selective rotation of said container in the presence of adjacently mounted component containers which are not rotated. Such a principle may be applied in suspending solid phases in, for example, automated immunoassay apparatus or in reconstituting freeze dried reagents. Selective rotation has a number of advantages including gentleness to components and greater efficiency and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Wasserman S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gordon Coulter Forrest, Gerald John Allen, Philip Missing
  • Patent number: 6159132
    Abstract: An oval-tracked exercise device includes a base assembly, a supporting frame assembly fastened on the base assembly, a treadle crank assembly fastened on the rear end of the supporting frame assembly and a wheel assembly fastened at the bottom end of the supporting frame assembly. The bottoms of the treadles have bottom shafts which are fixed to the bottom ends of the front standing shafts. In treading, the transmission gear assembly will be driven by the bottom shaft of the treadle crank assembly to rotate the wheel assembly, so that the front standing shafts and the handles are able to make a pivoting movement on the front lateral shaft in order for the user to exercise the whole body. When the handles are inserted into connecting tubes at the front end of the front lateral shaft, the handles are unable to swing with the front standing shaft and the user is able to exercise only the buttocks without moving the upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Jack Chang
  • Patent number: 6102834
    Abstract: A flush-mounted device for an exercise device includes a generator having a rotator contacting the flywheel which is connected to the pulley by a belt so that when rotating the crank, the generator is operated. A plurality of bulbs are connected in the casing mounted over the pulley and the flywheel, and the bulbs are electrically connected to the generator so that the bulbs turn on when the generator is operated. The casing has a transparent portion through which the flywheel can be seen which has reflectors attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 5860941
    Abstract: An active and continuous passive motion (CPM) devices for exercising and/or providing therapy to the upper and lower extremities comprising a frame, a disc pivotally mounted to the frame and hand or feet support members attached to the disc. A motor is provided and is coupled to the disc for rotating the disc in the active mode. A control circuit is provided for adjusting the speed of the disc in the passive mode and for adjusting the resistance to movement of the disc in the active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Orthologic Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Saringer, Jeffrey J. Culhane, Alexander G. Solomon
  • Patent number: 5514053
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing recumbent pedalling exercises including pedals slidably mounted on a substantially horizontal track, a belt having one end secured to each pedal extending back toward the user over an idler then to a drive shaft so that the belt unwinds from the drive shaft as the pedals are pressed along the track. Each drive shaft (one for each pedal) is coupled to a resistance wheel assembly through a one way clutch. The drive shaft is spring loaded so that each pedal returns to a starting position after being extend. Each pedal operates independent of the other pedal. In one embodiment, the resistance wheel assembly includes a fan in which resistance to turning can be controlled by controlling the width of expandable blades, by partially covering up the fan blades or by a variable transmission coupling the fan to the drive shaft. In another embodiment, the resistance wheel assembly includes a rubber wheel in contact with a roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Tranel Hawkins, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5496241
    Abstract: An exercise machine of the present invention is transformable between a first mode for simulating an activity such as skiing or rowing involving reciprocating linear motion and a second mode for simulating a cycling activity. The exercise machine comprises a frame, a shaft operatively connected to the frame for rotation about a shaft axis, a flywheel secured to the shaft and rotatable therewith, and a runner. A drive roller is operatively connected to the frame and is engageable with the runner such that forward or rearward movement of the runner causes the drive roller to rotate. A one-way clutch operatively connects the drive roller to the shaft so that the drive roller when rotated in a first direction causes rotation of the flywheel, and is free wheeling when rotated in a second opposite direction. A pair of offset cranks are operatively connectable to the shaft and a pair of foot pedals are connected to the cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Tyrone D. Sellers
  • Patent number: 5490824
    Abstract: Disclosed is a limb exerciser mainly including an outer wheel housing and an inner wheel set in the outer wheel housing. With frictional members disposed between the contact surfaces of the outer wheel housing and the inner wheel, as well as actuating members oppositely disposed at two sides of the inner wheel, the inner wheel can be rotated relative to the outer wheel housing by pushing or pedalling the actuating members to produce frictional force or resistance and thereby helps the user to conveniently take hand or foot exercise at a desk top or on a floor or ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Chih C. Wang
  • Patent number: 5451070
