U.S. patent application number 11/001098 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for total body elliptical exercise equipment with upper body monitoring.
This patent application is currently assigned to Precor, Inc.. Invention is credited to David E. Dyer, Robert Silbernagel, Jonathan M. Stewart.
Application Number | 20060116247 11/001098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35966002 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060116247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dyer; David E. ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Total body elliptical exercise equipment with upper body
monitoring
Abstract
An exercise device in accordance with the present invention
includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis, with the frame
having a rearward portion and a forward portion. A guide track and
a foot link are provided. The foot link includes a rearward portion
that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately
parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that
reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is provided
having a pivotal connection to the frame. The swing arm includes an
upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower
portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement
mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the lower portion of
the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the forward portion
of the foot link. A rearward force applied to the upper portion of
the swing arm produces a force on the forward portion of the foot
link having a downward component. A load monitoring mechanism is
positioned to monitor the load applied to the swing arm.
Inventors: |
Dyer; David E.; (Renton,
WA) ; Stewart; Jonathan M.; (Seattle, WA) ;
Silbernagel; Robert; (Sammamish, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Terence P. O'Brien;Precor, Inc.
8700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago
IL
60631
US
|
Assignee: |
Precor, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35966002 |
Appl. No.: |
11/001098 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2022/002 20130101;
A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 22/205 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101;
A63B 2230/42 20130101; A63B 2220/18 20130101; A63B 22/0023
20130101; A63B 2220/13 20130101; A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B
22/0664 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 2220/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. An elliptical exercise device, comprising: a frame; a foot link
having a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital
path and a forward portion; a swing arm having a pivotal connection
to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above
the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the
pivotal connection; an engagement mechanism having a first portion
coupled to the lower portion of the swing arm and a second portion
coupled to the forward portion of the foot link, such that a force
applied to the upper portion of the swing arm will produce a force
on the forward portion of the foot link; and a monitoring mechanism
positioned to monitor the load applied to the swing arm by a
user.
2. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
monitoring mechanism is positioned at the junction of the elongate
swing arm and the foot link.
3. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
monitoring mechanism comprises contactless position sensing
technology.
4. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
monitoring mechanism comprises a load cell.
5. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
engagement mechanism comprises a flexible member and the monitoring
mechanism is positioned to monitor the deflections on the flexible
member.
6. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
engagement mechanism comprises a rigid member and the monitoring
mechanism is positioned to monitor the load on the rigid
member.
7. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, further including a
left swing arm and right swing arm, a left foot link and right foot
link, a left engagement mechanism and right engagement mechanism,
and a left monitoring device and a right monitoring device.
8. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1 further including a
guide track, wherein the foot link includes at least one roller,
and the guide track has an upper surface that is adapted to
rollably receive the foot link roller and that reciprocally engages
the guide track.
9. The elliptical exercise device of claim 8, wherein the guide
track includes an elevated forward portion.
10. The elliptical exercise device of claim 8, wherein the swing
arm lower portion is disposed lower than the elevated forward
portion of the guide track.
11. The elliptical exercise device of claim 8, wherein the guide
tracks are mounted at an angled of inclination from horizontal.
12. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, further including a
frame comprising a longitudinal member, an upright member extending
upwardly from the longitudinal member and a transverse member
extending outwardly transversely from the upright member and
wherein the swing arm is pivotally connected to opposite portions
of the transverse member.
13. The elliptical exercise device of claim 12, wherein the frame
further comprises a plurality of balance arms depending downwardly
from the transverse member to provide support for the elliptical
exercise device.
14. The elliptical exercise device of claim 12 further comprising
an electronic view screen attached to the upright member for
displaying exercise information.
15. The elliptical exercise device of claim 14 further wherein
information from the load monitoring mechanism is displayed on the
electronic view screen.
16. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a
rearwardly disposed flywheel, wherein the foot link is rotationally
coupled to the flywheel with a crank arm assembly.
17. The elliptical exercise device of claim 1 further wherein
inherent inertial loads of the machine are calculated and then
subtracted from load measured at the arm link to more accurately
monitor the load being applied by the user.
18. An elliptical exercise device, comprising: a frame; a foot
link; a swing arm having a pivotal connection to the frame, the
swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal
connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal
connection; an engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled
to the lower portion of the swing arm and a second portion coupled
to the foot link; a monitoring mechanism positioned to monitor the
load applied to the swing arm; and an electronic view screen
attached to the frame for displaying exercise information,
including information from the monitoring mechanism.
19. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, wherein the
monitoring mechanism is positioned at the junction of the elongate
swing arm and the foot link.
20. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, wherein the
monitoring mechanism comprises contactless position sensing
technology.
21. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, wherein the
monitoring mechanism comprises a load cell.
22. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, wherein the
engagement mechanism comprises a flexible member and the monitoring
mechanism is positioned to monitor the deflections on the flexible
member.
23. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, wherein the
engagement mechanism comprises a rigid member and the monitoring
mechanism is positioned to monitor the load on the rigid
member.
24. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, wherein the foot
link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an
orbital path.
25. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, further including a
left swing arm and right swing arm, a left foot link and right foot
link, a left engagement mechanism and right engagement mechanism,
and a left load monitoring device and a right load monitoring
device.
26. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, further including a
guide track, wherein the foot link includes at least one roller,
and the guide track has an upper surface that is adapted to
rollably receive the foot link roller and that reciprocally engages
the guide track.
27. The elliptical exercise device of claim 25, wherein the guide
track includes an elevated forward portion.
28. The elliptical exercise device of claim 25, wherein the swing
arm lower portion is disposed lower than the elevated forward
portion of the guide track.
29. The elliptical exercise device of claim 25, wherein the guide
tracks are mounted at an angled of inclination from horizontal.
30. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, further including a
frame comprising a longitudinal member, an upright member extending
upwardly from the longitudinal member and a transverse member
extending outwardly transversely from the upright member and
wherein the swing arm is pivotally connected to opposite portions
of the transverse member.
31. The elliptical exercise device of claim 29, wherein the frame
further comprises a plurality of balance arms depending downwardly
from the transverse member to provide support for the elliptical
exercise device.
32. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, further comprising
a rearwardly disposed flywheel, wherein the foot link is
rotationally coupled to the flywheel with a crank arm assembly.
33. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18, further wherein a
processor cancels out an inertial load caused by the leg
movement.
34. The elliptical exercise device of claim 18 further wherein
inherent inertial loads of the machine are calculated and then
subtracted from load measured at the arm link to more accurately
monitor the load being applied by the user.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well
established. However, due to time constraints, inclement weather,
and other reasons, many people are prevented from aerobic
activities such as walking, jogging, running, and swimming. In
response, a variety of exercise equipment has been developed for
aerobic activity. It is generally desirable to exercise a large
number of different muscles over a significantly large range of
motion so as to provide for balanced physical development, to
maximize muscle length and flexibility, and to achieve optimum
levels of aerobic exercise. It is further advantageous for exercise
equipment to provide smooth and natural motion, thus avoiding
significant jarring and straining that can damage both muscles and
joints.
[0003] While various exercise systems are known in the prior art,
these systems suffer from a variety of shortcomings that limit
their benefits and/or include unnecessary risks and undesirable
features. For example, stationary bicycles are a popular exercise
system in the prior art; however, these machines employ a sitting
position that utilizes only a relatively small number of muscles,
through a fairly limited range of motion. Cross-country skiing
devices are also utilized to simulate the gliding motion of
cross-country skiing. While cross-country skiing devices exercise
more muscles than stationary bicycles, the substantially flat
shuffling foot motion provided by the ski devices limits the range
of motion of some of the muscles being exercised. Another type of
exercise device simulates stair climbing. These devices exercise
more muscles than stationary bicycles; however, the rather limited
range of up-and-down motion utilized does not exercise the user's
leg muscles through a large range of motion. Treadmills are still a
further type of exercise device in the prior art. Treadmills allow
natural walking or jogging motions in a relatively limited area. A
drawback of the treadmill, however, is that significant jarring of
the hip, knee, ankle and other joints of the body may occur through
use of this device.
[0004] A further limitation of a majority of exercise systems in
the prior art lies in the limits in the types of motions that they
can produce. Relatively new classes of exercise devices are capable
of producing elliptical motion. Exercise systems create elliptical
motion, as referred to herein, when the path traveled by a user's
feet while using the exercise system follows an arcuate or
ellipse-shaped path of travel. Elliptical motion is much more
natural and analogous to running, jogging, walking, etc., than the
linear-type, back and forth motions produced by some prior art
exercise equipment.
[0005] Exercise devices that can provide arm and shoulder motions
as well as arcuate foot motions are also desirable. Prior art
devices utilize arm and shoulder motions that are linked to foot
motions. These linked devices incorporate forced coordinated
motion, where the motions of a user's feet are linked to the
motions of a user's arms and shoulders. Thus, the user's feet are
forced to move in response to the movement of the user's arms and
shoulders (in substantially an equal and opposite amount), and vice
versa. One drawback to these linked devices lies in the ability of
the user during operation to unintentionally exert little or no
force on the arm apparatuses. The arm apparatus travel through a
given path regardless of whether the user is exerting any force on
the arm due to the force being exerted on the foot links. The
opposite drawback can also occur where too much force is exerted on
the arm apparatus, thereby diminishing the amount of force exerted
on the foot apparatuses.
