Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads

US6994660B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
11References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 13, 2002
Grant dateFeb 7, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 21, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63B21/078
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a load guide pivotable through at least one plane of freedom, a load slideably engaged with the load guide, a lift arm having a first end coupled to the load guide, and a cable-and-pulley device. The cable-and-pulley device is operatively coupled to the load and to the lift arm so that a training force applied to the lift arm induces a lift force on the load. The exercise machine requires the user to balance the load as the load is raised, providing a more enhanced workout. In alternate embodiments, the load guide may include at least one rocker engageable with the floor surface, or may be pivotably coupled to a support frame (or base) so that the load guide does not contact the floor surface. In another embodiment, the load guide may include a base having a convex surface engageable with the floor surface, the load guide being pivotable in any direction. In a further embodiment, an apparatus includes a support having a first end proximate the floor, the support being pivotable about the first end, a lift member pivotably coupled to the support, and a load coupled to the lif…

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