Exercise dynamometer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention addresses these needs.
Exercise apparatus according to one aspect of the invention includes a frame and a main motion element movably mounted to the frame.
The apparatus also includes work input means for moving the main motion element in a forward direction responsive to force supplied by a person using the apparatus.
For example, the main motion element may be a wheel mounted for rotation on the frame and the work input means may include pedals, cranks or other devices enabling the user to drive the flywheel.
The apparatus desirably also includes mechanical brake means having an actuation input element mounted to the frame for movement in an engage direction and in a release direction, the mechanical brake means being arranged to retard motion of the main motion element relative to the frame upon application of an engaging force urging the actuation input element in the engage direction.
Most perferably, the apparatus also includes a drag device having first and second elements movable relative to one another and also movable relative to the frame in first and second directions.
The first element of the drag device is linked to the main motion element for movement therewith in the first direction upon movement of the main motion element in the forward direction.
The second element of the drag device is connected to the actuation input element of the mechanical brake means so that movement of the second element in the first direction will cause movement of the actuation input element in the engage direction.
The drag device include means for controllably resisting movement of the first and second elements relative to one another.
Thus, upon motion of the main motion element in the forward direction this controlled resistance will cause the second element to apply an engaging force urging the actuation input element in the engage direction.
The apparatus most preferably further includes control means for controlling the resistance supplied by the drag device to thereby control the engaging force and control the degree of retardation applied by the mechanical brake means