U.S. patent application number 11/473324 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for elliptical exerciser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stamina Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Clawson, Kevin Gerschefske, Steve Lenz, James Lucas, Robert W. McBride, Robert McDonial.
Application Number | 20070015633 11/473324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37662306 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerschefske; Kevin ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
Elliptical exerciser
Abstract
An elliptical exerciser comprising a frame, a crank assembly
providing a crank axis fixed with respect to frame above the
horizontal surface, crank assembly including oppositely extending
left and right cranks providing parallel rotational axis spaced
equidistantly from crank axis, left and right pedal members having
rear portions connected with left and right cranks respectively,
left and right rollers mounted on frame for rotation about a single
rolling axis parallel with respect to crank axis in a forward
position above the horizontal surface a distance less than the
distance of crank axis above horizontal surface, left and right
pedal members having straight downwardly facing surfaces rollingly
supported on left and right rollers respectively, left and right
pedal members providing left and right foot supporting structures
of improved construction enabling a user to impart cyclical
movements to the pedal members resisted by a variable resistance
assembly, each cyclical movement including (1) a downward moving
stroke wherein the ball of the user's foot moves forwardly along a
first curved path merging into a relatively small generally arcuate
end path and from generally arcuate forward end path rearwardly
along a second curved path symmetrical to first path with respect
to an axis of symmetry and (2) an upward return stroke wherein the
ball of the user's foot moves rearwardly from second path
rearwardly along a third curved path different from second path
merging into a relatively large generally arcuate rearward end path
and from generally arcuate rearward end path forwardly along a
fourth curved path symmetrical to first path with respect to the
aforesaid axis of symmetry, axis of symmetry extending downwardly
and forwardly and having an extent between end paths which is
generally equal to the distance between the parallel rotational
axis provided by cranks and at least three times greater than the
extent from a juncture between fourth and first curved paths to a
juncture between third and second paths, the distance between crank
axis and rolling axis, being at least three times greater than the
distance between the parallel rotational axes provided by
cranks.
Inventors: |
Gerschefske; Kevin;
(Rogersville, MO) ; McBride; Robert W.;
(Springfield, MO) ; Clawson; Christopher;
(Springfield, MO) ; Lucas; James; (Springfield,
MO) ; McDonial; Robert; (Ozark, MO) ; Lenz;
Steve; (Naperville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Stamina Products, Inc.
Springfield
MO
|
Family ID: |
37662306 |
Appl. No.: |
11/473324 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60697989 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0046 20130101;
A63B 21/012 20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 21/0088
20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 21/005 20130101; A63B 21/225
20130101; A63B 22/0015 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a rearward position above the horizontal surface, said crank
assembly including oppositely extending left and right cranks
providing parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said
crank axis and displaced approximately 180.degree. with respect to
one another, left and right pedal members having rear portions
connected with said left and right cranks respectively for
rotational movement about the respective rotational axis thereof,
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
single rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a
forward position above the horizontal surface a distance less than
the distance of said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said
left and right pedal members having generally downwardly facing
surfaces at forward end portions thereof rollingly supported on
said left and right rollers respectively, said left and right pedal
members providing left and right foot supporting structures
defining generally upwardly facing surfaces between the forward and
rearward ends of said pedal members, each being in an operatively
fixed position with respect to the respective pedal member to
support the ball of a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply
repeated generally elliptical cyclical movements to said left and
right pedal members, and a selectively variable resistance assembly
constructed and arranged to provide a selected resistance within a
range of resistances to the cyclical movements of said left and
right pedal members, each crank having a crank radius within an
operative range of between 6'' and 14'', said crank axis being
spaced above said horizontal surface within an operative range of
between 15'' and 23'', said rolling axis being spaced horizontally
forwardly from the crank axis within an operative range of between
52.25'' and 68.25,'' and spaced vertically downwardly from the
crank axis within an operative range of between 8.375'' and
16.375.''
2. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein said
rollers are of equal radius within an operative range of 0.125''
and 3.0'', the forward distance from each rearward rotational axis
to the fixed position on the upwardly facing surface of the
respective pedal member where the ball of the foot is supported
being greater than one half the length of the respective pedal
member and within an operative range of between 36.25'' and
44.25''.
3. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 2, wherein each
cyclical movement includes (1) a downward moving stroke wherein the
ball of the user's foot moves forwardly along a first curved path
merging into a relatively small generally arcuate end path and from
said generally arcuate forward end path rearwardly along a second
curved path symmetrical to said first path with respect to an axis
of symmetry and (2) an upward return stroke wherein the ball of the
user's foot moves rearwardly from said second path rearwardly along
a third curved path different from said second path merging into a
relatively large generally arcuate rearward end path and from said
generally arcuate rearward end path forwardly along a fourth curved
path symmetrical to said third path with respect to the aforesaid
axis of symmetry, said axis of symmetry extending downwardly and
forwardly and having a length between said end paths which is
generally equal to the distance between the parallel rotational
axes provided by said cranks and at least three times greater than
the width from a juncture between said fourth and first curved
paths to a juncture between said third and second curved paths, the
distance between said crank axis and said rolling axis being at
least three times greater than the distance between the parallel
rotational axes provided by said cranks.
4. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 3, wherein said
selectively variable resistance assembly is driven by said crank
assembly and is housed within a casing, said left and right foot
supporting structures being disposed forwardly of said casing
throughout the movements thereof and spaced laterally apart an
optimum distance.
5. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 4, wherein said
frame inc forward frame portion defining said rolling axis thereon
and a separate rearward frame portion defining said crank axis
thereon, said frame portions being mounted with respect to another
for selective movement into one of a series of fixed operative
positions wherein the horizontal distance between said crank axis
and said rolling axis is disposed at a selected distance within a
range of different distances.
6. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein each foot
supporting structure includes upstanding barrier structure
configured to prevent the users foot from moving forwardly with
respect to the respective upwardly facing surface when in a toe
engaging operative position, each upstanding barrier structure
being mounted on the respective pedal member for selective movement
with respect to the respective upwardly facing surface into a
selected toe engaging operative position within a range of toe
engaging operative positions spaced different distances from the
respective parallel rotational axis.
7. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 6, wherein each
upstanding barrier structure is mounted for movement into an
oppositely facing longitudinally spaced heel engaging position.
8. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 7, wherein said left
and right pedal members have left and right handle levers
respectively associated therewith, said left and right hand levers
having (1) upper end portions defining left and right handles
respectively to be gripped by left and right hands respectively of
a user, (2) mid-portions pivotally mounted on said frame about a
common transverse pivotal axis, and (3) lower portions disposed
below said mid-portions, and left and right connecting links
pivoted at forward ends thereof to the lower portions of said left
and right handle levers respectively and at rearward ends thereof
to intermediate portions of said left and right pedal members
respectively.
9. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 4, wherein said left
and right foot supporting structures include inner foot retaining
walls, the lateral spacing of said left and right foot supporting
structures being approximately 60 mm between said inner walls.
10. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 9, wherein said
optimum lateral spacing is less than the widest lateral dimension
of said casing.
11. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 10, wherein the
lateral space between said foot supporting structures is devoid of
interfering structure in any position of movement of said pedal
members.
12. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 2, wherein said
rollers have a radius within a preferred range of 0.31'' and
1.30'', the forward distance from each rearward rotational axis to
the fixed position on the upwardly facing surface of the respective
pedal member where the ball of the foot is supported being within a
preferred range of between 38.25'' and 42.25''.
13. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 12, wherein said
rollers have a radius of approximately 0.81'', the forward distance
from each rearward rotational axis to the fixed position on the
upwardly facing surface of the respective pedal member where the
ball of the foot is supported being approximately 40.25''.
14. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein each
crank has a crank radius within a preferred range of between 8''
and 12'', said crank axis being spaced above said horizontal
surface within a preferred range of between 17'' and 21'', said
rolling axis being spaced horizontally forwardly from the crank
axis within a preferred range of between 56.25'' and 64.25'' and
spaced vertically downwardly from the crank axis within a preferred
range of between 10.375'' and 14.375''.
15. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 14, wherein each
crank has a crank radius of approximately 10'', said crank axis
being spaced above said horizontal surface approximately 19.7'',
said rolling axis being spaced horizontally. forwardly from the
crank axis approximately 60.25'' and spaced vertically downwardly
from the crank axis approximately 12.375''.
16. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein said
frame includes a forward frame portion defining said rolling axis
thereon and a separate rearward frame portion defining said crank
axis thereon, said frame portions being mounted with respect to
another for selective movement into one of a series of operative
positions wherein the horizontal distance between said crank axis
and said rolling axis is disposed at a selected distance within a
range of different distances.
17. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 16, wherein said
forward and rearward frame portions are telescopically
interrelated.
18. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein each
foot supporting structure includes upstanding barrier structure
configured to prevent the users foot from moving forwardly with
respect to the respective upwardly facing surface when in a toe
engaging operative position, each upstanding barrier structure
being mounted on the respective pedal member for selective movement
with respect to the respective upwardly facing surface into a
selected toe engaging operative position within a range of toe
engaging operative positions spaced different distances from the
respective parallel rotational axis.
19. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 18, wherein each
upstanding barrier structure is mounted for movement with respect
to the associated upwardly facing surface into an oppositely facing
heel engaging position.
20. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 19, wherein each
foot engaging structure includes a platform defining the respective
upwardly facing surface.
21. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 20, wherein each
platform has a periphery open at an outer side with an upstanding
structure extending throughout the remainder thereof.
22. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 21, wherein each
platform is formed with a longitudinal slot extending through the
respective upwardly facing surface and a series of longitudinally
spaced downwardly facing teeth on opposite sides of said slot, each
upstanding barrier structure comprising a barrier assembly
including a curved upper barrier member extending on opposite sides
of said slot above the respective upwardly facing surface and
having a portion slidable in said slot, a central fastener member
slidably mounted in said upper barrier member and extending
downwardly therefrom through said slot, a lower member extending on
opposite sides of said slot connected with said fastener member,
said lower member including a series of longitudinally spaced
upwardly facing teeth configured to interengage with said
downwardly facing teeth to establish the fixed relationship, a
pusher member fixed to an upper end of said fastener member above
said barrier member and a spring acting between said pusher member
and said barrier member so as to resiliently bias the teeth of said
lower member upwardly into interengaging relation with the teeth of
said platform and the lower portion of said barrier member into
confined sliding relation within said slot, said spring bias
enabling: (1) a combined downward manual push and longitudinal
movement on said pusher member to effect longitudinal movement of
said barrier member with the lower portion thereof in sliding
relation to said slot and the teeth of said lower member disengaged
from the teeth of said platform, and (2) a combined vertical and
rotational movement of said barrier member to effect rotational
movement of the barrier member into and out of the 180.degree.
turned positioning thereof.
23. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a rearward position above the horizontal surface, said crank
assembly including oppositely extending left and right cranks
providing parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said
crank axis and displaced approximately 180.degree. with respect to
one another, left and right pedal members having rear portions
connected with said left and right cranks respectively for
rotational movement about the respective rotational axis thereof,
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a forward
position above the horizontal surface a distance less than the
distance of said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said
left and right pedal members having generally downwardly facing
surfaces at forward end portions thereof rollingly supported on
said left and right rollers respectively, said left and right pedal
members providing left and right foot supporting structures
defining generally upwardly facing surfaces between the forward and
rearward ends of said pedal members, each being in an operatively
fixed position with respect to the respective pedal member to
support the ball of a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply
repeated generally elliptical cyclical movements to said left and
right pedal members, and a selectively variable resistance assembly
constructed and arranged to provide a selected resistance within a
range of resistances to the cyclical movements of said left and
right pedal members, each cyclical movement including (1) a
downward moving stroke wherein the ball of the user's foot moves
forwardly along a first curved path merging into a relatively small
generally arcuate end path and from said generally arcuate forward
end path rearwardly along a second curved path symmetrical to said
first path with respect to an axis of symmetry and (2) an upward
return stroke wherein the ball of the user's foot moves rearwardly
from said second path rearwardly along a third curved path
different from said second path merging into a relatively large
generally arcuate rearward end path and from said generally arcuate
rearward end path forwardly along a fourth curved path symmetrical
to said third path with respect to the aforesaid axis of symmetry,
said axis of symmetry extending downwardly and forwardly and having
a length between said end paths which is generally equal to the
distance between the parallel rotational axes provided by said
cranks and at least three times greater than the width from a
juncture between said fourth and first curved paths to a juncture
between said third and second paths, the distance between said
crank axis and said rolling axis, being at least three times
greater than the distance between the parallel rotational axes
provided by said cranks.
24. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a rearward position above the horizontal surface, said crank
assembly including oppositely extending left and right cranks
providing parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said
crank axis and displaced approximately 180.degree. with respect to
one another, left and right pedal members having rear portions
connected with said left and right cranks respectively for
rotational movement about the respective rotational axis thereof,
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a forward
position above the horizontal surface a distance less than the
distance of said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said
left and right pedal members having generally downwardly facing
surfaces at forward end portions thereof rollingly supported on
said left and right rollers respectively, said left and right pedal
members providing left and right foot supporting structures
defining generally upwardly facing surfaces between the forward and
rearward ends of said pedal members, each being in an operatively
fixed position with respect to the respective pedal member to
support the ball of a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply
repeated generally elliptical cyclical movements to said left and
right pedal members, and a selectively variable resistance assembly
driven by said crank assembly constructed and arranged to provide a
selected resistance within a range of resistances to the cyclical
movements of said left and right pedal members, a casing housing
said variable resistance assembly said left and right foot
supporting structures being disposed forwardly of said casing
throughout the movements thereof and spaced laterally apart an
optimum distance.
25. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 24, wherein said
left and right foot supporting structures include inner foot
retaining walls, the lateral spacing of said left and right foot
supporting structures being approximately 60 mm between said inner
walls.
26. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 25, wherein said
optimum lateral spacing is less than the widest lateral dimension
of said casing.
27. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 26, wherein the
lateral space between said foot supporting structures is devoid of
interfering structure in any position of movement of said pedal
members.
28. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a position above the horizontal surface, said crank assembly
including oppositely extending left and right cranks providing
parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said crank axis
and displaced approximately 180.degree. with respect to one
another, left and right pedal members having first end portions
connected with said left and right cranks respectively for
rotational movement about the respective rotational axis thereof,
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a position
above the horizontal surface a distance less than the distance of
said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said left and right
pedal members having generally downwardly facing surfaces at second
end portions thereof rollingly supported on said left and right
rollers respectively, said left and right pedal members providing
left and right foot supporting structures defining generally
upwardly facing surfaces between the forward and rearward ends of
said pedal members, each being in an operatively fixed position
with respect to the respective pedal member to support the ball of
a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally
elliptical cyclical movements to said left and right pedal members,
and a selectively variable resistance assembly constructed and
arranged to provide a selected resistance within a range of
resistances to the cyclical movements of said left and right pedal
members, said frame including a forward frame portion defining said
rolling axis thereon and a separate rearward frame portion defining
said crank axis thereon, said frame portions being mounted with
respect to another for selective movement into one of a series of
operative positions wherein the horizontal distance between said
crank axis and said rolling axis is disposed at a selected distance
within a range of different distances.
29. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 28, wherein said
forward and rearward frame portions are telescopically
interrelated.
30. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a position above the horizontal surface, said crank assembly
including oppositely extending left and right cranks providing
parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said crank axis
and displaced approximately 180.degree. with respect to one
another, left and right pedal members having first portions
connected with said left and right cranks respectively for
rotational movement about the respective rotational axis thereof,
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a position
above the horizontal surface a distance less than the distance of
said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said left and right
pedal members having generally downwardly facing surfaces at second
end portions thereof rollingly supported on said left and right
rollers respectively, said left and right pedal members providing
left and right foot supporting structures defining generally
upwardly facing surfaces between the forward and rearward ends of
said pedal members, each being in an operatively fixed position
with respect to the respective pedal member to support the ball of
a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally
elliptical cyclical movements to said left and right pedal members,
and a selectively variable resistance assembly constructed and
arranged to provide a selected resistance within a range of
resistances to the cyclical movements of said left and right pedal
members, said left and right pedal member have left and right
handle levers respectively associated therewith, said left and
right hand levers having (1) upper handle portions respectively to
be gripped by left and right hands respectively of a user, (2)
mid-portions pivotally mounted on said frame about a common
transverse pivotal axis, and (3) lower portions disposed below said
mid-portions, and left and right connecting links pivoted at
forward ends thereof to the lower portions of said left and right
handle levers respectively and at rearward ends thereof to
intermediate portions of said left and right pedal members
respectively.
31. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 30, wherein each
connecting link is selectively adjustably pivoted to the lower end
portion of the respective handle lever and to the respective pedal
member so as to selectively vary the fore and aft position of
movement of the respective handle portion.
32. An exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and arranged to be
stably supported on a horizontal surface; an exercising mechanism
on said frame including left and right pedal assemblies constructed
and arranged to enable a user to apply thereto repeated generally
elliptical cyclical movements providing exercise to the user; each
of said pedal assemblies including a generally upwardly facing foot
supporting surface and an upstanding barrier structure constructed
and arranged when in a toe engaging operative position to be
engaged by a toe area of a user to prevent forward movement of the
users foot therebeyond; said barrier structure being incorporated
within the respective pedal assembly so as to be selectively
movable with respect to the respective foot supporting surface into
a selected toe engaging operative position within a range of toe
engaging operative positions.
33. An exerciser as defined in claim 32, wherein said exercising
mechanism includes a rearward crank mounting assembly and a forward
mounting assembly for said left and right pedal assemblies
constructed and arranged to cause said left and right pedal
assemblies to undergo repeated generally elliptical cyclical
movements.
34. An exerciser as defined in claim 33, wherein said crank
mounting assembly provides a crank axis fixed with respect to said
frame in a rearward position above the horizontal surface, said
crank mounting assembly including oppositely extending left and
right cranks providing parallel rotational axis spaced
equidistantly from said crank axis and displaced 180.degree. with
respect to one another, said left and right pedal members having
rear portions connected with said left and right cranks
respectively for rotational movement about the respective
rotational axis thereof, said forward mounting assembly comprising
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a forward
position above the horizontal surface a distance less than the
distance of said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said
left and right pedal members having straight downwardly facing
surfaces at forward end portions thereof rollingly supported on
said left and right rollers respectively, and a selectively
variable resistance assembly constructed and arranged to provide a
selected resistance within a range of resistances to the cyclical
movements of said left and right pedal members.
35. An exercise as defined in claim 34, wherein each cyclical
movement includes: (1) a downward moving stroke wherein the ball of
the user's foot moves forwardly along a first curved path merging
into a relatively small generally arcuate end path and from said
generally arcuate forward end path rearwardly along a second curved
path symmetrical to said first path with respect to an axis of
symmetry and (2) an upward return stroke wherein the ball of the
user's foot moves rearwardly from said second path rearwardly along
a third curved path different from said second path merging into a
relatively large generally arcuate rearward end path and from said
generally arcuate rearward end path forwardly along a fourth curved
path symmetrical to said third path with respect to the aforesaid
axis of symmetry.
36. An exerciser as defined in claim 32, wherein each of said
barrier structures is incorporated within the respective pedal
assembly for combined 180.degree. rotational and longitudinal
movements into a rearward heel engaging operative position wherein
the barrier structure is operable to be engaged by a heel area of a
users foot to prevent rearward movement therebeyond.
37. An exerciser as defined in claim 36, wherein each foot engaging
structure includes a platform having a periphery open at an outer
side thereof and having structure extending upwardly along a
remaining portion of the periphery thereof including an inner side
thereof.
38. An exerciser as defined in claim 37, wherein each peripheral
structure extends continuously from the inner side thereof upwardly
along front and rear ends of the periphery of each platform.
39. An exerciser as defined in claim 38, wherein each platform is
formed with a longitudinal slot and a series of longitudinally
spaced downwardly facing teeth on opposite sides of said slot, each
upstanding barrier structure comprising a barrier assembly
including a curved upper barrier member extending on opposite sides
of said slot and having a portion slidable in said slot, a central
fastener member slidably mounted in said upper barrier member and
extending downwardly therefrom through said slot, a lower member
extending on opposite sides of said slot connected with said
fastener member, said lower member including a series of
longitudinally spaced upwardly facing teeth configured to
interengage with said downwardly facing teeth to establish said
retained relationship, a pusher member fixed to an upper end of
said fastener member above said barrier member and a spring acting
between said pusher member and said barrier member so as to
resiliently bias the teeth of said lower member upwardly into
interengaging relation with the teeth of said platform and the
lower portion of said barrier member into confined sliding relation
within said slot, said spring bias enabling: (1) a combined
downward manual push and longitudinal movement on said pusher
member to effect longitudinal movement of said barrier member with
the lower portion thereof in sliding relation to said slot and the
teeth of said lower member disengaged from the teeth of said
platform, and (2) a combined vertical and rotational movement of
said barrier member to effect rotational movement of the barrier
member into and out of oppositely facing positioning thereof.
40. An exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and arranged to be
stably supported on a horizontal surface; an exercising mechanism
on said frame including left and right pedal assemblies constructed
and arranged to enable a user to apply thereto repeated generally
elliptical cyclical movements providing exercise to the user; each
of said pedal assemblies including a generally upwardly facing foot
supporting surface and an upstanding barrier structure constructed
and arranged in a forward position to be forwardly engaged by a toe
area of a user and in a rearward position to be rearwardly engaged
by a heel area of a user, each barrier structure being incorporated
within the respective pedal assembly so as to be movable between
said forward and rearward positions by a combination of 180.degree.
rotational and longitudinal movements.
41. An exerciser as defined in claim 40, wherein each foot engaging
structure includes a platform having a periphery open at an outer
side thereof and having structure extending upwardly along a
remaining portion of the periphery thereof including an inner side
thereof.
42. An exerciser as defined in claim 41, wherein each peripheral
structure extends continuously from the inner side thereof upwardly
along front and rear ends of the periphery of each platform.
43. An exerciser as defined in claim 42, wherein each platform is
formed with a longitudinal slot and a series of longitudinally
spaced downwardly facing teeth on opposite sides of said slot, each
upstanding barrier structure comprising a barrier assembly
including a curved upper barrier member extending on opposite sides
of said slot and having a portion slidable in said slot, a central
fastener member slidably mounted in said upper barrier member and
extending downwardly therefrom through said slot, a lower member
extending on opposite sides of said slot connected with said
fastener member, said lower member including a series of
longitudinally spaced upwardly facing teeth configured to
interengage with said downwardly facing teeth to establish said
retained relationship, a pusher member fixed to an upper end of
said fastener member above said barrier member and a spring acting
between said pusher member and said barrier member so as to
resiliently bias the teeth of said lower member upwardly into
interengaging relation with the teeth of said platform and the
lower portion of said barrier member into confined sliding relation
within said slot, said spring bias enabling: (1) a combined
downward manual push and longitudinal movement on said pusher
member to effect longitudinal movement of said barrier member with
the lower portion thereof in sliding relation to said slot and the
teeth of said lower member disengaged from the teeth of said
platform, and (2) a combined vertical and rotational movement of
said barrier member to effect rotational movement of the barrier
member into and out of oppositely facing positioning thereof.
44. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a position above the horizontal surface, said crank assembly
including oppositely extending left and right cranks providing
parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said crank axis
and displaced about 180.degree. with respect to one another, left
and right pedal members having first end portions connected with
said left and right cranks respectively for rotational movement
about the respective rotational axis thereof, left and right
rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a rolling axis
parallel with respect to said crank axis in a position above the
horizontal surface a distance less than the distance of said crank
axis above said horizontal surface, said left and right pedal
members having generally downwardly facing surfaces at second end
portions thereof rollingly supported on said left and right rollers
respectively, said left and right pedal members providing left and
right foot supporting structures defining generally upwardly facing
surfaces between the forward and rearward ends of said pedal
members, each being in an operatively fixed position with respect
to the respective pedal member to support the ball of a user's foot
so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally elliptical
cyclical movements to said left and right pedal members, and a
selectively variable resistance assembly constructed and arranged
to provide a selected resistance within a range of resistances to
the cyclical movements of said left and right pedal members, each
of said downwardly facing surfaces including laterally spaced
planar portions having a differently shaped intermediate portion
therebetween, each of said rollers including laterally spaced
cylindrical surfaces rollingly mating with the laterally spaced
planar surfaces of a respective downwardly facing surface and a
differently shaped intermediate portion therebetween rollingly
mating with the differently shaped intermediate portion of a
respective downwardly facing surface, said differently shaped
intermediate portions including projections and recesses.
45. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 44, wherein the
cross-sectional configuration of each projection and cooperating
recess is of arcuate shape.
46. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 45, wherein the
cross-sectional configuration of each projection and cooperating
recess is of rectangular shape.
47. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 46, wherein each
projection and cooperating recess comprises parallel projections
and cooperating parallel recesses.
48. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 44, wherein said
projections are formed as elongated intermediate portions of said
downwardly facing surfaces and said recesses are formed as annular
intermediate portions of said rollers.
49. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 44, wherein said
projections are formed as annular intermediate portions of said
rollers and said recesses are formed as elongated intermediate
portions of said downwardly facing surfaces.
50. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a rearward position above the horizontal surface, said crank
assembly including oppositely extending left and right cranks
providing parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said
crank axis and displaced about 180.degree. with respect to one
another, left and right pedal members having first end portions
connected with said left and right cranks respectively for
rotational movement about the respective rotational axis thereof,
left and right rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a
rolling axis parallel with respect to said crank axis in a position
above the horizontal surface a distance less than the distance of
said crank axis above said horizontal surface, said left and right
pedal members having generally downwardly facing surfaces at second
end portions thereof rollingly supported on said left and right
rollers respectively, said left and right pedal members providing
left and right foot supporting structures defining generally
upwardly facing surfaces between the forward and rearward ends of
said pedal members, each being in an operatively fixed position
with respect to the respective pedal member to support the ball of
a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally
elliptical cyclical movements to said left and right pedal members,
and a selectively variable resistance assembly constructed and
arranged to provide a selected resistance within a range of
resistances to the cyclical movements of said left and right pedal
members, said downwardly facing surfaces being planar intermediate
horizontal surfaces having vertical surfaces on opposite sides
thereof, said rollers including rollers rollingly contacting said
horizontal surfaces and rollers rollingly contacting said vertical
surfaces.
51. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 50, wherein said
vertical surfaces face toward one another.
52. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 50, wherein said
vertical surfaces face away from one another.
53. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a position above the horizontal surface, said crank assembly
including oppositely extending left and right cranks providing
parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said crank axis
and displaced about 180.degree. with respect to one another, left
and right pedal members having first end portions connected with
said left and right cranks respectively for rotational movement
about the respective rotational axis thereof, left and right
rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a rolling axis
parallel with respect to said crank axis in a position above the
horizontal surface a distance less than the distance of said crank
axis above said horizontal surface, said left and right pedal
members having generally downwardly facing surfaces at second end
portions thereof rollingly supported on said left and right rollers
respectively, said left and right pedal members providing left and
right foot supporting structures defining generally upwardly facing
surfaces between the forward and rearward ends of said pedal
members, each being in an operatively fixed position with respect
to the respective pedal member to support the ball of a user's foot
so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally elliptical
cyclical movements to said left and right pedal members, and a
selectively variable resistance assembly constructed and arranged
to provide a selected resistance within a range of resistances to
the cyclical movements of said left and right pedal members, said
downwardly facing surfaces including side portions extending
downwardly and inwardly toward a lower central portion, said
rollers including a roller rollingly engaging each of said side
portions.
54. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 53, wherein said
side portions are convexly arcuate in cross-section.
55. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 53, wherein said
side portions are straight in cross-section.
56. An elliptical exerciser comprising: a frame constructed and
arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal surface, a crank
assembly providing a crank axis fixed with respect to said frame in
a position above the horizontal surface, said crank assembly
including oppositely extending left and right cranks providing
parallel rotational axis spaced equidistantly from said crank axis
and displaced about 180.degree. with respect to one another, left
and right pedal members having first end portions connected with
said left and right cranks respectively for rotational movement
about the respective rotational axis thereof, left and right
rollers mounted on said frame for rotation about a rolling axis
parallel with respect to said crank axis in a position above the
horizontal surface a distance less than the distance of said crank
axis above said horizontal surface, said left and right pedal
members having generally downwardly facing surfaces at second end
portions thereof rollingly supported on said left and right rollers
respectively, said left and right pedal members providing left and
right foot supporting structures defining generally upwardly facing
surfaces between the forward and rearward ends of said pedal
members, each being in an operatively fixed position with respect
to the respective pedal member to support the ball of a user's foot
so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally elliptical
cyclical movements to said left and right pedal members, and a
selectively variable resistance assembly constructed and arranged
to provide a selected resistance within a range of resistances to
the cyclical movements of said left and right pedal members, each
of said pedal members being formed as a tube, each respective
downwardly facing surfaces comprising an arcuate segment of a
cylindrical periphery of a tube, said arcuate segments having
roller surfaces in rolling engagement therewith.
57. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 56, wherein each
arcuate segment has a pair of rollers with perpendicular roller
axes in rolling engagement therewith.
58. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 56, wherein each
roller in rolling engagement with an arcuate segment has a grooved
peripheral surface rollingly mating therewith.
59. An elliptical exerciser as defined in claim 24, wherein said
casing is a housing having open sides to accommodate the movement
of said left and right cranks, said open sides being substantially
closed by disks which rotate about the crank axis by the movement
of the cranks.
60. An exerciser as defined in claim 28, wherein said frame
includes rearwardly extending rollers on a rearward end thereof
position to engage the floor when the forward end of the frame is
tilted upwardly so as to render the frame rollingly portable.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/697,989, filed Jul. 12, 2005, the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Like most elliptical exercisers, the elliptical exerciser of
U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,008 ("the '08 patent"), hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety, includes a frame arranged to be mounted
in stable relation on a horizontal surface, a crank assembly
rotatably mounted on a rearward portion of the frame including left
and right cranks providing rotational connections with the rearward
ends of the left and right pedal members, respectively.
[0003] The '008 patent elliptical exerciser also provides left and
right rollers rotatably mounted on a forward portion of the frame.
The left and right pedal members include downwardly facing surfaces
which are rollingly supported on the left and right rollers,
respectively. As a result of this construction, the forward ends of
the left and right pedal members travel along one path during
forward movement and a different path during rearward movement.
This path configuration has been referred to in the prior art as a
closed curved path. This closed curved path is distinguished from
the reciprocating path most elliptical exercisers have.
[0004] A reciprocating path is known in the prior art as one in
which the forward movement is along the same path as the rearward
movement. Examples of elliptical exercisers having reciprocating
paths are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,343 ("the '343 patent"),
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIG. 4 of the
'343 patent illustrates a typical elliptical exerciser having
forward pedal member ends movable along arcuate reciprocating paths
by means of pivotal connections with the lower ends of handle
levers pivotally mounted on the frame. FIG. 5 of the '343 patent
illustrates a typical elliptical exerciser having forward pedal
member ends movable along straight reciprocating paths by means of
rollers rotatably mounted on the forward ends of the pedal members
which roll along straight tracks mounted on the frame.
[0005] Applicants have marketed and commercialized three versions
of elliptical exercisers hat were similar in some respects to that
disclosed in the '008 patent. The first version was designated
Model 1700, the second version was designated Model 1720, and the
third version was designated Model 1760. The three versions
differed somewhat in the dimensions and relationship of the basic
components provided.
[0006] For example, the Model 1700 provided a rear crank assembly
with a crank radius of about 6.54'', and a crank axis, indicated at
CA in FIG. 1, of about 9.33''above the floor. The crank radius is
the distance between the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, and
each rearward rotational axis defined by the pivots for the
respective left or right pedal members. The roller assemblies
provide a rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, spaced about
28.03'' from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, in a
horizontal forward direction and about 1.64'' in a vertical
downward direction, and a roller radius of about 0.90''. The
forward distance between each of the parallel rotational axes of
the crank assembly to the preferred position of the ball of the
foot on the respective upper surface is about 18.50''. The
comparable dimensions for Model 1720 are a crank radius of about
7.125'', a crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, of about 15.25''
above horizontal, a rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, of
about 29.5'' horizontally forward and about 9.00'' vertically
downward from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, a roller
radius of about 0.75'' and forward distance of about 10''. The
comparable dimensions for Model 1760 are a crank radius of about
6.53'', a crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, of about 9.06''
above horizontal, a rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, of
about 28.92'' horizontally forward and about 2.43'' vertically
downward from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, a roller
radius of about 0.90'' and a forward distance of about 18.25''.
[0007] While the marketing of the Model 1700, Model 1720 and Model
1760 achieved a modicum of success, the difference in the forward
roller mount as compared with the reciprocating path type units
provided a difference in operation and feel of the exerciser in
use. The present invention stems, in part, from the inventors'
recognition that the operating characteristics and feel of
exercisers of the '008 patent type can be improved.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides several distinct and
independently novel innovations over the known prior art.
[0009] For example, in accordance with the principles of one aspect
of the present invention, an '008 patent type exerciser is provided
with (1) a crank radius within an operative range of between 6''
and 14'', a preferred range of between 8'' and 12'', with a
preferred example being approximately 10 inches, and (2) a crank
axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, spaced vertically above the floor
within an operative range of between 15'' and 23'', a preferred
range of between 17'' and 21'', with a preferred example being
approximately 19.7''. The rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1,
is (1) spaced horizontally forwardly from the crank axis, indicated
at CA in FIG. 1, within an operative range of between 52.25'' and
68.25'', a preferred range of between 56.25'' and 64.25'', with a
preferred example being approximately 60.25'', and (2) spaced
vertically downwardly from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG.
1, within an operative range of between 8.375'' and 16.375'', a
preferred range of between 10.375'' and 14.375'', with a preferred
example being approximately 12.375''. The roller radius is within
an operative range of between 0.125'' and 3.0'', a preferred range
of between 0.31'' and 1.30'', with a preferred example being
approximately 0.81''. The forward distance from each rearward
rotational axis to the fixed position on the upwardly facing
surface of the respective pedal member where the ball of the foot
is supported is (1) greater than one-half the length of the
respective pedal member and (2) within an operative range of
between 36.25'' and 44.25'', a preferred range of between 38.25''
and 42.25'', with a preferred example being approximately
40.25''.
[0010] The improvement described above results in the each cyclical
movement imparted to each pedal member to include: (1) a downward
moving stroke wherein the ball of the user's foot moves forwardly
along a first curved path merging into a relatively small generally
arcuate end path and from the generally arcuate forward end path
rearwardly along a second curved path symmetrical to first path
with respect to an axis of symmetry and (2) an upward return stroke
wherein the ball of the user's foot moves rearwardly from second
path rearwardly along a third curved path different from second
path merging into a relatively large generally arcuate rearward end
path and from the generally arcuate rearward end path forwardly
along a fourth curved path symmetrical to the third path with
respect to the aforesaid axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry
extends downwardly and forwardly and has an length between end
paths which is generally equal to the distance between the parallel
rotational axis provided by the cranks and at least three times
greater than the width from a juncture between fourth and first
curved paths to a juncture between third and second paths. The
distance between the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, and the
rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, is at least three times
greater than the distance between the parallel rotational axes
provided by the cranks.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention stems from the one
dimension and range, indicated above as embodying the principles of
the present invention, which differ the most from the prior art
commercial '008 type elliptical exercisers; namely, the horizontal
length dimension between the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1,
and the rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1. This increased
dimension results in the other aspect of the present invention
which is to position the foot supporting structures laterally close
together an optimum distance of about 60 mm between the inner walls
of the foot supporting structures. This increased length dimension
also makes it possible to provide a generous fore and aft foot area
between the fore and aft walls of the foot structures. The result
as that when each foot supporting structure is at its rearmost
position it is still forward of the casing housing the variable
resistance assembly. Consequently, the foot supporting structures
are not limited in lateral spacing by the width of the casing. A
preferred arrangement leaves the entire space between the foot
supporting structures free of interfering structure throughout
their travel.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention resides in providing
a frame including a forward frame portion defining a rolling axis,
indicated at RA in FIG. 1, thereon and a separate rearward frame
portion defining a crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, thereon.
The frame portions are mounted with respect to another for
selective movement into one of a series of fixed operative
positions wherein the horizontal distance between the crank axis,
indicated at CA in FIG. 1, and the rolling axis, indicated at RA in
FIG. 1, is disposed at a selected distance with a range of
different distances. In one embodiment, the forward and rearward
frame portions are telescopically interrelated.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide
various specific roller configurations and cooperating pedal member
roller engaging surfaces.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of
left and right handle levers pivoted to the frame intermediate ends
thereof. The left and right handle levers have upper portions
defining left and right handles to be manually gripped by the user
and lower portions interconnected to the left and right pedal
members by left and right links, respectively, pivotally connected
at forward ends thereof to corresponding lower end portions of the
left and right handle levers, respectively, and at rearward ends
thereof to the left and right pedal members.
[0015] Still another aspect of the present invention is the
provision of an '008 patent type elliptical exerciser in which each
of the foot supporting structures include forward upstanding
barrier structure disposed in a position to prevent the users foot
from moving forwardly with respect to the respective upwardly
facing surface. Each forward upstanding barrier structure is
mounted on the respective pedal member for selective movement with
respect to the foot engaging upwardly facing surface thereof into a
selected forward fixed toe engaging operative position within a
range of forward fixed toe engaging operative positions spaced
different distances from the respective rearward rotational axis
and/or a rearward 180.degree. turned fixed heel engaging position
within a range of rearward 180.degree. turned fixed heel engaging
positions with respect to the foot engaging upwardly turned
surfaces of the respective pedal member spaced different distances
from the respective rearward rotational axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an elliptical exerciser
of the type represented by the '008 patent improved in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1A is a fragmentary enlarged view of the portion of
FIG. 1 which illustrates the path of the users foot movement with a
typical users foot shown in dotted lines.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exerciser shown in FIG.
1;
[0019] FIGS. 3 through 14 are similar cross-sectional views of
different cooperating components relating to the rolling support of
the forward end of the pedal members;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a foot supporting assembly
improvement constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the assembly shown in FIG.
16;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the assembly
shown in FIG. 16;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the parts after
an initial movement to effect a longitudinal movement of the foot
barrier structure;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the position of
the parts after an initial movement to effect a 180.degree. turning
movement of the foot barrier structure;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of
a elliptical exerciser of the type represented by the '008 patent
improved in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 20A is a fragmentary enlarged view of the portion of
FIG. 20 which illustrates the path of the users foot movement with
a typical users foot shown in dotted lines;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the elliptical exerciser shown
in FIG. 20; and
[0028] FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken
along the line 22-22 of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is
shown in FIG. 1 an elliptical exerciser, generally indicated at 10
embodying certain principles of the present invention. The
exerciser 10 includes a frame, generally indicated at 12,
constructed and arranged to be stably supported on a horizontal
surface. Mounted in a rearward position above the horizontal
surface is a crank assembly, generally indicated at 14, providing a
crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, fixed with respect to the
frame 12. The crank assembly 14 includes oppositely extending left
and right cranks 16 and 18 providing parallel rotational axes
spaced equidistantly from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG.
1, and displaced 180.degree. with respect to one another.
[0030] The crank assembly 14 provides a rearward mounting assembly
for left and right pedal members 20 and 22 having rear portions
connected, as at 24 and 26, with the left and right cranks 16 and
18 respectively for rotational movement about the respective
rotational axis thereof. The left and right pedal members 20 and 22
are supported by a forward mounting assembly in the form of left
and right rollers 28 and 30 mounted on the frame 12 for rotation
about a single rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, parallel
with respect to the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, in a
forward position above the horizontal surface a distance less than
the distance of the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, above
the horizontal surface.
[0031] The left and right pedal members 20 and 22 have straight
downwardly facing surfaces 32 and 34 respectively at forward end
portions thereof rollingly supported on the left and right rollers
28 and 30 respectively. The left and right pedal members 20 and 22
also have upwardly facing surfaces 36 and 38 between the forward
and rearward ends thereto. Each upwardly facing surface 36 or 38 is
disposed in an operatively fixed position with respect to the
respective pedal members 20 or 22 to support the ball of a user's
foot so as to enable a user to apply repeated generally elliptical
cyclical movements to the left and right pedal members 20 and
22.
[0032] The exerciser 10 also includes a selectively variable
resistance assembly, generally indicated at 40, constructed and
arranged to provide a selected resistance within a range of
resistances to the cyclical movements of the left and right pedal
members 20 and 22.
[0033] In one embodiment, each crank 16 or 18 has (1) a crank
radius within a range of between 6'' and 14'', a more preferred
range of between 8'' and 12'', with a preferred example being
approximately 10 inches, and (2) a crank axis, indicated at CA in
FIG. 1, spaced vertically above the floor within a range of between
15'' and 23'', a preferred range of between 17'' and 21'', with a
preferred example being approximately 19.7''. The rolling axis,
indicated at RA in FIG. 1, is (1) spaced horizontally forwardly
from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, within a range of
between 52.25'' and 68.25'', a preferred range of between 56.25''
and 64.25'', with a preferred example being approximately 60.25'',
and (2) spaced vertically downwardly from the crank axis, indicated
at CA in FIG. 1, within a range of between 8.375'' and 16.375'', a
preferred range of between 10.375'' and 14.375'', with a preferred
example being approximately 13.125''. Each roller 28 or 30 has a
roller radius within a range of between 0.125'' and 3.0'', a
preferred range of between 0.31'' and 1.30'', with a preferred
example being approximately 0.81''. The forward distance from each
rearward rotational axis to the fixed position on the upwardly
facing surface of the respective pedal member 20 or 22 where the
ball of the foot is supported is (1) greater than one-half the
length of the respective pedal member and (2) within a range of
between 36.25'' and 44.25'', a preferred range of between 38.25''
and 42.25'', with a preferred example being approximately
40.25''.
[0034] With the construction described above, each cyclical
movement includes (1) a downward moving stroke wherein the ball of
the user's foot moves forwardly along a first curved path,
indicated at 1 in FIG. 1A, which merges into a relatively small
generally arcuate end path, indicated at FE in FIG. 1A, and from
the generally arcuate forward end path FE rearwardly along a second
curved path, indicated at 2 in FIG. 1A, symmetrical to the first
path 1 with respect to an axis of symmetry, indicated at 2 in FIG.
1A, and (2) an upward return stroke wherein the ball of the user's
foot moves rearwardly from the second path 2 rearwardly along a
third curved path, indicated at 3 in FIG. 1A, different from the
second path 2, and which merges into a relatively large generally
arcuate rearward end path, indicated at RE in FIG. 1A, and from the
generally arcuate rearward end path RE forwardly along a fourth
curved path, indicated at 4 in FIG. 1A, symmetrical to the third
path 3, with respect to the aforesaid axis of symmetry S. FIGS. 1
and 1A both illustrate the generally elliptical or teardrop shape
of the path of movement of the ball of the user's foot during each
cycle.
[0035] It will be noted that the axis of symmetry extends
downwardly and forwardly and has a length, indicated at L in FIG.
1A, between the end paths FE and RE which is generally equal to the
distance between the parallel rotational axes provided by the
cranks 16 and 18 and at least three times greater than the width,
indicated at W in FIG. 1A, from a juncture between the fourth and
first curved paths 4 and 1 to a juncture between the third and
second paths 3 and 2. The distance between the crank axis,
indicated at CA in FIG. 1, and the rolling axis, indicated at RA in
FIG. 1, in one embodiment, is at least three times greater than the
distance between the parallel rotational axes 24 and 26 provided by
the cranks 16 and 18.
[0036] As best shown in FIG. 1, the frame 12 of the elliptical
exerciser 10 includes a forward frame portion 42 defining the
rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, thereon and a separate
rearward frame portion 44 defining the crank axis, indicated at CA
in FIG. 1, thereon. The frame portions 42 and 44 are, in one
embodiment, in the form of central hollow members mounted in
telescopic relation with respect to another for selective movement
into one of a series of operative positions wherein the horizontal
distance between the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, and the
rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, is disposed at a selected
distance within a range of different distances as previously
indicated.
[0037] As best shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, each of the
pedal members 20 and 22 has a straight relatively short rearward
section and a straight relatively long forward section providing
the straight roller engaging downward surfaces. This angle
configuration is like the configuration embodied in the Model 1720.
It is within the contemplation of the present invention to form
each of the pedal members 20 and 22 straight throughout its
longitudinal extent, like the configuration embodied in the Model
1700 and Model 1760.
[0038] Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3 through 14, there
is illustrated therein various configurations of the roller and
cooperating roller engaging surface of the forward mounting
assembly for each of the left and right pedal members 20 and
22.
[0039] Each of the pedal members 20 and 22 are illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2 as being of hollow rectangular tubular construction having
a rectangular cross-sectional configuration elongated in the
horizontal direction so as to present planar downwardly facing
roller engaging surfaces 32 and 34. The rollers 28 and 30 are shown
as having a cylindrical pedal member supporting surfaces. Each
roller 28 or 30 could be provided with spaced end flanges which
extend upwardly on opposite sides of the pedal member as provided
in the Model 1720.
[0040] Each of the different configurations shown in FIGS. 3
through 14 illustrate a different pedal member with overall
configurations like the pedal members 20 and 22 , but with
different cross-sectional configurations and hence different roller
engaging surfaces, and different roller constructions cooperating
therewith.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a pedal member 42 of solid rectangular bar
cross-sectional configuration formed with parallel, relatively
closely spaced grooves 44 of concavely downwardly arcuate
cross-section formed therein. A pair of correspondingly spaced
parallel rollers 46 are provided with convexly arcuate peripheral
surfaces 48 to rollingly engage within the grooves 44.
[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a pedal member 50 of inverted
channel shape in cross-section providing a central downwardly
facing planar roller engaging surface 52 and two flanges 54
extending downwardly at right angles on opposite sides thereof. The
central downwardly facing surface 52 is rollingly supported by a
roller 56 similar in peripheral configuration to each of the
rollers 46.
[0043] In FIG. 4, inner surfaces 58 of the flanges 54 are rollingly
engaged with a pair of smaller rollers 60 rotatably supported about
spaced vertical axes. The rollers 60 provide lateral stability to
the pedal member 50.
[0044] In FIG. 5, outer surfaces 62 of the flanges 54 are rollingly
engaged with a pair of smaller rollers 64 rotatably supported about
spaced parallel vertical axes.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates the principle of utilizing additional
vertical axis rollers to provide lateral stability as in FIGS. 4
and 5, to a pedal member 66 having a construction and
cross-sectional configuration like either of the pedal members 20
or 22. As shown, the pedal member 66 provides a planar downwardly
facing surface 68 rollingly supported by roller 70. The pedal
member 66 also provides two oppositely facing side surfaces 72
disposed on opposite sides thereof which are rollingly engaged by a
pair of rollers 74 rotatable about parallel vertical axes.
[0046] The rollers 48, 56 and 70, shown in FIGS. 3-6, like the
rollers 28 and 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, can conveniently
cooperate with depending structure 76 fixed to the associated pedal
member and extending below the periphery of the associated roller
to limit upward movement of the pedal member with respect to the
roller and thus provide the pedal member with vertical stability.
It will be understood, however, that since the weight of the user
is always acting to keep the pedal members in roller engagement an
upwardly limiting structure 76 is not essential.
[0047] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate pedal members 78 of hollow round
cross-sectional configurations.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a single roller 80 rollingly supporting
the lower arcuate surface of the round tubular pedal member 78. The
roller 80 has a concavely arcuately grooved exterior periphery 82
configured and sized to roll in substantial mating engagement with
the lower arcuate exterior peripheral surface of the round tubular
pedal member 78.
[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a pair of rollers 80 with their
rotational axes disposed at right angles with respect to one
another, intersecting vertically below the axis of the round
cross-section of the pedal member 78. Each of the rollers 84 are
shown as being of a construction similar to the rollers 48, 56 and
70 although they may be constructed similar to the rollers 82. The
axis about which each pair of rollers 84 turns is different,
however, the effective rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, is
the same as the rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, of the
single roller 80.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates the same rollers 84 rollingly supporting
a pedal member 86. The rollers rollingly engage with outer
perpendicularly related V-shaped surfaces 88 of the pedal member 86
formed in the lower wall of an otherwise hollow rectangular
cross-sectional configuration.
[0051] FIGS. 10 through 14 disclose pedal members that are similar
to pedal member 86 in that each is of hollow rectangular
cross-sectional configuration with a lower wall of modified
configuration.
[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates a pedal member 90 in which the lower
wall is concavo-convex with a roller engaging arcuately convex
surface 92. A single roller 94 rollingly supports the pedal member
90 which has concavely arcuate double frustroconical periphery 96
similar in configuration to the peripheries 82 of the rollers 80 in
rolling engagement with the surface 92.
[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates a pedal member 98 in which the lower
wall is formed with a pair of parallel indentations defining a pair
of parallel downwardly facing surfaces of arcuately concave
cross-sectional configuration within downwardly facing planar
surfaces 102. A single roller 104 rollingly supports the pedal
member 98. The periphery of the rollers 104 includes cylindrical
surfaces 106 rollingly engaging planar surfaces 102 and spaced
apart annular ridges 108 formed therein having exterior surfaces
108 of arcuately convex cross-sectional configurations rollingly
engaging the concavely arcuate surfaces 100.
[0054] FIG. 12 illustrates a pedal member 110 having a lower wall
with only a central indentation therein defining a single
downwardly facing surface 112 of concavely arcuate cross-sectional
configuration centrally located within planar surface 114. A single
roller 116 rollingly supports the pedal member 110. The roller 116
includes a cylindrical peripheral surface 118 rollingly engaging
the planar surface 114 and a central annual ridge defining a
surface 120 of convexly arcuate cross-section configurations
rollingly engaging the concavely arcuate surfaces 112.
[0055] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate two different pedal members 122
and 124 which are slight variations of the pedal member 110. The
pedal members 122 and 124 are rollingly supported by rollers 126
and 128 which are slight variations of the roller 116.
[0056] The variation shown in FIG. 13 is essentially a reversal of
the configuration shown in FIG. 12. The reversal shows a central
projection 130 with opposite sides defined by planar surfaces 132.
The projection 130 has a convexly arcuate downwardly facing
cross-sectional configuration. An annular groove 134 in the central
portion of the roller 126 with opposite sides defined by
cylindrical surfaces 136. The annular groove has a mating concavely
arcuate cross-sectional configuration.
[0057] The variation of FIG. 14 is like that of FIG. 13 except for
the cross-sectional configuration of the mating projection and
annual groove. FIG. 14 illustrates the lower wall of the pedal
member 124 with a central projection 138 having planar surfaces 140
on opposite sides thereof and the roller 128 with a central annular
groove 142 having cylindrical surfaces 144 on opposite sides
thereof. As shown, the mating cross-sections of the projection and
groove are of block configuration or squared U-shaped
configuration.
[0058] It can be seen that in the above embodiments of the
cooperating pedal members and rollers, the rollingly supported
cooperating relationship remains uneffected by any telescopic
adjusting movements made between the forward and rearward frame
portions 42 and 44. The primary effect is simply to change the
distance between the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, and the
rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1.
[0059] The movement of the frame portions 42 and 44 into different
positions correspondingly changes the longitudinal position of the
elliptical path and the shape of the symmetrical curves thereof
slightly. Once the frame members 42 and 44 are in a selected
operative fixed position, they can be locked therein by any
suitable means, such a threaded knob member 146 threaded into the
outer tubular rearward frame member 44 to lockingly engage the
inner forward tubular frame member 42.
[0060] As shown, the rearward end of the forward frame member 42
telescopically fits within the forward end of the rearward frame
member 44. The rearward end of the rearward frame member 44 has a
rearward cross frame member 148 fixed thereto by any suitable
means, such as fasteners or the like. The cross-frame member 148
extends laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the centrally
disposed rearward frame member 44 and has floor engaging caps 150
on the outer ends thereof.
[0061] The forward frame member 42 extends forwardly from the
rearward frame member 44 and has its midsection bent into an
upwardly extending curve from which a forward end portion extends
upwardly at a substantial upright vertical inclination. The upper
extremity of the forward frame member 42 preferably has an
instrument panel 152 fixed thereon. The instrument panel 152 can be
of any known construction.
[0062] The rearward cross frame member 148 provides lateral
stability to the rearward end of the exerciser 10 during use. The
forward end is laterally stabilized by a forward cross frame member
154 having floor engaging end caps 156. The cross frame member 154
is fixedly secured in floor engaging position to the bent
intermediate section of the forward frame member 42 by any suitable
means, such as brackets 158 welded therebetween.
[0063] Since the rollers 28 and 30 are supported on the frame 10 in
laterally outwardly spaced relation to the centrally located
forward frame member 42, one embodiment provides the roller support
on the forward cross frame member 154. As shown, left and right
pairs of parallel steel plates or comparably configured brackets
160 and 162 are welded at their lower ends to the upper surface of
the forward cross frame member 154 at appropriate lateral
positions. It will be understood that all of the rollers shown in
FIGS. 3-14 can be rotatably mounted on the forward cross frame
member 154 in similar locations by similar appropriate brackets or
plates.
[0064] In one embodiment, the elliptical exerciser 10 can be
provided with left and right handle assembles like any of those
exercisers of the Stamina and LifeGear units previously mentioned.
That is, they may constitute telescopic handle assemblies pivoted
to the forward ends of the pedal members like the Stamina Model
1720, they may simply be fixed to the frame, like the Stamina
Models 1700 and 1760 and the LifeGear "Transorbit" or fixed to the
forward ends of the pedal members like the LifeGear
"Transmotion."
[0065] In one embodiment there is provided improved left and right
handle assemblies which include left and right pivoted handle
levers 164 and 166 and left and right connecting links 168 and 170,
operatively associated with the left and right pedal members 20 and
22, respectively.
[0066] As shown, the left and right pivoted handle levers 164 and
166 includes upper portions defining left and right handles 172 and
174, respectively, positioned to be gripped by the left and right
hands of the user. Intermediate mid-points of the left and right
handle levers 164 and 166 are pivoted to upper end portions of the
forward frame member 42 by a laterally extending shaft structure
176 providing a handle pivotal axis extending through the frame
member 42 below the instrument panel 152.
[0067] The left and right handle levers 164 and 166 have left and
right lower portions 178 and 180 extending downwardly from the
shaft structure 176. The lower ends of the left and right handle
lever lower portions 178 and 180 are pivoted to the bifurcated
forward ends of the left and right connecting links 168 and 170,
respectively, as indicated at 182 and 184.
[0068] As best shown in FIG. 1, the bifurcated rearward ends of the
left and right connecting links 168 and 170 are pivotally connected
to the respective left and right pedal members 20 and 22. As shown,
the pivotal connection provides for the selective pivotal
connection in a selected one of a plurality of different positions.
This selectivity allows the user to vary the fore and aft position
of movement of the handles 172 and 174 with respect to the pedal
members 20 and 22 to better suit the particular individual user. As
shown, left and right brackets 186 and 188, each having multiple
longitudinally spaced pin receiving openings, are fixedly mounted
on the upper surface of the left and right pedal members 20 and 22,
respectively, at intermediate positions spaced rearwardly of the
forward ends thereof. The bifurcated rear ends of the left and
right connecting links 168 and 170 are fitted with left and right
pivot pins 190 and 192, capable of being pivotally engaged within
any one of the pin receiving openings in the left and right
brackets 186 and 188.
[0069] It is within the contemplation of the present invention to
provide the upwardly facing foot supporting surfaces 36 and 38 by
the upwardly facing surfaces of the left and right pedal members 20
and 22 themselves. However, in one embodiment, the surfaces 36 and
38 are provided by separate foot supporting structural units fixed
on the upper surface of the pedal members. These foot supporting
structural units are in the form of left and right adjustable foot
supporting platform assemblies, indicated generally at 196 and
198.
[0070] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distance that the
rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 1, is spaced forwardly from
the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 1, makes it possible to
make the foot supporting structures 196 and 198 with ample fore and
aft area to accommodate significant adjustment for a wide range of
foot sizes.
[0071] The assemblies 196 and 198 are identical except for being
side by side mirror images of one another so that a description of
one will suffice to give an understanding of the construction and
operation of both.
[0072] Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 15-19, each foot
supporting assembly 196 or 198 includes a foot supporting platform
structure 200 providing an upwardly facing platform surface
configuration 202 of a shape to receive a foot of the user. As
shown, the surface configuration 202 provides a series of parallel
ridges or longitudinally-spaced teeth.
[0073] The surface configuration 202 is peripherally defined by an
upstanding structure 204 which extends along an inner side
periphery and around the forward and rearward peripheral ends of
the surface 202 so as to allow the outer side of the surface 202 to
be open for easier access to the user.
[0074] Extending longitudinally within the platform structure 200
is a slot 206 which extends vertically through the platform
structure 200. The under surface of the platform structure 200 is
recessed marginally on opposite sides of the slot 206 and formed
with a series of downwardly projecting longitudinally-spaced
transverse ridges or teeth 208.
[0075] Disposed above the surface 202 is an upstanding barrier
structure 210. As shown, the barrier structure 210 includes an
arcuately-shaped foot engaging surface 212 and a central depending
portion 214 slidably mounted within the slot 206. Extending
vertically through the barrier structure 210 is a fastener element
216.
[0076] The fastener element 216 also extends vertically through a
lower adjustment member 218 having a series of upwardly facing
longitudinally-spaced teeth 220 configured and positioned to mesh
with the downwardly facing teeth 208 of the platform structure
200.
[0077] Fixed, as by a nut 222, on the upper end of the fastener
element 216 is a pusher member 224 configured and positioned to
move vertically within an upwardly opening recess in the barrier
member 210. A compression coil spring 226 is disposed within the
barrier member recess in surrounding relation with the fastener
element 216 and in engaged relation between the barrier member 210
and the pusher member 224.
[0078] As best shown in FIG. 17, the spring 226 normally biases the
barrier member 210 downwardly into a selected fixed operative
position with respect to the platform 210 with the depending
portion 214, thereof disposed within the slot 206. The spring 226
also biases the lower member 218 upwardly so that the upwardly
facing teeth 220 thereon meshingly engage the downwardly facing
teeth 208 of the platform structure 200.
[0079] The spring arrangement enables the barrier structure 21 to
be moved relative to the platform structure 200 (1) longitudinally
into a selected toe engaging operative position within a range of
toe engaging operative positions and (2), rotationally and
longitudinally between a toe engaging position or a 180.degree.
turned heel engaging position.
[0080] As best shown in FIG. 18, the toe engaging position of the
barrier structure is one in which the arcuately-shaped foot
engaging surface 212 of the barrier member 210 faces rearwardly in
a position to be engaged by a toe structure of the user so as to
prevent forward movement of the user's foot therebeyond. In this
toe engaging orientation, the user can selectively move the barrier
structure 210 into a selected toe engaging operative position by a
combined downward manual push and longitudinal movement. The
longitudinal movement of the barrier structure 210 is possible
after the down push of the pushing member 224 because the teeth 220
of the lower adjustment member 218 are disposed out of meshing
relation to the teeth 208 of the platform 200.
[0081] As best shown in FIG. 19, a combined vertically upward and
rotational movement of the barrier member 210 enable the barrier
member to be moved into a 180.degree. turned heel engaging
position. This movement is allowed because the upward movement of
the barrier structure 210 against the spring bias moves the
depending portion 214 of the barrier structure 210 out of the slot
206 enabling rotational movement to take place whereas, in the
selected fixed operative position, the positioning of the depending
portion 214 of the barrier structure 210 within the slot 206
normally prevents rotational movement.
[0082] The selectively operable variable resistance assembly 40 is
shown somewhat schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. The assembly 40 can
be of any known construction and operation. The assembly 40 is
shown as embodying an electrically operated unit 228; although it
will be understood that other units including frictional-operated
and fan-operated units can be utilized.
[0083] The electrical unit 228 of the assembly 40 is shown in FIG.
1 as being positioned on the frame 44. The variable resistance
assembly 40 also includes a belt and pulley system 230 driven by
the crank assembly 14. The entire variable resistance assembly 40
including the electrical unit 228 and belt and pulley system 230 is
housed within a casing 232 which also houses support structure 234
for the crank assembly 14. The configuration and position of the
casing 232 and the distance which the rolling axis, indicated at RA
in FIG. 1, is spaced forwardly form the crank axis, indicated at CA
in FIG. 1, makes it possible to position the foot supporting
structure 196 and 198 so that when each foot supporting structure
196 and 198 is at its rearmost it is spaced forwardly by the
casing. With this relationship established the lateral width
between the foot supporting structures 96 and 198 can be moved
close together into an optimum spacing, as, for example, 60 mm
between the lateral extent of the peripheral walls 204. As can be
seen from FIG. 2, this optimum distance is less than the width or
widest lateral dimension of the casing 232. In one embodiment, as
shown, the lateral space between the foot supporting structures 196
and 198 free of interfering structure in every position of movement
of the pedal members 20 and 22.
[0084] Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 20-22 of the
drawings, there is shown in FIG. 20 another elliptical exerciser,
generally indicated at 310. The exerciser 310 includes a frame,
generally indicated at 312, constructed and arranged to be stably
supported on a horizontal surface. Mounted in a rearward position
above the horizontal surface is a crank assembly, generally
indicated at 314, providing a crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG.
20, fixed with respect to the frame 312. The crank assembly 314
includes oppositely extending left and right cranks 316 and 318
providing parallel rotational axes spaced equidistantly from the
crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 20, and displaced 180.degree.
with respect to one another.
[0085] The crank assembly 314 provides a rearward mounting assembly
for left and right pedal members 320 and 322 having rear portions
connected, as at 324 and 326, with the left and right cranks 316
and 318, respectively, for rotational movement about the respective
rotational axis thereof. The left and right pedal members 320 and
322 are supported by a forward mounting assembly in the form of
left and right rollers 328 and 330 mounted on the frame 312 for
rotation about a single rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 20,
parallel with respect to the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG.
20, in a forward position above the horizontal surface a distance
less than the distance of the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG.
20, above the horizontal surface.
[0086] The left and right pedal members 320 and 322 have straight
downwardly facing surfaces 332 and 334, respectively, at forward
end portions thereof rollingly supported on the left and right
rollers 328 and 330, respectively. The left and right pedal members
320 and 322 also have upwardly facing surfaces 336 and 338 between
the forward and rearward ends thereto. Each upwardly facing surface
336 or 338 is disposed in an operatively fixed position with
respect to the respective pedal members 320 or 322 to support the
ball of a user's foot so as to enable a user to apply repeated
generally elliptical cyclical movements to the left and right pedal
members 320 and 322.
[0087] The exerciser 310 also includes a selectively variable
resistance assembly, generally indicated at 340, constructed and
arranged to provide a selected resistance within a range of
resistances to the cyclical movements of the left and right pedal
members 320 and 322.
[0088] Each crank 316 or 318 has (1) a crank radius within a range
of between 6'' and 14'', a preferred range of between 8'' and 12'',
with a preferred example being approximately 10 inches, and (2) a
crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 20, spaced vertically above the
floor within a range of between 15'' and 23'', a preferred range of
between 17'' and 21'', with a preferred example being approximately
19.7''. The rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 20, is (1) spaced
horizontally forwardly from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG.
20, within a range of between 52.25'' and 68.25'', a preferred
range of between 56.25'' and 64.25'', with a preferred example
being approximately 60.25'', and (2) spaced vertically downwardly
from the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 20, within a range of
between 8.375'' and 16.375'', a preferred range of between 10.375''
and 14.375'', with a preferred example being approximately
13.125''. Each roller 328 or 330 has a roller radius within a range
of between 0.125'' and 3.0'', a preferred range of between 0.31''
and 1.30'', with a preferred example being approximately 0.81''.
The forward distance from each rearward rotational axis to the
fixed position on the upwardly facing surface of the respective
pedal member 320 or 322 where the ball of the foot is supported is
(1) greater than one-half the length of the respective pedal member
and (2) within a range of between 36.25'' and 44.25'', a preferred
range of between 38.25'' and 42.25'', with a preferred example
being approximately 40.25''.
[0089] With the construction described above, each cyclical
movement includes (1) a downward moving stroke wherein the ball of
the user's foot moves forwardly along a first curved path,
indicated at 1 in FIG. 20A, which merges into a relatively small
generally arcuate end path, indicated at FE in FIG. 20A, and from
the generally arcuate forward end path FE rearwardly along a second
curved path, indicated at 2 in FIG. 20A, symmetrical to the first
path 1 with respect to an axis of symmetry, indicated at S in FIG.
20A, and (2) an upward return stroke wherein the ball of the user's
foot moves rearwardly from the second path 2 rearwardly along a
third curved path, indicated at 3 in FIG. 20A, different from the
second path 2, and which merges into a relatively large generally
arcuate rearward end path, indicated at RE in FIG. 20A, and from
the generally arcuate rearward end path RE forwardly along a fourth
curved path, indicated at 4 in FIG. 20A, symmetrical to the third
path 3, with respect to the aforesaid axis of symmetry S. FIGS. 20
and 20A both illustrate the generally elliptical or teardrop shape
of the path of movement of the ball of the user's foot during each
cycle.
[0090] It will be noted that the axis of symmetry extends
downwardly and forwardly and has a length, indicated at L in FIG.
20A, between the end paths FE and RE which is generally equal to
the distance between the parallel rotational axes provided by the
cranks 316 and 318 and at least three times greater than the width,
indicated at W in FIG. 20A, from a juncture between the fourth and
first curved paths 4 and 1 to a juncture between the third and
second paths 3 and 2. The distance between the crank axis,
indicated at CA in FIG. 20, and the rolling axis, indicated at RA
in FIG. 20, is at least three times greater than the distance
between the parallel rotational axes 324 and 326 provided by the
cranks 316 and 318.
[0091] As best shown in FIG. 20, the frame 312 of the elliptical
exerciser 310 includes a forward transversely extending cross frame
member 342, a longitudinally extending central frame member and a
rearward transversely extending cross frame 346. The cross frame
members 342 and 346 are suitably fixed to the central frame member
344 as by welding or the like. All are provided with floor engaging
leveling pads 348. Fixed to the rearward cross member 346 is a pair
of rearwardly extending rollers 350. The rollers 350 serve to
render the exerciser 310 rollingly portable by tipping the forward
end upwardly to engage the rollers 350 on the floor.
[0092] The frame 312 includes a forward decorative housing 352
which is fixed to the central portion of the cross frame member 342
in covering relation to the forward end of the central frame member
344 and extends forwardly therefrom. The crank assembly 314 is
partially covered by a rearward housing 354 fixed to the rearward
end of the central frame member 344 and central portion of the
rearward cross frame member 346. The rearward housing 354 extends
upwardly from the frame members 344 and 346 in covering relation to
the crank assembly 314, but is open at its sides to accommodate the
movement of the cranks 316 and 318. Preferably, covering disks 355
are rotatably carried by the shaft defining the crank axis CA. The
covering disks 55 are aperture to accommodate the shaft connectors
324 and 326 and rotate during the operation of the exerciser
310.
[0093] The frame 312 also includes a forward upright frame member
356 which is fixed, as by welding or the like, to the juncture
between the forward cross member 342 and central frame member 344.
As best shown in FIG. 20, the upright frame member 356 extends
vertically upwardly from the frame members 342 and 344 and then at
a midportion, indicated at 358, slants upwardly and forwardly.
Fixed to the upper slanted portion of the upright frame member 354
is a pair of fixed handle bars 360 which extend rearwardly and
outwardly. Fixed across the midportion of the handle bars 360 is a
first instrument panel 362. A second instrument panel 364 is fixed
to the upper free end of the upright frame member 356.
[0094] As best shown in FIG. 20, in one embodiment, each of the
pedal members 320 and 322 has a straight relatively short rearward
section and a straight relatively long forward section providing
the straight roller engaging downward surfaces. This angle
configuration is like the configuration embodied in the Model 1720.
It is contemplated that, in one embodiment, each of the pedal
members 320 and 322 may be formed straight throughout its
longitudinal extent, like the configuration embodied in the Model
1700 and Model 1760.
[0095] Each of the pedal members 320 and 322 are illustrated in
FIGS. 20-22 as being of hollow tubular construction having a
cylindrical cross-sectional configuration so as to present an
arcuate downwardly facing roller engaging surface 332 or 334. The
rollers 328 and 330 are shown in FIG. 22 as having an arcuate,
concave pedal member supporting surface. Each roller 328 or 330 is
mounted on a respective side of the forward frame portion 342 by a
pair of brackets 366.
[0096] In one embodiment, the elliptical exerciser 310 can be
provided with left and movable right handle assemblies like any of
those exercisers of the Stamina and LifeGear units previously
mentioned. That is, they may constitute telescopic handle
assemblies pivoted to the forward ends of the pedal members like
the Stamina Model 1720, they may simply be fixed to the frame, like
the Stamina Models 1700 and 1760 and the LifeGear "Transorbit" or
fixed to the forward ends of the pedal members like the LifeGear
"Transmotion."
[0097] In one embodiment, the invention provides improved left and
right handle assemblies which include left and right pivoted handle
levers 464 and 466 and left and right connecting links 468 and 470,
operatively associated with the left and right pedal members 320
and 322, respectively.
[0098] As shown, the left and right pivoted handle levers 464 and
466 include upper portions defining left and right handles 472 and
474, respectively, positioned to be gripped by the left and right
hands of the user. Intermediate mid-points of the left and right
handle levers 464 and 466 are pivoted to the end portion of the
upright frame member 356 by a laterally extending shaft structure
476 providing a handle pivotal axis extending through the frame
member 356 below the instrument panel 452.
[0099] The left and right handle levers 464 and 466 have left and
right lower portions 478 and 480 extending downwardly from the
shaft structure 476. The lower ends of the left and right handle
lever lower portions 478 and 480 are pivoted to the bifurcated
forward ends of the left and right connecting links 468 and 470,
respectively, as indicated at 482 and 484.
[0100] As best shown in FIG. 20, the bifurcated rearward ends of
the left and right connecting links 468 and 470 are pivotally
connected to the respective left and right pedal members 320 and
322. As shown, left and right brackets 486 and 488 are fixedly
mounted on the upper surface of the left and right pedal members
320 and 322, respectively, at intermediate positions spaced
rearwardly of the forward ends thereof. The bifurcated rear ends of
the left and right connecting links 468 and 470 are fitted with
left and right pivot pins 490 and 492, pivotally engaged within a
cooperative pin receiving opening in the left and right brackets
486 and 488.
[0101] In one embodiment, the upwardly facing foot supporting
surfaces 336 and 338 are provided by the upwardly facing surfaces
of the left and right pedal members 320 and 322 themselves.
However, the surfaces 336 and 338 may be provided by separate foot
supporting structural units fixed on the upper surface of the pedal
members. These foot supporting structural units are in the form of
left and right adjustable foot supporting platform assemblies,
indicated generally at 196 and 198, as previously described.
[0102] The selectively operable variable resistance assembly 340 is
shown somewhat schematically in FIGS. 20 and 21. The assembly 340
can be of any well known construction and operation. The assembly
340 is shown as embodying an electrically operated unit 528;
although it will be understood that other units including
frictional-operated and fan-operated units can be utilized.
[0103] The electrical unit 528 of the assembly 340 is shown in FIG.
20 as being positioned on the frame 344 within the housing 354. The
variable resistance assembly 340 also includes a belt and pulley
system 530 driven by the crank assembly 314. The entire variable
resistance assembly 340 including the electrical unit 528 and belt
and pulley system 530 is disposed within the housing 354 which also
houses support structure 534 for the crank assembly 314. The
configuration and position of the housing 354 and the distance
which the rolling axis, indicated at RA in FIG. 20, is spaced
forwardly form the crank axis, indicated at CA in FIG. 20, makes it
possible to position the foot supporting structure 196 and 198 so
that when each foot supporting structure 196 and 198 is at its
rearmost it is spaced forwardly by the casing.
[0104] The spacing of the foot supporting structures in the
exerciser 310 is the same as in exerciser 10 of the previous
embodiment, except it is the housing 354 which enters into the
relationship rather than the casing 232.
* * * * *