Rotational exercise machine

Abstract

A rotational exercise machine according to various embodiments includes an upper section that can pushed around a base section by a user using a handle attached to the upper section, such that the user is pushing along a circular path. The user may adjust the resistance against pushing the upper section about the base using a resistance adjustment knob. The knob in turn may be connected through a cable to a magnetic shoe including a number of substantially equally spaced magnets. The spacing of the magnets, and hence the resistance provided against the user pushing the upper section, may be adjusted by the resistance adjustment knob. The resistance of the magnetic shoe may be regulated using one or more gearing mechanisms to translate the number of revolutions of the upper section about the base section to a slower rotation of the magnetic shoe.

1 . A rotational exercise machine comprising:
 a base section;   an upper section connected to the base section and rotatable about the base section;   a handle provided to allow a user to push the upper section about the base section; and   a resistance module operative to provide a user-selected resistance against pushing the upper section about the base section.   
     
     
         2 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance module comprises a plurality of magnets attached to a magnetic shoe. 
     
     
         3 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 means for adjusting the spacing between the plurality of magnets on the magnetic shoe.   
     
     
         4 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 2 , wherein said means for adjusting comprises:
 a tightening mechanism installed in the magnetic shoe; and   an adjustment knob accessible by the user connected to a cable to the tightening mechanism.   
     
     
         5 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 2 , further comprising a gearing mechanism connected to the magnetic shoe operative to translate the rotation of the upper section to the rotation of the magnetic shoe based on a gearing ratio. 
     
     
         6 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is connected to an arm connected to the upper section. 
     
     
         7 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a back support connected to a base of the arm. 
     
     
         8 . The rotational exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises a handle frame comprising a plurality of handles at different heights connected to the upper section.