    Abstract: A treadle drive system operates comfortably in a standing or seated position with two toe or heel end pivoting treadles. A flexible drive line (chain, cable, belt, etc.) from each treadle drives a pair of forward biased driving rings (having sprockets, pulleys, belt wheels, etc.) concentrically encircling and driving a hollow drive cylinder. Concentrically encircling the cylinder, a driven ring in turn drives a rotating device. A positive engagement clutch between the hollow cylindrical hub and the driven ring allows the driven ring to be engaged or disengaged from the drive cylinder. Opposing holes transversely through the hollow drive cylinder engage pins on outer ends of a V-shaped spring. The pins are normally engaged in mating openings on an interior surface of the driven ring. A push-pull shaft with a cup having a rigid rim pushes against the sloping sides of the spring to disengage the pins from the driven shaft only. Pulling the shaft releases the spring reengaging the pins in the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventors: Stuart M. W. Lindsay, James H. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5447479
    Abstract: A motor-less exercise treadmill including a main frame comprising a pair of spaced side-rail members having a bracket mounted transversely at a front end thereof, a U-shaped tubular rail mounted on the bracket having a grasp-rail and a pair of height adjustable front legs so as to permit the raising or lowering of the front end of the main frame, a generally rectangular platform support frame mounted substantially along the length and intermediate the side-rail members, a generally planar slider bed mounted on the platform support frame intermediate the side-rail members, a front and rear roller journaled transversely generally at the front and rear ends of the side-rail members, a pair of static rear legs substantially horizontally suspending the main frame from the floor surface, a first flywheel rigidly connected to the front roller and adapted to form a first pulley having a first end of an endless belt entrained thereabout, a second end of the belt entrained about a smaller diameter second pulley mounted
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Kor-One
    Inventor: Ned N. Gvoich
  • Patent number: 5383819
    Abstract: A damping device includes a curved channel plate having a bottom end pivotally disposed around the peripheral flange of the flywheel of a rotary gymnastic apparatus and linked to a spring-supported hook at one end of a rotary knob-controlled traction device, two friction pads bilaterally fastened inside the curved channel plate and controlled by the traction device to touch the peripheral flange of the flywheel in giving a damping force to the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Greenmaster Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Leao Wang, Peter Wu
  • Patent number: 5322481
    Abstract: An exerciser driving mechanism generally comprising a driving wheel, a timing belt, a tension wheel, a free wheel, a flywheel, and a wool felt, with which the feeling of "inoperative pedaling" likely happened to the free wheel as experienced in the prior art exerciser upon instantaneously actuating the belt may be eliminated, the gear ratio of driving wheel to free wheel is increased, the contact area of the wool felt with the flywheel is reduced to enhance the speed of inertial rotation in regard to the flywheel, while maintaining the desired friction drag efficiency, thus resulting in an excellent smooth operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Greenmaster Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 5284462
    Abstract: A body exercising apparatus (10) is provided which allows for individual and combinational exercising of an upper body portion (12) and a lower body portion (14) of a user (16). The body exercising apparatus (10) includes a frame (18) having opposing and longitudinally displaced front and rear sections (22 and 24). There is provided an upper body exercising mechanism (46) which allows the user to grip a pair of hand grip members (54) and rotatively actuate a pair of hand actuated rotating shafts (50) through a crank arm joint mechanism (60) in a variety of orientations with respect to frame (18). Additionally, there is provided a lower body or foot positioning mechanism (90) which allows for adjustable force rotation by a pair of pedal members (96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventors: Brad Olschansky, Scott Olschansky, Raymond H. Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5267925
    Abstract: An exercise machine utilizes a mechanical brake to provide the principal resistance. A dynamoelectric machine has its rotor connected to the flywheel of the exercise machine and its stator rotatably mounted to the apparatus frame and connected to the actuation input of the mechanical brake. The torque applied between the rotor and stator of the dynamoelectric machine tends to turn the stator and thus actuates the mechanical brake. A control system is arranged to control the current flow through the dynamoelectric machine and thereby control actuation of the brake. This allows a small dynamoelectric machine to effectively control a very large resistance. The dynamoelectric machine may also be used as a motor to drive the apparatus. Thus, the control system can actuate the dynamoelectric machine either to apply drag or to drive the apparatus thereby provided through constant speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Boyd Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5259611
    Abstract: The speed of operating structure of an exercise machine is sensed by a sheave and belt drive and rotates a worm gear interconnected to a reduction gear assembly to rotate a driver at a preselected rate. The driver is interconnected to drive a cam surface upon which a cam follower rides to in turn operate a pivoted lever. The lever is interconnected to transmit the movement of the cam follower to operate the resistance means of the exercise machine to increase or decrease the resistance being applied to the operating structure of the exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Proform Fitness Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Curt G. Bingham
