U.S. patent application number 11/338788 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for elliptical step mechanism.
Invention is credited to John M. Rogus.
Application Number | 20060189446 11/338788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36913488 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060189446 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogus; John M. |
August 24, 2006 |
Elliptical step mechanism
Abstract
In an exercise apparatus that includes a frame that is adapted
for placement on the floor, a pivot axle supported by the frame, a
pedal lever and a pedal, a mechanism is provided that allows the
pedal to be selectively moved by a user relative to the pedal lever
in order to produce a variety of elliptical paths. As a result, by
varying the pedal position relative to the pedal lever, the
corresponding elliptical path of the pedal can be changed, for
example, relative to a fixed, horizontal plane, such as the floor,
to simulate an uphill, horizontal or downhill gait.
Inventors: |
Rogus; John M.; (Skokie,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael B. McMurry
1210 Astor Street
Chicago
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
36913488 |
Appl. No.: |
11/338788 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60648100 |
Jan 31, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 ;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2022/067 20130101;
A63B 2022/002 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101;
A63B 22/0015 20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 ;
482/057 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04; A63B 22/06 20060101 A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a pivot axel
rotatably supported by said frame; a pedal lever having a first and
a second end; a first assembly engaged with said pedal lever to
permit said first end of said pedal lever to move in a generally
linear direction; a second assembly including a member secured to
said pivot axel engaged with said pedal lever to permit said second
end of said pedal lever to move in a generally circular or
elliptical motion with respect to said pivot axel; and a pedal
mounting mechanism including a pedal movably secured to said pedal
lever such that said pedal is selectively positionable in at least
a first position and in a second position along the length of said
pedal lever.
2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pedal
mounting mechanism includes an actuator secured to said pedal lever
and said pedal being effective to move said pedal from said first
position to said second position.
3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pedal
travels in a generally elliptical path and when said pedal is in
said first position said elliptical path has a different
orientation than when said pedal is in said second position.
4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first
position of said pedal results in a generally inclined orientation
of said elliptical path.
5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second
position on said pedal lever results in a generally horizontal
orientation of said elliptical path of said pedal.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first assembly
includes a rocker arm pivotally attached to said frame and wherein
said second end of said pedal lever is pivotally attached to said
rocker arm.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein in said second
assembly said member is a crank arm secured to said pivot axel.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second assembly
includes a roller rotationally secured to said crank arm and
supporting said pedal lever.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 wherein said actuator is a
linear actuator.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 additionally including a
console and a processor operatively connected to said actuator and
said console having a data input center wherein said processor is
effective to move said pedal from said first position to said
second position in response to a user input to said data input
center.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 wherein said data input
center includes a stride incline switch.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 wherein said console
includes a display for displaying the position of said pedal on
said pedal lever.
13. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a pivot axle
supported by said frame; a pedal lever; a first assembly for
connecting a first portion of said pedal lever to said pivot axle;
a second assembly for connecting a second portion of said pedal
lever to said frame; a pedal moveably mounted to said pedal lever;
and a mechanism including an actuator for selectively moving said
pedal to a plurality of positions on said pedal lever including a
first position and a second position such that said pedal travels
along a substantially inclined elliptical path when said pedal is
in said first position and along a substantially horizontal
elliptical path when said pedal is in said second position.
14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said
actuator is a linear actuator fixedly coupled to said pedal lever,
said pedal being operably coupled to a portion of said linear
actuator to permit said selectable movement of said pedal on said
pedal lever.
15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said
substantially inclined elliptical path generally simulates an
uphill gait.
16. The exercise apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said
substantially horizontal elliptical path generally simulates a
horizontal gait.
17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 13 additionally
including user controls and a processor operatively connected to
said actuator and said user controls thereby permitting a user to
selectively move said pedal between said first position and said
second position.
18. The exercise apparatus according to claim 17 additionally
including a display for displaying the position of said pedal on
said pedal lever.
