U.S. patent application number 11/147821 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for cross training exercise device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Precor Incorporated. Invention is credited to David L. Albert, Jonathan M. Stewart.
Application Number | 20060281604 11/147821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37524776 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060281604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Jonathan M. ; et
al. |
December 14, 2006 |
Cross training exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device includes a frame, first and second foot
links, first and second foot supports, a coupling system and a
guide system. Each foot link has a first portion and a second
portion. The first and second foot supports are carried by the
first and second foot links, respectively. The coupling system is
associated with the first portion of each foot link for coupling
the first portion to the frame so that the first portion of each
foot link travels in a closed path relative to the frame. The guide
system supports the second portions along a preselected
reciprocating path of travel as the first portions of the
respective foot links travel along their paths of travel. The guide
system is selectably positionable at an angle from horizontal
within the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Jonathan M.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Albert; David L.; (Woodinville,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Terence P. O'Brien;Precor Incorporated
(c/o Wilson Sporting Goods Co.)
8700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago
IL
60631
US
|
Assignee: |
Precor Incorporated
|
Family ID: |
37524776 |
Appl. No.: |
11/147821 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 ; 482/52;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0023 20130101;
A63B 2022/0676 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 21/008
20130101; A63B 22/205 20130101; A63B 2220/34 20130101; A63B 21/225
20130101; A63B 21/0051 20130101; A63B 21/012 20130101; A63B 2230/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/051 ;
482/052; 482/057 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 22/04 20060101 A63B022/04; A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. An aerobic exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions, comprising: a frame having a pivot axis defined thereon,
the frame configured to be supported on a floor; first and second
foot links, each foot link including a first portion and a second
portion; first and second foot supporting portions for receiving
the feet of the user, the first and second foot support portions
supported by the first and second foot links, respectively, each
foot support portion having a forward portion and a rearward
portion, the rearward portion extending from the foot link a
distance greater than the forward portion; a coupling associated
with the first portion of each foot link for coupling the first
portion of each foot link to the pivot axis so that the first
portion of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the
pivot axis; and a guide associated with the frame and operative to
engage and direct the second portions of the foot links along
preselected reciprocating paths of travel as the first portions of
the respective foot links travel along their paths of travel, so
that when the exercise device is in use the foot support portion
moves along a generally elliptical path of travel.
2. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 1, further comprising a control system
to change the position of the guide relative to the frame to alter
the paths traveled by the first and second foot links.
3. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 1, further wherein the guide is at an
angle from horizontal of 45 degrees to 75 degrees.
4. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 1, further wherein the guide is at an
angle from horizontal of 50 degrees to 75 degrees.
5. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 1, further wherein the guide is at an
angle from horizontal of about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees.
6. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 1, wherein a guide system further
includes gliders pivotally mounted to the second portion portions
of the foot links that ride along corresponding tracks and which
provide structural support in opposed directions which is
necessitated by the generally vertical orientation of the foot
links.
7. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 6, wherein the gliders include a pair of
inwardly projecting ridges that cooperatively ride in grooves
defined in the corresponding tracks.
8. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 6, wherein the gliders include a pair of
opposite rollers that roll on opposite sides of the track.
9. An exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions, comprising: a frame having a pivot axis and configured to
be supported on a floor; first and second foot links, each foot
link having a first portion and a second portion; a foot support
carried by the first and second foot links for receiving the feet
of a user; a coupling associated with the first portion of each
foot link for coupling the first portion of each foot link to the
frame so that the first portion of each foot link travels in a
closed path about the pivot axis of the frame; and a guide system
for supporting the second portions of the foot links along a
preselected reciprocating path of travel as the first portions of
the respective foot links travel along their paths of travel, so
that when the exercise device is in use the foot support portion
moves along a generally elliptical path of travel, the guide system
further including gliders pivotally mounted to the second portions
of the foot links, the gliders configured to ride along
corresponding tracks, the guide system providing structural support
inhibiting decoupling of the second portions of the foot links from
the tracks in a direction that is generally normal to the
longitudinal axis of the tracks.
10. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 9, wherein the gliders include a pair of
inwardly projecting ridges that cooperatively ride in grooves
defined in the corresponding tracks.
11. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 9, wherein the gliders include a pair of
opposite rollers that roll on opposite sides of the track.
12. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 9, further wherein the guide is at an
angle from horizontal of about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees.
13. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 9, further wherein the guide is at an
angle from horizontal of about 55 degrees to about 75 degrees.
14. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 9, further wherein the guide is at an
angle from horizontal of about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees.
15. The exercise device to simulate various types of climbing
motions according to claim 9, further comprising a control system
to change the position of the guide relative to the frame to alter
the paths traveled by the second portions of the first and second
foot links.
16. An exercise device, comprising: a frame configured to be
supported on a floor; first and second foot links, each foot link
having a first portion and a second portion; first and second foot
supports carried by the first and second foot links, respectively,
for receiving the feet of a user; a coupling system associated with
the first portion of each foot link for coupling the first portion
of each foot link to the frame so that the first portion of each
foot link travels in a closed path relative to the frame; and a
guide system for supporting the second portions of the foot links
along a preselected reciprocating path of travel as the first
portions of the respective foot links travel along their paths of
travel, the guide selectably positionable at an angle from
horizontal within the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees, such that
when the exercise device is in use the foot support portion moves
along a generally elliptical path of travel.
17. The exercise device according to claim 16, wherein the guide
system further including gliders pivotally mounted to the second
portions of the foot links that ride along corresponding
tracks.
18. The exercise device according to claim 17, wherein the gliders
include a pair of inwardly projecting ridges that cooperatively
ride in grooves defined in the corresponding tracks.
19. The exercise device according to claim 17, wherein the gliders
include a pair of opposite rollers that roll on opposite sides of
the track.
20. The exercise device according to claim 16, further wherein the
guide is at an angle from horizontal of 55 degrees to 75
degrees.
21. The exercise device according to claim 20, further wherein the
guide is at an angle from horizontal of 60 degrees to 75
degrees.
22. The exercise device according to claim 16, further comprising a
control system to change the position of the guide relative to the
frame to alter the paths traveled by the second portions of the
first and second foot links.
23. An exercise device, comprising: a frame configured to be
supported on a floor; first and second foot links; a foot support
carried by the first and second foot links for receiving the feet
of a user; a system associated with each foot link for coupling the
foot link to the frame and guiding the foot support along a
preselected, generally ellipse-shaped path relative to the frame,
the generally ellipse-shaped path defining a major axis relative to
horizontal, the system selectably positioning the foot support such
that the major axis of the ellipse-shaped path forms an angle with
horizontal that is within the range 35 degrees to 50 degrees.
24. The exercise device according to claim 23 further wherein the
system comprises a coupling system associated with a first portion
of each foot link for coupling the first portion of each foot link
to the frame so that the first portion of each foot link travels in
a closed path relative to the frame and a guide system for
supporting a second portions of the foot links along a preselected
reciprocating path of travel as the first portions of the
respective foot links travel along their paths of travel.
25. The exercise device according to claim 24, wherein the coupling
system comprises first and second crank arms with one portion of
the crank arms pivotal relative to about a pivot axis and the other
portions of the crank arms pivotally pinned to the first portions
of the first and second foot links.
26. The exercise device according to claim 23, further wherein the
foot support at an angle of the major axis of the ellipse from
horizontal of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The benefits of regular aerobic exercise have been well
established and accepted. However, due to time constraints,
inclement weather, and other reasons, many people are prevented
from aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, running, and
swimming. As a result, 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 strain 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
exercise 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. 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] Another type of exercise device simulates stair climbing.
