US 11,865,400 B2
Exercise machines having synchronizing clutch mechanism
Andrew Muhic, Seattle, WA (US); and Joseph J. Gajewski, Hoffman Estates, IL (US)
Assigned to Life Fitness, LLC, Rosemont, IL (US)
Filed by Life Fitness, LLC, Rosemont, IL (US)
Filed on Apr. 28, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/242,882.
Prior Publication US 2022/0347515 A1, Nov. 3, 2022
Int. Cl. A63B 21/22 (2006.01); A63B 22/06 (2006.01); A63B 21/00 (2006.01)
CPC A63B 21/225 (2013.01) [A63B 21/157 (2013.01); A63B 22/0605 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An exercise machine comprising:
a flywheel;
a rotary input member;
a user input member for performing an exercise motion, which causes rotation of the rotary input member; and
a clutch mechanism that is positionable in a direct drive position in which the rotary input member is coupled to the flywheel via a meshed engagement so that rotation of the rotary input member causes rotation of the flywheel and so that thereafter ceasing rotation of the rotary input member prevents continued rotation of the flywheel, and further wherein the clutch mechanism is alternately positionable in a freewheel position in which the rotary input member is coupled to the flywheel so that ceasing rotation of the rotary input member permits continued rotation of the flywheel,
wherein the clutch mechanism prevents movement of the clutch mechanism from the freewheel position to the direct drive position when a speed of rotation of the rotary input member is different than a speed of rotation of the flywheel.