19. the exercise apparatus according to claim 17 additionally
including a display for displaying the incline of said elliptical
path.
20. An exercise apparatus comprising: means, including a pedal
mounted on a pedal lever, for generating an elliptical motion of
said foot pedal; and means for selectively moving said pedal on
said pedal lever to alter said elliptical motion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to exercise
equipment and, more particularly, to exercise equipment which can
be used to provide a user with an elliptical step exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are a number of different types of exercise
apparatuses that exercise a user's lower body by providing a
generally elliptical stepping motion. These elliptical stepping
apparatuses provide advantages over other types of exercise
apparatuses. For example, the elliptical stepping motion generally
reduces shock on the user's knees as can occur when a treadmill is
used. In addition, elliptical stepping apparatuses tend to produce
a more natural foot motion than certain other types of exercise
equipment. Examples of elliptical stepping apparatuses include U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,316,898; 5,242,343; 5,383,829; 5,499,956; 5,685,804;
5,759,136; 5,762,588; 5,779,599; 5,792,026; 5,899,833, 6,099,439
and 6,217,486.
[0003] However, known elliptical stepping exercise apparatuses
suffer from various drawbacks. For example, some apparatuses are
limited to certain predetermined elliptical paths and thus are
limited to certain foot motions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore it is one object of the invention to provide
an elliptical stepping exercise apparatus that can be adjusted to
vary the elliptical path of a foot supporting member.
[0005] Another object of the invention is to provide an elliptical
stepping apparatus that can be adjusted to the individual needs and
desires of different users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the left hand portion
of an elliptical step apparatus employing the preferred embodiment
of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 provides a side view of the present invention
illustrating an inclined, a neutral, and a declined elliptical
pedal path for 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree.
crank orientations;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a combined schematic and block diagram of the
preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front view of a console for use with the
apparatus of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an example of an elliptical step apparatus 10
which provides an illustrative environment for describing the
invention. It will be appreciated that the invention can be used in
many other elliptical step mechanisms such as the mechanisms
described in the patents listed above. For simplicity, FIG. 1
provides a perspective view of the components of the left portion
of the apparatus 10, although it is to be understood, that the
right portion of the apparatus 10 would include like components
that operate in a like fashion.
[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the representative elliptical step
apparatus 10 includes a frame, shown generally at 12. The frame 12
includes a set of vertical support members 14, 16A, and 16B, that
are secured to a longitudinal support member 18. The frame 12
further includes a pair of members 20 and 22 that are also secured
to the longitudinal support member 18 and are configured for
placement on a floor 24 or other generally horizontal support
surface. The apparatus 10 further includes a rocker 30, a pedal 32,
a pedal actuation assembly indicated at 34 and a resistance
assembly indicated. In this example of an elliptical step
apparatus, the motion controlling assembly 36 includes a pulley 38
mounted for rotation on an axel 40 along with resistive force and
control components including an alternator 42 of the type described
in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,486. Also in this example 10
of an elliptical step apparatus, the pedal actuation assembly 34
includes a pedal lever 44 and a stroke link 46 connected to the
pedal 32 at one end and connected to an extension arm 48 at the
other end. In addition the pedal actuation assembly 34 includes,
and a crank member 50 having the extension arm 48 attached to its
distal end and rotatable around the axel 40 with a roller 52 also
mounted for rotation on its distal end for supporting the rearward
portion of the pedal lever 44. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the crank
50 is pivotally coupled between pivot axle 40 and the roller 48 in
a manner similar to that disclosed in the aforementioned '486
Patent. In this embodiment 10, the rocker 30 provides a generally
linear or horizontal movement to the forward end of the pedal lever
44 and the pedal actuation assembly 34 provides a vertical as well
as horizontal motion to the rearward end of the pedal lever 44
resulting in a generally elliptical foot path for the pedal 32 with
its major axis generally parallel to the floor 24. This type of
motion can be achieved by other arrangements such as having the
first end of the pedal lever move along a linear or curved track.
