초록 ▼

An exercise apparatus includes a frame, user actuation components connected to the frame for being engaged and moved by a user during an exercise, and a rheological fluid brake operatively connected to the user actuation components for applying a controllable resistance to movement thereof. The rheo

An exercise apparatus includes a frame, user actuation components connected to the frame for being engaged and moved by a user during an exercise, and a rheological fluid brake operatively connected to the user actuation components for applying a controllable resistance to movement thereof. The rheological fluid brake includes a rheological fluid having a controllable viscosity, a housing connected to the frame and containing the rheological fluid, and a rotatable shaft extending outwardly from the housing and connected between the rheological fluid and the user actuation components. A flywheel is also preferably connected to the rotatable shaft to further smooth action of the brake. A controller, such as a microprocessor operating under stored program control, is preferably operatively connected to the rheological fluid brake for causing a predetermined field strength to be applied to the rheological fluid based upon a user-selected resistance value. In one embodiment, the rheological fluid is a magnetorheological fluid and in another embodiment, the fluid is a electrorheological fluid. A stair stepper, exercise bicycle and treadmill incorporating the rheological brake are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An exercise apparatus comprising:a frame;user actuation means connected to said frame for being engaged and moved by at least one limb of a user during exercise, said user actuation means including receiving means for receiving the limb of the user and providing an

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An exercise apparatus comprising:a frame;user actuation means connected to said frame for being engaged and moved by at least one limb of a user during exercise, said user actuation means including receiving means for receiving the limb of the user and providing an interface for engaging the apparatus; andmotorless rotary rheological fluid brake means operatively connected between said frame and said user actuation means for applying a controllable resistance to movement of said user actuation means and for dissipating substantially all energy therefrom, said rheological fluid brake means comprising a rheological fluid having a controllable viscosity.