U.S. patent application number 10/845915 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for elliptical exercise device with movable pivot axis.
Invention is credited to Miller, Larry D..
Application Number | 20040266587 10/845915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33544658 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040266587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller, Larry D. |
December 30, 2004 |
Elliptical exercise device with movable pivot axis
Abstract
An elliptical-type exercise device provides a modified foot
action. The device includes a frame, an axle, and an axle retainer
for supporting the axle on the frame so that it is rotatable about
a pivot axis. The retainer allows the axle to move relative to the
frame so as to displace the pivot axis. A first and a second foot
link are coupled to the axle so that a first end of each foot link
travels in an arcuate path. The device includes a guide which
directs the second ends of the foot links in a reciprocal or
non-reciprocal path of travel.
Inventors: |
Miller, Larry D.;
(Rochester, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, GROH, SPRINKLE
ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, PC
280 N OLD WOODARD AVE
SUITE 400
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
33544658 |
Appl. No.: |
10/845915 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60483377 |
Jun 27, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 ;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2022/0611 20130101;
A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 22/205 20130101;
A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 ;
482/057 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04; A63B
022/00; A63B 069/16 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: a frame; an axle; an axle
retainer for supporting said axle on said frame so that said axle
is rotatable about a pivot axis defined therethrough, and so that
said axle can move so as to displace the pivot axis relative to the
frame; a first and a second foot link each having a foot engaging
portion; and a first and a second coupling member each associated
with a respective one of said foot links for pivotally coupling
said foot link to said axle so that a first end of said foot link
travels in an arcuate path.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first and second
coupling members are configured so that the first end of the
respective foot link of each coupling member travels in an arcuate
path which encompasses the pivot axis.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said axle retainer
comprises a swing link which is pivotally supported on said
frame.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein said swing link includes
a journal which rotatably supports the axle so that said axle is
rotatable about the pivot axis.
5. The exercise device of claim 3, further including a biasing
member associated in mechanical communication with said swing link,
said biasing member being operative to urge the swing link to a
preselected position.
6. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said biasing member is
selected from the group consisting of: springs, elastomeric bodies,
hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, counterweights, and
combinations thereof.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said axle retainer
comprises a journal for rotatably supporting said axle, and at
least one resilient member which supports said journal upon said
frame.
8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein said at least one
resilient member comprises a member selected from the group
consisting of: springs, elastomeric bodies, hydraulic cylinders,
pneumatic cylinders, counterweights, and combinations thereof.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said axle retainer
comprises a support block which rotatably supports said axle so
that said axle is rotatable about said pivot axis, said retainer
further comprising a guide way for slidably supporting said support
block so that said support block can move in at least one direction
relative to said frame.
10. The exercise device of claim 9, further including at least one
biasing member associated with said retainer and being operative to
impose a biasing force on the support block so as to urge said
support block in a first direction relative to said frame.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, further including a guide
operative to engage said foot links and direct a second end of each
foot link along a path of travel as the first end of said foot link
travels along said arcuate path.
12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the frame is
configured to be supported on a floor and wherein the guide is
configured and operative to direct the second end of each foot link
along a path of travel which is inclined relative to said
floor.
13. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein said guide is
operative to direct said second ends of said foot links in a
reciprocal path of travel.
14. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein said guide is
operative to direct said second ends of said foot links in a
non-reciprocal path of travel.
15. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein said guide includes a
first and a second swing arm, each swing arm being operative to
engage a respective one of said foot links so as to guide the
second end of its respective foot link in said path.
16. In an exercise device of the type comprising: a frame; an axle
which is rotatable about a pivot axis defined therethrough; a first
and a second foot link, each having a foot engaging portion; a
first and a second coupling member, each associated with a
respective one of said foot links for pivotally coupling said foot
link to said pivot axis so that said first end of said foot link
travels in an arcuate path; and a guide operative to engage the
foot links and direct the second end of each foot link along a path
of travel as the first end of the foot link travels along the
arcuate path of travel; the improvement comprising: said axle being
movably supported on said frame so that said pivot axis is movable
relative to the frame when the first ends of the foot links travel
in said arcuate path.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/483,377 filed Jun. 27, 2003, entitled
"Elliptical Exercise Device with Movable Pivot Axis."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More
specifically, the invention relates to elliptical exercise devices.
Most specifically, the invention relates to elliptical exercise
devices in which at least one pivot axis of the device is movable
relative to the frame of the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Elliptical exercise devices are configured and operable to
permit a user's feet to travel in an elliptical path which
simulates a natural running and stepping motion which avoids
jarring shocks and strains which can damage joints, tendons,
ligaments and muscles. The smooth, pleasant action achieved by
elliptical exercise devices is conducive to extended aerobic
exercise; hence, elliptical exercise devices are in widespread use,
and a number of embodiments are known in the art.
[0004] The basic concept of elliptical exercise devices was first
shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,343 and 5,383,829. As described
therein, an elliptical exercise device generally includes a frame
which is configured to support the remainder of the device on a
support surface such as a floor or the ground. The device includes
a pair of foot links which are elongated members, each having a
foot engaging portion. A first end of each foot link is coupled to
an axle by means of a coupling member such as a crank arm. The axle
is typically supported by the frame and is rotatable about a pivot
axis defined therethrough. Rotation of the axle causes the first
ends of the foot links to travel in an arcuate path. Depending upon
the geometry of the device and the configuration of the coupling
members, the arcuate path may or may not encompass the pivot axis.
Within the context of this disclosure, an arcuate path is
understood to be a closed, curved, path of travel such as a
circular path, an oval path, or a more complex closed, at least
partially curved, path.
[0005] The foot links also engage a guide which operates to direct
a second end of each foot link in a path of travel which can be
reciprocal or non-reciprocal. In the context of this disclosure, a
reciprocal path of travel is meant to define any back-and-forth
path of travel which is repetitively traversed by the end of the
foot link in which the forward path and the rearward path are
substantially coincident. The reciprocal path of travel may be
linear, curved or a complex combination of linear and curved paths.
The devices depicted in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,343 and 5,383,829
have foot links with ends which travel in a reciprocal path. In the
context of this disclosure, a non-reciprocal path of travel is
meant to define a back-and-forth motion wherein the end of the foot
link follows a first path on a forward stroke, and a second path on
a rearward stroke, and wherein the paths are at least partially
non-coincident. Devices in which ends of the foot links travel
along a non-reciprocal path are shown in pending U.S. patent Ser.
No. 10/760,844, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0006] The combination of arcuate and reciprocal or non-reciprocal
travel causes the foot engaging portion of the foot links to travel
in an elliptical path. Within the context of this disclosure, an
elliptical path of travel is understood to mean a true mathematical
ellipse, as well as paths having other ellipsoid shapes such as
oval paths, flattened ellipses, curved ellipses, ellipses with
flattened or concave portions, and the like. There are a large
number of embodiments of elliptical exercise devices which are
configured along these general principles. In some instances, there
is a need or desire to further modify the foot action achieved by
elliptical exercise devices, and toward that end, the present
invention provides an exercise device in which the pivot axis
associated with the axle is movable relative to the remainder of
the device during its operational cycle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] There is disclosed herein an exercise device which comprises
a frame and an axle, wherein the axle is supported on the frame by
an axle retainer so that the axle is rotatable about a pivot axis
defined therethrough, and so that the axle can move so as to
displace the pivot axis relative to the frame. The exercise device
also includes a first and a second foot link each having a foot
engaging portion, and a first and a second coupling member, each
associated with a respective one of the foot links for pivotably
coupling that foot link to the axle so that a first end of the foot
link travels in an arcuate path. The device may also include a
guide which engages the foot link so as to direct a second end of
each foot link along the path of travel as the first end travels in
the arcuate path. The guide may be operative to direct the second
ends of the foot links in a path of travel which is inclined
relative to the floor. In some embodiments, the guide may comprise
one or more tracks, and in other embodiments, the guide may
comprise a pair of swing arms.
[0008] In specific embodiments, the axle retainer may comprise a
swing link which is pivotally supported on the frame, and the
device may also include a biasing member associated in mechanical
communication with a swing link. The biasing member is operative to
urge the swing link into a preselected position. The biasing member
may comprise a spring, elastomeric body, hydraulic cylinder,
pneumatic cylinder, counterweight, or other such device. In another
embodiment, the axle retainer will include a journal which
rotatably supports the axle, and a resilient member which supports
the journal upon the frame. In yet another embodiment, the axle
retainer may include a support block which rotatably supports the
axle, as well as a guide way which slidably supports the block so
that the block can move in at least one direction relative to the
frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIGS. 1-4 are depictions of some specific embodiments of
exercise device structured in accord with the principles of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a depiction of a portion of an exercise device
showing an axle retainer structured in accord with the principles
of the present invention; and
[0011] FIG. 6 is a depiction of a portion of an exercise device
structured in accord with the principles of the present invention
showing another embodiment of axle retainer of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accord with the present invention, there is provided an
exercise device which includes a frame and an axle. The axle is
supported by an axle retainer so that it is rotatable about a pivot
axis defined therethrough and so that the axle can move so as to
displace its pivot axis relative to the frame. The device also
includes a first and a second foot link each having a foot engaging
portion, and a first and second coupling member each associated
with a respective one of the foot links for pivotally coupling the
foot link to the axle so that a first end of the foot link travels
along a first path which is arcuate. The exercise device also
includes a guide operative to engage the foot links and direct the
second end of each foot link along a second path of travel as the
first end travels along the first, arcuate path. In accord with
these general principles, a number of embodiments of the invention
may be implemented.
