Method for providing a resistance to an exercise apparatus with an inertia resistance wheel and a resistance-providing apparatus employing the same

Abstract

A method for providing a resistance to an exercise apparatus with an inertia resistance wheel and a resistance-providing apparatus employing the same wherein a temporary removal of the resistance produced by the resistance-providing apparatus is achieved when a crank of the exercise apparatus is located in the range of the force-application dead point. The resistance-providing apparatus provides the original and prearranged exercise resistance when the crank is situated in a better force-acting range. In this way, the exercise process is more smoothly operable. Moreover, an expected fitness effect created by the exercise resistance can be maintained.

1 . A method for providing a resistance to an exercise apparatus with an inertia resistance wheel and a resistance-providing apparatus employing the same, the method comprising:
 temporarily removing the resistance produced by the resistance-providing apparatus when a crank of the exercise apparatus is located in the range of the force-application dead point; and   using the resistance-providing apparatus to provide the original and prearranged exercise resistance when the crank is situated in a better force-acting range.   
     
     
         2 . The method and the apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the resistance-providing apparatus is mechanically operated. 
     
     
         3 . The method and the apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the resistance-providing apparatus is electromagnetically operated. 
     
     
         4 . A resistance-providing apparatus with an inertia resistance wheel for providing a resistance to an exercise apparatus the exercise apparatus comprising:
 a main frame, an upright frame with an electronic console, a pedal crank, a sprocket driven by the pedal crank, a transmission chain, an inertia resistance wheel, and a resistance-providing apparatus;   wherein a cam synchronically rotatable with the pedal crank is interposed between the pedal crank and the sprocket in such a way that the cam is in constant contact with a contact portion of a magnetic resistance assembly;   wherein the resistance-providing apparatus includes:   a) a support post pivotally coupled to the main frame;   b) a resistance-adjusting element pivotally coupled to the main frame and situated beside the support post, an action portion being pivotally coupled to the support post so as to impart the right and left motion to the support post;   c) a magnetic resistance assembly having a middle portion pivotally disposed at the top of the support post, a contact portion facing to the cam being located at one end of the magnetic resistance assembly; a magnetic resistance action portion being formed at the other end thereof in such a way that the magnetic resistance action portion is just situated at the tangential position of the operation of the inertia resistance wheel; and   d) an elastic element interposed between the support post and the contact portion of the magnetic resistance assembly such that the contact portion is constantly pushed in direction of the cam, thereby achieving a constant contact between them;   whereby, the angle of the pivotal connection between the magnetic resistance assembly and the support post is changed due to the shape of the cam when the pedal crank is moved to impart a rotary motion to the cam;   wherein, when the pedal crank is located in the range of the force-application dead point, the magnetic resistance action portion will be moved away from the inertia resistance wheel, thereby achieving a temporary removal of the resistance force acting on the inertia resistance wheel; and when the pedal crank is situated in a better force-acting range, the magnetic resistance action portion will be returned to the original resistance-providing position.   
     
     
         5 . A resistance-providing apparatus, with an inertia resistance wheel for providing a resistance to an exercise apparatus, the exercise apparatus comprising: a main frame, an upright frame having an electronic console, a crank, a sprocket driven by the crank, a transmission chain, an inertia resistance wheel, and a resistance-providing apparatus;
 wherein the resistance-providing apparatus is an electromagnetic generator that creates an exercise resistance against the inertia resistance wheel;   wherein the strength of the magnetic resistance produced by the electromagnetic generator is adjustable via the electronic console;   wherein an optical detection disc is interposed between the pedal crank and the sprocket and synchronically moved with the pedal crank;   wherein the optical detection disc is provided with a plurality of position-determining base points in coordination with a sensor disposed at a certain position such that an accurate detection of the angle of the pedal crank is achieved at any time;   wherein the resistance-providing apparatus is electrically disconnected when the pedal crank is located within the range of the force-application dead point, thereby achieving a temporary removal of the resistance force acting on the inertia resistance wheel; and   wherein, when the pedal crank is situated in a better force-acting range, the electric connection of the resistance-providing apparatus will be resumed at once such that the resistance will be created again.