[0006] What would thus be desirable is an exercise device that
provides for smooth natural action, exercises a relatively large
number of muscles through a large range of elliptical motion,
employs arm, shoulder, and rotational movement, and provides for
safety and stability. Such an exercise device would further inform
the user whether a proper or desired amount of arm and shoulder
force is being exerted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the
present invention provides for smooth natural action, exercises a
relatively large number of muscles through a large range of
elliptical motion, employs arm, shoulder and rotational movement,
and provides for safety and stability. An exercise device in
accordance with the principles of the present invention informs the
user whether a proper amount of arm and shoulder force is being
exerted.
[0008] An exercise device in accordance with the present invention
includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis, with the frame
having a rearward portion and a forward portion. A guide track and
a foot link are provided. The foot link includes a rearward portion
that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately
parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that
reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is provided
having a pivotal connection to the frame. The swing arm includes an
upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower
portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement
mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the lower portion of
the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the forward portion
of the foot link. A rearward force applied to the upper portion of
the swing arm produces a force on the forward portion of the foot
link having a downward component. A load monitoring mechanism is
positioned to monitor the load applied to the swing arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevated front perspective view of an
exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an elevated rear perspective view of the
exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion
of the exercise device of FIG. 1, which includes the abutment arm
and curved attachment link of the engagement assembly.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up side view of the exercise
device of FIG. 1, which includes the abutment arm and curved
attachment link of the engagement assembly.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed side view of the connection
between an upper body linkage and a lower body linkage of the
exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed front view of the connection
between an upper body linkage and a lower body linkage of the
exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed, cut-away side view of one
embodiment of the sensing means of the exercise device of FIG.
1.
[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a further detailed, cut-away side
view of the embodiment of the sensing means of FIG. 8 depicting the
applied forces.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic of a system for controlling and
coordinating a desired workout level in accordance with the
principles of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates an elevated front perspective view of an
alternative exercise device in accordance with the principles of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of an exercise device 10
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention that exercises both the upper and lower body in
associated motion. Briefly described, the exerciser 10 includes a
frame 12 that has a forward upright member 20. The forward upright
member 20 extends upwardly and curves slightly rearward from a
substantially horizontal, longitudinal central member 14 of the
frame 12. Left and right axle mounts 30, 32 extend upwardly towards
the rear region of the frame 12. The axle mounts 30, 32 support a
transverse axle 34 that is preferably operatively connected to a
flywheel 36. The left and right ends of the transverse axle 34
rotatably engage left and right crank arm assemblies 40, 50. Left
and right foot links 60, 70 each include a forward portion 62, 72,
a rearward portion 64, 74, and a foot support portion 66, 76 there
between. The rearward portions 64, 74 of the foot links 60, 70
engage the crank arm assemblies 40, 50 such that the foot support
portion 66, 76 of the foot links travel in an arcuate reciprocal
path as the transverse axle 34 rotates.
[0023] The forward portions 62, 72 of the foot links 60, 70
preferably are supported by rollers 68, 78, which engage guide
tracks 42, 52 that are mounted to the frame 12. In one embodiment
of the present invention, the guide tracks can be statically
mounted to the frame 12. In an alternative embodiment, the guide
tracks can incorporate a mechanism such as a motor (not shown) and
a lead screw (not shown) for selectively adjusting the inclination
of the guide tracks. The forward portions 62, 72 of the foot links
60, 70 are operatively connected to engagement assemblies 100, 110,
which in turn are operatively connected to the coupling regions 86,
96 of left and right swing arm mechanisms 80, 90, respectively. The
swing arm mechanisms 80, 90 are rotatably connected to the forward
upright member 20 of the frame 12 at their respective pivot points
84, 94. The swing arm mechanisms 80, 90 further contain left and
right hand-gripping portions 82, 92. Each engagement assembly 100,
110 includes an abutment arm 106, 116, and a curved attachment link
104, 114, which together prevent the derailment of the foot link
rollers 68, 78 from the guide tracks 42, 52.
