U.S. patent application number 10/745866 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for elliptical exerciser.
Invention is credited to Stevens, Clive Graham.
Application Number | 20040147375 10/745866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32466928 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040147375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens, Clive Graham |
July 29, 2004 |
Elliptical exerciser
Abstract
An exercise machine includes a frame with a first axle rotatably
about a first axis thereof and a pair of drive systems engage the
first axle on opposite sides of the frame. Each of the drive
systems includes a crank arm connected to the first axle for
rotation about the first axis and a second axle defining a second
axis and connected to the crank arm for rotation about the first
axle. A lever arm is connected to the second axle for rotation
about the second axis. A first link is rotatably connected at
opposite locations thereon to the frame and the lever arm. A second
link is rotatably connected to the lever arm opposite the first
link. A third link is rotatably connected to the second link
opposite to the lever arm and slidably engages the second axle.
Inventors: |
Stevens, Clive Graham;
(Taichung, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLIVE GRAHAM STEVENS
3F-5, No.22
Lane 146
Der-Fu Road, South Areas
Taichung City
TW
|
Family ID: |
32466928 |
Appl. No.: |
10/745866 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/57 ;
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/057 ;
482/052 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04; A63B
022/06; A63B 069/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2003 |
TW |
092201530 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a first axle supported
by the frame and being rotatable about a first axis of the first
axle; and a pair of drive systems engaging the first axle on
opposite sides of the frame, each of the drive systems having: a
crank arm connected to the first axle for rotation about the first
axis; a second axle defining a second axis and connected to the
crank arm for rotation about the first axle; a lever arm connected
to the second axle for rotation about the second axis; a first link
rotatably connected at opposite locations thereon to the frame and
the lever arm; a second link rotatably connected to the lever arm
opposite the first link; and a third link rotatably connected to
the second link opposite the lever arm and slidably engaging the
second axle; whereby the application of force by a user to the
third link induces cyclic movement of the third link and rotates
the crank arm to apply torque to the first axle, the cyclic
movement being constrained by the second link and the second axle
so that at least a portion of the third link moves in a
substantially elliptical path.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the cyclic movement of
each third link is further constrained by a fourth link rotatably
connected at opposing locations thereon to the frame and the third
link.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the fourth link is
rotatably connected to the third link at respective ends of the
fourth link and the third link.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the fourth link has an
upright handle opposite the rotatable connection with the third
link for gripping by a hand of the user.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the fourth link is
rotatably connected to an upright portion of the frame intermediate
the handle and the rotatable connection with the third link.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first axle is
connected to a mechanism that resists rotation thereof, whereby the
user's applied force must overcome the resistance of the mechanism
to move the third link.
7. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the first axle is
connected to a wheel for rotation thereof, and the
rotation-resisting mechanism applies friction to the wheel.
8. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the rotation-resisting
mechanism includes a gear assembly through which the torque applied
to the first axle is at least partially consumed.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the crank arms of the
drive systems are connected to the first axle so as to be
orientated 180.degree. apart from each other, whereby the
respective third link portions move through substantially
elliptical paths 180.degree. out of sync.
10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the second axle is
fixed to the crank arm for movement therewith.
11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the second axle is
rotatably connected to the crank arm for rotation about the second
axis.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the lever arm is fixed
to the second axle for movement therewith and includes a roller
mounted for rotation thereon, the roller being slidably engaged by
the third link.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the lever arm is
rotatably connected to the second axle for rotation relative to the
second axle.
14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first link has
first and second ends and is rotatably connected at its first and
second ends to the lever arm and frame, respectively.
15. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the second link has
first and second ends and is rotatably connected at its first and
second ends to the lever arm and the third link, respectively.
16. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the lever arm has
first and second ends and is rotatably connected at its first and
second ends to the first link and second link, respectively.
17. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a foot
pedal connected to each third link for engagement by a foot of a
user so as to apply force to the third link, whereby the foot pedal
moves in the substantially elliptical path.
18. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein the foot pedal is
fixed to the third link for movement therewith.