[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment
of exercise device structured in accord with the principles of the
present invention. As illustrated therein, the device 10 includes a
frame 12. Pivotally affixed to the frame 12 is an axle retainer 14
having an axle 16 rotatably supported therein as for example by a
journal or other bearing arrangement. The axle 16 defines and is
rotatable about a pivot axis which extends therethrough. In the
FIG. 1 embodiment, the axle support 14 comprises a swing link which
is capable of pivoting on the frame, and the exercise device
includes a pair of biasing springs 18a, 18b. These springs are
attached to the frame 12 and to the axle retainer 14 and serve to
keep the retainer 14 centered at a preselected position. It is to
be understood that the springs 18 could be greater or fewer in
number, and they can be otherwise disposed. They also could be
replaced with elastomeric bodies such as synthetic or natural
rubber, or by other biasing devices such as hydraulic cylinders,
pneumatic cylinders, or counterweights. It will be appreciated from
the drawing that movement of the axle retainer 14 will result in
corresponding movement of the axle 16 and the axle axis, relative
to the frame. As illustrated, this motion is an up-and-down motion
relative to the frame. In the operation of prior art devices, as
the axle rotates, the axis is fixed relative to the frame.
[0014] The device further includes a first and a second foot link
20a, 20b, and each foot link includes a foot engaging portion 22a,
22b thereupon. A first end of each foot link 22 is coupled to the
axle 16 by a coupling member, which in this embodiment comprises a
crank arm 24a, 24b. Rotation of the axle 16 causes the crank arms
24 to move their respective foot links 22 so that the first ends of
the foot links 22 travel in an arcuate path, as defined therein. As
illustrated, the arcuate path is a circular path which encompasses
the pivot axis. In other embodiments of the invention, the coupling
members may be comprised of complex linkages, and in such
embodiments, the arcuate path may be non-circular and/or it may not
encompass the pivot axis.
[0015] The FIG. 1 embodiment further includes a guide which
comprises a track 26 which engages the first end of each of the
foot links 20 and directs them in a reciprocal path. In other
embodiments of the invention, the guide may comprise a pair of
swing arms or any other mechanical linkage which provides the
reciprocal motion. Also, while in the FIG. 1 embodiment, the guide
track 26 engages the foot links 20 by means of rollers affixed to
the ends of the foot links 20, the guide may otherwise engage the
foot links provided that it is operative to direct the second ends
in a reciprocal path of travel.
[0016] In the operation of the device, a user stands on the foot
links, with his or her feet placed on the support pads 22. The user
pushes down and back on one foot link, and this drives the other
forward and up. This causes the first ends of the foot links 20 to
move in the arcuate path and the second ends in the reciprocal path
thereby providing an elliptical foot motion. In the FIG. 1
embodiment, force applied to the foot links imposes a torque on the
axle 16, which causes the axle retainer 14 to move against the
biasing force of the springs 18, thereby causing displacement of
the pivot axis. When the torque is relieved, the biasing force
restores the pivot axis to its centered point. This motion of the
pivot axis will modify the foot action achieved by the device.