Such devices can be composed of foot levers that are pivotally
mounted to a frame at their forward ends and have foot-receiving
pads at their rearward ends. The user pushes his/her feet down
against the foot levers to simulate stair climbing. Resistance to
the downward movement of the foot levers is provided by springs,
fluid shock absorbers and/or other elements. 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. The substantially
vertical reciprocating motion of such stair climbing exercise
machines results in substantial impact load on the hip, knee and
ankle. Further, the up and down reciprocating motion can induce a
hyperextension of the knee. Some attempts to reduce such impact
loads in the prior art have added cushioning to the pedals of the
stair climbing exercise machines.
[0005] 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. A relatively new class of exercise devices is capable
of producing elliptical motion that simulated the natural stride of
a person. 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, and walking than the linear-type, back and forth
motions produced by some prior art exercise equipment. However,
these devices that create an elliptical motion are limited to
analogizing to running, jogging, and walking motions.
[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 motion. What would thus
be desirable is an exercise device that produces a user selectable
raised, or highly angled, elliptical motion that simulates natural
climbing or stepping motion. It would be further desirable for an
exercise device to exercise muscles that are not exercised by
elliptical machines of the prior art.
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 motion.
An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present
invention provides a smooth exercise device that produces a user
selectable raised, or highly angled, elliptical motion that
simulates natural climbing or stepping motion. An exercise device
in accordance with the principles of the present invention
exercises muscles that are not exercised by elliptical machines of
the prior art.
[0008] An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the
present invention includes a frame, foot links, a coupling system
and a guide. The frame defines a pivot axis and is configured to be
supported on a floor. First and second foot links each include a
first portion and a second portion. A foot-supporting portion
supported by the first and second foot links receives the feet of
the user while in standing position. Each foot support portion has
a forward portion and a rear portion, the rear portion extending
from the foot link a distance greater than the forward portion
necessitated by the generally vertical orientation of the foot
links. The coupling system is associated with the first portion of
each foot link and couples the first portion of each foot link to
the pivot axis so that the first portion of each foot link travels
in a closed path relative to the pivot axis.
[0009] The guide is associated with the frame and operates to
engage and direct the second portions of the foot links along
preselected reciprocating paths of travel as the first portions of
the respective foot links travel along their paths of travel. When
the exercise device is in use, the foot support portion moves along
a generally elliptical path of travel. The guide is at an angle
from horizontal of about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees, such that
when the exercise device is in use the foot support portion moves
along a generally vertically inclined, generally elliptical path of
travel. In a further preferred embodiment, the guide is at an angle
from horizontal of about 50 degrees to about 75 degrees; in a
further preferred embodiment, the guide is at an angle from
horizontal of about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees. The guide
system further includes gliders pivotally mounted to the second
portions of the foot links that ride along corresponding tracks and
which provide structural support in opposed directions which is
necessitated by the generally vertical orientation of the foot
links. Thus, an exercise device in accordance with the principles
of the present invention simulates various types of climbing
motions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing aspects and many of the advantages of the
present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exercise device in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an elevated side view of the device of FIG. 1 with
the left footpad elevated.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the device of
FIG. 1 with the right footpad elevated.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an elevated view of the device of FIG. 1 at a less
severe vertical orientation relative to FIGS. 1-3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a guide assembly of the device
of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a close-up view of another guide assembly of the
device of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of another exercise device
in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] In the conventional prior art devices designed to simulate
walking, jogging or running activity, the cyclical or closed path
of the user's foot is typically oriented at about a zero degree to
40 degree angle from horizontal, which results in an angle of the
major axis of the ellipse being about five degrees to 30 degrees.