19. The exercise machine of claim 18, wherein the foot pedal is
adjustably fixed to the third link so as to vary its position along
the third link.
20. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein each drive system is
configured such that the major axis of the substantially elliptical
path lies in substantially horizontal plane and the minor axis of
the substantially elliptical path lies in substantially vertical
plane.
21. The exercise machine of claim 20, wherein the major axis is at
least four times the length of the minor axis.
22. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the major axis is
approximately six times the length of the minor axis.
23. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; and a pair of drive
systems disposed on opposite sides of the frame, each of the drive
systems having: a crank arm rotatably connected to the frame at a
location defining a first axis; a lever arm rotatably connected to
the crank arm at a location defining a second axis, the second axis
being opposite the first axis on the crank arm; a support member
rotatably connected to the crank arm at the second axis; a first
link rotatably connected at opposing locations thereon to the frame
and the lever arm; a second link rotatably connected to the lever
arm opposite the first link; and a third link rotatably connected
to the second link opposite the lever arm and slidably supported by
the support member; whereby the application of force by a user to
the third link induces cyclic movement of the third link and
rotates the crank arm to apply torque to the first axle, the cyclic
movement being constrained by the second link and the support
member so that at least a portion of the third link moves in a
substantially elliptical path.
24. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the cyclic movement
of each third link is further constrained by a fourth link
rotatably connected at opposing locations thereon to the frame and
the third link.
25. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the fourth link is
rotatably connected to the third link at respective ends of the
fourth link and the third link.
26. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the fourth link has
an upright handle opposite the rotatable connection with the third
link for gripping by a hand of the user.
27. The exercise machine of claim 26, wherein the fourth link is
rotatably connected to an upright portion of the frame intermediate
the handle and the rotatable connection with the third link.
28. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the first axle is
connected to a mechanism that resists rotation thereof, whereby the
user's applied force must overcome the resistance of the mechanism
to move the third link.
29. The exercise machine of claim 28, wherein the first axle is
connected to a wheel for rotation thereof, and the
rotation-resisting mechanism applies friction to the wheel.
30. The exercise machine of claim 28, wherein the
rotation-resisting mechanism includes a gear assembly through which
the torque applied to the first axle is at least partially
consumed.
31. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the crank arms of the
drive systems are connected to the first axle so as to be
orientated 180.degree. apart from each other, whereby the
respective third link portions move through substantially
elliptical paths 180.degree. out of sync.
32. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the support member
includes an axle fixed to the crank arm for movement therewith and
a roller mounted for rotation about the axle.
33. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the support member
includes a roller rotatably connected to the crank arm for rotation
about the second axis.
34. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the lever arm is
fixed to the support member for movement therewith.
35. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the lever arm is
rotatably connected to the support member for rotation relative to
the support member.
36. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the first link has
first and second ends and is rotatably connected at its first and
second ends to the lever arm and frame, respectively.
37. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the second link has
first and second ends and is rotatably connected at its first and
second ends to the lever arm and the third link, respectively.
38. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the lever arm has
first and second ends and is rotatably connected at its first and
second ends to the first link and second link, respectively.
39. The exercise machine of claim 23, further comprising a foot
pedal connected to each third link for engagement by a foot of a
user so as to apply force to the third link, whereby the foot pedal
moves in the substantially elliptical path.
40. The exercise machine of claim 39, wherein the foot pedal is
fixed to the third link for movement therewith.
41. The exercise machine of claim 40, wherein the foot pedal is
adjustably fixed to the third link so as to vary its position along
the third link.
42. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein each drive system is
configured such that the major axis of the substantially elliptical
path lies in substantially horizontal plane and the minor axis of
the substantially elliptical path lies in substantially vertical
plane.
43. The exercise machine of claim 42, wherein the major axis is at
least four times the length of the minor axis.
44. The exercise machine of claim 43, wherein the major axis is
approximately six times the length of the minor axis.
