U.S. patent application number 10/094926 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Tobias, Andrew J., Zarlengo, Vincent.
Application Number | 20020137601 10/094926 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26789346 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020137601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tobias, Andrew J. ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Exercise device
Abstract
A stationary exercise device includes a drive mechanism attached
to a supporting frame. A pair of foot pedals are attached to crank
shafts extending from a crank wheel of the drive mechanism for
actuating the drive mechanism. Handlebars extend upwardly with
respect to the frame in either a stationary position within a
holder attached to the frame, or within vertical tubes associated
with the foot pedals to promote upper body exercise. A fan wheel of
the drive mechanism is operatively connected to the crank wheel and
includes a plurality of fins extending therefrom and configured to
circulate air. A cover is positioned over the fan wheel and has a
series of slots formed in an outer surface thereof for directing
the circulated air onto an exerciser using the device.
Inventors: |
Tobias, Andrew J.; (Rancho
Mirage, CA) ; Zarlengo, Vincent; (Denver,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
26789346 |
Appl. No.: |
10/094926 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60278133 |
Mar 23, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 ;
482/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/001 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/0088
20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2022/0647 20130101; A63B
2022/0676 20130101; A63B 22/0007 20130101; A63B 2225/09
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 ;
482/62 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04; A63B
022/12; A63B 069/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stationary exercise device, comprising: a supporting frame; a
drive mechanism attached to the frame and including a crank wheel
operably connected to a fan wheel having a plurality of fins
extending outwardly therefrom and configured to circulate air; a
cover positioned over the fan wheel and having a series of slots
formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof and configured to
direct the circulated air generated by the fan wheel fins onto an
exerciser using the device; a pair of foot pedals attached to
crankshafts extending from the crank wheel for actuating the drive
mechanism; and handlebars extending upwardly with respect to the
frame.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the fan wheel includes
an axle interconnecting opposing flywheels each having radial fins
extending axially therefrom.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the cover comprises two
covers rotatably positioned over the flywheels for selectively
directing the circulated air generated by the fins of each
flywheel.
4. The exercise device of claim 1, including a generally horizontal
shaft extending from each foot pedal and a generally vertical tube
extending from an end of the horizontal shaft generally opposite
the foot pedal and configured to removably receive the handle bars
to provide upper body movement of the exerciser using the
device.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the handle bars are
adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the
handle bars.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, including a holder having two
sleeves attached to the frame of the device and configured to
removably receive and support the handle bars in a stationary
position during operation of the device.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism
includes a belt rotatably associated with the crank wheel and the
fan wheel, and a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for
adjusting the tension of the device.
8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism
includes a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a
sprocket of a transmission gear, the belt rotatably extending
between a flywheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each fin of the flywheel
is curved to enhance the generation of circulated air.
10. A stationary exercise device, comprising: a supporting frame; a
drive mechanism attached to the frame and including a crank wheel
operably connected to a fan wheel having an axle interconnecting
opposing flywheels having radial fins extending axially therefrom
and configured to circulate air; a cover rotatably positioned over
each flywheel and having a series of slots formed in an outer
peripheral surface thereof and configured to selectively direct the
circulated air generated by the fins onto an exerciser using the
device; a pair of foot pedals attached to crankshafts extending
from the crank wheel for actuating the drive mechanism; a generally
horizontal shaft extending from each foot pedal; and a generally
vertical tube extending from an end of the horizontal shaft
generally opposite the foot pedal and configured to removably
receive handle bars to provide upper body movement of the exerciser
using the device.
11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the handle bars are
adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the
handle bars.
12. The exercise device of claim 10, including a holder having two
sleeves attached to the frame of the device and configured to
removably receive and support the handle bars in a stationary
position during operation of the device.
13. The exercise device of claim 1 0, wherein the drive mechanism
includes a belt rotatably associated with the crank wheel and the
fan wheel, and a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for
adjusting the tension of the device.
14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism
includes a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a
sprocket of a transmission gear, the belt rotatably extending
between a flywheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel.
15. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein each fin of the
flywheel is curved to enhance the generation of circulated air.
16. A stationary exercise device, comprising: a supporting frame; a
drive mechanism attached to the frame and including a crank wheel,
a belt rotatably associated with the crank wheel and a fan wheel
having an axle interconnecting opposing flywheels having curved,
radial fins extending axially therefrom and configured to circulate
air, and a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for
adjusting the tension of the device; a cover rotatably positioned
over each flywheel and having a series of slots formed in an outer
peripheral surface thereof for selectively directing the circulated
air generated by the fins onto an exerciser using the device; a
pair of foot pedals attached to crankshafts extending from the
crank wheel for actuating the drive mechanism; a generally
horizontal shaft extending from each foot pedal; a generally
vertical tube extending from an end of the horizontal shaft
generally opposite the foot pedal and configured to removably
receive handle bars to provide upper body movement of the exerciser
using the device; and a holder having two sleeves attached to the
frame of the device configured to removably receive the handle bars
and maintain the handle bars in a stationary position during
operation of the device.
17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the handle bars are
adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the
handle bars.
18. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the drive mechanism
includes a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a
sprocket of a transmission gear, the belt rotatably extending
between a flywheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/278,133, filed Mar. 23, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to exercises
devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
exercise device capable of exercising the lower and upper body
simultaneously, and directing air generated by the device onto a
rider of the device.
[0003] With the progress of modern time and the promotion of
quality of life, people attach more and more importance to sport
and leisure in addition to their work. Many people prefer to
exercise outdoors by running, bicycling, etc. Aside from the
interesting scenery experienced while exercising outdoors, there is
a cooling effect felt by the wind generated as the exerciser moves
freely.
[0004] However, many people are involved with indoor gym devices
replacing outdoor sport activities due to convenience time,
weather, etc. At present, there are a number of gym devices which
provide a cardiovascular workout while exercising various muscle
groups. For example, there exist many varieties of stationary
exercise bicycles which provide a cardiovascular workout and
exercise muscles in the legs of the user. Yet other devices, often
referred to as stair-steppers, are operated by standing on the
device and making repetitive stepping motions. Once again, this
provides an adequate cardiovascular workout and exercises various
leg muscles.
[0005] However, there are very few exercise devices which provide a
cardiovascular workout while exercising muscles of both the upper
and lower body. It would be advantageous to provide such an
exercise device in which the user could stand erect and operate the
device by a walking or running movement, while simultaneously
exercising the upper body muscles. There is also a continuing need
for an exercise device which simulates the wind effect of
exercising outdoors, and which cools the rider of the device during
use. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other
related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention resides in a stationary exercise
device which provides a cardiovascular workout while exercising
muscles of the lower body with the option of also exercising the
muscles of the upper body. The exercise device also includes means
for generating an air stream across the rider during operation of
the device.
[0007] The exercise device includes a drive mechanism attached to a
supporting frame. The drive mechanism includes a crank wheel having
a pair of crank shafts extending therefrom and attached to a pair
of foot pedals for actuating the drive mechanism. The crank wheel
is operatively connected to a fan wheel via a chain rotatably
extending between the crank wheel and a sprocket of a transmission
gear. A belt rotatably extends between a fly wheel of the
transmission gear and the fan wheel. The drive mechanism includes a
tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for adjusting the
tension of the device.
[0008] The fan wheel includes an axle interconnecting opposing fly
wheels having curved, radial fins extending axially therefrom and
configured to circulate air. A cover having a series of slots
formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof is rotatably
positioned over each fly wheel for selectively directing the
circulated air generated by the fins of each fly wheel onto an
exerciser using the device. Each cover can be rotated to direct the
circulated air onto the exerciser, or away from the exerciser as
dictated by the desires of the exerciser using the device.
[0009] A generally horizontal shaft extends from each foot pedal,
and a generally vertical tube extends upwardly from an end of the
horizontal shaft generally opposite the foot pedal. The vertical
tube is configured to removably receive handlebars extending
upwardly with respect to the frame to provide upper body movement
of the exerciser during use of the device. Preferably, the
handlebars are adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the
height of the handlebars to accommodate exercisers of different
heights and body types. The device also includes a holder having
two sleeves attached to the frame and configured to removably
receive and support the handlebars in a stationary position during
operation of the device if an upper body workout is not
desired.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stationary, exercise
device embodying the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
exercise device, with a drive mechanism thereof in tact;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise
device, illustrating the various components thereof;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
exercise device of FIG. 1, illustrating a rotatable cover and fan
wheel having a plurality of fins which generates air for
circulation;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1, illustrating the direction of generated air by the device;
and
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exercise device, wherein
handlebars thereof are positioned for movement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
present invention is concerned with an exercise device, generally
referred to by the reference number 10. With reference to FIGS.
1-3, the device 10 includes a support frame 12 having a generally
I-shaped base 14, a generally T-shaped front support 16, and a
support bar 18 extending between a rear portion of the base 14 and
an upper portion of the front support 16.
[0019] A housing 20 substantially encloses a drive mechanism 22
which is anchored along the support bar 18. A crank wheel 24 is
rotatably connected to the frame 12 by bearings or the like. Crank
arms 26 extend from the crank wheel 24 and are attached to foot
pedals 28 so that as the foot pedals 28 are operated by the user,
the crank wheel 26 is rotated. The crank wheel 24 is preferably
sprocketed so as to engage a chain 30 which is interconnected
between the crank wheel 24 and a sprocket wheel 32 of a
transmission gear 34. The transmission gear includes an axle 36
extending through the sprocket wheel 32 and into a fly wheel 38,
typically placed on an opposite side of the support bar 18 from the
sprocket wheel 32. A belt 40 interconnects the fly wheel 38 of the
transmission gear 34 to a rotatable fan wheel 42. Thus, as the
exerciser operating the device moves the foot pedals 28, the crank
wheel 24 rotates causing chain 30 to move sprocket wheel 32, in
turn rotating fly wheel 38, and fan wheel 42 via belt 40. A
tensioning mechanism 44 includes a knob 46 extending from the
housing and which can be turned by an operator of the device 10 for
increasing the tension upon the belt 40, as is well-known in the
art, in order to alter the level of difficulty in operating the
device 10.