By the same token, a pedal actuation assembly can include a variety
of other mechanical arrangements to achieve motion of the rearward
end of the pedal lever 44 in a generally elliptical or circular
motion with respect to the pivot axel 40 including simply
connecting of this end of the pedal lever 44 directly to the crank
52.
[0012] In order to provide a method of repositioning the pedal 32
on the pedal lever 44, the preferred embodiment of exercise
apparatus 10 includes a mechanism for selectively moving the pedal
32 into different positions along the length of the pedal lever 44.
As shown if FIG. 1, the each side of the pedal 32 is configured
with a pair of downwardly extending brackets 54 effective to retain
the pedal 32 on an upper planar 56 surface of the pedal lever 34
while permitting the pedal 32 to move forward and aft along the
pedal lever 44. In this embodiment of the invention, an actuator
assembly 58 is secured to the pedal lever 44 and the pedal 32. In
this arrangement, the actuator assembly 58 includes a shaft 60
secured at each end to the pedal lever 44 and a linear motor
mounted 62 on the shaft 60 and attached to the pedal bracket 54. It
should be noted that the actuator assembly 58 can be located on
either side as well as the top or bottom of the pedal lever 44
depending upon the characteristics of a particular design of the
apparatus 10. The linear actuators 62 are coupled to the pedals 32
such that the pedal 32 can be moved along the upper surface 56 of
the pedal lever 44 between an aft position, see the foot path
ellipse A in FIG. 2; an intermediate position, see the foot path
ellipse B in FIG. 2; and a forward position, see the foot path
ellipse C in FIG. 2. Each of these various positions can produce a
modified elliptical path capable of simulating a downhill, neutral,
or an uphill gait.
[0013] In this particular mechanism 10, the stroke link 46 is
pivotally interconnected between pedal 32 and crank 50 and has a
fixed length. Accordingly, as pedal 32 is placed in different
locations along the top of the pedal lever 34 by the actuator
mechanism 58, the corresponding shape of the elliptical path
traversed by the pedal 32 will be substantially the same for each
position but the major axis of the ellipse will be in either an
inclined position, an intermediate position, or a declined position
with respect to the floor 24. This variation in the elliptical path
of pedal 32 is illustrated by the ellipses A, B and C in FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 2 provides an illustration of an arrangement producing
the elliptical path A generally inclined upwardly with respect to
the floor 24. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows exercise apparatus 10 in
one of four stages of rotation--the crank 50 at 0.degree.,
90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree.. As can be seen for
ellipse A, the pedal 32 is positioned in a far aft position
relative to the pedal lever 44. In other words, the actuator
mechanism 58 has moved the pedal 32 rearward. Because stroke link
46 is a fixed length, this movement of the pedal 32 rearward causes
the pedal lever 44 to be driven forward and the rocker 30 in a
clockwise direction. A consequence of varying the relative geometry
of the system is a tilted elliptical path. As can be seen in FIG.
2, a generally elliptical path A is traversed by the foot pedal 32
throughout the cycle. The major axis of the elliptical path A is
inclined to the upwardly and thus serves to simulate an uphill
gait.
[0015] FIG. 2 Illustrates an arrangement producing the generally
horizontal elliptical path B. Here, the pedal 32 is positioned in
an intermediate position relative on the pedal lever 44. In other
words, the actuator mechanism 58 has moved the pedal 32 to an
intermediate position between its rearward and forward positions.
Again because stroke link 46 is a fixed length, this movement of
the pedal 32 forward causes the pedal lever 44 to be driven to a
neutral position and the rocker 30 in a counter-clockwise direction
relative to the aforementioned "inclined". A consequence of varying
the relative geometry of the system is that the elliptical path B
has a modified orientation. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the
elliptical path B is traverses throughout the cycle. The elliptical
path B is less-inclined than that described in connection with the
elliptical path A and serves to simulate a horizontal gait. In
other words, the major axis of the elliptical path B is generally
parallel to a horizontal plane or the floor 24.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows an arrangement producing an elliptical path C
that is tilted downwardly with respect to the floor 24. As
illustrated, the pedal 32 is positioned in a forward position on
the pedal lever 44, that is, the actuator assembly 58 has been used
to move the pedal 32 to its most forward position. As before, a
consequence of this varying of the relative geometry of the system
is the elliptical path C. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the elliptical
path C is declined to the left in the figure and serves to simulate
a downhill gait. In other words, the major axis of the elliptical
path C is declined relative to a horizontal plane.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a combined schematic and block diagram that
provides a further illustration of the invention and a preferred
method of operation. The mechanical portions of the elliptical step
apparatus 10 are shown in schematic form with, again, only one side
of the apparatus 10 illustrated. A microprocessor 200 contained
within a console 202 is used to control the actuator mechanisms 58
via a signal line 204. As is conventional in exercise apparatus, a
data input center 206 is included in the console 202 and generally
includes a keyboard 207 and various switches to allow a user to
input data and to control the apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 4 provides a view of the console 202 where, as is
conventional the console 202 includes various displays such as a
video display 208 and a set of LED indicators or displays 210. In
one embodiment of the invention, the data center 206 can include a
switch 212, shown in FIG. 4, that for purposes of describing this
embodiment of the invention can be termed a "stride incline"
switch. In this embodiment, operation of the stride incline switch
212 will cause the microprocessor 200 to activate the actuators 58
so as to reposition the pedals 32 along the pedal levers 44 thus
altering the orientation of the pedal ellipse path. For example,
the user can use the incline switch 212 to selectively change the
incline of the ellipse as shown in FIG. 2. Also, the location of
the pedals 32 or the degree of incline can be shown on the display
208. In some embodiments of the invention it would also be
desirable to equip the pedal levers 44 or the actuator mechanisms
58 with position sensors to provide the microprocessor 200 with a
positive indication of the location of the pedals 32 on the pedal
levers 44. Similarly, the microprocessor 200 can be programmed to
insure that the lactuators 58 move both pedals 32 at the same time
and in the same direction as well as being located in the same
relative position on the pedal levers. Additionally, the
microprocessor 200 can be programmed with user programs that would
for example provide an interval type exercise workout where the
incline of the ellipse varies periodically from horizontal to
either a positive or negative inclination. Thus, an elliptical step
apparatus of the type 10 as described above, can provide a wide
variety of exercise programs simulating either a downhill, neutral,
or uphill gait without the need for risers or other cumbersome
structures and further the apparatus can be tailored to meet an
individual user's unique tastes or training desires.
[0019] The foregoing description of the invention is merely
exemplary in nature. The invention was described in terms of an
elliptical step apparatus of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,217,486 where a pedal lever rides on a roller attached to a crank
arm. However, there are a large variety of elliptical step
mechanisms, such as the devices shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,383,829,
6,176,814 and 6,099,439 where the relative position of a foot pedal
on a pedal lever or its equivalent can be selectively changed in
order to alter the orientation of the generally elliptical path of
a user's foot motion. As an example, in an elliptical step
apparatus where the pedal lever is connected directly to the end of
the crank 50 and a stroke link 46 and roller 52 are not used, the
actuator mechanism 58 can still be used with the pedal lever of the
type 56 as shown. Moreover, the specific mechanical components
described represent the preferred embodiment of the invention in
terms of the particular apparatus 10 used as the environment for
describing the invention and as a result, depending upon the size,
cost and other factors the use of other components might become
desirable. For example, the actuator mechanisms 58 are described as
electrically operated linear actuators 62 but other actuators such
as hydraulic actuators can be used for certain applications. By the
same token, in some applications, it might be desirable to use a
manually operated pedal mounting mechanism for selectively locating
a pedal on a pedal lever or its equivalent where such a mechanism
might include a simple pin and hole arrangement or a mechanical
latch.
* * * * *