Magnetic retarding apparatus for an exerciser

Claim 1

A magnetic retarding apparatus for an exerciser, said exerciser comprising a wheel rotatably supported on a frame thereof, said frame including a bar laterally disposed therein; said magnetic retarding apparatus comprising a pair of links each having a lower end pivotally coupled to said bar of said frame and each including an upper end; a bracket pivotally coupled between said upper ends of said links which are arranged such that said bracket moves substantially radially inward and outward of said wheel; a support fixed to said bracket and including a pair of end wall portions each having at least one magnet disposed therein, said end wall portions being located on both sides of an outer peripheral edge of said wheel; and a driving means disposed on said frame of said exerciser and coupled to said bracket for driving said bracket to move substantially radially inward and outward of said wheel, said driving means including a housing fixed on said frame of said exerciser; a bolt rotatably supported in said housing; a pinion fixed on one end of said bolt; a motor disposed in said housing and having a gear fixed to a spindle thereof, said gear being engaged with said pinion of said bolt; a guide threadedly engaged on said bolt and including an extension; and a follower coupled to said bracket and having a groove formed therein for receiving said extension of said guide; said guide will be caused to move longitudinally along said bolt when said bolt is driven by said motor so that said bracket can be caused to move; such that said magnets are caused to move substantially radially inward and outward of said wheel when said bracket moves.