45. An exercise machine, comprising: a load-bearing frame; a first
axle supported by the frame for rotation about a first axis; a
crank arm having first and second ends and being connected at its
first end to the first axle such that the crank arm rotates about
the first axis and applies torque to the first axle when rotated; a
second axle having a roller thereabout and being connected to the
crank arm at the second end of the crank arm such that the second
axle rotates in a circular pattern about the first axle when the
crank arm is rotated; a lever arm having first and second ends and
being rotatably mounted about one of the second axles and the
roller at a location on the lever arm intermediate its first and
second ends; a first link having first and second ends and being
rotatably connected at its first end to the first end of the lever
arm and rotatably connected at its second end to a fixed location
on the frame such that the first link rotates about the fixed
location; a second link having first and second ends and being
rotatably connected at its first end to the second end of the lever
arm; a third link having first and second ends and being rotatably
connected at a position intermediate its first and second ends to
the second end of the lever arm, the third link also engaging the
roller for sliding movement thereover; and whereby the application
of force by a user to the third link induces rotation of the third
link in a substantially elliptical path due to constraints on the
motion of the third link imposed by second link, the fourth link,
and the roller.
46. The exercise machine of claim 45, further comprising a fourth
link having first and second ends and being rotatably connected at
its first end to the second end of the third link and rotatably
connected at its second end to a elevated position on the frame
such that the fourth link supports the third link and rotates about
the elevated position.
47. The exercise machine of claim 45, further comprising a pedal
fixed to the third link for engagement by a foot of a user.
48. The exercise machine of claim 45, wherein the first axle is
connected to a resistance mechanism connected to the frame.
49. The exercise machine of claim 45, wherein the second axle is
fixed to the crank arm for movement therewith.
50. The exercise machine of claim 45, wherein the second axle is
rotatably connected to the crank arm for rotation about the second
axis.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an elliptical exerciser
wherein the trace of the users' feet is close to an ellipse and
prevents injury of muscles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A conventional elliptical exerciser generally includes two
hand arms which are pivotably connected to a frame and a free wheel
is connected to the frame. Two pedals are connected to the two hand
arms and the free wheel so that the pedals are moved in an ellipse
trace. The user holds and swings the hand arms and the feet on the
pedals move in an ellipse trace. By operation the elliptical
exerciser, both of the hands and feet are exercised in a gentle and
mild way. Nevertheless, the trace of the movement of the feet is
actually not a perfect ellipse so that the user has to pull the
pedals in an opposite direction when the pedals are moved to their
extreme positions and this could injure the muscles of the
feet.
[0003] The present invention intends to provide an elliptical
exerciser that includes a crank connected to the free wheel and a
connection bar is pivotably connected to the crank. Two connection
members are respectively connected to two ends of the connection
bar to provide backward force to the connection arm. Each hand arm
has a guide rod which rolls on a roller on the connection bar.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to an exercise machine which
comprises a frame and a first axle is supported by the frame and
rotatable about a first axis of the first axle. A pair of drive
systems engage the first axle on opposite sides of the frame and
each of the drive systems includes a crank arm connected to the
first axle for rotation about the first axis. A second axle
defining a second axis is connected to the crank arm for rotation
about the first axle. A lever arm is connected to the second axle
for rotation about the second axis. A first link is rotatably
connected at opposite locations thereon to the frame and the lever
arm. A second link is rotatably connected to the lever arm opposite
the first link. A third link is rotatably connected to the second
link opposite the lever arm and slidably engaging the second axle.
The application of force by a user to the third link induces cyclic
movement of the third link and rotates the crank arm to apply
torque to the first axle, the cyclic movement being constrained by
the second link and the second axle so that at least a portion of
the third link moves in a substantially elliptical path.
[0005] The present invention will become more obvious from the
following description when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration
only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view to show the elliptical
exerciser of the present invention;
[0007] FIGS. 2 to 5 show the four positions of the cranks and the
connection bars when the elliptical exerciser is in use;
[0008] FIG. 6 is a top view to show the elliptical exerciser of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the elliptical exerciser
of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of the elliptical
exerciser of the present invention, and
[0011] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the elliptical
exerciser of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the elliptical exerciser 1 of
the present invention comprises an H-shaped frame which includes an
upright post 10 extending therefrom. A first axle 3 to which a
wheel is connected thereto is supported by the frame and rotatable
about a first axis of the first axle 3.