  • Patent number: 5247854
    Abstract: A fly wheel device for a bicycle exerciser having a fixing hub unit rotatively mounted on an exerciser frame for supporting a fly wheel made of inductive material. The fixing hub unit is integrally formed with an impeller for cooling the fly wheel device to maintain rotation resistance exerted on the fly wheel in a normal standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 5247853
    Abstract: A flywheel for a stationary exercise machine having a frictional resistance strap is formed of heat-sensitive plastic, and includes a band of heat-dissipating material disposed about the periphery or rim of the flywheel for frictional contact with the resistance strap. The strap extends around the flywheel rim over the band to provide an adjustable resistance to the flywheel's rotation. The band dissipates the frictionally generated heat arising from movement of the flywheel within the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Proform Fitness Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 5232422
    Abstract: An exercise device having a driving sprocket coupled to a resistive driven sprocket. Pedals are connected to the driven sprocket and rotated by foot about an axis in a first direction. The driving sprocket and pedals may then be repositioned to a second position where the sprocket may be rotated by hand. The position of the sprocket as well as the direction of rotation of the sprocket can be adjusted to exercise various parts of the body. An indicator may be coupled to the device to display the speed of sprocket rotation irrespective of the direction of sprocket rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas M. Bishop, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5205801
    Abstract: An exercise system including an exercise device having a user actuatable pedal mechanism coupled to a permanent magnet, DC motor operated as a generator and a load control arrangement for controlling a braking effect exerted by the DC motor on the pedal mechanism. The output of the DC motor is connected to a power dissipation circuit including plurality of power MOSFETs. The system can be operated in a constant power or a constant force mode. In the constant power mode, the load control monitors the output of the DC generator and compares it with a selected power level and in response to detected errors between the signals, adjusts the conductivity of the power MOSFETs to maintain the power output independent of actuation speed. Current flow through the power MOSFETs is monitored and the relative conductivity between the MOSFETs is adjusted in order to maintain substantially equal current flows through each MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Lambert Haner
  • Patent number: 5180347
    Abstract: A controlling device for a road condition display for an exercise bicycle comprises a picture device for providing a different motion picture of road conditions, a sensing device for sensing different road conditions and generating a train of corresponding pulses, an first counter for counting the number of these pulses, a frictional load device for generating various frictional resistances for the exercise bicycle, a pulse generator for generating at least one pulse when the frictional load device changes the frictional resistance, a second counter for counting the number of pulses from the pulse generator and records and updates the frictional load of the frictional load device, and a comparator for comparing the counted value of the first counter and the second counter and outputting a signal to trigger the frictional load device to update the load resistance according to the present motion picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Hsi-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 5145479
    Abstract: A total body exercising apparatus (100) for exercising the upper and lower body portions of a user (10) with separate and independent resistive loading forces, against which the respective body portion is exercised. The separate and independent resistive loading force assemblies (160,210) are integrated into a single frame structure (102) to permit the simultaneous operation of both the upper and lower body exercising mechanisms, while permitting the resistance loading forces to be independently adjusted. The upper body exercise assembly (170) includes an adjustable upper body crank assembly (171) wherein adjustable crank arm members (172) are rotatively coupled to a pair of respective frame arm members (118,119). Frame arm members (118,119) are angularly adjustable, in the plane of rotation of the crank assembly (171), allowing the total body exercising apparatus (100) to be adaptable to a wide range of users with varying physical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Brad Olschansky, Scott Olschansky, Raymond H. Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE34478
    Abstract: An exercise cycle having dual resistance structure as disclosed. An exercise cycle utilizing a pedal and crank and sprocket to drive a chain to a front mounted plastic wheel which employs a plurality of blades to form a fan to provide air resistance when the wheel is rotated. Additionally, the hub of the wheel is contacted with a strap to cover a significant portion of the circumference of the wheel whereby the strap may be tightened to increase the frictional resistance between the strap and the hub of the wheel to provide additional resistance when the front wheel is rotated by means of an exerciser pedaling the exercise cycle. A heat dissipation band covers the circumference of the wheel to dissipate heat due to the frictional resistance of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Proform Fitness Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Curt G. Bingham