[0024] More particularly, the frame 12 includes the longitudinal
central member 14 that terminates at forward and rearward portion
portions 16, 18. Preferably, the forward portion 16 of the frame 12
simply terminates at the end of the longitudinal central member 14,
while the rearward portion 18 terminates as a relatively shorter
transverse member. Ideally, but not essentially, the frame 12 is
composed of tubular members that are relatively light in weight but
that provide substantial strength and rigidity. The frame 12 may
also be composed of solid members that provide the requisite
strength and rigidity while maintaining a relatively
lightweight.
[0025] The forward upright member 20 extends upwardly and slightly
rearward from the forward portion 16 of the floor-engaging frame
12. Preferably, the upright member 20 is slightly rearward curved;
however, the forward member 20 may be configured at other upward
angles without departing from the scope of the present invention. A
relatively short, transversely oriented crossbar member 22 is
connected to the forward upright member 20. Left and right balance
arms 24, 26 depend downwardly from each end of the crossbar member
22 to engage the floor on each side of the longitudinal central
member 14 near the forward portion of the exercise device 10,
thereby increasing stability. Ideally, but not essentially, these
members are composed of a material similar to that described above,
and are formed in quasi-circular tubular configurations.
[0026] Preferably, a view screen 28 is securely connected to the
upper portion of the forward upright member 20, at an orientation
that is easily viewable to a user of the device 10. Instructions
for operating the device as well as courses being traveled may be
located on the view screen 24 in an exemplary embodiment. In some
embodiments of the present invention, electronic devices may be
incorporated into the exerciser device 10 such as timers,
odometers, speedometers, heart rate indicators, energy expenditure
recorders, controls, etc. This information may be routed to the
view screen 28 for ease of viewing for a user of the device 10.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the axle mounts
30, 32 are located toward the rearward portion 18 of the frame 12.
The axle mounts 30, 32 are attached to the frame 12 and extend
approximately upward from the substantially horizontal,
longitudinal central member 14. The transverse axle 34 is rotatably
housed in the upper region of the axle mounts 30, 32. These regions
of the axle mounts 30, 32, which house the ends of the transverse
axle 34, contain low friction engaging systems (not shown), such as
bearing systems, to allow the transverse axle 34 to rotate with
little resistance within the housing in the axle mounts 30, 32.
[0028] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
the transverse axle 34 connects to a flywheel 36 contained within a
center housing 38. Such flywheels are known in the art. However, in
other embodiments, the transverse axle 34 may not incorporate a
flywheel 36 and/or central housing 38, without departing from the
scope of the present invention (provided that the foot links 60, 70
are coupled to one another in some fashion, albeit directly or
indirectly). The transverse axle 34 may also be operatively
connected to a capstan-type drive (not shown) in some embodiments,
to allow the axle 34 to rotate in only one direction.
[0029] The elliptical motion exerciser 10 further contains
longitudinally extending left and right foot links 60, 70. As shown
in FIGS. 1-3, the foot links 60, 70 are illustrated in the shape of
elongated, relatively thin beams. The foot links 60, 70 are aligned
in approximately parallel relationship with the longitudinal
central member 14 of the frame 12. The foot support portions 66, 76
are positioned near the forward portion of the foot links 60, 70,
and provide stable foot placement locations for the user of the
device. In some exemplary embodiments the foot support portions 66,
76 are configured to form toe straps and/or toe and heel cups (not
shown) which aid in forward motion recovery at the portion of a
rearward or forward striding motion of a user's foot.
[0030] Left and right crank arm assemblies 40, 50 couple the
rearward portions 64, 74 of the foot links 60, 70 to the ends of
the transverse axle 34. In one embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIGS. 1-3, the crank arm assemblies 40, 50 are comprised
of single left and right crank arm members. In this exemplary
embodiment the proximal portions of the crank arm members 40, 50
engage the ends of the transverse axle 34, while the distal
portions of the crank arm members 40, 50 are rotatably connected to
the rearward portions 64, 74 of the foot links 60, 70. In this
configuration, the rearward portions 64, 74 of the foot links 60,
70 orbit about the transverse axle 34 as the axle rotates, and the
foot support portions 66, 76 of the foot links 60, 70 travel in a
reciprocal, elliptical path of motion; however, the elliptical path
of the foot support portions 66, 76, and indeed the motion of the
entire foot links 60, 70 can be altered into any number of
configurations by changing the composition or dimensions of the
crank arm assemblies 40, 50. For example, the length of the single
left and right crank arms shown in FIG. 1 can be lengthened or
shortened to modify the path of the foot links 60, 70. Further, the
left and right crank arm assemblies 40, 50 can be composed of
multiple crank arm member linkages to alter the path of travel of
the foot links 60, 70 in a wide variety of aspects.
