Brunswick Corporation
Resistance training exercise machines having inertial switch-actuated dampening device

Abstract:

An exercise machine has a resistance mechanism that is movable with respect to a stationary frame into and between a rest position and an active position and a pulley system coupled to the resistance mechanism and being operable by a user performing an exercise motion. Operation of the pulley system moves the resistance mechanism from the rest position to the active position, against a resistance force from the resistance mechanism. Releasing the pulley system allows the resistance force to automatically move the resistance mechanism back towards the rest position. A dampening device has an inertial switch that causes the dampening device to automatically dampen movement of the resistance mechanism from the active position towards the rest position when the pulley system is suddenly released.