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:
Apr. 02, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 01, 1996
Thomas G. Lapcevic, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Other;
Abstract
The present invention provides an exercise device in which resistance curves can be selectively varied and controlled to achieve a desired positive resistance curve notwithstanding the degree of rotation of the exercise motion. Generally, the exercise device of the present invention comprises a support frame upon which a first shaft is rotatably supported. A user interface member (or exercise member) is connected to the first shaft such that when the user interface member is displaced by a user the first shaft is caused to rotate. A second shaft is also rotatably supported on the support frame. A torque arm assembly comprising of a plurality of torque arms is connected to the second shaft. Each of the plurality of torque arm is adapted to support a weight member thereon. A conversion mechanism connects the first and the second shafts to limit the degree of rotation of the second shaft in such a manner that the resistance generated by the torque arm assembly cannot result in a negative resistance force.