[0031] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the
rearward portions 64, 74 of the foot links 60, 70 are rotationally
connected directly to a flywheel which functions to couple the foot
links 60, 70 to a pivot axis (equivalent to the axis of the
transverse axle 34) and permit rotation thereabout. In this
embodiment, the flywheel is preferably a double flywheel that
supports rotation about a central axis. Various mechanical
arrangements may be employed to embody the crank arm assemblies 40,
50 in operatively connecting the foot links 60, 70 to each other.
Such variations may include a larger flywheel, a smaller flywheel,
or may eliminate the flywheel entirely and incorporate a cam system
with connecting linkage, provided that the foot links are coupled
so as to permit an arcuate path of travel by the foot support
portions 66, 76 of the foot links 60, 70.
[0032] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 4-5, the exerciser device 10
further contains left and right guide tracks 42, 52. The guide
tracks 42, 52 can be completely separate members, or can be part of
one single connected unit (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The guide
tracks 42, 52 attach to the longitudinal central member 14 of the
frame 12 at an angled inclination. In one embodiment, the angle of
inclination is approximately 30 degrees. Preferably, the upper
surface of the guide tracks 42, 52 is shaped to contain two
longitudinally extending, adjacent engagement grooves 44, 54. These
engagement grooves 44, 54 give the upper surface of the guide
tracks 42, 52 a generally "W-shaped" cross-sectional configuration.
The engagement grooves 44, 54 are specifically sized and shaped to
correspondingly mate with the rollers 68, 78 of the foot links 60,
70 in order to assist in the lateral containment of the rollers 68,
78 on the guide tracks. In addition, the lower surface of the guide
tracks 42, 52 preferably contain longitudinally extending
stabilizing troughs 46, 56 (see FIG. 4).
[0033] The left and right forward portions 62, 72 of the foot links
60, 70 terminate in left and right engagement rollers 68, 78. The
left and right engagement rollers 68, 78 ride along the
above-described grooves 44, 54 of the guide tracks 42, 52.
Preferably, the engagement rollers 68, 78 are actually pairs of
rollers. The engagement rollers 68, 78 rotate about axles that are
affixed to the forward portions 62, 72 of the foot links 60, 70.
During use of the exercise device 10, the engagement rollers 68, 78
at the front of the foot links 60, 70 translate back and forth the
length of the guide tracks 42, 52 in rolling engagement within the
grooves 44, 54, as the foot support portions 66, 76 of the foot
links 60, 70 travel in an arcuate path of motion, and the rearward
portions 64, 74 of the foot links 60, 70 rotate about the
transverse axle 34. In an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, the engagement rollers 68, 78 could be replaced with
sliding engagement mechanisms without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, left and right engagement assemblies
100, 110 operatively connect the forward portions 62, 72 of the
foot links 60, 70 to the coupling regions 86, 96 of swing arm
mechanisms 80, 90. Preferably, each of the engagement assemblies
100, 110 includes a curved attachment link 104, 114, and an
abutment arm 106, 116. In alternate embodiments, either more or
fewer members can be utilized to produce the engagement assemblies
100, 110 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In an exemplary embodiment, the abutment arms 106, 116 each have an
abutment knob 108, 118. The abutment knobs 108, 118 are designed to
withstand intermittent contact with the stabilizing troughs 46, 56
on the lower surface of the guide tracks 42, 52 during use of the
exercise device 10.
[0035] In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the
engagement assemblies 100, 110 could be configured such that the
abutment knobs 108, 118 were located on the curved attachment links
104, 114 (or the abutment knobs could be deleted altogether),
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further,
depending on the exact configuration and number of links utilized
in the engagement assemblies 100, 110, the curved attachment links
104, 114 may not even be curved, but rather may be linear
attachment links. Each curved attachment link 104, 114 is rotatably
coupled to an abutment arm 106, 116. Each curved attachment link
104, 114 is fixedly secured to the forward portion 62, 72 of a foot
link 60, 70, and each abutment arm 106, 116 is rotatably coupled to
the coupling region 86, 96 of a swing arm mechanism 80, 90.
[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the exerciser device 10
contains left and right swing arm mechanisms 80, 90. Respectively,
each swing arm mechanism 80, 90 contains a hand-gripping portion
82, 92, a pivot point 84, 94, and a coupling region 86, 96. The
coupling regions 86, 96 of the swing arm mechanisms 80, 90
rotatably connect to the engagement assemblies 100, 110, and in
turn to the foot support portions 66, 76 of the foot links 60, 70.
