U.S. patent application number 12/952168 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for apparatus for cooling an exerciser having manual local control of air outlets built into discrete cooling assemblies.
Invention is credited to Doug Burum, Richard Goldmann, JoAnne Leff, Russ Weinzimmer.
Application Number | 20110065371 12/952168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43731048 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110065371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leff; JoAnne ; et
al. |
March 17, 2011 |
APPARATUS FOR COOLING AN EXERCISER HAVING MANUAL LOCAL CONTROL OF
AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO DISCRETE COOLING ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
A cooling assembly is disclosed for cooling an exerciser while
exercising. The cooling assembly includes a plurality of air
outlets supported by at least one extended cooling structure, and
includes at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet is in
airflow communication with a cooling air input. The plurality of
air outlets is arranged along the at least one extended cooling
structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with
cooling air. Each extended cooling structure is cooperative with at
least one support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling
structure. Each at least one cooling air input is connectable to a
cooling air source for supplying a flow of cooling air. At least
partially surrounding the exerciser with cooling air results in
more comfortable exercise sessions, while also saving energy by
more efficient cooling of each exerciser as compared with typical
gym cooling systems.
Inventors: |
Leff; JoAnne; (New York,
NY) ; Goldmann; Richard; (Poughkeepsie, NY) ;
Weinzimmer; Russ; (Milford, NH) ; Burum; Doug;
(Acton, MA) |
Family ID: |
43731048 |
Appl. No.: |
12/952168 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12001003 |
Dec 7, 2007 |
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12952168 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/08 20130101;
F24F 2221/38 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 2225/66 20130101; F24F 2006/146 20130101; A63B 2220/76
20130101; A63B 2225/10 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; F24F 1/0007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/237 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/00 20060101
F24F007/00 |
Claims
1. A cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser
uses a stationary exercise device, the cooling assembly comprising:
a plurality of air outlets; at least one extended cooling structure
supporting the plurality of air outlets; and at least one cooling
air input, each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets being in
airflow communication with a cooling air input, the plurality of
air outlets being arranged along the at least one extended cooling
structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with
cooling air, each extended cooling structure being cooperative with
at least one support mechanism for supporting and attaching the at
least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise
device, each at least one cooling air input being connectable to a
cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of
supplying a flow of cooling air.
2. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one air outlet
has a fan for blowing cooling air out of the air outlet.
3. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one
support mechanism stabilizes and supports the at least one extended
cooling structure.
4. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one
support mechanism includes a support leg for supporting at least a
portion of the at least one extended cooling structure.
5. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the stationary exercise
device is one of: a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a stationary
exercise cycle, a weight bench, a weight machine, a stair climbing
machine, and a rowing machine.
6. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be
manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a
selectable portion of the exerciser.
7. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be
aimed only within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a
flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the
exerciser.
8. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be
manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air
outlet.
9. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be
manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the
air outlet.
10. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one
extended cooling structure can pivot so as to allow the exerciser
more easy access to and from the stationary exercise device.
11. A cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while exercising,
the cooling assembly comprising: a plurality of air outlets; at
least one extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of
air outlets; and at least one cooling air input, each air outlet of
the plurality of air outlets being in airflow communication with a
cooling air input, the plurality of air outlets being arranged
along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least
partially surround the exerciser with cooling air, each extended
cooling structure being cooperative with at least one support
mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure, each at
least one cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air
source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of
cooling air.
12. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein each air outlet of
the plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a
respective cooling air input.
13. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one
extended cooling structure can pivot so as to allow the exerciser
to more easily access a stationary exercise device used by the
exerciser.
14. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the cooling air
source is one of: a fresh air conduit, a dehumidifier, a
high-velocity cooling source, a window air conditioner, a
free-standing room air conditioner, and a central air
conditioner.
15. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the cooling air
source is able to supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary
exercise devices, the cooling air being supplied at pressures and
flow rates that meet the cooling requirements and preferences of
exercisers using at least a subset of the exercise devices.
16. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one
extended cooling structure is an extended cooling structure that
substantially surrounds the exerciser.
17. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one
extended cooling structure mounts to one or more of: a floor stand,
a wall mount, and a suspended overhead mount.
18. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein: the at least one
extended cooling structure is cooperative with a stationary
exercise device, the stationary exercise device being one of a
plurality of stationary exercise devices, which plurality includes
a first stationary exercise device, and a second stationary
exercise device in nearest neighbor relationship with the first
stationary exercise device; and the at least one extended cooling
structure is one of a plurality of extended cooling structures, a
first extended cooling structure of the plurality extended cooling
structures being located between the first stationary exercise
device and the second stationary exercise device, the first
extended cooling structure supporting a plurality of air outlets
arranged along both sides of the first extended cooling structure
so as to be able to direct cooling air toward and partially
surrounding both a first exerciser and a second exerciser while
exercising on the first exercise device and the second exercise
device, respectively, a second extended cooling structure of the
plurality of extended cooling structures supporting a plurality of
air outlets arranged along only one side of the second cooling
structure, so as to be able to direct additional cooling air
towards and partially surrounding the first exerciser while
exercising on the first exercise device, thereby contributing to
substantially surrounding the first exerciser with cooling air.
19. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one
support mechanism for supporting the at least one extended cooling
structure includes: an elongated common support member capable of
supporting a plurality of extended cooling structures.
20. The cooling assembly of claim 19, wherein the elongated common
support member is supported by at least one of: a floor stand; a
wall mount; a suspended overhead mount; and at lease one stationary
exercise device.
21. A cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser
uses a stationary exercise device, the cooling assembly comprising:
at least one extended cooling structure; at least one cooling air
input; and at least a pair of air outlets, each extended cooling
structure having at least one support mechanism for attaching the
at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise
device so as to support the at least one extended cooling
structure, each cooling air input being connectable to a cooling
air source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a
flow of cooling air, each air outlet being in airflow communication
with at least one cooling air input, each air outlet being
positioned and oriented so as to direct cooling air toward the
exerciser.
22. The cooling assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one
extended cooling structure is a vertical extended cooling structure
having at least two air outlets.
23. The cooling assembly of claim 21, further comprising: at least
one conductive cooling applicator, the conductive cooling
applicator being capable of providing cooling by thermal conduction
due to a flow of cooling air flowing within the conductive cooling
applicator, the conductive cooling applicator being in airflow
communication with the cooling air source.
24. The cooling assembly of claim 23, wherein the conductive
cooling applicator is included in at least one of: a handle, a
seat, and a backrest.
25. An apparatus for cooling a plurality of exercisers while using
a corresponding plurality of stationary exercise devices, the
apparatus comprising: a plurality of extended cooling structures,
each extended cooling structure having a support mechanism for
supporting the extended cooling structure in mutual symmetric
relationship with at least one other extended cooling structure
about a stationary exercise device, such that each exercise device
is located between a pair of extended cooling structures, at least
one of the plurality of extended cooling structures having air
outlets on both a right side and a left side of each extended
cooling structure, each air outlet being able to provide a flow of
cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding each
exerciser with cooling air.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, each extended cooling structure
having an air inlet for supplying cooling air to the plurality of
air outlets.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets
being a directable nozzle.
28. The apparatus of claim 25, the support mechanism for supporting
at least one of the extended cooling structures including a support
leg attached to the extended cooling structure so as to stabilize
and support the extended cooling structure.
29. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets
being capable of being manually directed so as to provide a flow of
cooling air to a selectable portion of the body of the
exerciser.
30. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets
being capable of being manually directed within a bounded range of
directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to
selectable portions of the body of the exerciser.
31. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets
being capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of
air flow from the air outlet.
32. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets
being capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially
block air flow from the air outlet.