[0013] A pair of drive systems engaging the first axle 3 on
opposite sides of the frame, and each of the drive systems has a
crank arm 2 connected to the first axle 3 for rotation about the
first axis. A second axle 5 to which a roller is connected defines
a second axis and is connected to the crank arm 2 for rotation
about the first axle 3. A lever arm 4 is connected to the second
axle 5 for rotation about the second axis. The second axle 5 can be
fixed to or rotatably connected to the crank arm 2 for movement
therewith. The lever arm 4 can be fixed to or rotatably connected
to the second axle 5 for movement therewith or for rotation
relative to the second axle 5. In this embodiment, the crank arm 2
has one end connected to the first axle 3 and the other end of the
crank arm 2 is connected to an intermediate point of the lever arm
4.
[0014] A first link 6 is rotatably connected at opposite locations
or ends thereon to the frame and the lever arm 4. A second link 7
has one end thereof rotatably connected to the lever arm 4 opposite
the first link 6. A third link 80 is rotatably connected to the
second link 7 opposite the lever arm 4 and slidably engaging the
roller on the second axle 5. The other end of the second link 7 is
pivotably connected to the third link 80. A foot pedal is fixed to
the third link 80 or adjustably fixed to the third link 80 so as to
vary its position along the third link 80.
[0015] Each third link 80 has one end thereof pivotably connected
to an end of a fourth link 81 which is rotatably connected at
opposing locations thereon to the frame and the third link 80. The
fourth link 81 is rotatably connected to the upright post 10 of the
frame and a handle 810 is connected to the other end of the fourth
link 81. The crank arms 2 of the drive systems are connected to the
first axle 3 so as to be orientated 180.degree. apart from each
other, whereby the respective third links 80 move through
substantially elliptical paths 180.degree. out of sync. Further
referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, these drawings show four positions of
the crank arm 2 at six, nine, twelve and three o'clock
positions.
[0016] The first axle 3 is connected to a mechanism (not shown)
that resists rotation thereof, whereby the user's applied force
must overcome the resistance of the mechanism to move the third
link 80. In other words, the rotation-resisting mechanism applies
friction to the wheel on the first axle 3. The user applies a force
to the third link 80 and induces cyclic movement of the third link
80 and rotates the crank arm 2 to apply torque to the first axle 3.
The rotation-resisting mechanism may include a gear assembly
through which the torque applied to the first axle 3 is at least
partially consumed. The cyclic movement is constrained by the
second link 7 and the second axle 5 so that at least a portion of
the third link 80 moves in a substantially elliptical path. Each
drive system is configured such that the major axis of the
substantially elliptical path lies in substantially horizontal
plane and the minor axis of the substantially elliptical path lies
in substantially vertical plane. The major axis can be designed to
be at least four or six times the length of the minor axis
[0017] Referring to FIG. 7 which shows anther embodiment of the
present invention, wherein two rails 11 each have two points
respectively pivotably connected to the upright post 10 and a
horizontal portion of the frame such that the rails 11 are inclined
relative to the floor. Each of the third link 80 has a roller 84
rotatably connected to a distal end thereof and the roller 84
slidably moves on the rail 11.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 8 which shows yet another embodiment of
the present invention, wherein a support member which can be a
roller 5 is connected to the lever arm 4 at a position other than
the connection of the crank arm 2 and the lever arm 4. This allows
the third links 80 to be moved at a larger scale.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 9 which shows a further embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the lever arm 4 is connected to one of
two ends of the crank arm 2 and an end of the first link 6 is
connected to the crank arm 2 at an intermediate point of the crank
arm 2. The second axle 5 is connected to the lever arm 4 and
located between the two positions where the first link 6 and the
second link 7 are respectively connected to the lever arm 4. The
roller can also be connected directly to the lever arm 4.
[0020] While we have shown and described the embodiment in
accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those
skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *