Patent · US Expired

Exercise method and apparatus utilizing elastomeric spheres

US5330407A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
22References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 19, 1991
Grant dateJul 19, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 19, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63B21/00069
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A controlled mechanical friction principle is disclosed utilizing elastomeric spheres. The spheres are grouped in radial or nested formation between at least two working surfaces and contained in such a manner that compression sliding friction occurs between spheres. A frictional resistance adjustment is provided by means controlling the degree to which the elastomeric spheres are compressed. A walled container has pliable balls arranged as a single covering therein against a back surface, and an opposing piston is structured to move freely within the container walls. The degree of adjustable contact made by the cylinder inner wall surfaces against the spheres regulates the applied frictional resistance. Variable degrees of power transfer or brakeage is developed between the container inner surface wall and the opposing cylinder inner surface wall with the compressed spheres as the passage medium.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.