33. An apparatus for cooling an exerciser while using a stationary
exercise device, the apparatus comprising: a pair of extended
cooling structures, each extended cooling structure being
cooperative with a support mechanism for supporting the pair of
extended cooling structures in mutual symmetric relationship about
an exerciser to be located between the pair of extended cooling
structures, the support mechanism including a connector for
attaching the extended cooling structures to the stationary
exercise device so as to stabilize and support the extended cooling
structures, each extended cooling structure having a plurality of
cooling air outlets, each cooling air outlet being able to provide
a flow of cooling air so as to substantially surround the exerciser
with cooling air, each extended cooling structure having an air
inlet for receiving cooling air to be supplied to the plurality of
cooling air outlets.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of one
extended cooling structure is able to swing up so as to allow the
exerciser to more easily access the stationary exercise device.
35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the connector for attaching
at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise
device includes a mechanism to allow the extended cooling structure
to swing up so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access the
stationary exercise device.
36. An apparatus for cooling a plurality of exercisers while using
a corresponding plurality of stationary exercise devices, the
apparatus comprising: at least one spine module able to connect to
a cooling air source, each at least one spine module being able to
support a pair of extended cooling structures, each at least one
spine module being able to interlock with at least one other spine
module; and a plurality of extended cooling structures including at
least a pair of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling
structure being supported by at least one spine module, each
extended cooling structure being supported in mutual symmetric
relationship with at least one other extended cooling structure
about a stationary exercise device, such that each stationary
exercise device is located between a pair of extended cooling
structures, each extended cooling structure having cooling air
outlets, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of
cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding with
cooling air each exerciser using a stationary exercise device.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one of the
plurality of extended cooling structures has cooling air outlets on
both a right side and a left side of the extended cooling
structure, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of
cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding with
cooling air an exerciser both to the right and to the left of the
extended cooling structure.
38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one spine module
has a plurality of cooling air outlets.
39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one spine module
has an extended member having a plurality of cooling air
outlets.
40. The apparatus of claim 36, each extended cooling structure
having an air inlet for receiving cooling air from the cooling air
source.
41. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlet being
capable of being manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling
air to a selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.
42. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlet being
capable of being manually aimed within a bounded range of
directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to
selectable portions of the body of the exerciser.
43. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlets being
capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air
flow from the air outlet.
44. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlets being
capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially block
air flow from the air outlet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/001,003, filed Dec. 7, 2007, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. application Ser.
No. ______, filed Nov. 22, 2010, entitled APPARATUS FOR
[0002] COOLING AN EXERCISER HAVING CONVENIENT CENTRALIZED CONTROL
OF AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO A STATIONARY EXERCISE DEVICE, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety, is also a
Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/001,003, filed
Dec. 7, 2007. U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed Nov. 22,
2010, entitled APPARATUS FOR SURROUNDING AN EXERCISER WITH COOLING
AIR HAVING MANUAL LOCAL CONTROL OF AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO A
STATIONARY EXERCISE DEVICE, herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety, is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/001,003, filed Dec. 7, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and
particularly to cooling devices for use during exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Exercise is generally known to have many benefits for
individuals of all ages. These benefits include improved
cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, prevention of bone
and muscle loss, maintenance of a healthy weight, improved
psychological heath, and many others.
[0005] However, exercise is generally accompanied by a certain
degree of discomfort, including overheating, sweating, fatigue,
etc, and this leads to a significant reduction in the amount of
exercise undertaken by many individuals, thereby reducing the
health benefits derived from exercise.
[0006] Because of weather variability, convenience, and time
constraints, exercise often takes place indoors using a stationary
exercise device such as a stepper, stationary bicycle, elliptical
machine, treadmill, free weight machine, exercise ball, or exercise
mat, for example. Attempts are sometimes made to increase the
comfort of exercising individuals in these environments by
optimizing the surrounding temperature. But this can be largely
unsatisfactory, because exercisers generally require different
degrees of cooling depending on individual physiology and on how
long and how vigorously they have been exercising. If the
surrounding air is warm enough to be comfortable for individuals
just beginning an exercise session, it will likely be too warm for
individuals well into a vigorous session. And if the surrounding
air is cool enough to be comfortable for an individual who has been
exercising vigorously for a significant amount of time, it will
likely be too cold for individuals not exercising or just beginning
to exercise.
[0007] Although fans are known to be used for cooling an exerciser,
they work by helping sweat to evaporate, which provides evaporative
cooling only after the exerciser has heated up enough to have
started sweating. Such heat and sweating can be felt as
uncomfortable, leading to a significant reduction in the amount of
exercise undertaken by the exerciser,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Preferred embodiments provide a number of advantages over
prior systems. For example, as recognized by the invention,
preferred embodiments employ cooling air to improve the exerciser's
experience. Humans generally perspire so that perspiration
evaporates off of the skin, removing heat from the exerciser. In
some cases, however, excessive perspiration fails to fully
evaporate, and thus fails to remove sufficient heat from the
exerciser. Excessive perspiration can be uncomfortable for the
exerciser, unsanitary, and generally undesirable. Moreover, if
sufficient heat is not removed from the exerciser, serious
heat-related illnesses can develop, such as heat stress, heat
stroke, and nausea.
[0009] Generally, in similar temperature conditions, the presence
or absence of airflow, or the particular flow rate, can be the
determining factor as to whether the exerciser perspires. In
typical exercise environments, such as the common gym, for example,
the environment is designed to regulate the temperature of the gym
as a whole. Sometimes, free-standing fans are included to help
improve the air circulation within the gym.
[0010] However, as described in more detail below, preferred
embodiments offer an exerciser a significant improvement in
comfort, thereby tending to increase the amount of exercise and the
benefits derived therefrom, while also reducing risk of
heat-related illnesses and/or excessive sweating. For example, in
preferred embodiments, cooling air flow is directed so as to mostly
surround an exerciser, for example a well-conditioned exerciser
exercising at maximum aerobic capacity, and this reduces by a
significant amount the propensity of the exerciser to perspire. The
exerciser does not overheat and perspires much less, and
consequently the exercise is limited primarily by the amount of
work the exerciser can do, and not by the discomfort of overheating
and the risk of heat-related illness.
[0011] Additionally, preferred embodiments help reduce excessive
sweating as well as the symptoms of heat-related illness, or its
onset. For example, preferred embodiments tend to reduce nausea
while exercising, decrease perspiration dripping over the exercise
machine and floor, and reduce nausea after exercising.
[0012] Additionally, for certain exercisers, preferred embodiments
eliminate the tendency to perspire entirely. For example, preferred
embodiments prevent an average exerciser of modest aerobic
capacity, who is not working near their maximum, from any
perspiration at all. Eliminating perspiration can provide a number
of additional benefits.
[0013] For example, perspiration typically causes body odor. As
such, typical exercisers tend to bathe after exercise. But without
perspiration, bathing is less necessary, which reduces hot water
consumption as exercisers take fewer showers, and shortens the
total time required to visit the gym and engage in a workout.
Additionally, certain gyms do not have bathing facilities.
Eliminating perspiration eliminates the need for an exerciser to
exercise hard, get soaked in perspiration, and then drive home.
Consequently, gyms could generally maintain higher exercise room
temperatures thereby reducing energy costs.
[0014] Additionally, overweight people generally have a body mass
relative to surface area that makes heat loss particularly
difficult. Preferred embodiments can greatly reduce heat stress in
the obese during exercise. Reducing the risk of heat-related
illness, and generally making exercise more comfortable, could be
the difference that allows and/or encourages certain obese people
to exercise effectively, helping them to lose weight.
[0015] Preferred embodiments incorporating the SurroundCool.TM.
effect, described in more detail below, affect a greater surface
area of an exerciser than known approaches to cooling an exerciser,
thereby improving the transfer of heat away from the exerciser.
Additionally, because the SurroundCool.TM. effect operates upon a
greater surface area than known approaches, preferred embodiments
provide superior perspiration evaporation.
[0016] A general aspect of the invention is a cooling assembly for
cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a stationary exercise
device. The cooling assembly includes a plurality of air outlets;
at least one extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of
air outlets; and at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet of
the plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a
cooling air input. The plurality of air outlets is arranged along
the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least
partially surround the exerciser with cooling air. Each extended
cooling structure is cooperative with at least one support
mechanism for supporting and attaching the at least one extended
cooling structure to the stationary exercise device. Each at least
one cooling air input is connectable to a cooling air source. The
cooling air source is capable of supplying a flow of cooling
air.
[0017] In preferred embodiments, at least one air outlet has a fan
for blowing cooling air out of the air outlet.
[0018] In preferred embodiments, the at least one support mechanism
stabilizes and supports the at least one extended cooling
structure.
[0019] In preferred embodiments, the at least one support mechanism
includes a support leg for supporting at least a portion of the at
least one extended cooling structure.
[0020] In preferred embodiments, the stationary exercise device is
one of: a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a stationary exercise
cycle, a weight bench, a weight machine, a stair climbing machine,
and a rowing machine.
[0021] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be manually
aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable
portion of the exerciser.
[0022] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be aimed only
within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of
cooling air only to selectable portions of the exerciser.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be manually
adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air
outlet.
[0024] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be manually
controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air
outlet.
[0025] In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling
structure can pivot upward so as to allow the exerciser more easy
access to and from the stationary exercise device.
[0026] Another general aspect of the invention is a cooling
assembly for cooling an exerciser while exercising. where the
cooling assembly includes: a plurality of air outlets; at least one
extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of air outlets;
and at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet of the
plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a cooling
air input, the plurality of air outlets being arranged along the at
least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially
surround the exerciser with cooling air. Each extended cooling
structure is cooperative with at least one support mechanism for
supporting the extended cooling structure, each at least one
cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air source, the
cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling
air.
[0027] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet of the plurality
of air outlets is in airflow communication with a respective
cooling air input.
[0028] In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling
structure can pivot upward so as to allow the exerciser to more
easily access a stationary exercise device used by the
exerciser.
[0029] In preferred embodiments, the cooling air source is one of:
a fresh air conduit, a dehumidifier, a high-velocity cooling
source, a window air conditioner, a free-standing room air
conditioner, and a central air conditioner.
[0030] In preferred embodiments, the cooling air source is able to
supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary exercise devices,
the cooling air being supplied at pressures and flow rates that
meet the cooling requirements and preferences of exercisers using
at least a subset of the exercise devices.
[0031] In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling
structure is an extended cooling structure that substantially
surrounds the exerciser.
[0032] In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling
structure mounts to one or more of: a floor stand, a wall mount,
and a suspended overhead mount.
[0033] In preferred embodiments, the exerciser is exercising using
a stationary exercise device; the stationary exercise device being
one of a plurality of stationary exercise devices, which plurality
includes a first stationary exercise device, and a second
stationary exercise device in nearest neighbor relationship with
the first stationary exercise device; and the at least one extended
cooling structure is one of a plurality of extended cooling
structures, at least one extended cooling structure of the
plurality extended cooling structures being located between the
first stationary exercise device and the second stationary exercise
device, the at least one extended cooling structure supporting a
plurality of air outlets arranged along both sides of the at least
one extended cooling structure so as to be able to direct cooling
air toward and partially surrounding both a first exerciser and a
second exerciser while each is exercising on the first exercise
device and the second exercise device, respectively, an other
extended cooling structure of the plurality of extended cooling
structures supporting a plurality of air outlets arranged along a
least one side of the other extended cooling structure, so as to be
able to direct additional cooling air towards and partially
surrounding the first exerciser while exercising on the first
exercise device, thereby contributing to substantially surrounding
the first exerciser with cooling air.
[0034] In preferred embodiments, the at least one support mechanism
for supporting the at least one extended cooling structure
includes: an elongated common support member capable of supporting
a plurality of extended cooling structures. In further preferred
embodiments, the elongated common support member is supported by at
least one of: a floor stand, a wall mount, a suspended overhead
mount, a stationary exercise device.
[0035] Another general aspect of the invention is a cooling
assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a
stationary exercise device, where the cooling assembly includes: at
least one extended cooling structure; at least one cooling air
input; and at least a pair of air outlets, each extended cooling
structure having at least one support mechanism for attaching the
at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise
device so as to support the at least one extended cooling
structure, each at least one cooling air input being connectable to
a cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of
supplying a flow of cooling air, each air outlet being in airflow
communication with at least one cooling air input, each air outlet
being positioned and oriented so as to direct cooling air toward
the exerciser.
[0036] In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling
structure is a vertical extended cooling structure having at least
two air outlets.
[0037] In preferred embodiments, the cooling assembly further
includes: at least one conductive cooling applicator, the
conductive cooling applicator being capable of providing cooling by
thermal conduction due to a flow of cooling air flowing within the
conductive cooling applicator, the conductive cooling applicator
being in airflow communication with the cooling air source. In
further preferred embodiments, the conductive cooling applicator is
included in at least one of: a handle, a seat, and a backrest.
[0038] Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for
cooling a plurality of exercisers while using a corresponding
plurality of stationary exercise devices, where the apparatus
includes: a plurality of extended cooling structures, each extended
cooling structure having a support mechanism for supporting the
extended cooling structure in mutual symmetric relationship with at
least one other extended cooling structure about a stationary
exercise device, such that each exercise device is located between
a pair of extended cooling structures, a plurality of the plurality
of extended cooling structures having air outlets on both a right
side and a left side of each extended cooling structure, each air
outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to
contribute to substantially surrounding each exerciser with cooling
air.
[0039] In preferred embodiments, each extended cooling structure
has an air inlet for supplying cooling air to the plurality of air
outlets.
[0040] In preferred embodiments, at least one air outlet is a
directable nozzle.
[0041] In preferred embodiments, the support mechanism for
supporting each extended cooling structure includes a pair of
support legs attached to the extended cooling structure so as to
stabilize and support the extended cooling structure.
[0042] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of
being manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a
selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.
[0043] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of
being manually aimed within a bounded range of directions so as to
provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the
body of the exerciser.
[0044] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of
being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the
air outlet.
[0045] In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of
being manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow
from the air outlet.
[0046] Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for
cooling an exerciser while using a stationary exercise device,
where the apparatus includes: a pair of extended cooling
structures, each extended cooling structure being cooperative with
a support mechanism for supporting the pair of extended cooling
structures in mutual symmetric relationship about an exerciser to
be located between the pair of extended cooling structures, the
support mechanism including a connector for attaching the extended
cooling structures to the stationary exercise device so as to
stabilize and support the extended cooling structures. Each
extended cooling structure has a plurality of cooling air outlets,
each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air
so as to substantially surround the exerciser with cooling air,
each cooling air outlet being capable of being manually aimed
within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of
cooling air only to selectable portions of the exerciser. Also,
each extended cooling structure has an air inlet for supplying
cooling air to the plurality of cooling air outlets.
[0047] In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of one extended
cooling structure is able to swing up so as to allow the exerciser
to more easily access the stationary exercise device.
[0048] In preferred embodiments, the connector for attaching at
least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise
device includes a mechanism to allow the extended cooling structure
to swing up so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access the
stationary exercise device.
[0049] Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for
cooling a plurality of exercisers while using a corresponding
plurality of stationary exercise devices, where the apparatus
includes: at least one spine module able to connect to a cooling
air source, each at least one spine module being able to support a
pair of extended cooling structures, each at least one spine module
being able to interlock with at least one other spine module; and a
plurality of extended cooling structures including at least a pair
of extended cooling structures. Each extended cooling structure is
supported by at least one spine module. Each extended cooling
structure is supported in mutual symmetric relationship with at
least one other extended cooling structure about a stationary
exercise device, such that each stationary exercise device is
located between a pair of extended cooling structures. Each
extended cooling structure has cooling air outlets, each cooling
air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to
contribute to substantially surrounding with cooling air each
exerciser using a stationary exercise device.
[0050] In preferred embodiments, at least one of the plurality of
extended cooling structures has cooling air outlets on both a right
side and a left side of the extended cooling structure, each
cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so
as to contribute to substantially surrounding with cooling air an
exerciser both to the right and to the left of the extended cooling
structure.
[0051] In preferred embodiments, at least one spine module has a
plurality of cooling air outlets.
[0052] In preferred embodiments, at least one spine module has an
extended member having a plurality of cooling air outlets.
[0053] In preferred embodiments, each extended cooling structure
has an air inlet for receiving cooling air from the cooling air
source.
[0054] In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlet is capable
of being manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a
selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.
[0055] In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlet is capable
of being manually aimed within a bounded range of directions so as
to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the
body of the exerciser.
[0056] In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlets is
capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air
flow from the air outlet.
[0057] In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlets is
capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially block
air flow from the air outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description, in conjunction with the following
figures, wherein:
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes an air conditioner attached to a stationary exercise
device, the air conditioner being connected to a heat exhausting
duct, the embodiment further including a built-in cooling air
outlet with a fan;
[0060] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes an air conditioner separate from a stationary exercise
device, and a cooling air outlet with a fan, which is attached to
the stationary exercise device;
[0061] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes an air conditioner separate from a stationary exercise
device and a built-in cooling air outlet with a fan;
[0062] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes an air conditioner separate from a stationary exercise
device, a plurality of cooling air outlets built into the deck of
the stationary exercise device (here, a treadmill), and an air
characteristic controller that allows the exerciser to adjust the
flow rate and temperature of the cooling air;
[0063] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes a cooling air source located outside of an exercise room,
the cooling air source being able to supply cooling air to a
plurality of stationary exercise devices within the exercise
room;
[0064] FIG. 4A is a functional diagram illustrating flow of cooling
air through cooling air outlets having adjustable louvers;
[0065] FIG. 4B is a functional diagram illustrating an air
conditioner that includes a thermally conductive pipe cooled by a
cooling liquid, cooling air being cooled by flowing past the
thermally conductive pipe;
[0066] FIG. 4C is a functional diagram illustrating injection of
cooling mist into a flow of cooling air through the cooling air
outlet of FIG. 4A;
[0067] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment in
which the back of an exerciser is cooled by a flow of cooling air
directed onto the exerciser from a cooling air outlet attached to
the rear of the exercise device;
[0068] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment in
which an exerciser is cooled by conduction through contact with a
seat, a backrest, and handles, each of which is cooled by a cooling
fluid;
[0069] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating cooling of
the handles by the cooling fluid in the embodiment of FIG. 5B;
[0070] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the
back of an exerciser is cooled by a plurality of flows of cooling
air from a plurality of cooling air outlets attached to the rear of
a stationary exercise device;
[0071] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise
device having attached extended cooling structures;
[0072] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a stationary exercise
device having attached extended cooling structures, the extended
cooling structures having upper and lower air outlets;
[0073] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of several stationary exercise
devices, equipped with attached extended cooling structures as
shown in FIG. 6A, the extended cooling structures being attached to
a common remote cooling air source;
[0074] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise
device with attached extended cooling structures, including floor
supports for the extended cooling structures;
[0075] FIG. 7B is a side view looking down the length of the
extended cooling structure, the extended cooling structure being
supported by a sigmoidal support that connects the extended cooling
structure to the exercise machine of FIG. 7A;
[0076] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise
device substantially surrounded by a plurality of free-standing
extended cooling structures, the extended cooling structures being
arranged so as to create a personal cooling environment
substantially surrounding an exerciser, the stationary exercise
device shown being a cross-country ski machine;
[0077] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the free-standing extended
cooling structures of FIG. 8A, cooling an exerciser performing
aerobic exercise, such as by using an exercise step device, or
other exercise equipment, such as the illustrative examples as
shown;
[0078] FIG. 9A is a perspective side view of a cooling air outlet
having mechanically adjustable air-directing louvers, the louvers
being adjusted by manipulation of a central tab;
[0079] FIG. 9B is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped upward;
[0080] FIG. 9C is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped downward;
[0081] FIG. 9D is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped to the right;
[0082] FIG. 9E is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped to the left;
[0083] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a plurality of stationary
exercise devices with a plurality of extended cooling structures on
floor stands, the extended cooling structures not being attached to
the stationary exercise devices;
[0084] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a plurality of stationary
exercise devices with a plurality of extended cooling structures,
the extended cooling structures being attached to a common spine
supported by at least two floor stands, and the extended cooling
structures not being attached to the treadmills;
[0085] FIG. 10C is an overhead view of a row of closely spaced
stationary exercise devices, with a plurality of spine modules,
each spine module being attached to a respective stationary
exercise device, each spine module interlocking with at least one
neighboring spine module, each spine module also being connected to
two extended cooling structures, the spine modules and extended
cooling structures together forming a modularly expandable
SurroundCool.TM. personal cooling system for multiple stationary
exercise devices;
[0086] FIG. 10D is an overhead view of a single stationary exercise
device using the spine module and extended cooling structures of
FIG. 10C, the spine module being attached to the stationary
exercise device and the extended cooling structures being attached
to the spine module;
[0087] FIG. 10E is a front perspective view of the single
stationary exercise device of FIG. 10D;
[0088] FIG. 10F is a front perspective view of a single stationary
exercise device using a single spine module and a pair of extended
cooling structures, the spine module and extended cooling
structures together forming a free-standing modular cooling unit,
the modular cooling unit being supported by a plurality of legs
instead of being attached to the single exercise device;
[0089] FIG. 10G is a side view of the stationary exercise device of
FIG. 10D, shown without the spine module and extended cooling
structures;
[0090] FIG. 10H is a side view of the stationary exercise device of
FIG. 10D, shown with the spine module and extended cooling
structures attached;
[0091] FIG. 10I is a side view of the stationary exercise device of
FIG. 10D, shown with one extended cooling structure removed, so as
to show the air outlets of the other extended cooling
structure;
[0092] FIG. 10J is an exploded overhead view, showing the spine
module and two extended cooling structures of FIG. 10D, the spine
module and two extended cooling structures being in detached
relationship;
[0093] FIG. 10K is a perspective view of a plurality of treadmills
with a plurality of extended cooling structures, the extended
cooling structures being attached to a plurality of spine modules,
each spine module being attached to a wall near a respective
stationary exercise device, each spine module interlocking with at
least one neighboring spine module, each spine module also being
connected to two extended cooling structures, the spine modules and
extended cooling structures together forming a modularly expandable
SurroundCool.TM. personal cooling system for multiple stationary
exercise devices;
[0094] FIG. 10L is an overhead view of the row of closely spaced
stationary exercise devices of FIG. 10K;
[0095] FIG. 10M is an overhead view of a row of closely spaced
stationary exercise devices, with a plurality of spine modules, the
plurality of spine modules being supported by a plurality of
stands, each spine module interlocking with at least one
neighboring spine module, each spine module also being connected to
two extended cooling structures, at least one of the two extended
cooling structures also being supported by at least one stand, the
spine modules and extended cooling structures together forming a
modularly expandable SurroundCool.TM. personal cooling system for
multiple stationary exercise devices;
[0096] FIG. 10N is a perspective view of a plurality of elliptical
machines each elliptical machine being flanked by a pair of
extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure being
attached to and supported by a single spine, the single spine being
attached to each of the elliptical machines, and a single cooling
air source being connected to each of the extended cooling
structures;
[0097] FIG. 10O is a perspective view of a plurality of elliptical
machines with a single spine, the single spine being attached to a
single cooling air source, the single spine being supported by at
least two floor stands, and a plurality of extended cooling
structures being attached to the single spine;
[0098] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an elliptical machine
having attached extended cooling structures, with an enlarged view
of a cooling air outlet adapted for manual local control of cooling
air flow direction and cooling air flow rate;
[0099] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an elliptical machine have
a single attached vertical extended cooling structure, the vertical
extended cooling structure being attached so as to direct cooling
air toward the front of the exerciser;
[0100] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an elliptical machine have
a pair of attached vertical extended cooling structures, the
vertical extended cooling structures being attached so as to direct
cooling air toward the front and sides of the exerciser, and each
vertical extended cooling structure being separately attached to
the elliptical machine at the same point on the elliptical
machine;
[0101] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of an elliptical machine have
a pair of attached vertical extended cooling structures, the
vertical extended cooling structures being attached so as to direct
cooling air toward the front and sides of the exerciser, and each
vertical extended cooling structure being separately attached to a
respective handle of the elliptical machine;
[0102] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise bike
having attached movable extended cooling structures;
[0103] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the stationary bike of
FIG. 113A, showing one of the extended cooling structures rotated
upward to improve access to the stationary exercise bike;
[0104] FIG. 13C is an overhead view of the mechanism for rotating
the extended cooling structures shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B;
[0105] FIGS. 13D and 13E are side views of the mechanism for
rotating the extended cooling structures shown in FIGS. 13A and
13B; and
[0106] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the plurality of elliptical
machines of FIG. 10N, showing two of the extended cooling
structures rotated upward to improve access to respective exercise
devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0107] With reference to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the
apparatus includes an air conditioner 100, or other cooling fluid
source, that is attached to a stationary exercise device 102. The
air conditioner 100 supplies air that is cooler than the ambient
air surrounding the stationary exercise device 102 to a cooling air
outlet 104. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling air outlet 104
includes a fan. One skilled in the art will understand that cooling
air outlet 104 can be configured with or without a fan, or with
additional or alternate features, as described in more detail
below.
[0108] Cooling air outlet 104 serves as the applicator of the
cooling air by directing a flow of cooling air toward the front of
an individual (not shown) using the device. Warm air resulting from
the air cooling process is exhausted from the air conditioner 100
through an air duct 106.
[0109] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2A, the apparatus
includes an air conditioner 200 that is not attached to the
stationary exercise device 102. Air conditioner 200 supplies
cooling air thorough a hose 202 to a cooling air outlet 104, which
is attached to the stationary exercise device 102. In the
illustrated embodiment, cooling air outlet 104 includes a fan that
can be used to control the flow rate of the cooling air leaving
cooling air outlet 104. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment similar
to the embodiment of FIG. 2A, except that cooling air outlet 104 is
built into stationary exercise device 102.
[0110] FIG. 2C illustrates a preferred embodiment that includes an
air conditioner 200 that is not attached to the stationary exercise
device 102. Air conditioner 200 supplies cooling air thorough a
hose 202 to a conduit (not shown) in the body of stationary
exercise device 102. The conduit directs the received cooling air
to a series of cooling air outlets 204A-H, which are located along
the deck of the stationary exercise device 102. Cooling air outlets
204A-H direct cooling air upward from below toward an exerciser
using stationary exercise device 102. Cooling air outlets 204A-D
direct cooling air upon the exerciser from along the right side of
stationary exercise device 102. Cooling air outlets 204E-H direct
cooling air upon the exerciser from along the left side of
stationary exercise device 102. An air characteristic controller
206 on the front of the stationary exercise device 102 allows the
exerciser (not shown) to control the overall flow rate and
temperature of the cooling air.
[0111] The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to
the embodiment of FIG. 2B, except that the cooling air source is
located outside of the room. Cooling air is supplied through a
connection 300 in the wall of the room to a manifold 302, and from
the manifold 302 to a plurality of stationary exercise devices 304.
Each exercise device 304 has a cooling air outlet 305 that directs
the cooling air toward the face, neck, and upper torso of an
exerciser using stationary exercise device 102.
[0112] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 3,
except that cooling air outlet 305 has been replaced by a plurality
of cooling air outlets 306. In a preferred embodiment, each cooling
air outlet of the plurality of cooling air outlets 306 is
independently directable so as to collectively direct cooling air
toward a plurality of respective portions of the exerciser,
consistent with the SurroundCool.TM. concept described above.
[0113] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are functional diagrams that illustrate
cooling air outlets in two respective preferred embodiments. In
FIG. 4A, cooling air 400 flows through a duct 402 and exits from a
cooling air outlet 404 through a set of air directing louvers 406.
The direction of the louvers 406 can be controlled by rotating a
wheel 408 located below the louvers 406. In FIG. 4B, cool water
flows through a pipe 410 to a heat exchange device 412, having a
large surface area. Fan 416 pulls cooling air 414 across the heat
exchange device 412, thereby cooling the cooling air 418, which is
then directed toward an exerciser.
[0114] FIG. 4C illustrates the injection of a cooling mist 420 into
the cooling air 400 of FIG. 4A. Water travels through a hose 422 to
a spray nozzle 424, which transforms the water into mist droplets
420. The mist droplets 420 enter a mixing chamber 426, where the
mist droplets 420 mix with the flow of cooling air 400 and are
carried through cooling air outlet 404 by the cooling air 400.
[0115] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5A, a cooling fluid
source 500 supplies cool liquid through a set of hoses 502 to a
heat exchange device and fan 504 similar to the device and fan
shown in FIG. 4B. The heat exchange device and fan 504 is attached
to the back of a stationary exercise device 506, on which an
individual 508 is exercising, and directs a flow of cooled air 510
onto the exercising individual 508 from behind. In this embodiment,
the source of cooling fluid 500 is a closed loop liquid chiller and
circulator with a self contained cooling liquid reservoir that is
accessible through a hatch 512 on the top. Typically, a mixture of
water and anti-freeze with anti-corrosion properties is used as the
cooling liquid. The cooling fluid could also be Freon.
[0116] The preferred embodiment of FIG. 5B uses a liquid chiller
500 similar to the chiller of FIG. 5A, but the chilled liquid is
supplied to a plurality of conductive cooling applicators, such as
the handles 514, the seat 516, and the backrest 518 of the
stationary exercise device 506. The exerciser 508 using the
stationary exercise device 506 is cooled by direct conductive
thermal contact with the cooled handles 514, seat 516, and backrest
518. In some situations, it may be desirable to have only
conductive cooling applicators, without any cooling air outlets
and/or fans to provide convective cooling. The exerciser 508 can
manually control these conductive cooling applicators by rotating
the handles 415 thereby controlling the flow of the cooling liquid
to the conductive cooling applicators. For example, by rotating the
left one of the handles 514, the flow rate of cooling fluid to the
seat 516 can be adjusted. By rotating the right one of the handles
415, the flow rate of cooling fluid to the handles 514 can be
adjusted. The exerciser 508 can adjust the cooling effect of the
backrest 518 simply by leaning forward so as to reduce thermal
contact with the backrest 518.
[0117] Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that
air is a fluid, just as water is a fluid, and therefore, a flow of
cooling air can be used to cool the plurality of conductive cooling
applicators, such as the handles 514, the seat 516, and the
backrest 518 of the stationary exercise device 506. Using air as
the cooling fluid is particularly advantageous for use with cooling
air outlets that direct air convectively towards an exerciser.
Thus, the same cooling air that is provided by the cooling air
outlets can be used to cool the conductive cooling applicators by
flowing through the conductive cooling applicators.
[0118] FIG. 5C illustrates the cooling of the handles by the
chilled liquid in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5B. The chilled
liquid flows into and up supporting arm 518, which supports the two
hand grips 514, through the two hand grips 514, and then down the
other supporting arm 520. In this illustrated embodiment, the two
hand grips 514 are metal and provide good thermal contact with the
chilled liquid. The interiors of the supporting arms 518 and 520,
and the cross brace 522 between the two hand grips 514 are
thermally insulated so as to avoid warming of the chilled liquid as
it flows up to and down from the handles, and to avoid water
condensation on the supporting arms 518 and 520 and the cross brace
522.
[0119] Various preferred embodiments include both cooling air
outlets which provide flows of cooling air 504, and conductive
cooling applicators 514, 516, 518 which provide cooling by thermal
conduction due to a flow of cooling fluid (such as cooling air)
flowing therewithin, whereby the exerciser can select and control
which types of cooling are to be applied, and how much of each. Of
course, it is also possible to include only the conductive cooling
applicators 514, 516, 518 which provide cooling by thermal
conduction due to a flow of cooling air or water flowing
therewithin, whereby the exerciser can select and control how much
conductive cooling is desired.
[0120] The embodiment of FIG. 5D uses a liquid chiller 500 similar
to the chiller of FIG. 5A, but the chilled liquid is supplied to
cooling air outlets 504A-D, wherein air is cooled by the chilled
liquid in a manner similar to the outlet of FIG. 4B, the cooling
air outlets being part of the backrest 510 of the stationary
exercise device 506. Cooling air outlets 504A-D direct cooling air
from backrest 510 toward the back, head, and neck of the exerciser
508.
[0121] FIG. 6A illustrates an apparatus for cooling an exerciser,
while the exercise is using treadmill 600. Treadmill 600 can be any
treadmill having a structure, such as support legs 608A, 608B, that
can be used to attach the apparatus to treadmill 600. For example,
in the illustrated embodiment, attachments 606 support the
apparatus. Generally, the apparatus includes extended cooling
structures having a cooling air input and a plurality of cooling
air outlets.
[0122] Specifically, the apparatus includes extended cooling
structures 602A, 602B and cooling air conduits 610A, 610B, that
connect extended cooling structures 602A, 602B to a cooling air
source 612. In this illustrated embodiment, extended cooling
structures 102A, 102B include air outlets 104A-1041, which direct
cooling air received from the cooling air source 112 to various
parts of the exerciser's body. In alternate embodiments, extended
cooling structures 102A, 1028 can include a plurality of air
outlets arranged in other configurations. In the illustrated
embodiment, cooling air conduits 610A, 610B are hoses connected
between the cooling air source 612 and the extended cooling
structures 602A, 602B. In alternate embodiments, extended cooling
structures 602A, 602B include cooling air inputs that can connect
with a variety of cooling air sources.
[0123] For example, cooling air source 612 can be a high-velocity
cooling system, or a central air conditioning system, or a window
air conditioner with an adapter, or any other suitable cooling air
source.
[0124] Cooling air source 612 and conduits 610A, 610B can be any
design and size sufficient to function as described in this
document. For example, in one embodiment, conduits 610A, 610B are
about 4'' in diameter, and cooling air source 612 includes a 14''
radius high-speed fan able to provide sufficient air flow to allow
a person using treadmill 600 to adjust air outlets 604A-6041 to
move air in a desired configuration for comfortable exercise.
Alternatively, a high-velocity cooling air source provides cooling
air to cooling air source 612 through conduits 2'' in diameter, and
cooling air source 612 provides the cooling air to extended cooling
structures 602A, 602B through conduits less than 4'' in diameter,
providing cooling air at a rate and pressure useable by the
exerciser via the extended cooling structures 602A, 602B.
[0125] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a stationary exercise
device having attached extended cooling structures, the extended
cooling structures having upper and lower cooling air outlets
604A-L. As shown, the cooling air outlets 604A-L can be round air
outlets, as described below in more detail with respect to FIGS.
9A-E. Alternatively, cooling air outlets 604A-L can be nozzles such
as are commonly found above the passenger seats in typical
commercial aircraft. Generally, cooling air outlets 604A-L allow
the exerciser to independently and manually control the direction
and/or flow rate of the cooling air directed at the exerciser from
each cooling air outlet individually.
[0126] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of several stationary exercise
devices 600A-D, each equipped with attached extended cooling
structures as shown in FIG. 6A, the extended cooling structures
being connected to a common remote cooling air source. In some
embodiments, the extended cooling structures each connect
individually to a central manifold or trunk, such as trunk 616, for
example. In alternate embodiments, the extended cooling structures
each connect individually to the cooling air source. Generally, the
cooling air source is able to provide sufficient cooling air flow
to allow a person using treadmill 600 to adjust air outlets
604A-6041 so as to move air in a desired SurroundCool.TM.
configuration for comfortable exercise.
[0127] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another embodiment of a cooling
apparatus attached to a treadmill 600. Extended cooling structures
700A, 700B each include air outlets 704A-704G, each of the air
outlets 704A-704G being individually adjustable so as to provide a
desired air flow surround pattern for a person using the treadmill
600.
[0128] The extended cooling structures 700A, 700B are supported
partially by support legs 702A, 702B that are located and sized so
as to help support the portion of each of the extended cooling
structures 700A, 700B that is farthest from where it is attached to
the treadmill 600. A strap 706, cooperative with a sigmoidal
support 710, supports the portion of each of the extended cooling
structures 700A, 700B that is closest to the treadmill 600 to
respective treadmill supports 608A, 608B, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 7B, the sigmoidal support 710 attaches to
the extended cooling structure 700A via attachment hardware 708
(also shown in FIG. 7A). Sigmoidal support 710 is also attached to
the strap 706 via support 712. The weight of the extended cooling
structure 700A causes the foot 714 to press against the support leg
608A of the treadmill 60, thereby attaching, supporting, and
stabilizing the extended cooling structure 700A. Thus, using a
strap 706 and a sigmoidal support 710, each extended cooling
structure 700A, 700B can be easily attached to a standard
treadmill.
[0130] With reference to FIG. 8A, some embodiments of the present
invention include a plurality of free-standing extended cooling
structures 810, 812, 814, 816, each of which receives cooled and/or
dried air through hoses 610A-F connected to a cooling air source
612, and each of which includes a plurality of cooling air outlets
816A-D. The extended cooling structures 810-816 have been arranged
in the embodiment of FIG. 8A so as to surround an exerciser 822
while exercising on a NordicTrack.TM. ski exercise machine. The
extended cooling structures 810-816 are easily moved and rearranged
so as to surround the exerciser as desired while performing any
type of exercise on a device of any size and shape, such as lifting
free weights, which requires the exerciser's arms to be fully
outstretched, using a device which exercises the shoulders and/or
back muscles, or performing crunches on a ball or planks on a
mat.
[0131] In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the extended cooling
structures 810, 812, 814, 816 are each supported by two legs, each
leg having an upper portion 818 which is telescopically inserted
into a lower portion 816 and locked in place at a desired height by
a locking knob 820. Graduated marks are included on the upper
portion 818 so as to facilitate adjustment of all of the legs to
the same height. The heights of the extended cooling structures
810-816 are thereby easily adjustable, so as to provide optimal
cooling for people of all heights and/or for exercise activities
which take place at differing heights. For example, the extended
cooling structures 810-816 can be raised or lowered so as to
accommodate an exerciser of any height, whether performing an
exercise in a sitting or prone position, such as crunches on an
exercise ball or mat on the floor, or exercising in a fully upright
position. While FIG. 8A illustrates the embodiment surrounding a
single exerciser, the embodiment can also accommodate more than one
exerciser.
[0132] FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 8A surrounding an
exerciser 824 performing aerobic exercises on an exercise stool
826. Various other types of exercise devices are provided outside
of the exercise environment as examples of some of the exercise
devices that can be utilized in this environment, including
barbells 828, a stretching/elastic cord with handles 830, an
exercise ball 832, and an exercise mat 834. These are simply
examples of a very wide variety of types of exercise devices which
can easily be brought into and subsequently removed from the region
surrounded by the extended cooling structures 810-816. Further, for
certain exercises, such as exercises performed while sitting on the
ball 832 or while lying on the mat 834, the exerciser 824 may wish
to accordingly lower the heights of the extended cooling structures
810-816.
[0133] FIGS. 9A-9E show an embodiment of cooling air outlet 900
similar to many of the cooling air outlets mentioned above. Of
course, air-flow rate and air-flow direction adjustment mechanisms
of a different form than, but similar function to, exemplary
cooling air outlets 900 each with adjustment knob 904 can be used
to provide individually adjustable air flow to a person using a
stationary exercise device without departing from the scope of the
invention. Cooling air outlets 900 are each attached to an air
supply 906 via a connector 902.
[0134] Adjustment knob 904 can be moved to direct air flow from air
cooling air outlet (also called a "vent") 900, with the airflow
generally coaxial with the direction of adjustment knob 904. For
example, adjustment knob 904 can be pushed upward, as shown in FIG.
9B, resulting in a airflow in a more upward direction than that in
FIG. 9A. Similarly, the airflow of air outlet 900 in FIG. 9C will
be more downward, the airflow of air outlet 900 in FIG. 9D
rightward, and the airflow of air outlet 900 in FIG. 9E
leftward.
[0135] Turning to FIG. 10A, three treadmills 600A, 600B, 600C are
each flanked by a pair of extended, separately supported cooling
structures selected from extended cooling structures 1000, 1002,
1004, 1006. The two outer extended cooling structures 1000, 1006
include air outlets 1000A-1000D, 1006A-1006D, respectively, only on
an inward-facing side so as to provide airflow to a person on the
nearest treadmill 600A and 600C. The two inner extended cooling
structures 1002, 1004 each include air outlets on both sides, so as
to provide individually controllable airflow for each of the
treadmills flanking each extended cooling structure. The extended
cooling structures 1000, 1002, 1004, 1006 are supplied with air
through conduits 1010A-1010D from a supply line 1008, which can be
attached to an HVAC system or to a large fan box, or any other
conditioned air supply device.
[0136] Although FIG. 10A illustrates the embodiment applied to a
plurality of exercise devices where each exercise device is
situated between two extended cooling structures with air outlets
facing each exercise device, this embodiment can also be used along
only one side of a single exercise device, or between two exercise
devices, thereby providing cooling to one side of each exerciser.
Also note that each extended cooling structure in FIG. 10A is
free-standing, and not attached to the machine used by the
exerciser. Consequently, this embodiment can be used with existing
exercise machines without any modification to the exercise
machine.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 10B, the cooling air source 612 is now
present in the room, and the legs 1036 support a "spine" 1030 that
supports a plurality of extended cooling structures 1012-1020 of
the cooling apparatus, the legs 1036 being bolted to the floor,
each leg having a very thin base so as to be practically flush with
the floor, the base 1034 of each leg also having a very small
footprint so as to ensure that it will not interfere with foot
traffic near the apparatus. The spine 1030 also supports a
plurality of front-facing shorter extended cooling structures 1022,
1024, 1026, 1028, each of which includes two front-facing air
outlets for cooling the front of an exerciser.
[0138] Additional front cooling air outlets 1022A-1022B,
1024A-1024B, 1026A-1026B, 1028A-1028B are shown on the plurality of
front-facing shorter extended cooling structures 1022, 1024, 1026,
1028, respectively. Supply conduit 1032 feeds a central plenum
within the spine 1030, which then supplies cooling air to each of
the extended cooling structures and air outlets, so as to provide
cooled and/or dried air for individuals using treadmills
600A-600D.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 10C, individual conduits 1010A-1010D
separately supply the respective extended cooling structures that
substantially surround each treadmill. In particular, the cooling
air source 612 supplies cooling air via the main hose 1032 to a
main feeder conduit 1008. The main feeder conduit supplies a flow
of cooling air via individual conduits 1010A, 10108, 1010C, 1010D
to each of a connected series of spine modules 1030A-1030D. Each of
the spine modules 1030A-1030D is mechanically connected to a
respective treadmill 600A-600D, and to two extended cooling
structures 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018 which each receive cooling air
from the spine modules, for substantially surrounding an exerciser
using a treadmill 600A-600D with cooling air. Each extended cooling
structure 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018 includes air outlets that face the
exerciser using the treadmill 600A. The front-facing air outlets
1022A and 10228, as well as the lower front air outlet 1022C, also
receive cooling air from a respective spine module 1030A-1030D, and
contribute to substantially surrounding the exerciser with cooling
air. Note that additional spine modules can be added, along with
corresponding extended cooling structures and front-facing air
outlets, as more treadmills are added to the treadmills shown. In
fact, only one additional extended cooling structure and respective
front-facing air outlets are needed for each additional spine
module.
[0140] Thus, FIG. 10C is a top view of a preferred embodiment in
which a plurality of stationary exercise devices 600A-D are cooled
by a plurality of cooling modules which are attached to the
stationary exercise devices and which interconnect to form a
continuous series of modules. Each cooling modular unit includes a
spine module 1030A-D which is connected by a hose 1010A-D to a
cooling air supply manifold 1008 which receives cooled and/or
dehumidified air from a cooling air source 612 through a main hose
1032. Cooling air is directed onto exercisers from the front by air
outlets 1022A-1028B included in the spine modules 1030A-D. Cooling
air is directed onto the sides of exerciser's using the stationary
exercise devices 600A-D by extended cooling structures 1012-1020
which function as manifolds, and extend between the stationary
exercise devices 600A-D. Extended cooling structures 1012, 1020 are
located on the ends of the series of modules, and include cooling
air outlets only on their inward-facing surfaces, and supply
cooling air to only one exercise device 600A, 600D. Inner extended
cooling structures 1014-1018 include cooling air outlets on both
sides, and supply cooling air to the stationary exercise devices
which are located on either side 600A-D. Note that additional
stationary exercise devices can be accommodated by the series
simply by adding additional spine modules 1030A-D and inner
extended cooling structures 1014-1018.
[0141] FIG. 10D is a top view of a single stationary exercise
device 600 cooled by a single cooling modular unit 612 of the
embodiment of FIG. 10C. Since there is only one exercise device
600, the modular unit includes a single spine module 1030 and a
pair of outer extended cooling structures 1012, 1020, without any
inner extended cooling structures 1014-1018. Also included are the
front-facing air outlets 1022A, 10228, 1022C of the front extended
cooling structure 1022. The hose 1032 provides the cooling air to
the single spine module 1030, which is in air-flow communication
with the extended cooling structures 1012 and 1020, and with the
front extended cooling structure 1022.
[0142] FIG. 10E is a front perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 10D.
[0143] FIG. 10F is a front perspective view of an embodiment
similar to FIG. 10E, but wherein the cooling modular unit is not
attached to the stationary exercise device 600, but which is
instead free standing and supported on legs 1036 that support the
extended cooling structures 1012, 1020, and the spine module 1030
that connects, and is in air-flow communication with, the extended
cooling structures 1012, 1020. Thus, the treadmill can be equipped
with a SurroundCool.TM. system without any modification to the
treadmill itself.
[0144] FIG. 10G is a side view of the stationary exercise device
600 of FIG. 10D, without the cooling modular unit attached, where
the cooling modular unit includes the single spine module 1030,
which is connected to and in air-flow communication with the
extended cooling structures 1012 and 1020, and with the front
extended cooling structure 1022
[0145] FIG. 10H is a side view of the stationary exercise device
600 of FIGS. 10D and 10G, with the cooling modular unit attached,
in air-flow communication with a cooling air supply line 1008 via
hose 1010. The cooling modular unit includes the extended cooling
structure 1020, showing the side without air outlets.
[0146] FIG. 10I is a side view of the stationary exercise device
600 of FIG. 10D, with the nearest extended cooling structure 1020
removed, so that the farther extended cooling structure 1012 and
it's air outlets, and the remainder of the cooling modular unit and
the exercise device 600, can be more clearly seen. The air outlets
1012A-1012D and the air outlets 1022A-1022C can be manually
adjustable regarding air flow direction and air flow rate. Or, they
can be fixed and non-adjustable, or just have an on/off adjuster,
without any control over air flow rate or direction. In other
embodiments, the adjustability of the air flow direction can be
restricted so as to ensure that the cooling air flow can only be
directed upon the exerciser, as opposed to out into the room
generally. This feature is advantageously combined with an air flow
rate adjustment that allows the exerciser to restrict or stop the
flow of cooling air from a particular air outlet if the cooling air
is causing discomfort somewhere on the exerciser's body. The air
flow rate adjustment can adjust the air flow rate from fully on to
fully off. Alternatively, it is useful to include louvers that can
be adjusted such that when they are adjusted to change their
direction enough to take a flow of cooling air off of the body of
the exerciser, it will stop the flow of cooling air entirely. These
features ensure that the flow of cooling air will either be on the
person or shut off, which means that the cooling air is only used
to cool the exerciser, and not just the room, thereby saving
energy. These remarks regarding air outlets are applicable to all
embodiments of the invention described herein.
[0147] FIG. 10J is a top exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.
10C-10F, and 10H-10I, with the extended cooling structures 1012,
1020 and the front facing air outlets 1026A-1026C of front extended
cooling structure 1022, which in this embodiment is integral with
the spine module 1030 and shown separated from the stationary
exercise device 600. The locations of the cooling air outlets
1012A-H of the extended cooling structures 1012, 1020 are
indicated. The full shape of the front-facing extended cooling
structure 1022 can be seen, including the extensions that represent
the spine module 1030 which interlocks with the extended cooling
structures 1012, 1020, and can interlock with other spine modules
attached to other exercise machines, as needed.
[0148] FIG. 10K is similar to FIG. 10B, except that the modular
"spine" 1030A-1030D of the cooling modules is mounted to a wall.
Also, the front-facing extended cooling structures 1022, 1024,
1026, 1028, each having a pair of front-facing air outlets, are
respectively attached to the spine modules 1030A-1030D, which are
cooperative with treadmills 600A-600D.
[0149] FIG. 10L is a top view of FIG. 10K, showing the modular
"spine" 1030A-1030D of the cooling modules, and the wall to which
it's mounted. Also, shown is a top view of the front-facing
extended cooling structures 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, each having a
pair of front-facing air outlets, and that they are respectively
attached to the spine modules 1030A-1030D, which are cooperative
with treadmills 600A-600D.
[0150] FIG. 10M is similar to FIG. 10L, except that instead of
being mounted to the wall, the interconnected cooling modules are
free-standing, supported by the six legs 1034. All other features
are as explained above.
[0151] FIG. 10N is similar to the cooling apparatus of FIG. 10K,
except it is used with elliptical machines 1038A-1038D, and the
spine attached to the wall is used only for mechanical support of
the extended cooling structures 1012-1020, while the cooling air is
connected separately to each of the extended cooling structures
1012-1020 by means of a plurality of separate hoses connected to a
cooling air distribution manifold 1008.
[0152] FIG. 10O is essentially the cooling apparatus of FIG. 10B,
except used with elliptical machines 1038A-1038D. The support legs
have been bolted flat to the floor so as to reduce their
footprint.
[0153] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of single elliptical machine
1100 having a pair of extended cooling structures 1102A and 1102B
attached to a central post 1110 of the machine 1100. Each extended
cooling structure 1102A and 1102B has five cooling air outlets
1104A-1104E and 1104F-11041, respectively. This single elliptical
machine 1100 includes a built-in air conditioner with an air intake
port 1105. Each of the cooling air outlets, such as the cooling air
outlet 1104A, includes a manual control for adjusting the cooling
air flow rate 408A, from full on to full off, and all flow rates
between. The cooling air outlet 1104A also includes a manual
control for adjusting the direction of air flow 408B which controls
the louvers 406. The direction of flow can be adjusted up and down,
and/or right and left.
[0154] In some embodiments, the directional adjustments 408B are
limited so as to ensure that the cooling air must be directed only
to some portion of the user's body. This requires the user to
adjust the intensity of the cooling by adjusting the flow rate of
the cooling air using the adjustment wheel 408A of each of the
cooling air outlets, thereby preventing cooling air (and energy)
from being wasted by deflecting the cooling air into the room
without directly cooling the exerciser. In other embodiments, only
the direction of the air 408B can be adjusted, and in some of these
embodiments the flow of cooling air can be stopped by moving the
direction adjustment 408B to an extreme position, whereby the
lovers 406 are closed against each other. While the cooling air
outlets shown in FIG. 11 are essentially rectangular, in various
preferred embodiments, the cooling air outlets are round, or take
on other shapes and control configurations known in the art.
[0155] Brackets 1106A and 1106B attach the extended cooling
structures 1102A and 1102B to the central post 1110 of the machine
1100 so that either one of the extended cooling structures 1102A
and/or 1102B can be raised by rotating at least one of the brackets
1106A and 1106B, as shown in FIGS. 13B-13E, and 14, so as to allow
an exerciser to more easily get on and off of the machine 1100 from
either side.
[0156] Turning now to FIG. 12A, a vertical extended cooling
structure 1200 is attached to a central post of an elliptical
machine 1100 by a strap 1108 and support brace 1204. The extended
cooling structure 1200 has two air outlets 1202A and 1202B that are
supplied with cooling air via the air conduit 1032.
[0157] FIG. 12B illustrates a similar embodiment with two vertical
extended cooling structures 1200A, 1200B with additional air
outlets 1202C-1202D.
[0158] FIG. 12C shows an embodiment having two vertical extended
cooling structures 1200A and 1200B, except they are attached by
straps 1208A and 1208B to stationary grips 1210A and 1210B,
respectively, of elliptical machine 1100. The straps 1208A, 1208B
include frictional pads which press against the stationary grips
1210A, 1210B and provide frictional attachment thereto. The
vertical extended cooling structures 1200A, 1200B are thereby
easily mounted and dismounted to the elliptical machine 1100,
without damaging or cosmetically blemishing the elliptical machine
1100.
[0159] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a cooling
device attached to an exercise bicycle, the cooling device having
extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B each having air outlets
1304A-1304H, which surround exerciser 1301 with individually
adjustable conditioned air, in a similar manner to any of the
embodiments discussed above. As shown in FIG. 13B, the extended
cooling structures 1302A and 1302B can be rotationally coupled to
the exercise cycle 1300 to allow the exerciser easy access to
exercise cycle 1300.
[0160] FIG. 13C illustrates the rotational coupling of the extended
cooling structures 1302A and 1302B. Strap 1308 can include support
flanges 1312A and 1312B. Pairs of detent plates for each extended
cooling structure, detent plates 1314A and 1316A for extended
cooling structure 1302A and detent plates 1314B and 1316B for
extended cooling structure 1302B, can provide sufficient frictional
engagement with cooperative detent indentions and protrusions to
allow extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B to rotate, with
cooperative detent plates rotating and holding at different
rotational positions as the detents engage.
[0161] FIGS. 13D-13E show two positions of the extended cooling
structure 13028 in different rotational positions. In the FIGS.
13D-13E, extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B are connected
to the detent plates through support braces 1306A and 1306B,
respectively.
[0162] FIG. 14 illustrate an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
10O, except that each extended cooling structure 1012, 1014, 1016,
1018,1020 is able to swing up so as to allow easy access to each of
the elliptical machines 1038A-1038D.
[0163] While the description above generally focuses on extended
cooling structures having a plurality of air outlets, the extended
cooling structures being attached to an exercise machine and/or
supported by the floor, such extended cooling structures can also
be partially suspended from the ceiling. Also, the extended cooling
structures can be connected to a free-standing air conditioner, a
window air conditioner, an air supply box, or can be connected to a
central HVAC system, or any other suitable air supply system, such
as a high velocity cooling system. In embodiments which provide
cooling to a plurality of stationary exercise devices from a common
source of cooling air, regulation can be included so as to provide
a desired pressure and flow of cooling air to each of the
stationary exercise devices, regardless of how much cooling air is
flowing to the other stationary exercise devices, as will be
understood by those skilled in the art.
[0164] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is
not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the
following claims.
* * * * *