The pivot points 84, 94 rotatably secure the swing arm mechanisms
80, 90 to each end of the crossbar member 22 of the frame 12. The
coupling regions 86, 96 of the swing arm mechanisms 80, 90 are
described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 6-10.
[0037] The hand-gripping portions 82, 92 of the swing arm
mechanisms 80, 90 are grasped by the hands of the individual user,
and allow upper body arm and shoulder exercising motions to be
incorporated in conjunction with the reciprocal, elliptical
exercising motion traced out by the user's feet. As can be more
readily understood with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the linking of the
swing arm mechanisms 80, 90 to the foot links 60, 70, via the
engagement assemblies 100, 110, and the rotational securing of the
swing arm mechanisms 80, 90 to the forward upright member 20 of the
frame 12 at the pivot points 84, 94, results in generally rearward,
arcuate motion of a hand-gripping portion being correspondingly
linked to a generally forward, arcuate motion of a respective foot
support portion, and vice versa.
[0038] An alternative exemplary exercise device that can
incorporate the principles of the present invention is set forth in
FIG. 12. The exercise device includes a frame 712 having a pivot
axis, X, defined therein, as for example by a shaft passing
through, and supported by the frame 712. In this exemplary
embodiment, the shaft has a flywheel 718 supported thereupon for
rotation about the pivot axis X. The exercise device further
includes a first and second bell crank 720, 722 pivotally mounted
for rotation about the axis X. First and second foot links, 724,
726 are provided. The foot links 724, 726 are generally elongated
members having a first portion pivotally connected to the bell
cranks 722, 720 in such a manner so as to permit travel of the
first portions of the foot links 724 and 726 in an arcuate path of
travel about the pivot axis X at a predetermined length
corresponding to the length of the bell cranks 720, 722.
[0039] A pair of arm links 764 and 766 are provided. Each arm link
764, 766 is pivotally supported by the frame 712 at support point
768. The arm links 764, 766 are also pivotally coupled to the ends
724'', 726'' of the foot links 724, 726. As indicated by phantom
line Y, pivoting of the arm links 764, 766 about the support point
768 causes the second ends 724'', 726'' of the foot links 724, 726
to reciprocate along the curved path Y. The arm links 764, 766 also
include handle portions 764a, 766a associated therewith. These
handle portions may be configured to be gripped by a user and,
during the operation of the device they also reciprocate, thereby
providing upper body exercise.
[0040] In an exercise device such as the present invention, where
the swing arm mechanisms are operatively associated with the foot
links, there is a tendency for the user to exert little or no force
on the upper body linkages (upper portions of the swing arm
mechanisms 80 and 90 or the arm links 764 and 766). This is because
the upper body linkages travel through a given path regardless of
whether the user is exerting any force on the arm due to the force
being exerted on the lower body linkages. In many instances, this
occurs inadvertently. The opposite drawback can also occur where
too much force is exerted on the upper body linkages, thereby
diminishing the amount of force exerted on the lower body
linkages.
[0041] An exercise device that is constructed in accordance with
the present invention addresses these concerns and results in a
device that effectively informs the user whether a proper or
desired amount of arm and shoulder force is being exerted.
Referring to FIGS. 6-10, detailed views of the connection (or
coupling) between an upper body linkage (swing arm mechanism 90)
and a lower body linkage (foot link 70 through attachment link 114
and abutment arm 116) of the exercise device of the present
invention is seen. The linkage includes a load monitoring mechanism
122 that is capable of measuring the load being exerted on at least
one of the swing arm mechanisms 80, 90. In one embodiment, the load
monitoring mechanism 122 comprises a flexible member 124 having a
motion sensor 126 monitoring the movement caused by the load
exerted by the user on at least one of the swing arm mechanisms 80,
90. The flexible member 124 can be made of high flex plastic
material such as, for example, an acetal-type plastic material.
Alternatively, spring steel or any conventional spring-type
material or any material that is stiff enough to support the
connection, but still can flex under load can be utilized. By
calibrating the movement or deflection of the flexible member 124
to measured loads on the swing arm mechanism 80, 90, the movement
or deflection of the flexible member 124 can be translated into the
load being exerted on the swing arm mechanism 80, 90.
[0042] In one embodiment, the motion sensor 126 is a Sensopad.TM.
system available from Sensopad Technologies, Ltd. of Cambridge,
U.K. and the subject of UK Patent Application No. GB 2374424 filed
on Jul. 31, 2002. The Sensopad.TM. system is a contactless position
sensing technology in which a Sensopad.TM. pad detects the position
and identity of a Sensopad.TM. puck 128 (best seen in FIGS. 8-10).
