The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 27, 1992
Filed:
Mar. 13, 1991
Paul G Hughes, Petaluma, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
In accordance with the invention, an exerciser is described which comprises a simple structure comprised of elements which can be readily assembled while at the same time generate a large, distributed resistance load in which the user's limbs can be worked in both push-pull only, or push only movements. The exerciser comprises essentially two cranks journaled from opposite directions into independently operating friction brakes for independent operation of the cranks by the user. However, the friction brakes of each crank while independently operatable are interconnected by a common frictional biasing plates housed within a horizontally extending, central housing and having an activation rod that extends exterior. The biasing plates generates biasing pressure at a pair of push blocks centrally disposed within the housing to cause bidirectional movement of the latter toward fixed end blocks of the housing. Since each friction brake also includes a series of stackable, laterally slidable, rotatable and stationary members, such squeezing pressure brings all vertical surfaces of these members into frictional contact with each other. Since the rotatable and stationary members are equally distributed over a finite length of the crank arm, the resistance loads to rotation are smooth over a full 360 degrees of rotation.