This orientation provides for acceptable walking, jogging and
running simulation; however, a user interested in simulating
climbing is limited to utilizing an exercise device that simulates
stair climbing but is limited in the range of up-and-down motion
utilized and thus does not exercise the user's leg muscles through
a large range of motion or is limited to a reciprocating motion
that does not adequately simulate the natural foot path. An
exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present
invention simulates climbing but is not so limited in the range of
up-and-down motion utilized and thus exercises the user's leg
muscles through a larger range of motion. Also, the substantially
vertical reciprocating motion of prior art stair climbing devices
produces substantial impact loads on the hips, knees and ankles of
the user. Further, an exercise device in accordance with the
present invention substantially reduces the impact loads placed on
the joints of a user.
[0019] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, an exercise device 18 in
accordance with the principles of the present invention is seen.
The exercise device 18 of the present invention can include a floor
engaging frame 20 incorporating a forward post 22 extending
upwardly and diagonally forwardly. A main pulley 24 can be located
on the frame 20 for rotation about a horizontal, transverse axis
26. The main pulley 24 is connected to a step-up pulley 90. The
step-up pulley 90 is connected to a braking system 40, as described
in detail below. The main pulley 24, the step-up pulley 90, and the
braking assembly 40 may be covered by a rear hood (not shown).
[0020] A pair of foot links 30a, 30b are provided. Foot supporting
portions such as a pair of foot pedals or pads (hereinafter
referred to as footpads 27a, 27b) can be provided carried by the
foot links 30a, 30b. The rearward portions of foot links 30a, 30b
can be rotatebly coupled, preferably through left and right crank
arm assemblies 100a, 100b, to main pulley 24, such that the
rearward portions 30a, 30b travel about a circular path around axis
26 as the main pulley 24 rotates. Gliders 32a, 32b can be pivotally
mounted to the forward portions of foot links 30a, 30b to ride
along corresponding rail tracks 34a, 34b of a guide 36, as
described in detail below.
[0021] The forward portions of the foot links 30a, 30b reciprocate
up and down along the tracks 34a, 34b as the rearward portions of
the foot links 30a, 30b rotate about the axis 26, thus causing the
foot pads 27 carried by the foot links to travel along elliptical
paths in an angle of the major axis of the ellipse from horizontal
of about 35 degrees to about 50 degrees. When the exercise device
18 is in use and when the foot links 30a, 30b travel upwardly from
a bottom most position, the heel portion of the foot of the user
initially rises at a faster rate than a toe portion thereof. When
the foot links 30a, 30b travel downwardly from an upper most
position, the heel portion of the foot of the user initially lowers
at a faster rate than the toe portion. In an alternative
embodiment, a mechanism could be provided so that the foot pads
remains generally parallel to the ground throughout the arcuate or
ellipse-shaped motion. In either embodiment, an exercise device 18
in accordance with the principles of the present invention produces
aerobic activity comprising natural climbing or stepping foot
motion.
[0022] A lift mechanism 38, mounted on the post 22, can be operable
to selectively change the inclination of the guide 36 thereby to
alter the climbing motion of the user of the device of the present
invention. Thus, the lower portion of the guide 36 can be pivotally
engaged with the floor-engaging frame 20 by pivots 41 (FIG. 2). A
forward hood (not shown) may substantially encase the lift
mechanisms.
[0023] The following description describes the foregoing and other
aspects of the present invention in greater detail.
[0024] Frame 20 is illustrated as including a longitudinal frame
central member 42 terminating in the rear at a relatively shorter
transverse member 44 (FIG. 1). Ideally, but not essentially, the
frame 20 can be composed of rectangular tubular members, which can
be relatively light in weight but provide substantial strength. End
caps 48 can be engaged within the open ends of the transverse
member 44 to close off the ends of these members. Other frame
configurations can also be used.
[0025] The forward post 22 can include a pair of upwardly and
diagonally forwardly extending members 52a, 52b that can be joined
at the upper periphery of the post 22. A pair of hand supports 54a,
54b can be provided for grasping by an individual while utilizing
the present device 18. The hand supports 54a, 54b can be part of a
continuous, closed form handle bar 56. The handle bar 56 can
include an upper transverse section that can be securely attached
to the forward post structure 22 by a clamp 60 engaging around the
handle bar upper section and securable to the forward post
structure 22 by a fastener 62. The handle bar 56 also can include a
transverse lower section 68a, 68b extending outwardly from and
clamped to the upwardly and diagonally forwardly extending members
52a, 52b. The handle bar 56 may be in part or in whole covered by a
gripping material or surface, such as tape, foamed synthetic
rubber, etc. Other handle or handlebar configurations can also be
used.
[0026] A display panel 74 can be mounted at the upper portion of
the handle bar 56 and/or the post 22, at an orientation that is
easily viewable to a user of the device 18. Instructions for
operating the device as well as courses being traveled may be
located on the display panel 74 in an exemplary embodiment. In some
embodiments of the present invention, electronic devices may be
incorporated into the exerciser device 18 such as timers,
odometers, speedometers, heart rate indicators, energy expenditure
recorders, controllers, etc. This information may be routed to the
display panel 74 for ease of viewing for a user of the device
18.
[0027] The lower portions of the pair of upwardly and diagonally
forwardly extending members 52a, 52b can extend to and engage the
ground to provide further support to the device 18. The lower
portions of the pair of upwardly and diagonally forwardly extending
members 52a, 52b can be joined to the longitudinal frame central
member 42 by generally horizontal support members 53a, 53b. In
addition, the pair of upwardly and diagonally forwardly extending
members 52a, 52b can be further joined to the longitudinal frame
central member 42 by generally vertical support members 58a,
58b.
[0028] As best seen in FIG. 2, the main pulley 24 can be held in a
support housing 82 extending upwardly from the frame central member
42. The housing 82 may be fixedly attached to frame central member
42 by any expedient manner, such as by welding or bolting. The main
pulley 24 can be mounted on a rotatably extending drive shaft 84.
The drive shaft 84 is mounted to support housing 82 by a bracket
83. It will be appreciated that the center of the drive shaft 84
corresponds with the location of transverse axis 26. The main
pulley 24 is illustrated as incorporating spokes that radiate
outwardly from a central hub to intersect a circumferential rim.
The main pulley 24 may be of other constructions, for instance, in
the form of a substantially solid disk, without departing from the
spirit or scope of the present invention. A bearing assembly 88 can
be employed to anti-frictionally mount the drive shaft 84 to the
bracket 83. The step-up pulley 90 can be also mounted on housing 82
behind main pulley 24. The main pulley 24 and step-up pulley 90 are
connected via a belt 91.
[0029] The rearward portions of foot links 30a, 30b can be
rotateably attached to left and right crank arm assemblies 100a,
100b. The left and right crank arm assemblies 100a, 100b couple the
rearward portions of the foot links 30a, 30b to the drive shaft 84.
In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the proximal portions
of the crank arm assemblies 100a, 100b engage the drive shaft 84,
while the distal portions of the crank arm assemblies 100a, 100b
can be rotatably connected to the rearward portions of the foot
links 30a, 30b. In this configuration, the rearward portions of the
foot links 30a, 30b orbit about the axis 26 as the drive shaft 84
rotates, and the foot pads 27a, 27b of the foot links 30a, 30b
travel in an elliptical path of motion. In an alternate embodiment
of the present invention, the rearward portions of the foot links
30a, 30b can be rotationally connected directly to a main pulley
which functions to couple the foot links 30a, 30b to the drive
shaft 84 and permit rotation about axis 26 .
[0030] Various mechanical arrangements may be employed to embody
the crank arm assemblies 100a, 100b in operatively connecting the
foot links 30a, 30b to each other. Such variations may include a
larger main pulley, a smaller main pulley, or may eliminate the
main pulley entirely and incorporate a flywheel, or may eliminate
the main pulley entirely and incorporate a cam system with
connecting linkage, provided that the foot links are coupled so as
to permit an arcuate or ellipse-shaped path of travel by the foot
pads 27a, 27b of the foot links 30a, 30b. Further, a coupling
member (not shown) can be positioned between the distal end of each
crank arm and the rearward portion of the foot link.
[0031] The footpads 27a, 27b can be mounted on the upper surfaces
of the foot links 30a, 30b to receive and retain the user's foot.
The foot pads 27a, 27b can be connected to the foot links 30a, 30b
by two support members 105, 106; due to the large angular, or
generally vertical, orientation of the foot links 30a, 30b, the
rear support members 105a, 105b can be substantially longer than
the front support members 106a, 106b in order to position the
footpads 27a, 27b in a generally horizontal orientation.
[0032] Referring FIG. 7, another exercise device 18 in accordance
with the principles of the present invention is seen. In this
embodiment, support members 105, 106 extending from foot links 30a,
30b to the footpads 27a, 27b can be eliminated. The pair of foot
links 30a, 30b can be provided as generally bent such that the
footpads 27a, 27b can be provided carried directly on the foot
links 30a, 30b. In further alternative embodiments, each foot pad
can be supported in an angled orientation with respect to its
corresponding foot link using a single support, or multiple
supports.
[0033] The angled footpads with respect to the foot links, wherein
the rear or heel portion of the footpad 27 is positioned further
from the foot link 30 than the front or toe portion of the footpad
27, provides proper support for the user's feet as the user's feet
move in the angled elliptical path. Without the angled orientation
of the footpad with respect to the foot link, the user's calves,
Achilles tendon and heel would generally unsupported as the user's
feet traveled in the angled elliptical path. Further, without such
angled footpad support, the risk of over-extending or overstressing
of the user's calve muscles, Achilles tendon and heel are
significantly increased. The angled footpad support of the present
invention eliminates these issues by providing the appropriate
support for the user's feet as the user's feet travel in the angled
elliptical path produced by the angled orientation of the guide 36
of the exercise device 18. The footpads 27 can be formed with a
plurality of transverse ridges that not only enhance the structural
integrity of the footpads, but also serve an anti-skid function
between the bottom of the user's shoe or foot and the footpads.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, a first embodiment of glide 32,
carried on guide 36, is seen in detail. In order to simulate a
climbing motion, the glide 32 and the guide 36 are advantageously
and selectively positioned at an angle from horizontal of about 45
degrees to about 75 degrees. The forward portions of foot links 30
are pivotally attached to glides 32. In one embodiment, each of the
glides 32 can include a pair of inwardly projecting ridges 108, 109
that cooperatively ride in grooves 110, 111 defined in the
corresponding rail tracks 34. Thus, structural support can be
provided in opposed directions, which is necessitated by the
generally vertical orientation of the foot links 30. In the context
of this application, the term "generally vertical" means at an
angle of about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees from the ground. The
forward portions of the foot links 30 reciprocate up and down along
the rail tracks 34 as the rearward portions of the foot links 30
rotate about axis 26 causing the footpads 27 carried by the foot
links to travel along various elliptical paths, as described more
fully below.
[0035] The cooperative slidable engagement between the ridges 108,
109 and the grooves 110, 111 ensures that in operation the glide 32
will not separate from the guide 36 as the angle of the guide 36
with respect to the ground increases. As previously mentioned, the
glides of existing elliptical machines are typically oriented at
about a zero degree to 40 degree angle from horizontal, which
results in an angle of the major axis of the ellipse being about
five degrees to 30 degrees. Accordingly, the rollers or glides
coupled to the forward end of the footlinks of such elliptical
machines typically slidably or rollably engage the guide in a
manner that does not preclude separation of the roller from the
guide in a direction that is normal from the longitudinal axis of
the guide. Preventing such separation between the glide or roller
and the guide is generally not necessary on existing machines
because the angle of the guide with respect to the ground is not
large enough to induce such separation.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of glide 32 and
the guide is seen in detail. A pair of concave rollers 112, 113 can
be rotatably joined to the forward portions of each of the foot
links 30. In this embodiment, a generally "H" shaped guide 115 can
be provided having grooves 117, 118 corresponding to the rollers
112, 113. A second pair of concave rollers 120, 121 are provided
also rotatably joined to the forward portions of each of the foot
links 30. As such, the rollers 112, 113 and 120, 121 maintain the
forward portions of the foot links 30 securely engaged with the "H"
shaped guide 115 during use. Structural support can be provided in
the opposed direction by the use of a second pair of rollers 120,
121 on opposite sides of the tubular track. Alternatively, a single
roller can be used on each side or other multi-directional movable
supports can be used.
[0037] While in the embodiment described herein, the guides 36 are
depicted as a straight rail tracks 34 thus imparting a straight
reciprocating motion on the glides 32, other alternative motions
imparted on the glides 32 are contemplated. For example, the shape
or the configuration of the rail tracks 34 can be altered thereby
imparting different reciprocal motions on the glides. When combined
with the rearward motion on the foot links 30a, 30b, alternative
reciprocal motions can impart different arcuate or ellipse-shaped
paths of travel on the foot pads. Other alternative configurations
of the exercise device 18 can also be used to provide other
generally elliptical paths of travel to the foot pads. For example,
a four-bar linkage mechanism, other crank and linkage arrangements,
or cam driven linkage assemblies could be used to provide a
generally elliptical path of travel to the foot pads. Such
alternative configurations can be used to adjust the generally
elliptical path of travel. For example, the lower portion of the
inclined generally elliptical path of travel can be widened in
order to reduce the severity of the change in direction of the
user's foot during use of the exercise device.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the guide 36 can include parallel
members 127, 129 joined by cross members 130, 132, 134 and disposed
in alignment with the foot links 30a, 30b. The rail tracks 34a, 34b
can be mounted on the parallel members 127, 129. The top portion of
the guide 36 can be supported by lift mechanism 38, which is most
clearly shown in FIGS. 2-4. The lift mechanism 38 can be pivotally
connected 46 at the lower portion to the frame central member 42.
The upper portion of the lift mechanism 38 can be connected to the
top-most cross member 134. Alternatively, the tracks 34 do not
extend to the base of the device and are not pivotally coupled to
the base; the rails can be supported at a mid-portion of the frame
or to the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism can incorporate a
sensing system to sense the extension and retraction of the lift
mechanism, and thus, the angle of inclination of the guide with
respect to the frame or the ground. The angle of inclination of the
guide can be transmitted to a CPU through an analog to digital
interface and controller.
[0039] The lift mechanism 38 can be raised and lowered by various
mechanisms. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism can be raised and
lowered by hydraulics. In another embodiment, the lift mechanism
can be adjusted manually. In another embodiment, the lift mechanism
38 can be raised and lowered by an electrically powered lift
actuator. The lift actuator can include an upper screw section
rotatably powered by an electric motor operably connected to the
upper portion of the screw section. The top of the screw section
can be rotatably engaged with a retaining socket assembly which can
be rotatably attached to the top-most cross member. The socket
allows the screw to rotate relative to the socket while remaining
in vertical engagement with the collar. The motor may be operable
to rotate the screw section in one direction to lower the guide or
in the opposite direction to raise the guide, as desired. As the
guide is lowered or raised, the angle of inclination of the guide
is changed which in turn changes the climbing motion experienced by
the user of device.
[0040] Thus, FIG. 3 shows the device in which guide is at an angle
"X" from horizontal of about 75 degrees. Also shown in FIG. 3 is
the elliptical path of the footpads "Y" which is likewise at an
angle from horizontal of about 75 degrees. FIG. 4 is an elevated
view of the device of FIG. 1 at a less severe vertical orientation
relative to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 shows the device in which guide is at
an angle "X'" from horizontal of about 45 degrees. Also shown in
FIG. 3 is the elliptical path of the footpads "Y'" which is
likewise at an angle from horizontal of about 45 degrees. In
accordance with the present invention, various angles from
horizontal between about 45 degrees and about 75 degrees can be
chosen by the user of the device by raising and lowering the lift
mechanism which changes the angle of inclination of the guide which
in turn changes the climbing motion experienced by the user of
device.
[0041] The present invention can include a system for selectively
applying the braking or retarding force on the rotation of the main
pulley through a brake system 40, best seen in FIG. 2. The step-up
pulley 90 drives a smaller driven sheave 150 through a V-belt 152.
The driven sheave 150 can be mounted on the free portion of a
rotatable stub shaft 154 that is mounted in housing 156 connected
to the frame central member 42. The relative sizes of the step-up
pulley 90 and the driven sheave 150 can be such as to achieve a
step of speed at about six to ten times and ideally about eight
times.
[0042] The brake system 40 can include an eddy current brake
assembly 164. The eddy current brake assembly 164 can include a
solid metallic disk mounted on stub shaft 154 inboard of driven
sheave 150 to also rotate with the driven sheave. Ideally, an
annular faceplate of highly electrically conductive material, e.g.,
copper, can be mounted on the face of the solid disk. A pair of
magnet assemblies can be mounted closely adjacent the face of the
solid disk opposite the annular plate. The magnet assemblies each
include a central core in the form of a bar magnet surrounded by a
coil assembly. The magnet assemblies can be positioned along the
outer perimeter portion of the disk in alignment with the annular
plate. Alternative braking or retarding forces can be used such as
for example friction brakes, fluid resistance etc. In addition, a
generator can be used to provide resistance or braking to the
exercise device as well as to generate power for use by the system
electronics.
[0043] The location of the magnet assemblies may be adjusted
relative to the adjacent face of the disk so as to be positioned as
closely as possible to the disk without actually touching or
interfering with the rotation of the disk. As noted above, the
significant difference in size between the diameters of step-up
pulley 90 and driven sheave 150 results in a substantial step up in
rotational speed of the disk relative to the rotational speed of
the main pulley 24. The rotational speed of the disk is thereby
sufficient to produce relatively high levels of braking torque
through the eddy current brake assembly 40. A flywheel resistance
control can be provided that controls the brake system 40. The
flywheel resistance can be transmitted to a CPU through an analog
to digital interface and controller. In a further preferred
embodiment, the brake assembly 40 and flywheel can be located
forward relative to the main pulley 24 to minimize the footprint of
the exercise device 18.
[0044] It may be desirable to monitor the speed of the main pulley
24 so as to measure the distance traveled by the user of the
present device and also to control the level of workout experienced
by the user. Any standard method of measuring the speed of the main
pulley may be utilized. For instance, an optical or magnetic strobe
wheel may be mounted on disk, the step-up pulley 90 or other
rotating member of the present device. The rotational speed of the
strobe wheel may be monitored by an optical or magnetic sensor to
generate an electrical signal related to such rotational speed. The
rotational speed of the main pulley can be transmitted to a CPU
through an analog to digital interface and controller.
[0045] To use the present invention, the user stands on the foot
pads 27 while gripping the handle bar 56 for stability. The user
imparts a downward climbing action on one footpad thereby causing
the main pulley 24 to rotate about axis 26. As a result, the rear
portions of the foot links rotate about the axis 26 and
simultaneously the forward portions of the foot links ride up and
down the tracks 34a, 34b. The forward portion of the foot link
moves downwardly along its track as the point of attachment of the
foot link to the main pulley moves from a location substantially
closest to the post 22 (maximum extended position of the foot link)
to a location substantially furthest from the post, i.e., the
maximum retracted position of the foot link. From this point of the
maximum retracted position of the foot link, further rotation of
the main pulley causes the foot link to travel back upwardly along
the track 34a back to the maximum extended position of the foot
link.
[0046] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be appreciated that
various changes may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *