U.S. patent application number 11/761740 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for exercise equipment with automatic adjustment of stride length and/or stride height based upon direction of foot support rotation.
Invention is credited to Timothy J. Porth.
Application Number | 20070232457 11/761740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34634615 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070232457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porth; Timothy J. |
October 4, 2007 |
Exercise Equipment With Automatic Adjustment Of Stride Length
And/Or Stride Height Based Upon Direction Of Foot Support
Rotation
Abstract
An exercise device comprising (a) a frame, (b) first and second
foot supports, (c) first and second connecting systems, each having
at least two members pivotally attached to one another at a pivot
point and interconnecting a respective foot support to the frame
for moving the foot support along a closed loop path, (d) a means
effective for sensing the speed of travel of the foot supports
along the closed loop path, and (e) a means for automatically
adjusting the stride length and/or stride height of the closed loop
path traveled by the foot supports based upon the sensed speed of
travel of the foot supports. The stride adjustment means includes
(i) a means for adjusting the pivot point along the length of at
least one member of the connecting system, and (ii) a control unit
effective for receiving a signal from the sensor indicting the
speed of travel of the foot supports along the closed loop path and
automatically adjusting the pivot point along the length of at
least one member of the connecting system based upon the received
signal.
Inventors: |
Porth; Timothy J.;
(Bloomington, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERRILL LAW OFFICES
4756 BANNING AVE
SUITE 212
WHITE BEAR LAKE
MN
55110-3205
US
|
Family ID: |
34634615 |
Appl. No.: |
11/761740 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10763744 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
|
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11761740 |
Jun 12, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 2022/0676 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 22/001
20130101; A63B 22/208 20130101; A63B 2220/13 20130101; A63B 24/00
20130101; A63B 22/0017 20151001; A63B 22/0015 20130101; A63B
22/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/051 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: (a) a frame defining a transverse
axis, (b) first and second foot supports, (c) first and second
connecting systems, each having at least two members pivotally
attached to one another at a pivot point and interconnecting a
respective foot support to the frame for moving the foot support
along a closed loop path relative to the transverse axis, wherein
the closed loop path defines a stride length, (d) a means effective
for sensing the speed of travel of the foot supports along the
closed loop path, and (e) a means for automatically adjusting the
stride length of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports
based upon the sensed speed of travel of the foot supports,
comprising (i) a means for adjusting the pivot point along the
length of at least one member of the connecting system, and (ii) a
control unit in communication with the speed sensor and the stride
length adjustment means for receiving a signal from the sensor
indicting the speed of travel of the foot supports along the closed
loop path and automatically adjusting the pivot point along the
length of at least one member of the connecting system based upon
the received signal.
2. An exercise device comprising: (a) a frame defining a transverse
axis, (b) first and second foot supports, (c) first and second
connecting systems, each having at least two members pivotally
attached to one another at a pivot point and interconnecting a
respective foot support to the frame for moving the foot support
along a closed loop path relative to the transverse axis, wherein
the closed loop path defines a stride height, (d) a means effective
for sensing the speed of travel of the foot supports along the
closed loop path, and (e) a means for automatically adjusting the
stride height of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports
based upon the sensed speed of travel of the foot supports,
comprising (i) a means for adjusting the pivot point along the
length of at least one member of the connecting system, and (ii) a
control unit in communication with the speed sensor and the stride
height adjustment means for receiving a signal from the sensor
indicting the speed of travel of the foot supports along the closed
loop path and automatically adjusting the pivot point along the
length of at least one member of the connecting system based upon
the received signal.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the closed loop path
further defines a stride height and the means for automatically
adjusting the stride length is effective for concurrently adjusting
the stride height of the closed loop path traveled by the foot
supports based upon the sensed speed of travel of the foot
supports.
4. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the closed loop path is
an elliptical path.
5. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the connecting system
includes (i) first and second foot links each having a first end
and supporting one of the foot supports, (ii) first and second
connector links each having a first end and a second end, with each
connector link pivotally attached proximate the first end to one of
the foot links proximate the first end of the foot link at a foot
link pivot point, (iii) first and second rocker arms each having a
first end and a second end, with each rocker arm pivotally attached
proximate the first end to the frame and pivotally attached
proximate the second end to one of the connector links proximate
the second end of the connector link at a rocker pivot point, (iv)
a drive shaft rotatably attached to the frame, and (v) first and
second crank arms having first and second ends, with each crank arm
attached proximate the first end to the drive shaft and pivotally
attached proximate the second end to the connector link at a crank
pivot point which is positioned intermediate the foot support pivot
point and the rocker pivot point.
6. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the connecting system
includes (i) first and second foot links each having a first end
and supporting one of the foot supports, (ii) first and second
connector links each having a first end and a second end, with each
connector link pivotally attached proximate the first end to one of
the foot links proximate the first end of the foot link at a foot
link pivot point, (iii) first and second rocker arms each having a
first end and a second end, with each rocker arm pivotally attached
proximate the first end to the frame and pivotally attached
proximate the second end to one of the connector links proximate
the second end of the connector link at a rocker pivot point, (iv)
a drive shaft rotatably attached to the frame, and (v) first and
second crank arms having first and second ends, with each crank arm
attached proximate the first end to the drive shaft and pivotally
attached proximate the second end to the connector link at a crank
pivot point which is positioned intermediate the foot support pivot
point and the rocker pivot point.
7. The exercise device of claim 3 wherein the connecting system
includes (i) first and second foot links each having a first end
and supporting one of the foot supports, (ii) first and second
connector links each having a first end and a second end, with each
connector link pivotally attached proximate the first end to one of
the foot links proximate the first end of the foot link at a foot
link pivot point, (iii) first and second rocker arms each having a
first end and a second end, with each rocker arm pivotally attached
proximate the first end to the frame and pivotally attached
proximate the second end to one of the connector links proximate
the second end of the connector link at a rocker pivot point, (iv)
a drive shaft rotatably attached to the frame, and (v) first and
second crank arms having first and second ends, with each crank arm
attached proximate the first end to the drive shaft and pivotally
attached proximate the second end to the connector link at a crank
pivot point which is positioned intermediate the foot support pivot
point and the rocker pivot point.
8. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising (i) a guide
rail, (ii) a transversely extending drive shaft rotatably attached
to the frame and extending along the transverse axis, (iii) first
and second extension elements extending away from the transverse
axis and fixedly attached to opposite transverse ends of the drive
shaft for unitary rotation with the drive shaft, and (iv) first and
second foot links each supporting a foot support and having (A)
first and second ends, (B) a first end portion pivotally attached
to one of the extension elements at a point spaced from the
transverse axis for travel along a closed loop path relative to the
transverse axis, and (C) a second end portion supported by the
guide rail for longitudinal travel of the second end portion of the
foot link along a reciprocating path.
9. The exercise device of claim 2 further comprising (i) a guide
rail, (ii) a transversely extending drive shaft rotatably attached
to the frame and extending along the transverse axis, (iii) first
and second extension elements extending away from the transverse
axis and fixedly attached to opposite transverse ends of the drive
shaft for unitary rotation with the drive shaft, and (iv) first and
second foot links each supporting a foot support and having (A)
first and second ends, (B) a first end portion pivotally attached
to one of the extension elements at a point spaced from the
transverse axis for travel along a closed loop path relative to the
transverse axis, and (C) a second end portion supported by the
guide rail for longitudinal travel of the second end portion of the
foot link along a reciprocating path.
10. The exercise device of claim 3 further comprising (i) a guide
rail, (ii) a transversely extending drive shaft rotatably attached
to the frame and extending along the transverse axis, (iii) first
and second extension elements extending away from the transverse
axis and fixedly attached to opposite transverse ends of the drive
shaft for unitary rotation with the drive shaft, and (iv) first and
second foot links each supporting a foot support and having (A)
first and second ends, (B) a first end portion pivotally attached
to one of the extension elements at a point spaced from the
transverse axis for travel along a closed loop path relative to the
transverse axis, and (C) a second end portion supported by the
guide rail for longitudinal travel of the second end portion of the
foot link along a reciprocating path.
11. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising (i) first and
second guide arms, (ii) a transversely extending drive shaft
rotatably attached to the frame and extending along the transverse
axis, (iii) first and second extension elements extending away from
the transverse axis and fixedly attached to opposite transverse
ends of the drive shaft for unitary rotation with the drive shaft,
and (iv) first and second foot links each supporting a foot support
and having (A) first and second ends, (B) a first end portion
pivotally attached to one of the extension elements at a point
spaced from the transverse axis for travel along a closed loop path
relative to the transverse axis, and (C) a second end portion
supported by one of the guide arms for longitudinal travel of the
second end portion of the foot link along a reciprocating path.
12. The exercise device of claim 2 further comprising (i) first and
second guide arms, (ii) a transversely extending drive shaft
rotatably attached to the frame and extending along the transverse
axis, (iii) first and second extension elements extending away from
the transverse axis and fixedly attached to opposite transverse
ends of the drive shaft for unitary rotation with the drive shaft,
and (iv) first and second foot links each supporting a foot support
and having (A) first and second ends, (B) a first end portion
pivotally attached to one of the extension elements at a point
spaced from the transverse axis for travel along a closed loop path
relative to the transverse axis, and (C) a second end portion
supported by one of the guide arms for longitudinal travel of the
second end portion of the foot link along a reciprocating path.
13. The exercise device of claim 3 further comprising (i) first and
second guide arms, (ii) a transversely extending drive shaft
rotatably attached to the frame and extending along the transverse
axis, (iii) first and second extension elements extending away from
the transverse axis and fixedly attached to opposite transverse
ends of the drive shaft for unitary rotation with the drive shaft,
and (iv) first and second foot links each supporting a foot support
and having (A) first and second ends, (B) a first end portion
pivotally attached to one of the extension elements at a point
spaced from the transverse axis for travel along a closed loop path
relative to the transverse axis, and (C) a second end portion
supported by one of the guide arms for longitudinal travel of the
second end portion of the foot link along a reciprocating path.
14. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the extension elements
are embodied in a single drive pulley.
15. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the extension elements
are crank shafts.
16. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the first end portion of
each foot link is directly pivotally attached to the extension
elements.
17. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the first end portion of
each foot link is indirectly pivotally attached to the extension
elements.
18. The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the first end portion
of each foot link is indirectly pivotally attached to one of the
extension elements via an intermediate linkage system wherein the
intermediate linkage system is (i) pivotally attached at a proximal
point to the foot link, (ii) pivotally attached at a distal point
to the frame, and (iii) pivotally attached to the extension element
intermediate the proximal and distal points of attachment.
19. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein (i) the first end of
each foot link is longitudinal spaced in a first longitudinal
direction from the second end of the foot link, (ii) the second end
of each foot link is longitudinal spaced in a second longitudinal
direction from the first end of the foot link, and (iii) the foot
supports are supported by the foot links at a position
longitudinally spaced in the second longitudinal direction from the
point at which the foot links are supported by the guide rail
(120).
20. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the exercise device
further comprises (i) right and left longitudinally extending foot
links each slidably supporting one of the foot support and having
(A) a first longitudinal end portion pivotally attached to the
frame for travel along a first closed loop path about a first
transverse axis, and (B) a second longitudinal end portion
pivotally attached to the frame for travel along a second closed
loop path about a second transverse axis, (ii) right and left
rocker links each having a first portion operatively connected to a
respective foot support and a second portion pivotally mounted on
the frame, and (iii) right and left drawbars each having a first
portion constrained to travel in association with the respective
foot link relative to the first and second closed loop paths and a
second portion connected to a respective rocker link, wherein the
combination of a rocker link and associated drawbar cooperate to
transfer and link travel of the foot link along the first and
second closed loop paths to longitudinal sliding of the respective
foot support along the respective foot link.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/763,744 filed Jan. 23, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to exercise equipment, more
specifically to stationary cardiovascular exercise equipment, and
most specifically to elliptical exercise equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] One type of stationary cardiovascular exercise equipment
which has become extremely popular based predominantly upon its
low-impact and natural motion is the elliptical exercise machine. A
wide variety of elliptical exercise machines have been developed.
Briefly, elliptical exercise machines include foot supports
supported upon foot links with the foot links pivotally connected
at a first end through a linkage system to a drive shaft for travel
along a defined closed loop path (e.g., circular, elliptical, oval,
etc.) and connected at the other end for reciprocating motion along
a defined path as the first end travels along the closed loop path.
This combination of looping and reciprocating paths of travel at
opposite ends of the foot links impart an "elliptical" type motion
to the foot supports attached to the foot links.
[0004] Some elliptical exercise machines permit a user to exercise
in both a forward and a backward motion. While this feature
enhances the value of the machine by permitting a user to employ a
completely different motion which emphasizes different muscle and
muscle groups, the machines do not alter the path of travel of the
foot supports to accommodate the inherent difference in stride
between a forward walking/running motion and a backward
walking/running motion.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for elliptical exercise machines
which permit a user to exercise in both a forward and a backward
motion and alters the path of travel of the foot supports dependant
upon whether the user is moving in a forward and backward direction
in order to accommodate the inherent difference in stride between a
forward walking/running motion and a backward walking/running
motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first embodiment of the invention is an exercise device
comprising (i) a frame, (ii) first and second foot supports
operably associated with the frame for traveling in a forward and
backward direction along a closed loop path relative to a
transverse axis defined by the frame, (iii) a means effective for
sensing the direction of travel of the foot supports along the
closed loop path as between the forward and the backward
directions, and (iv) a means for automatically adjusting the stride
length of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports based
upon the sensed direction of travel of the foot supports.
[0007] A second embodiment of the invention is an exercise device
comprising (i) a frame, (ii) first and second foot supports
operably associated with the frame for traveling in a forward and
backward direction along a closed loop path relative to a
transverse axis defined by the frame, (iii) a means effective for
sensing the direction of travel of the foot supports along the
closed loop path as between the forward and the backward
directions, and (iv) a means for automatically adjusting the stride
height of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports based
upon the sensed direction of travel of the foot supports.
[0008] A third embodiment of the invention is an exercise device
comprising (i) a frame, (ii) first and second foot supports
operably associated with the frame for traveling in a forward and
backward direction along a closed loop path relative to a
transverse axis defined by the frame, (iii) a means effective for
sensing the direction of travel of the foot supports along the
closed loop path as between the forward and the backward
directions, and (iv) a means for automatically adjusting the stride
length and stride height of the closed loop path traveled by the
foot supports based upon the sensed direction of travel of the foot
supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention shown in FIG. 1 with
the protective housing removed and depicting a single foot link and
associated components.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the forward portion of the
invention shown in FIG. 2 depicting the first end portion of the
foot link and associated dynamic components.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the rearward portion of the
invention shown in FIG. 2 depicting the second end portion of the
foot link and associated supporting components.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the rear
portion of the invention shown in FIG. 2 depicting a single foot
link and associated components.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the
invention with protective housing removed and depicting a single
foot link and associated components.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the forward portion of the
invention shown in FIG. 6 depicting the first end portion of the
foot link and associated dynamic components.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the rearward portion of the
invention shown in FIG. 6 depicting the second end portion of the
foot link and associated supporting components.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
invention with the proective housing removed to facilitate viewing
of other components.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of the invention shown in FIG. 9 with
the protective housing removed and depicting a single foot link and
associated components.
[0019] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the forward portion of the
invention shown in FIG. 10 depicting the first end portion of the
foot link and associated dynamic components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE
Nomenclature
[0020] 10 Exercise Device [0021] 20 Frame [0022] 21 Front Stanchion
Portion of Frame [0023] 22 Rear Stanchion Portion of Frame [0024]
30 Drive Shaft [0025] 40 Crank Arm [0026] 40a First End of Crank
Arm [0027] 40b Second End of Crank Arm [0028] 50 Drive Pulley
[0029] 50a Front Drive Pulley [0030] 50b Rear Drive Pulley [0031]
60 Foot Link [0032] 60a First End of Foot Link [0033] 60b Second
End of Foot Link [0034] 61p Closed Loop Path of Travel for One End
Portion of Foot Link [0035] 62p Path of Travel for Other End
Portion of Foot Link [0036] 69 Roller on Foot Link [0037] 70 Foot
Support [0038] 70p Closed Loop Path of Travel for Foot Support
[0039] 80 Rocker Link [0040] 80a First End of Rocker Link [0041]
80b Second End of Rocker Link [0042] 90 Connector Link [0043] 90a
First End of Connector Link [0044] 90b Second End of Connector Link
[0045] 100 Brake [0046] 110 Braking Control System [0047] 102 Guide
Rail [0048] 121 Rear Guide Arm [0049] 121a First End of Rear Guide
Arm [0050] 121b Second End of Rear Guide Arm [0051] 130 Incline
Adjustment System [0052] 140 Master Control Unit [0053] 150 User
Interface Panel [0054] 160 Rotational Direction Sensing System
[0055] 161 Magnet [0056] 162 Magnetic Sensing Element [0057] 171
First Pivot Point Repositioning Unit [0058] 172 Pivot Point
Repositioning Unit [0059] 173 Pivot Point Repositioning Unit [0060]
174 Pivot Point Repositioning Unit [0061] 180 Inertia Generation
System [0062] 181 Flywheel [0063] 182 Pulley (small diameter)
[0064] 183 Shaft [0065] 184 Drive Belt [0066] 221 Front Guide Arm
[0067] 221a First End of Front Guide Arm [0068] 221b Second End of
Front Guide Arm [0069] 230 Linear Actuator [0070] 310 Support Shaft
[0071] 320 Rocker Link [0072] 320a First End of Rocker Link [0073]
320b Second End of Rocker Link [0074] 330 Drawbar [0075] 330a First
End of Drawbar [0076] 330b Second End of Drawbar [0077] 340 Timing
Belt [0078] p.sub.1 First End Foot Link Pivot Point [0079] p.sub.2
Second End Foot Link Pivot Point [0080] p.sub.3 Rocker Pivot Point
[0081] p.sub.4 Crank Pivot Point [0082] p.sub.5 Front Guide Arm
Pivot Point [0083] p.sub.6 Rear Guide Arm Pivot Point [0084]
p.sub.7 Rocker-Foot Pad Pivot Point [0085] p.sub.8 Rocker-Frame
Pivot Point [0086] p.sub.9 Drawbar-Rocker Pivot Point [0087] FWD
Forward Rotation [0088] REV Backward Rotation [0089] SH Stride
Height [0090] SL Stride Length [0091] x Lateral Axis [0092] x.sub.1
First Lateral Direction [0093] x.sub.2 Second Lateral Direction
[0094] y Longitudinal Axis [0095] z Transverse Axis [0096] z.sub.1
First Transverse Axis [0097] z.sub.2 Second Transverse Axis
Definitions
[0098] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase
"extension element" includes any component attached to and
extending substantially orthogonally from a drive shaft by which
circular motion is imparted to the drive shaft. Exemplary extension
elements include specifically, but not exclusively, a bent portion
of a drive shaft, a crank arm, a drive pulley, and rigidly or
pivotally attached combinations thereof.
[0099] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase "stride
height" means the vertical distance between highest and lowest
vertical points along the path traveled by a foot support.
[0100] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase "stride
length " means the linear distance between forward most and
rearward most points along the path traveled by a foot support.
Construction
[0101] As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the invention is an exercise device
10 including at least (i) a frame 20 defining a transverse axis z,
(ii) first and second foot supports 70 operably associated with the
frame 20 for traveling in a forward FWD and backward REV direction
along a closed loop path 70p relative to the transverse axis z
wherein the closed loop path 70p defines a stride length SL and
stride height SH, (iii) a means 160 effective for sensing the
direction of travel of the foot supports 70 along the closed loop
path 70p as between the forward FWD and backward REV directions,
and (iv) a means (not collectively numbered) for automatically
adjusting the stride length SL and/or the stride height SH of the
closed loop path 70p traveled by the foot supports 70 based upon
the sensed direction of travel of the foot supports 70.
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 9 and 10, the frame 20 includes a
base (not separately numbered) for stably supporting the exercise
device 10 on a floor (not shown), and a plurality of stiles, rails,
stanchions and other supporting members (not separately numbered)
as necessary and appropriate to operably support the components of
the exercise device 10.
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 11, a drive shaft 30 is
supported by the frame 20 for rotation about a transverse axis z.
An extension element(s) (not collectively numbered) is rigidly
attached to the drive shaft 30 and extends substantially
orthogonally from the drive shaft 30. A variety of suitable
extension element(s) are known to those skilled in the art,
including specifically, but not exclusively, bent end portions (not
shown) of the drive shaft 30, a pair of crank arms 40, a drive
pulley 50, etc.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the extension elements are
crank arms 40 each crank arm 40 has a first end 40a rigidly
attached proximate a transverse end (not separately numbered) of
the drive shaft 30 for imparting rotational motion of the crank
arms 40 about the transverse axis z to the drive shaft 30 and
interlocking the crank arms 40.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 10 and 11, when the extension
element is a drive pulley 50 the drive pulley 50 is rigidly
attached the drive shaft 30 at the center (not separately numbered)
of the drive pulley 50 for imparting rotational motion of the drive
pulley 50 about the transverse axis z to the drive shaft 30.
[0106] Foot supports 70 are supported upon first and second foot
links 60. The foot supports 70 may be supported upon the foot links
60 at any point along the length (unnumbered) of the foot links 60
so long as the foot link 60 moves in a closed loop path at the
point of connection (unnumbered). For example, the embodiment of
the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 laterally positions the foot
supports 70 in the second lateral direction x.sub.2 from the point
(not numbered) at which the foot link 60 is supported by the guide
rail 120. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 6-8
positions the foot supports 70 between the point (unnumbered) at
which the foot link 60 is pivotally connected to the crank arm 40
and the point p.sub.1 at which the foot link 60 is pivotally
connected to the front guide arm 221. The embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 9-11 positions the foot supports 70
between the point (unnumbered) at which the foot link 60 is
pivotally connected to the front drive pulley 50a and the point
(unnumbered) at which the foot link 60 is pivotally connected to
the rear drive pulley 50b. Other embodiments are also possible.
[0107] The first and second foot links 60 may be associated with
the frame 20 in a variety of different ways to accomplish and
impart the necessary closed loop path of travel to the foot
supports 70 attached to the foot links 60. Exemplary connective
structures and arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,316,898 issued to Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,343 issued to
Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,169 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
5,383,829 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,729 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,473 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No.
5,529,554 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,574 issued to
Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,985 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No.
5,611,756 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,804 issued to
Whan-Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,994 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,321 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,457
issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,774 issued to Maresh, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,755,642 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,609 issued
to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,610 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,792,026 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,871
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,854 issued to Kuo,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,855 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
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et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,941 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat.
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issued to Jarvie, U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,271 issued to Stearns et al.,
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5,882,281 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,820 issued
to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,339 issued to Maresh, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,897,463 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,649 issued
to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,064 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,919,118 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,894
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,963 issued to Maresh et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,046 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No.
5,938,568 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,570 issued
to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,872 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,957,814 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,359 issued
to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,445 issued to Maresh et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,574 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,248,044 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,676 issued
to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,430 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,431 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,030,320 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,512 issued
to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,487 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,045,488 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,847 issued
to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,009 issued to Stearns et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,196 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
6,077,197 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,198 issued
to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,086 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,143 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,013
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,014 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,439 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
6,113,518 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,650 issued
to Birrell, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,923 issued to Stearns et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,142,915 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,313
issued to Whan-Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,107 issued to
Birrell, U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,552 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,171,215 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,217
issued to Cutler, U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,814 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,397 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,183,398 issued to Rufino et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,289 issued
to Pyles et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,948 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,804 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,305
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,485 issued to Maresh,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,045 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,248,046 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,514 issued
to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,054 issued to Kuo, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,283,895 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,825
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,362 issued to Maresh
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,698 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,340,340 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,476
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,017 issued to Maresh,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,953 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,398,695 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,632 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,635 issued to Maresh et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,416,442 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,422,976 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,977 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,007 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,440,042 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,682 issued
to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,277 issued to Maresh et al., 6,482,130
issued to Pasero et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,132 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,096 issued to Famey, U.S. Pat. No.
6,527,677 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,680 issued to
Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,646 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,544,146 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,701
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,217 issued to Kaganovsky,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,218 issued to Goh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,750
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,486 issued to Stearns
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,061 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,575,877 issued to Rufino et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,210
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,969 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,909 issued to Stearns et al., and
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2001/0011053 filed by
Miller, 2001/0051562 filed by Stearns et al., 2002/0019298 filed by
Eschenbach, 2002/0055420 filed by Stearns et al., 2002/0128122
filed by Miller, 2002/0142890 filed by Ohrt et al., 2002/0155927
filed by Corbalis et al., 2003/0022763 filed by Eschenbach, which
disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0108] One specific embodiment of a structure for operably
interconnecting the first and second foot links 60 with the frame
20 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. This embodiment has (i) a first end
portion 60a of each foot link 60 indirectly pivotally attached,
through a connecting system (not collectively numbered) to the
second end 40b of a crank arm 40 at a point spaced from the
transverse axis z for travel along a closed loop path 61p relative
to the transverse axis z, and (ii) a second end portion 60b of each
foot link 60 supported by a roller 69 upon a guide rail 120 for
reciprocating travel of the second end portion 60b of the foot link
60 along a lateral path 62p. An alternate embodiment for supporting
the second end portion 60b of each foot link 60 to the frame 20 is
shown in FIG. 5, wherein the a second end portion 60b of each foot
link 60 is pivotally attached proximate the second end 121b of a
rear guide arm 121, which is pivotally attached proximate a first
end 121a of the rear guide arm 121 to the frame 20 at a rear guide
arm pivot point p.sub.6 located above the foot link 60, for
reciprocating travel of the second end portion 60b of the foot link
60 along a lateral path 62p.
[0109] One suitable connecting system is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The
depicted connection system includes (i) a connector link 90
pivotally attached at a first end 90a to the first end 60a of the
foot link 60 at a first end foot link pivot point p.sub.1 and
pivotally attached at a second end 90b to a second end 80b of a
rocker link 80 at a rocker pivot point P3, and (ii) a rocker link
80 pivotally attached at a first end 80a to the frame 20 and
pivotally attached at the second end 80b to the connector link 90
at the rocker pivot point p.sub.3, wherein the crank arm 40 is
pivotally attached at the second end 40b to the connector link 90
at a crank pivot point p.sub.4 which is positioned intermediate the
first end foot link pivot point p.sub.1 and the rocker pivot point
p.sub.3.
[0110] A second specific embodiment of a structure for operably
interconnecting the first and second foot links 60 with the frame
20 is shown in FIGS. 6-8. This embodiment has (i) a first end
portion 60a of each foot link 60 pivotally attached proximate the
second end 221b of a front guide arm 221, and pivotally attached
proximate a first end 221a to the frame 20 at a front guide arm
pivot point p.sub.5 located above the foot link 60, for
reciprocating travel of the first end portion 60a of the foot link
60 along a lateral path 62p and (iii) a second end portion 60b of
each foot link 60 directly pivotally attached to a drive pulley 50
at a point (not numbered) spaced from the transverse axis z for
travel along a closed loop path 61p about the transverse axis
z.
[0111] A third specific embodiment of a structure for operably
interconnecting the first and second foot links 60 with the frame
20 is shown in FIGS. 9-11. This embodiment is shown and described
in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0055420,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Briefly, this embodiment has (i) a first end portion 60a of each
foot link 60 pivotally supported upon a support shaft 310 which is
attached to a front drive pulley 50a at a point (not numbered)
spaced from a first transverse axis z.sub.1 for travel along a
first closed loop path 61p about the first transverse axis z.sub.1,
and (ii) a second end portion 60b of each foot link 60 pivotally
supported upon a support shaft 310 which is attached to a rear
drive pulley 50b at a point (not numbered) spaced from a second
transverse axis z.sub.2 for travel along a closed loop path 62p
about the second transverse axis z.sub.2. A foot support 70 is
slidably supported upon each foot link 60 and operably engaged by a
rocker link 320 for effecting a reciprocating motion of the foot
support 70 along the length of the foot link 60. Each rocker link
320 has a first end portion 320a pivotally connected to a
respective foot support 70 and a second end portion 320b pivotally
mounted on the frame 20. Movement of each rocker link 320 is
controlled by a drawbar 330. Each drawbar 330 has a first end
portion 330a constrained to travel in association with the
respective foot link 60 relative to the first and second closed
loop paths 61p and 62p and a second end portion 330b connected to a
respective rocker link 320. The combination of a rocker link 320
and associated drawbar 330 cooperate to transfer and link travel of
the foot link 60 along the first and second closed loop paths 61p
and 62p to longitudinal sliding of the respective foot support 70
along the respective foot link 60.
[0112] The exercise device 10 preferably include a system attached
to the frame 20 and in communication with the system through which
the foot supports 70 are operably associated with the frame 20,
such as a brake 100 and braking control system 110, for exerting a
controlled variable resistive force against movement of the foot
supports 70 along the closed loop path of travel 70p. It is
preferred to provide a separate resistance device for each foot
support 70. Many types of resistance devices are known such as
pivoting devices, sliding devices, weights on cables or levers,
braking motors, generators, brushless generators, eddy current
systems, magnetic systems, alternators, tightenable belts, friction
rollers, etc., any of which could be effectively utilized in the
present invention. Exemplary resistance devices suitable for use in
this invention include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,729
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,804 issued to Whan-Tong
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,610 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
5,836,854 issued to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,855 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,166 issued to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No.
5,895,339 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,872 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,814 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,042,512 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,847 issued
to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,013 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,313 issued to Whan-Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,217,485 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,632 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,130 issued to Pasero et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,544,146 issued to Stearns et al., 6,575,877 issued to
Rufino et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,969 issued to Eschenbach,
which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0113] The exercise device 10 also preferably includes an inertia
generation system 180 attached to the frame 20 and in communication
with the system through which the foot supports 70 are operably
associated with the frame 20. Such inertia generation system 180
are widely known and commonly utilized on stationary exercise
equipment. An exemplary inertia generation system 180 is disclosed
in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0055420, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This
system is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 9-11. Briefly, the system 180
includes a flywheel 181 and a relatively smaller diameter pulley
182 which are rotatably mounted on opposite sides (unnumbered) of
the front stanchion 21. The flywheel 181 is keyed to the small
pulley 182 by a central shaft 183. A belt 184 is looped about the
drive pulley 50 (FIGS. 1-3) or 50a (FIGS. 9-11) and the small
pulley 182 to effect rotation of the small pulley 182 when the
drive pulley 50 (FIGS. 1-3) or 50a (FIGS. 9-11) is rotated by
operation of the foot links 60. As a result, the flywheel 181
rotates at a relatively faster speed than the drive pulley 50
(FIGS. 1-3) or 50a (FIGS. 9-11) and adds inertia to the linkage
assemblies.
[0114] The direction of travel of the foot supports 70 along the
closed loop path 70p as between the forward and the backward
directions can be determined by a variety of systems known to those
skilled in the art including specifically, but not exclusively,
audible (sensing tone emitted when air moves through a device which
emits different tones when air enters from different directions),
electrical (e.g., sensing polarity of voltage), magnetic (e.g.,
sequence in which magnets on rotating element are sensed),
mechanical (e.g., sensing position of biased toggle switch which is
moved against the bias only when rotation is effected in one
direction), visual (e.g., sequence in which reflective patches on
rotating element are sensed), etc.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, one suitable system 160 for
sensing the direction of travel of the foot supports 70 along the
closed loop path 70p as between the forward and the backward
directions includes a magnet 161 attached to a face (unnumbered) of
the flywheel 181 at a point radially spaced from the shaft 183, and
a pair of circumferentially offset magnetic sensing elements 162
(e.g., reed switches) positioned proximate the face (unnumbered) of
the flywheel 181 for sensing the magnet 161 as the magnet 161
passes the magnetic sensing element 162. Circumferential offsetting
of the magnetic sensing elements 162 (hereinafter referenced as A
and B) means that the length of the arc between A and B when moving
from A to B in the forward direction is sensibly less (short pause)
than the length of the arc between A and B when moving from A to B
in the backward direction (long pause). By circumferentially
offsetting the magnetic sensing elements 162, the direction of
rotation can be determined from the sequence of detecting
activation of A, activation of B, long pause, and short pause. In
the example set forth above, a detected sequence of "A--short
pause--B--long pause" indicates forward rotation FWD, while a
detected sequence of "A--long pause--B--short pause" indicates
backward rotation REV.
[0116] Adjustment of stride height SH and/or stride length SL may
be accomplished in various ways. Two preferred methods, which may
be employed individually or in combination, are (i) adjusting the
angle of incline of the guide rail 120, and (ii) adjusting the
position of one or more of the pivot points (not collectively
referenced) about which an arm or link (not collectively
referenced) pivots as the foot supports 70 travel along the closed
loop path of travel 70p.
[0117] A wide variety of systems effective for adjusting the angle
of incline of the guide rail 120 are known to those skilled in the
art. Exemplary systems suitable for use in this invention are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 372,282 issued to Passero et al.,
US. Pat. No. Des. 388,847 issued to Whan-Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,685,804 issued to Whan-Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,871
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,854 issued to Kuo,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,855 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
5,848,954 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,941 issued
to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,281 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,281 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,893,820 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,568 issued
to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,814 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,359 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
5,997,445 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,512 issued
to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,009 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,014 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
6,126,574 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,313 issued
to Whan-Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,552 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,215 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,210,305 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,514 issued to
Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,054 issued to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No.
6,302,825 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,836 issued
to Segasby, U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,340 issued to Stearns et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,422,977 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,042
issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,925 issued to Kuo, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,454,682 issued to Kuo, 6,554,750 issued to Stearns et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,969 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
6,629,909 issued to Stearns et al., and U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos. 2002/0019298 filed by Eschenbach, and 2002/0142890
filed by Ohrt et al, which disclosures are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0118] A wide variety of systems effective for adjusting the
position of one or more of the pivot points about which an arm or
link pivots as the foot supports 70 travel along the closed loop
path of travel 70p are known to those skilled in the art. Exemplary
systems suitable for use in this invention are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,562,574 issued to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,610 issued
to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,854 issued to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No.
5,836,855 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,281 issued to
Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,820 issued to Maresh et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,339 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,118
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,894 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,814 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,993,359 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,430 issued
to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,431 issued to Stearns et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,320 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,045,488 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,847 issued
to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,196 issued to Eschenbach,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,197 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,077,198 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,086 issued to
Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,013 issued to Eschenbach, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,113,518 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,923
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,215 issued to Stearns
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,948 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,217,485 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,044 issued to
Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,045 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,046 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,254,514 issued to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,054 issued
to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,895 issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,334,836 issued to Segasby, U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,698 issued to
Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,476 issued to Eschenbach, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,387,017 issued to Maresh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,953 issued
to Maresh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,442 issued to Stearns et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,042 issued to Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No.
6,450,925 issued to Kuo, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,701 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,750 issued to Stearns et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 6,565,486 issued to Stears et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,210
issued to Stearns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,969 issued to
Eschenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,909 issued to Stearns et al., and
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2001/0051562 filed by
Stearns et al., 2002/0019298 filed by Eschenbach, 2002/0055420
filed by Stearns et al., and 2002/0142890 filed by Ohrt et al.,
which disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0119] Other systems for adjusting stride height SH and/or stride
length SL which may be utilized include specifically, but not
exclusively, (a) adjusting the position of the foot supports 70
along the length of the foot links 60, such as shown and described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,217 issued to Cutler, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference (b) adjusting the
position of the roller 69 along the length of the foot link 60, and
(c) adjusting the lateral x and/or longitudinal y position of the
drive shaft 30, such as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,146,313 issued to Whan-Tong et al., the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0120] One specific embodiment of a system for adjusting stride
height SH and stride length SL is shown in FIGS. 1-4. This
embodiment includes a combination of (i) a first pivot point
repositioning unit 171 in communication with the master control
unit 140 and operably engaging the foot link 60 and the connector
link 90 so as to define the first end foot link pivot point p.sub.1
and permit repositioning of the first end foot link pivot point
p.sub.1 along the length of the foot link 60 and/or the connector
link 90 based upon a control signal from the master control unit
140, and (ii) an incline adjustment system 130 in communication
with the master control unit 140 and operably engaging the guide
rail 120 for changing the angle of incline of the guide rail 120
based upon a control signal from the master control unit 140.
[0121] This embodiment of a system for adjusting stride height SH
and stride length SL may also include (iii) a second pivot point
repositioning unit (not shown) in communication with the master
control unit 140 and operably engaging the rocker link 80 and the
connector link 90 so as to define the rocker pivot point p.sub.3
and permit repositioning of the rocker pivot point p.sub.3 along
the length of the rocker link 80 and/or the connector link 90 based
upon a control signal from the master control unit 140, and (iv) a
third pivot point repositioning unit (not shown) in communication
with the master control unit 140 and operably engaging the crank
arm 40 and the connector link 90 so as to define the crank pivot
point p.sub.4 and permit repositioning of the crank pivot point
p.sub.4 along the length of the crank arm 40 and/or the connector
link 90 based upon a control signal from the master control unit
140.
[0122] The alternative embodiment for supporting the second end
portion 60b of each foot link 60 to the frame 20 shown in FIG. 5
may include a pivot point repositioning unit 172 similar to the
pivot point repositioning unit 171 shown in FIGS. 1-3 (shown in
block format in FIG. 5) in communication with the master control
unit 140 and operably engaging the second end portion 60b of the
foot link 60 and the rear guide arm 121 so as to define the second
end foot link pivot point p.sub.2 and permit repositioning of the
second end foot link pivot point p.sub.2 along the length of the
foot link 60 and/or the length of the rear guide arm 121 based upon
a control signal from the master control unit 140.
[0123] Another specific embodiment of a system for adjusting stride
height SH and stride length SL is shown in FIGS. 6-8. This
embodiment includes a combination of (i) a pivot point
repositioning unit 173 similar to the pivot point repositioning
unit 171 shown in FIGS. 1-3 (shown in block format in FIGS. 6 and
7) in communication with the master control unit 140 and operably
engaging the foot link 60 and the front guide arm 221 so as to
define the first end foot link pivot point p.sub.1 and permit
repositioning of the first end foot link pivot point p.sub.1 along
the length of the foot link 60 and/or the length of the front guide
arm 221 based upon a control signal from the master control unit
140, and (ii) a linear actuator 230 in communication with the
master control unit 140 with a first end of the linear actuator 230
attached to a fixed position portion of the frame 20 and a second
end the linear actuator 230 attached to vertically adjustable
portion of the frame 20 upon which the drive shaft 30 is rotatably
mounted, for permitting longitudinal y repositioning of the drive
shaft 30 relative to the fixed position portion of the frame 20
based upon a control signal from the master control unit 140.
[0124] Yet another specific embodiment of a system for adjusting
stride height SH and stride length SL is shown in FIGS. 9-11. This
embodiment includes a pivot point repositioning unit 174 similar to
the pivot point repositioning unit 171 shown in FIGS. 1-3 (shown in
block format in FIGS. 9 and 10) in communication with the master
control unit 140 and operably engaging the rocker link 320 and the
second end 330b of the drawbar 330 so as to define a drawbar-rocker
pivot point p.sub.9 and permit repositioning of the second end 330b
of the drawbar 330 along the length of the rocker link 320 based
upon a control signal from the master control unit 140.
[0125] A master control unit 140 communicates with the incline
adjustment system 130, rotational direction sensing system 160, the
pivot point repositioning unit 171, and the linear actuator 230 for
receiving signals from the rotational direction sensing system 160,
processing those signals to determine direction of travel of the
foot supports 70, and adjusting the stride length SL and/or stride
height SH of the closed loop path 70p traveled by the foot supports
70 according to a preprogrammed adjustment in incline and/or pivot
point locations, based upon the direction of travel of the foot
supports 70.
[0126] The master control unit 140 is also in communication with a
user interface panel 150 as is typical for stationary exercise
equipment.
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