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:
Aug. 17, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 28, 1997
Patrick A Warner, Boulder, CO (US);
Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc., Boulder, CO (US);
Abstract
The variable tension pulley system including a drive pulley, a slave pulley, a belt interconnecting the drive pulley and slave, a tensioner assembly positioned between the drive pulley and the slave pulley and in engagement with the belt. The tensioner assembly includes an elongated rack, a drive rod rotatably positioned on the rack, the drive rod having opposing ends and being selectively rotatable in a positive rotation or a negative rotation. The tensioner assembly also includes a drive block positioned on each end of the rod and in moveable engagement with the rack, each of the drive blocks being moveable along the length of the rod upon rotation of the rod, the drive blocks moving toward each other when the rod is rotated in the positive direction, and the drive blocks moving away from each other when the rod is rotated in the negative direction, a slide block slidably positioned on the rod adjacent to, inside of and in selective engagement with each drive block, and in slidable engagement with the rack, each slide block being moved toward the other slide block by the associated drive block when the drive blocks are moved toward each other, and a tensioner pulley attached to each slide block, each tensioner pulley in engagement with one of the opposing belt spans. The tensioner pulleys displace the opposing belt spans closer together upon positive actuation of the tensioner system in the positive direction. The use of the variable tension pulley system on an upper body exercise machine using a fan is also described.