[0017] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a flywheel 28 is coupled
to the axle by a pulley (not shown) and a drive belt 29. The
flywheel is optional, but provides for a smoother foot motion. Yet
other assemblies such as braking devices, speedometers, odometers
and the like may be incorporated into the device. Also, the springs
18, or other biasing members, may be configured and disposed so as
to allow for adjustment of the biasing force provided thereby. In
this manner, the degree of pivot axis motion can be controlled. All
of such embodiments are within the scope of the invention.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown another version 30
of the exercise device of the present invention. The exercise
device 30 of FIG. 2 is configured in a generally similar manner to
that of FIG. 1 insofar as it includes foot links 20a, 20b, a guide,
which comprises a track 26, a frame 12, and an axle retainer 14
which supports an axle 16 defining a pivot axis. In this
embodiment, the axle retainer 14 is a swing link which is pivotally
mounted on the frame in a generally vertical relationship to the
base of the frame so as to allow the pivot axis to move back and
forth in a generally horizontal direction. As illustrated, springs
32a, 32b bias the axle retainer 14 to a preselected centered
position. In other versions of the FIG. 2 apparatus, the axle
retainer may be biased by a coil spring disposed at the point where
the retainer 14 is supported on the frame, or it may be biased by
other devices such as elastomeric bodies, hydraulic cylinders,
pneumatic cylinders or other mechanical devices such as
counterweights and the like.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown yet another
embodiment 40 of the present invention. The FIG. 3 embodiment
includes a frame 12, foot links 20a, 20b and a guide ramp 26 as
previously described. The FIG. 3 embodiment also includes an axle
retainer 14 pivotally supported on the frame in a manner generally
similar to that of FIG. 1. As in the previous embodiments, the axle
retainer 14 rotatably supports an axle 16 defining a pivot axis. As
in the previous embodiments, the first ends of the foot links 24a,
24b are coupled to the axle 16 by crank arms 24a, 24b. However, in
the FIG. 3 embodiment, one of the crank arms, in this instance
crank arm 24a, is also pivotally coupled to the frame 12 by a
control link 42. As the crank arm 24a rotates about the pivot axis
A, the control link 42 will cause the axle retainer 14 to move up
and down thereby displacing the pivot axis A accordingly. In some
instances, the apparatus 40 may include a second control link
associated with the second crank arm 24b. Other mechanical
arrangements may be configured in accord with these general
principles. For example, the axle 16 may have a cam associated
therewith, and the cam could be utilized to raise and lower the
axle retainer. Yet other arrangements will be apparent to one of
skill in the art.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown yet another
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment 50, the
axle retainer includes a support block 52 which rotatably supports
the crank axle 16. The axle retainer further includes a guide way
54 which slidably retains the support block 52 so that the support
block can move back and forth relative thereto. As illustrated, a
pair of biasing springs 56a, 56b are disposed in the guide way 54
so as to keep the support block 52 centered at a preselected
position.
[0021] As in the previous embodiments, crank arms 24a, 24b are
coupled to the axle. Torque imposed on the axle 16 by the crank
arms 24 will cause the support block 52 to slide back and forth in
the guide way 54 against the biasing force of the springs 56.
[0022] The FIG. 4 embodiment further differs from the previous
embodiments in that the guide which directs the second ends of the
foot links is comprised of a pair of swing arms 58a, 58b. The swing
arms 58 are pivotally mounted on an upright portion of the frame
12, and each engages the second end of a respective foot link and
directs it along a reciprocal path of travel. Other guide
arrangements may be incorporated in this and other embodiments of
the invention.
[0023] It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that
modifications to this device may be readily implemented. For
example, the biasing springs 56 may be made adjustable so as to
control the amount of displacement of the support block 52 which
will occur for a given level of torque. Also, the springs 56 may be
replaced by other biasing elements such as elastomeric bodies,
hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, counterweights and the
like. Also, while the guide way 54 is shown as providing for the
horizontal travel of the support block 52, the guide way may be
otherwise oriented, for example as to permit motion in a vertical
plane or in a plane inclined relative to the horizontal or
vertical. Also, this embodiment, as is the case with all of the
other embodiments of this invention, may be implemented with
coupling members and guide members other than those shown
herein.
[0024] For example, the foregoing description has been directed to
exercise devices in which the second ends of the foot links
traverse a reciprocal path. The invention, as mentioned above, may
also be incorporated into devices in which the second ends of the
foot links travel in a non-reciprocal path. In such devices,
resilient or flexible linkages incorporated into the guide provide
the non-reciprocating path of travel and provide a foot motion
which follows an elliptical, modified elliptical or non-elliptical
path. The structure and function of the present invention, while
complementary to, is independent of, the motion provided to the
second ends of the foot links by the guide. Consequently, the
present invention may be used in conjunction with a number of
variously configured exercise devices.
[0025] Yet other embodiments of the present invention may be
implemented. For example, FIG. 5 depicts a portion of a frame 12
having an axle 16 rotatably supported thereupon by a retainer 14
which constitutes a journal bearing which in turn is supported on
the frame by a body of elastomeric material 58 disposed
therebetween. In this embodiment, the pivot axis A is free to move
in multiple directions relative to the frame 12. FIG. 6 depicts a
somewhat similar arrangement wherein a frame 12 has an axle 16
rotatably supported thereupon by a retainer 14 which in turn is
supported on the frame by a plurality of springs 60a-h.
[0026] As was detailed above, various embodiments of exercise
devices are known in the prior art; and while the present invention
has been described with reference to some specific types of
elliptical exercise devices, the principles of the present
invention may be readily incorporated into other exercise devices.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing drawings,
discussion and description are illustrative of specific embodiments
of the invention, but are not meant to be limitations upon the
practice thereof. It is the following claims, including all
equivalents, which define the scope of the invention.
* * * * *