The Sensopad.TM. puck 128 is made of an inductor and a capacitor
that make up a resonant LC electronic circuit imbedded into the
flexible member 124. The Sensopad.TM. pad 130 includes drive and
receive coils and has transmit and receive signals. The pad 130
senses the puck 128 and the geometry of the pad 130 determines the
sensing directions of the system. The Sensopad.TM. electronics send
the signal to the pad, for example by an electric wire 132, which
interrogate the puck 128 and monitors the signals coming back from
the pad 128, turning these signals into data that is sent to the
exercise device microprocessor by an electronic connection. This
electronic connection can be via wires or alternatively, by a
wireless date transmitter.
[0043] In operation, the transmit circuit is driven with an
alternative current provided by Sensopad.TM. electronics. This
generates an alternative electromagnetic field in the space above
and below the pad. If the frequency is close to the resonant
frequency of the puck, then the puck couples energy from the drive
and resonates. The puck re-emits this energy, due to the inherent
loss in the resonant circuit, producing its own alternative
electromagnetic field at the same frequency, which the receive
circuit picks up. From this, the electronics calculates the
identity and position of the puck.
[0044] In alternative embodiments, different types of force
transducers can be utilized to measure loads on the swing arm
mechanism. For example, a load cell can be utilized pursuant to
which member 124 can be rigid. Load cells convert force or weight
into an electrical signal. The load cell includes a strain gage.
The strain gage changes resistance when it is stressed. The gages
can be made of an ultra-thin heat-treated metallic foil that is
chemically bonded to a thin dielectric layer. "Gage patches" are
then mounted to the strain element with specially formulated
adhesives. Each gage patch consists of one or more fine wires
cemented to the surface of a beam, ring, or column (the strain
element) within the load cell. As the surface to which the gage is
attached becomes strained, the wires stretch or compress changing
their resistance proportional to the applied load. One or more
strain gages are used in the making of a load cell. Multiple strain
gages are connected to create the four legs of a Wheatstone-bridge
electronic circuit configuration. When an input voltage is applied
to the Wheatstone-bridge, the output becomes a voltage proportional
to the force on the cell. This output can be amplified and
processed by the exercise device microprocessor. Of course, other
components capable of detecting movement, deflections and/or loads
can alternatively be utilized. By way of further example,
Hall-effect sensors based on Hall-effect technology could be
utilized.
[0045] In additional embodiments, still further position sensing
technologies (in addition to the Sensopad.TM. system and a load
cell) can be used in a flexible beam design. For example, optical
sensors (reflective or transmissive), magnetostrictive sensors,
hall effect (magnetic field) sensors, capacitive sensors or simple
potentiometer/resistive sensors can be used. In addition, the
flexible beam and displacement sensor can be replaced with either a
strain-gauge or piezoelectric load cell. The principles of the
present invention therefore apply to any means that can be used for
monitoring the force applied by the upper body.
[0046] By measuring the load in the upper body linkage, the
exercise device can display a percentage of effort or of relative
effort being put out by the user on the upper body verses the lower
body. The exercise device can also inform the user if the user is
pushing only, pulling only or the effort variations between push
and pull efforts. By utilizing this information, the exercise
device can provide feedback to the user by displaying upper body
involvement levels, provide interval training for the upper body,
and encourage the user to increase or decrease the upper body
involvement to ensure efficient and safe use of the exercise
device. In addition, utilizing the principles of the present
invention the ratio of load being exerted on the upper body with
respect to the lower body can be determined and displayed to the
user. This information can be routed to the view screen 28 for ease
of viewing for a user of the device 10.
[0047] A system is provided for controlling the exercise equipment
electronics is provided. In one embodiment, the system for
controlling and coordinating the angle of inclination of the guide
tracks 42, 52, the resistance applied to the rotation of the
flywheels 24 to achieve a desired workout level, and for monitoring
and measuring the load in the upper body linkage (swing arm
mechanisms 80 and 90) is illustrated schematically in FIG. 11. A
physical workout parameter, e.g., user's heart rate, is monitored
by a sensor 186. An electrical signal, typically analog in nature,
related to the user's heart rate is generated. Various types of
heart rate monitors are available, including chest worn monitors,
ear lobe monitors and finger monitors. The output from the monitor
186 is routed through an analog to digital interface 188, through
controller 190 and to a central processing unit (CPU) 192, ideally
located within display panel 28. In addition to, or in lieu of, the
user's heart rate, other physical parameters of the exerciser may
be utilized, including respiratory rate, age, weight, sex, etc.
[0048] The exercise control system of the present invention
includes an alternating current power inlet 194 connectable to a
standard amperage AC 110 volt power supply. The power inlet 194 is
routed to a transformer 196 and then on to the brake system 40 and
the display panel 74. Typically, the height adjustment mechanism
utilizes AC power, and thus, is not connected to the transformer
196. The height adjustment mechanism can include a sensing system
147 to sense the angle of inclination of the guide tracks 42, 52.
This information is routed through the analog to digital interface
188, through controller 190 and to the CPU 192. The rotational
speeds of each of the flywheels can also be monitored by sensors
180, with this information is transmitted to the CPU through the
analog to digital interface 188 and controller 190. The load in the
upper body linkage is monitored and measured by load monitoring
mechanism including the sensor 124, with this information
transmitted to the CPU through the analog to digital interface 188
and controller 190. Thus, during use the CPU can be apprised of the
heart rate or other physical parameter of the exerciser being
sensed by sensor 186, the angle of inclination of the guide tracks
42, 52, the speeds of the flywheels, and the load in the upper body
linkage. This information, and/or related information, may be
displayed to the exerciser through display 28.
[0049] In addition, various information can be loaded into and
utilized by the CPU in conjunction with the load in the upper body
linkage. For example, one area of error in measuring the upper body
loads could occur from an inertial load caused by the leg movement.
In one embodiment, the inertial load on the upper body linkages can
be measured at the factory at various revolutions per minute (RPMs)
to ascertain what the inertial load on the upper body linkages is
at various speeds. This data can be loaded into and utilized by the
CPU to cancel out any initial effect on the readings on the upper
body linkage during usage. By way of additional example, data
regarding the weight of the arms of individuals based on user
weight, sex, height, etc. can be stored in the CPU and utilized by
the CPU to more accurately determine the load on the upper body
linkage during usage.
[0050] Further, through the present invention, a desired workout
level may be maintained through the control system. For instance,
certain parameters may be inputted through the keypad 80 by the
exerciser, such as age, height, and sex, to achieve a desired heart
rate range during exercise. Alternatively, the desired heart rate
range may be directly entered by the exerciser. Other parameters
may or may not be inputted by the exerciser, such as the desired
speed of the flywheel corresponding to cycles per minute of the
foot links and/or inclination of the guide tracks 42, 52. With this
information, the control system of the present invention can adjust
the braking systems and/or the height adjustment mechanism to
achieve the desired workout level.
[0051] It is to be understood that various courses or workout
regimes may be preprogrammed into the CPU 192 or designed by the
user to reflect various parameters, including a desired
cardiovascular range, type of stepping action, etc. The control
system thereupon will control the brake system as well as the
height adjustment mechanism to correspond to the desired workout
regime.
[0052] To use the present device, the user stands on the foot
support portions 66, 76 and grasps the hand-gripping portions 82,
92. The user imparts a forward stepping motion on one of the foot
support portion, thereby causing the transverse axle 34 to rotate
in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the right side as shown
in FIG. 1), due to the crank arm assemblies 40, 50 coupling the
motion of the foot links 60, 70 to the rotation of the transverse
axle 34. In conjunction with the lower body action, the user also
imparts a substantially forward pushing motion on one of the
hand-gripping portions and a substantially rearward pulling motion
on the other hand-gripping portion. Due to the rotatable connection
of the coupling regions 86, 96 of the swing arm mechanisms 80, 90
to the forward portions 62, 72 of the foot links 60, 70 (via the
engagement assemblies), and the rotational securing of the swing
arm mechanisms 80, 90 to the forward upright member 20 of the frame
12 at their pivot points 84, 94, each hand-gripping portion moves
forward as its respective foot support portion moves rearward, and
vice versa.
[0053] The foot links 60, 70 are attached to the transverse axle 34
by the crank arm assemblies 40, 50 such that one foot support
portion moves substantially forward as the other foot support
portion moves substantially rearward. In this same fashion one
hand-gripping portion moves forward as the other hand-gripping
portion moves rearward (e.g., when the left hand-gripping portion
82 moves forward, the left foot support portion 66 moves rearward,
while the right foot support portion 76 moves forward and the right
hand-gripping portion 92 moves rearward). Therefore, the user can
begin movement of the entire foot link and swing arm mechanism
linkage by moving any foot support portion or hand-gripping
portion, or preferably by moving all of them together.
[0054] While the invention has been described with specific
embodiments, other alternatives, modifications and variations will
be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the
exemplary embodiment described herein places the load monitoring
mechanism at the junction of the connection between an upper body
linkage and a lower body linkage such load monitoring could occur
at different locations. Accordingly, it will be intended to include
all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *