U.S. patent application number 11/278792 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-05 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to W. Douglas MacLean.
Application Number | 20060223678 11/278792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37071318 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060223678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacLean; W. Douglas |
October 5, 2006 |
EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
An elliptical machine includes a foot link having a portion
resting on an angled member such as a ramp secured to a frame. A
wheel may mount to the bottom of the foot link and rest on the
ramp. An end of the foot link pivotably connects to a sliding link,
the other end of which is connected to an angled guide secured to
the frame. The sliding link is coupled to a crank rigidly connected
to a flywheel. A swinging arm pivotably connects to the frame and
has its lower end pivotably connected to swinging arm link. A
handle secures to the swinging arm above the point of pivotal
securement to the frame. The swinging arm link secures to the
sliding link at the same point as the crank.
Inventors: |
MacLean; W. Douglas;
(Issaquah, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM, PLLC
701 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 4800
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
37071318 |
Appl. No.: |
11/278792 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60668831 |
Apr 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 ;
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/005 20130101;
A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 21/012 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101;
A63B 2022/0676 20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 22/201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/051 ;
482/052 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 22/04 20060101 A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for exercising comprising: a foot link having first
and second ends and a foot platform for receiving a user's foot; a
means for supporting the foot link; a sliding link having first and
second ends, the sliding link securing proximate its first end to
the foot link proximate the second end of the foot link; a frame; a
guide secured to the frame and translationally engaging the sliding
link proximate the second end of the sliding link; and a flywheel
rotatably mounted to the frame, the sliding link eccentrically
engaging the flywheel between the first and second ends of the
sliding link.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a resisting means
coupled to the flywheel to resist rotation of the flywheel.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a frame link
fixedly secured to the flywheel, and wherein the sliding link
secures to the frame link.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a swing-arm linkage
coupled to frame link.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the swing-arm linkage
comprises a handle pivotably secured to the frame and a transfer
link coupling the handle to the frame link.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the swing-arm linkage
comprises upper and lower portions, the upper portion comprising a
grip positioned to be held in the hand of the user when the user is
standing on the platform.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the upper portion is
adjustable with respect to the lower portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supporting means is a ramp
and wherein the foot link further comprises a wheel secured
proximate the first end thereof, the wheel resting on the ramp.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide is angled with
respect to a support surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supporting means slopes
upwardly and the guide slopes downwardly.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flywheel is a first
flywheel, the apparatus further comprising a second flywheel
coupled to the first flywheel to be rotated thereby.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a resistance
means engaged to at least one of the first and second flywheels to
resist motion thereof
13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a belt coupling
the first flywheel to the second flywheel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide adjustably secures
to the frame.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/668,831 filed Apr. 5, 2005, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to exercise devices,
particularly including devices that simulate a natural running
motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Elliptical exercise machines have become a very popular
alternative to high impact activities such as walking or running. A
typical Elliptical machine guides the user's feet through an
elliptical path such that impact on the user's joints is reduced.
Dual action elliptical machines include swing arms that link arm
motion to the motion of the feet such that both lower and upper
body can be exercised at the same time.
[0004] Inasmuch as elliptical machines are a substitute for walking
or running it is important that the machine imitate as closely as
possible the movements involved in these activities in order to
properly work the muscles involved. Simulating the actual motion of
the user's feet is also important for the user's comfort and
enjoyment. Unnatural and awkward movements encourage injury and
cause undue strain. Unnatural movement may also make the user feel
off-balance or uncomfortable and therefore discourage use.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be an advancement in the art to
provide a simple and effective elliptical machine closely matching
the motion of a user's feet during normal walking and running.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An elliptical machine includes a foot link having one
portion resting on an angled member such as a ramp secured to a
frame. A wheel may mount to the foot link and rest on the ramp. An
end of the foot link pivotably connects to a sliding link, the
other end of which is connected to an angled guide secured to the
frame. The sliding link is coupled to a crank attached to a
flywheel rotatably mounted to the frame. A secondary flywheel may
be coupled to the frame and be driven by the first flywheel, such
as by means of a belt. A swing arm pivotably connects to the frame
and has its lower end pivotably connected to swinging arm link. A
handle secures to the swinging arm above the point of pivotal
securement to the frame. The swinging arm link secures to the
sliding link at the same point as the crank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred exercise apparatus in a
first position; and,
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a
second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] A preferred embodiment of the exercise device of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 1. The device 10 includes a frame 12
having a base 14 and optionally including a plurality of feet 16.
As shown, the base 14 is substantially horizontal, though it may be
angled or take a different shape. The frame 12 includes a front
upright 18 and rear upright 20 secured to the base 14 via bolts,
welding, or other means. The frame 12 includes an intermediate
cross-member 22 and upper cross-member 24 that are secured between
the front and rear uprights 18 also via bolts, welding, or other
means. Each of the foregoing frame members is preferably formed
from steel or other durable, rigid materials suitable for use in an
exercise device.
[0011] The frame members 14-24 described above comprise half of the
frame, in this case the right side half. A duplicate set of frame
members is provided at the left side of the device 10. Although not
visible in the side view shown in FIG. 1 additional frame members
connect the right side frame members to the left side frame
members. As shown and described, the frame members form a generally
rectangular cubic frame. The frame 12 can be constructed in a
variety of different embodiments, consistent with this invention,
including, for example, curved frame members to provide a more
pleasing aesthetic design. The principal objectives of the frame 12
are to provide a suitable, stable foundation for the device, and to
provide sturdy locations to connect the various links that generate
the exercise motion.
[0012] A support member 26 such as a ramp, rail, channel, or the
like secures to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment the
support member 26 is a ramp 28, which preferably includes at least
one foot 30 for resting on a support surface. In some embodiments,
the ramp 28 has an angle of from about 20 to 40 degrees above
horizontal. Again, though not visible in the side view of FIG. 1,
the preferred device 10 includes a second ramp 28, such that there
are two ramps 28, one associated with each foot of a user. It is
possible, however, consistent with this invention, to use a single
ramp to support both feet of a user.
[0013] The ramp 28 is secured to the frame 12, preferably at the
front upright 18. In addition, the ramp 28 preferably is adjustably
secured to the frame 12 such that the angle of inclination of the
ramp 28 can be adjusted by the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the ramp
28 forms an angle that is approximately 20 degrees above
horizontal. In a preferred form, the ramp 28 can be adjusted to
form a wide range of angles, including, for example, a horizontal
position through a position approximately 45 degrees above
horizontal. The inclination may be adjusted in several ways. In one
embodiment, the ramp 28 is removably attached to the front upright
18 at one of several pegs 32, slots, or other attachment points.
The ramp 28 is then adjusted by removing the ramp 28 and replacing
it at a different attachment point. As another alternative, the
ramp 28 may be electro-mechanically adjusted using hydraulics or
other means.
[0014] A foot link 34 is supported by the support member 26 to
cause a portion of the foot link 34 to translate or follow an
arcuate path. The foot link 34 may be suspended from the support
member 26 or be suppored from beneat by the support member 26. In
the illustrated embodiment the foot link 34 rests atop the ramp 28
and is configured for reciprocating motion over the ramp 28. One or
more wheels 36 are preferably secured to the bottom of the foot
link 34 to facilitate the sliding reciprocating motion.
Alternatively, sliding contact between the foot link 34 and the
ramp 28 may occur. Low friction materials secured to the ramp 28
and foot link 34 may be used to facilitate sliding. In an
alternative embodiment, the foot link 34 engages the support member
26 embodied as a channel or rail by means of one or more rollers
conforming to the rail or fitting within the channel. In the
preferred form, an intermediate section of the foot link 34 is
generally parallel with the ramp 28, while near a first end 38 the
foot link 34 is angled upward slightly so that it will be
relatively close to horizontal in intermediate ramp inclinations.
Near a second end 40 the foot link 34 is preferably angled such
that it is parallel to the end 38, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] Near the first end 38 of the foot link 34 is preferably a
platform 42 configured to support the foot of a user. The platform
42 may simply comprise a wide surface sufficient to allow a user to
stand on the link 34, or may optionally include an attached foot
bed with raised walls (not shown) around the perimeter to prevent
the foot from slipping off the link.
[0016] Near the second end 40 of the foot link 34 is pivotally
attached to a sliding link 44. The sliding link 44 has a first end
46 and a second end 48, with the sliding link 44 being pivotably
attached to the foot link 34 near the first end 46. Near the second
end 48 of the sliding link 44, the sliding link 44 engages a guide
50 secured to the frame 12. The guide 50 constrains the sliding
link 44 near the second end 48 to translate along a path, typically
a straight path. The guide 50 in the illustrated embodiment slopes
downwardly. In some embodiments, the guide 50 is adjustable as to
angle in order to accommodate variations in gait. Apertures 51 may
also be provided such that the guide 50 may be pinned to the frame
12 at a plurality of heights. The guide 50 in the illustrated
embodiment is a channel link 52 secured to the frame 12 and having
a channel formed therein. The channel link 52 may include a slot 53
receiving a bolt or other fastener securing the channel link 52 to
the frame 12. Multiple apertures 55 may be provided on the frame 12
to provide various points of securement of the channel link 52 to
the frame 12. The apertures 51 and apertures 55 provide a channel
link 52 that is adjustable as to angle. The channel link 52 may
also be adjusted as to height. A wheel 54, or circular retainer,
secures near the second end 48 of the sliding link 44. The wheel 54
may take the form of a boss, gear, or other configuration suitable
to be retained within the channel link 52. The channel link 52 has
a C-shaped cross-section such that the wheel 54 is securely
retained within the channel. Because the links 44, 52 are
preferably securely joined to one another, a U-shaped channel may
also be suitable. When the device 10 is in use, the wheel 54 slides
back and forth along the channel for a reciprocating motion.
Although one preferred construction is described above and
illustrated, it should be appreciated that the operation of the
sliding link 44 within the channel link 52 is essentially the same
as that of a reciprocating piston. Thus, in alternate embodiments,
a wide variety of shapes and construction types are possible to
facilitate the piston-like motion.
[0017] Two links 56, 62 are secured to the sliding link 44 at an
intermediate location. A frame link 56 is pivotally attached near a
first end 58 to an intermediate location of the sliding link 44.
Near a second end 60, the frame link 56 is pivotably attached to
the frame 12, in this case at the rear upright member 20. A swing
arm link 62 is pivotably attached near a first end 64 to the
sliding link 44 at the same intermediate location as the frame link
56. Thus, three links are joined together at the same location.
[0018] A swing arm 68 is provided for exercising the upper body.
The swing arm 68 includes a handle 70 positioned to be gripped by a
user. Near a lower end 72, the swing arm 68 is pivotably secured to
the swing arm link 62 near the second end 66. The swing arm 68 also
pivotally secures to the frame 12, such as the front upright 18, at
a point between the handle 70 and the lower end 72.
[0019] Near the second end 66, the first swing arm link 62 is
pivotably attached to the swing arm 68 near the lower end 72. In an
alternate embodiment, the sliding link 44 includes a plurality of
attachment points between its ends, such that the frame link 56 and
swing arm link 62 can be repositioned at a plurality of locations
along the sliding link 44 to alter the motion of the foot link
34.
[0020] The handle 70 may be secured to an upper portion 74 of the
swing arm 68. The swing arm 68 may include a lower portion 76,
separate from the upper portion 74. Either the upper portion 74,
the lower portion 76, or both directly pivotably secure to the
frame 12. The upper portion 74 may adjustably secures to the lower
portion 76 such that the height of the handle 70 may be adjusted
for users of different sizes. For example, the lower portion 76 of
the swing arm 68 may be secured to the frame at a fixed position,
while the upper portion 74 of the swing arm 68 includes a plurality
of holes 77 to allow it to be selectively pinned to the lower
portion 76 at a plurality of desired heights. Other means are also
possible to provide a desired adjustability.
[0021] The frame link 56 fixedly secures to an axle 78 rotatably
secured to the frame 12. The axle 78 also fixedly secures to the
first flywheel 80. In this manner, the frame link 56 and axle 78
serve as a crank for spinning the first flywheel 80. The sliding
link 44 therefore eccentrically engages the first flywheel 80 by
connecting frame link 56 near the first end 58.
[0022] A belt 82 connects the first flywheel 80 to a second
flywheel 84, which is also rotatably connected to the frame 12 at a
different location, in this case at the intermediate cross-member
22. The second flywheel 84 provides additional inertia to the
assembly. Optionally, one or both of the first and second flywheels
80, 84 may engage a frictional or electromagnetic resistance system
86.
[0023] One side of the device is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and
described above. The opposite side of the device is substantially
the same, except that the linkages will all be configured such that
they are 180 degrees out of phase from the position in the cycle of
motion shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in typical embodiments, there
is not an additional set of flywheels and belts for each side of
the device.
[0024] The motion of the device and its many linkages can be seen
by viewing the relative position of the linkages in FIG. 2 with
respect to the positions in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the foot link 34 is
at a rearward position, with the platform 42 in a substantially
horizontal position (at least, for the ramp when set at the
inclination as shown). In this position, the swing arm 68 is nearly
vertical.
[0025] As the user begins use of the device 10, and urges the right
foot forward, the foot link 34 will slide along the ramp 28 in a
direction toward the frame 12. As the foot link 34 moves in the
forward direction, the second end 40 of the foot link is urged
upward by the sliding link 44. The frame link 56 will rotate in a
circular, clock-wise fashion, causing the sliding link 44 to slide
upward within the channel link 52 and urging the second end of the
foot link 34 upward, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0026] Once the frame link 56 reaches a vertical top position and
begins to proceed downward in a clockwise fashion, the retainer 54
secured to the sliding link 44 will travel downward along the
channel, urging the second end 40 of the foot link 34 downward as
well. Accordingly, as the foot link 34 travels forward and backward
in a reciprocating fashion, it is also alternating between angled
upward and angled downward positions. The reciprocation and changes
in inclination cause platform 42 to mimic a natural running motion
of a user.
[0027] Meanwhile, through this path of motion the swing arms are
also reciprocating. In the position of FIG. 1, the swing arm 68 is
substantially in a rearward position. Depending on the length of
the swing arm link 62, the swing arm 68 may be in a vertical
position or slightly forward or backward at this point in the
cycle. As shown, it is generally vertical.
[0028] As the foot link 34 travels forward, the frame link 56
initially causes the swing arm link 62 to move in a forward
direction, urging the lower end 72 of the swing arm 68 in a forward
direction as well. The swing arm 68 thus pivots about the pivotal
connection to the frame 12 such that the swing arm 68 and handle 70
are urged backward while the foot link 34 moves forward. The handle
70 is generally at its most rearward position when the frame link
56 is at the top of the cycle, as generally shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] Once the frame link 56 reaches the top of the cycle as in
FIG. 2 and begins to travel further in a clockwise direction, the
swing arm 68 will begin its motion in the opposite direction,
pivoting in a forward motion. Accordingly, as the foot link 34
reciprocates forward and backward, the swing arm 68 is
reciprocating in a manner that is substantially 180 degrees out of
phase, backward and forward.
[0030] Although not specifically shown, many of the linkages can be
varied in length or adjustable by the user in order to tailor the
running or walking motion to the particular stride of the user.
[0031] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
* * * * *