[0020] The fan wheel 42 is comprised of two fly wheels 48 and 50
interconnected by a rotatable axle 52 extending through a bearing
assembly or the like on the support bar 18 of frame 12. Typically,
the belt 40 wraps around the axle 52 in order to move the entire
fan wheel 42. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each fan wheel fly wheel 48
and 50 includes a plurality of spaced apart radial fins 54 which
extend outwardly along the axis of the axle 52, and which are
configured to generate and circulate air flow. Preferably, each fin
54 is of curved configuration, as illustrated, to enhance the
generation of circulated air while the rider pedals in a forward
direction. Although the fins 48 generate a degree of wind
resistance, and thus a small amount of tension in the device 10, it
is primarily the tensioning mechanism 44 which dictates the freedom
of rotation of the drive mechanism 22. Instead, it is the purpose
of the fins 54 of the fan wheel 42 to generate and circulate air
flow, as will be described more fully herein.
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, generally ring-shaped
covers 56 and 58 extend through the housing 20 and surround the
fins 54 of the fan wheel fly wheels 48 and 50. Openings 60 are
formed through an interior surface thereof to allow the
introduction of air into the fan wheel fly wheel 48 or 50. A series
of slots 62 are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cover
56 or 58 and are configured to direct the circulated air generated
by the fins 54 in a particular direction. Typically, the slots 62
are oriented towards the position of the exerciser using the device
10 so as to generate air flow over the exerciser and simulate
outdoor wind to cool and otherwise comfort the exerciser during
operation of the device 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5. However, the
covers 56 and 58 are preferably rotatably positioned over the fly
wheels 48 and 50 so that the exterior slots 62 can be rotated away
from the user of the device 10 so as to not generate this effect.
The apertures 60 and slots 62 and fins 54 can be designed such so
as to create a desired audible sound during operation of the device
10 as well.
[0022] A holder 64 having internal apertures or sleeves 66
extending therethrough is attached to the T-front support 16 of the
frame 12 for removably receiving and holding handlebars 68 in a
stationary position at the front of the device 10. Typically, the
handlebars 68 include a series of apertures along a lower length
thereof into which a thumbscrew 70 or the like can be inserted in
order to adjust the position of the handlebars 68 within the holder
64 to accommodate for the height of the user of the device 10.
Ball/detent systems or the like may also be used to adjust the
height within the holder 64.
[0023] With particular reference now to FIGS. 3 and 6, generally
horizontal shafts 72 extend from the foot pedals 28. Vertical
hollow tubes 74 are pivotally attached to the ends of the
horizontal shafts 72 opposite the foot pedals 28. The tubes 74
include horizontally oriented sleeves 76 which can be placed over
ends 78 of the T-shaped front support 16 which have a reduced
diameter to accept the sleeves 76 and allow the vertical bar 74 to
pivot in a reciprocal fashion as the pedals 28 are operated. The
handlebars 68 can be removed from the holder 64 and inserted into
the hollow tubes 74. Preferably, the vertical tubes 74 include a
series of apertures which can be aligned with the apertures of the
handlebars 68 for the insertion of the thumbscrew 70, or other
height adjusting system as is well-known in the art. Inserting the
handlebars 68 into the hollow tubes 74 allow the user to grasp the
handlebars 68 and obtain an upper body workout when operating the
device 10.
[0024] In order to operate the device 10, a user places his or her
feet upon the foot pedals 28 and grasps the handlebars 68. The user
then pedals to simulate a walking or running motion. Moving the
foot pedals 28 actuates the drive mechanism 22, as described above,
to generate and direct circulated air through the slots 62 of the
covers 56 and 58. If the handlebars 68 are placed within vertical
tubes 74, the user can push one handlebar 68, while simultaneously
pulling the other handlebar 68 with the other arm. The movement of
the handlebars 68 and pedals 28 dictate the speed at which the user
operates the device 10. As described above, the operation of the
device 10 can remain easy or more difficult by adjusting the
tensioning mechanism 44, typically by turning knob 46. In this
manner, the user of the device 10 is provided a cardiovascular
workout while exercising the legs, buttocks, arms and shoulder
areas of the body simultaneously. The operator of the device 10
also experiences a refreshing and cooling wind directed from the
cover slots 62. If the user does not desire to have such circulated
air directed at him or her, the covers 56 or 58 can be rotated so
that the slots 62 are directed away from the user of the device 10.
The device 10 may also include a timer, or computer display 80
which would indicate the tensioning level, distance traveled, heart
rate, etc.
[0025] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be
limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *