U.S. patent application number 12/952143 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for apparatus for surrounding an exerciser with cooling air having manual local control of air outlets built into a stationary exercise device.
Invention is credited to Doug Burum, Richard Goldmann, JoAnne Leff, Russ Weinzimmer.
Application Number | 20110065373 12/952143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43731049 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110065373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldmann; Richard ; et
al. |
March 17, 2011 |
APPARATUS FOR SURROUNDING AN EXERCISER WITH COOLING AIR HAVING
MANUAL LOCAL CONTROL OF AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO A STATIONARY
EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed that cools an individual while using a
stationary exercise device by supplying cooling air that mostly
surrounds the individual, herein called the SurroundCool.TM.
effect. A plurality of air outlets provides a flow of cooling air
from a plurality of locations and/or directions to generate the
SurroundCool.TM. effect. Each air outlet is independently
adjustable in direction over a range of directions for
accommodating various exerciser shapes and sizes. Each air outlet
is also independently adjustable in flow rate over a range of flow
rates, including fully open and fully closed, so as to help provide
a desired level of cooling. Some embodiments allow control of at
least one characteristic of the cooling air, including temperature,
flow rate, and humidity. In some embodiments, the range of
directions is bounded so as to ensure that each cooling air outlet
can only be directed at the individual, thereby saving energy.
Inventors: |
Goldmann; Richard;
(Poughkeepsie, NY) ; Weinzimmer; Russ; (Milford,
NH) ; Burum; Doug; (Action, MA) ; Leff;
JoAnne; (New York, NY) |
Family ID: |
43731049 |
Appl. No.: |
12/952143 |
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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12952143 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/251 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/10 20130101;
A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; F24F 2221/08
20130101; A63B 2225/66 20130101; F24F 2006/146 20130101; F24F
2221/38 20130101; F24F 1/0007 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B
2220/76 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/251 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/06 20060101
F24F007/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a
stationary exercise device, the apparatus being built into the
stationary exercise device, the apparatus comprising: at least one
cooling air input that is connectable to a cooling air source, the
cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling
air; and a plurality of air outlets built into the stationary
exercise device, each air outlet being in airflow communication
with the at least one cooling air input, at least one air outlet
being independently adjustable in direction over a range of
directions, and the plurality of air outlets being arranged so as
to mostly surround the exerciser with cooling air.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the range of directions is
bounded so as to ensure that the at least one air outlet remains
directed toward at least a part of the exerciser.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, the cooling air being at least one of
cool fresh air, chilled air, filtered air, and dehumidified
air.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air
characteristic controller able to control at least one
characteristic of the cooling air supplied to at least some of the
plurality of air outlets, the characteristic being at least one of:
fresh air content; temperature; flow rate; and humidity.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of air outlets
is divided into at least two groups, and the air characteristic
controller is able to independently control the at least one
characteristic of the cooling air for each of the at least two
groups.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the air
outlets includes a flow rate adjuster that enables manual
adjustment of a flow rate, within a range of flow rates, of the
cooling air flowing out of the at least one air outlet.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the range of flow rates
includes zero air flow.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the air
outlets includes a shut-off mechanism that is able to prevent
cooling air from flowing out of the at least one air outlet.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the range of directions is
bounded so as to allow a range of directions shaped like one of: a
rectangle; an ellipse; a diamond; a hexagon an octagon a square; a
circle; a polygon; and an outline of a person.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling air source is one
of: a fresh air conduit; a dehumidifier; a window air conditioner;
a free-standing room air conditioner; and a central air
conditioner.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling air source is
built in to the stationary exercise device.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least some of the
plurality of air outlets are built into at least one extended
member of the stationary exercise device, the extended member being
extended so as to enable the air outlets to contribute to mostly
surrounding the exerciser with cooling air.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one air outlet is a
directable nozzle having a rotatable ring that can be rotated to
control the air flow rate, including being able to completely stop
air flow from the nozzle.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one air outlet is a
cooling air outlet with two sets of mutually perpendicular and
independently movable louvers, and a tab for directing both sets of
louvers.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one air outlet
includes a mechanism for closing the cooling air outlet.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the air
outlets is a cooling air outlet having a rotatable ball with an
array of square air channels, the cooling air outlet also having a
central joystick that can be used to direct the rotatable ball and
to shut off the cooling air outlet by rotating the joystick.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least some of the
plurality of air outlets are arranged to suggest that the exerciser
is within a vehicle cockpit.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be
manually and independently adjusted using only one hand.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling air source is
able to supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary exercise
devices, the cooling air being regulated so as to be supplied at a
pressure and flow rate that enables each exerciser to meet
individually-selected cooling preferences.
20. An apparatus for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses
a stationary exercise device, the apparatus being built into the
stationary exercise device, the apparatus comprising: at least one
cooling air input that is connectable to a cooling air source, the
cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling
air, the cooling air being at least one of cool fresh air, chilled
air, and filtered air; and a plurality of air outlets built into
the stationary exercise device, each air outlet being in airflow
communication with the at least one cooling air input, at least one
air outlet being manually and independently adjustable in direction
over a range of directions, the range of directions being bounded
so as to ensure that the air outlet remains directed toward at
least a part of the exerciser, at least one of the air outlets
including a flow rate adjuster that enables manual adjustment of
the flow rate, within a range of flow rates, of the cooling air
flowing out of the at least one air outlet, at least one of the air
outlets including a shut-off mechanism that is able to prevent
cooling air from flowing out of the at least one air outlet, and
the plurality of air outlets being arranged so as to mostly
surround the exerciser with cooling air.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein at least one of the
plurality of air outlets is built into an extended member of the
stationary exercise device, the extended member being extended so
as to enable the at least one air outlet to contribute towards
mostly surrounding the exerciser with cooling air.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the cooling air source is
able to supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary exercise
devices, the cooling air being regulated so as to be supplied at a
pressure and flow rate that enables each exerciser to meet
individually-selected cooling preferences.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, 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 apparatus of claim 23, wherein the conductive cooling
applicator is included in at least one of: a handle; a seat; and a
backrest.
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 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 COOLING AN EXERCISER HAVING MANUAL LOCAL CONTROL OF
AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO DISCRETE COOLING ASSEMBLIES", 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
[0002] The invention generally relates to stationary exercise
machines, and more specifically to apparatus for cooling
individuals while using stationary exercise machines.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 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. 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.
[0004] Because of weather variability, convenience, and time
constraints, exercise often takes place indoors using a stationary
exercise machine, such as a stepper, stationary bicycle,
elliptical, treadmill, etc. 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 just beginning to exercise.
SUMMARY
[0005] 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 sufficiently
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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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 to mostly
surround an exerciser, for example a well-conditioned exerciser
exercising at maximum aerobic capacity, and this reduces the
propensity of the exerciser to perspire by a significant amount.
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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] In a general aspect of the invention, an apparatus is
provided for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a
stationary exercise device. The apparatus is built into the
stationary exercise device, and includes at least one cooling air
input that is connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air
source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air. A
plurality of air outlets are built into the stationary exercise
device, each air outlet being in airflow communication with the at
least one cooling air input, at least one air outlet being manually
and independently adjustable in direction over a range of
directions, and the plurality of air outlets being arranged so as
to mostly surround the exerciser with cooling air.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the range of directions is
bounded so as to ensure that each air outlet remains directed
toward at least a part of the exerciser. In another preferred
embodiment, the cooling air being at least one of fresh air,
chilled air, filtered air, and dehumidified air. In another
preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an air characteristic
controller able to control at least one characteristic of at least
some of the cooling air supplied to the plurality of air outlets,
the characteristic being at least one of: fresh air content,
temperature, flow rate, and humidity.
[0015] In still another preferred embodiment, the plurality of air
outlets is divided into at least two groups, and the air
characteristic controller is able to independently control the at
least one characteristic of the cooling air for each of the at
least two groups. In one embodiment, at least one of the air
outlets includes a flow rate adjuster that enables manual
adjustment of the flow rate, within a range of flow rates, of the
cooling air flowing out of the at least one air outlet. In one
embodiment, the range of flow rates includes zero air flow. In one
embodiment, at least one of the air outlets includes a shut-off
mechanism that is able to prevent cooling air from flowing out of
the at least one air outlet.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the range of directions is
bounded so as to allow a range of directions shaped like one of: a
rectangle, an ellipse, a diamond, a hexagon, an octagon, a square,
a circle, a polygon, and an outline of a person. In another
preferred embodiment, the cooling air source is one of: a fresh air
conduit, a dehumidifier, a window air conditioner, a free-standing
room air conditioner, and a central air conditioner. In another
preferred embodiment, the cooling air source is built in to the
stationary exercise device.
[0017] In still another preferred embodiment, the plurality of air
outlets are built into at least one extended member of the
stationary exercise device, the extended member being extended so
as to enable the air outlets to contribute cooling air towards
mostly surrounding the exerciser with cooling air. In one
embodiment, at least one air outlet is a directable nozzle having a
rotatable ring that can be rotated to control the air flow rate,
including being able to completely stop air flow from the nozzle.
In one embodiment, at least one air outlet is a cooling air outlet
with two sets of mutually perpendicular and independently movable
louvers, and a tab for directing both sets of louvers.
[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment, the apparatus further
includes a mechanism for closing the cooling air outlet. In another
preferred embodiment, the air outlet is a cooling air outlet having
a rotatable ball with an array of square air channels, the cooling
air outlet also having a central joystick that can be used to
direct the rotatable ball and to shut off the cooling air outlet by
rotating the joystick.
[0019] In still another preferred embodiment, the plurality of air
outlets are arranged to suggest that the exerciser is within a
vehicle cockpit. In another preferred embodiment, each air outlet
can be manually and independently adjusted using only one hand.
[0020] In another general aspect of the invention, an apparatus is
provided for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a
stationary exercise device. The apparatus is built into the
stationary exercise device and includes at least one cooling air
input that is connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air
source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air, the
cooling air being at least one of fresh air, chilled air, and
filtered air. A plurality of air outlets are built into the
stationary exercise device, each air outlet being in airflow
communication with the at least one cooling air input, at least one
air outlet being manually and independently adjustable in direction
over a range of directions, the range of directions being bounded
so as to ensure that each air outlet remains directed toward at
least a part of the exerciser. At least one of the air outlets
includes a flow rate adjuster that enables manual adjustment of the
flow rate, within a range of flow rates, of the cooling air flowing
out of the at least one air outlet. At least one of the air outlets
includes a shut-off mechanism that is able to prevent cooling air
from flowing out of the at least one air outlet. The plurality of
air outlets are arranged so as to mostly surround the exerciser
with cooling air.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the plurality of
air outlets is built into at least one extended member of the
stationary exercise device, the extended member being extended so
as to enable the at least one air outlet to contribute towards
mostly surrounding the exerciser with cooling air.
[0022] In certain 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 a pressure and flow rate
that enables each exerciser to meet individually-selected cooling
requirements and/or preferences.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, cooling air outlets are
supplemented by 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, a backrest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description, in conjunction with the following
figures, wherein:
[0025] 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;
[0026] 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;
[0027] 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;
[0028] 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;
[0029] 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;
[0030] FIG. 4A is a functional diagram illustrating flow of cooling
air through cooling air outlets having adjustable louvers;
[0031] 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;
[0032] 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;
[0033] 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;
[0034] 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;
[0035] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating cooling of
the handles by the cooling fluid in the embodiment of FIG. 5B;
[0036] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the
back of the exerciser is cooled by a plurality of flows of cooling
air from a plurality of cooling air outlets of an extended
multi-vent rear member;
[0037] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes a plurality of cooling air outlets built into an
elliptical exercise device and arranged so as to mostly surround an
exerciser within a plurality of flows of cooling air, including a
plurality of cooling air outlets of an extended multi-vent rear
member;
[0038] FIG. 6B is a perspective drawing of an embodiment similar to
FIG. 6A, instead using a single-vent rear cooling air outlet
configuration;
[0039] FIG. 6C is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of FIG.
6B, omitting the exerciser for clarity of illustration, and
schematically representing cooling zones created by cooling air
being projected from each cooling air outlet;
[0040] FIG. 6D is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of FIG.
6B, omitting the exerciser for clarity of illustration, and
schematically representing cooling zones created by cooling air
being projected only from the front cooling air outlets;
[0041] FIG. 6E is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of FIG.
6B, omitting the exerciser for clarity of illustration, and
schematically representing cooling zones created by cooling air
being projected only from the rear cooling air outlet;
[0042] FIG. 7A 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;
[0043] FIG. 7B is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped upward;
[0044] FIG. 7C is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped downward;
[0045] FIG. 7D is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped to the right;
[0046] FIG. 7E is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped to the left;
[0047] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes a plurality of cooling air outlets arranged so as to
mostly surround an exerciser within a plurality of flows of cooling
air, the cooling air outlets being built into upright members
positioned in front of and behind the exerciser (not shown);
[0048] FIG. 8B is a perspective drawing of an embodiment that
includes cooling air outlets built into a pair of extended
horizontal members, which are located on both sides of the
exerciser (not shown);
[0049] FIG. 8C is a perspective drawing of an embodiment similar to
FIG. 8B, in which the cooling air source is included within the
stationary exercise device;
[0050] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that
includes a plurality of cooling air outlets arranged so as to
mostly surround an exerciser within a plurality of flows of cooling
air, the cooling air outlets being built into upright members
positioned in front of the exerciser and rear outlets below the
exerciser (not shown);
[0051] FIG. 9B is a perspective drawing of an embodiment similar to
FIG. 9A, which includes additional rear cooling air outlets below
the exerciser;
[0052] FIG. 9C is a perspective drawing of an embodiment similar to
FIG. 9B, in which the cooling air source is included within the
stationary exercise device;
[0053] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two stationary exercise
devices, showing cooling air supplied by a cooling air output of
one of the stationary exercise devices to a neighboring stationary
exercise device;
[0054] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stationary exercise
device having a room air conditioner adaptor, showing the room air
conditioner adaptor collecting cooling air from a room air
conditioner, and driving the collected cooling air to the
stationary exercise device; and
[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plurality of stationary
exercise devices located in an exercise room, the exercise room
having a cooling air source able to supply cooling air to the
plurality of stationary exercise devices, each stationary exercise
device having a plurality of built-in cooling air outlets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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. In other embodiments, the cooling fluid is
freon.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, air conditioner 608 supplies
cooling air through an input hose 606 to stationary exercise device
600. A plurality of cooling air outlets 610A-H direct cooling air
to mostly surround an exerciser 602. An upward extension 612 is
coupled to a rear section 604 of stationary exercise device 600.
Upward extension 612 includes cooling air outlets 610A-B, which
direct air toward the rear of exerciser 602.
[0071] Similarly, front extension 616 is built into a front section
of stationary exercise device 600. The front section of stationary
exercise device 600 includes conduits (not shown) internal to the
stationary exercise device 600 that carry air from hose 606 through
to front extension 616 and out through cooling air outlet 610D,
which directs cooling air toward the face, neck, and upper torso of
exerciser 602. The front section of stationary exercise device 600
also includes cooling air outlets 610E and 610F, which direct
cooling air toward the front middle torso of exerciser 602. The
front section of stationary exercise device 600 also includes
cooling air outlets 610G and 610H, which direct cooling air toward
the legs and feet of exerciser 602.
[0072] The plurality of cooling air outlets of FIG. 6A cooperate to
create a SurroundCool.TM. personal cooling environment for the
exerciser. As described in more detail with respect to the
embodiments disclosed herein, SurroundCool.TM. systems use multiple
cooling air outlets to project multiple flows of cooling air
directly upon an exerciser so as to efficiently cool the exerciser
without wasting energy by cooling the general environment around
the exerciser. In some embodiments, the plurality of cooling air
flows provided by SurroundCool.TM. systems cannot be directed away
from the exerciser's body. Instead, in these embodiments the
exerciser can only restrict or block the flow of cooling air. As
such,SurroundCool.TM. systems in these embodiments thereby improve
energy efficiency, by forcing the user to restrict or block flows
of cooling air when they are no longer desired, rather than
wastefully diverting unwanted cooling air flows away from the body
and into the general environment.
[0073] For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A,
cooling air outlet 610D, directly cools the face and upper front
body of the exerciser 602, while cooling air outlets 610E-H
directly cool the lower front portion of the exerciser 602. At the
same time, cooling air outlets 610A-C directly cool the rear
portion of the exerciser 602. As described in more detail below,
these cooling air outlets provide limited user-controlled direction
within a restricted range of directions, for example to direct
cooling air according to an exerciser's body size and shape. The
ranges of direction adjustment are restricted so as to always
direct some portion of the cooling air onto the exerciser. In other
embodiments, the stationary exercise device can request from the
exerciser, or automatically determine, the particular exerciser's
body weight and/or height. Using the requested or determined
information, preferred embodiments restrict the ranges of motion of
the user-controlled cooling air outlets so as to ensure that a
portion of each air flow always contacts at least a portion of the
exerciser.
[0074] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6B, air conditioner 608
that supplies cooling air through an input hose 606 to stationary
exercise device 600, as in FIG. 6A. However, instead of an upward
rear extension having a plurality of cooling air outlets,
stationary exercise device 600 of FIG. 6B includes a single forward
extension 612 coupled to rear section 604. Forward extension 612
includes a single cooling air outlet 610A, which directs cooling
air 612 toward the rear of exerciser 602.
[0075] Similarly, front extension 616 couples to a front section of
stationary exercise device 600. The front section of stationary
exercise device 600 includes conduits (not shown) internal to the
stationary exercise device 600 that carry air from input hose 606
through to front extension 616 and out through cooling air outlet
610D, which directs cooling air toward the face, neck, and upper
torso of exerciser 602. The front section of stationary exercise
device 600 also includes cooling air outlets 610E and 610F, which
direct cooling air toward the front middle torso of exerciser 602.
The front section of stationary exercise device 600 also includes
cooling air outlets 610G and 610H, which direct cooling air toward
the legs and feet of exerciser 602.
[0076] FIG. 6C illustrates cooling air projections associated with
the cooling air outlets 610A, 610D, and 610E-H of FIG. 6B.
Exerciser 602 is not shown for clarity of illustration. Cooling air
outlet 610A directs cooling air generally toward the area indicated
by cooling air projection 612A. Cooling air outlet 610D directs
cooling air generally in the area indicated by cooling air
projection 612D. Cooling air outlet 610F directs cooling air
generally in the area indicated by cooling air projection 612F.
Cooling air outlet 610G directs cooling air generally in the area
indicated by cooling air projection 612G. Cooling air outlet 610H
directs cooling air generally in the area indicated by cooling air
projection 612H.
[0077] Additionally, FIG. 6C illustrates, using the cooling air
projections, how the collective air flow from cooling air outlets
610A-H mostly surround the exerciser 602 with cooling air. Further,
the arrangement of the cooling air outlets and cooling air
projections suggests the impression of being in a vehicle cockpit
to the exerciser 602.
[0078] FIG. 6D illustrates, using the cooling air projections, how
the collective air flow from cooling air outlets 610D-H mostly
cover the front of exerciser 602 with cooling air. Similarly, FIG.
6E illustrates, using the cooling air projections, how the
collective air flow from rear cooling air outlets, here cooling air
outlet 610A, mostly covers the rear of exerciser 602 with cooling
air.
[0079] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary cooling air outlet 700 that
receives cooling air from a connector 702 that connects cooling air
outlet 700 to a hose 704. Hose 703 connects to a cooling air supply
(not shown). Cooling air outlet 700 is rotatably coupled to
connector 702, so that an exerciser can manually adjust the cooling
air flow exiting cooling air outlet 700. Tab 706 provides a
convenient grasping point for the exerciser. FIG. 7A shows cooling
air outlet 700 in neutral position.
[0080] FIG. 7B shows cooling air outlet 700 in an upward tilt
position that directs cooling air upwards. FIG. 7C shows cooling
air outlet 700 in a downward tilt position that directs cooling air
downwards. FIG. 7D shows cooling air outlet 700 in a rightward tilt
position that directs cooling air to the right. FIG. 7E shows
cooling air outlet 700 in a leftward tilt position that directs
cooling air to the left.
[0081] FIG. 8A illustrates a preferred embodiment that includes a
cooling air source 808 (such as an air conditioner, or a fan that
pulls in cold outside air, for example) that is not attached to the
stationary exercise device 800. The cooling air source 808 supplies
cooling air thorough a hose 809 and through conduits within the
body of stationary exercise device 800. Cooling air from cooling
air source 808 travels from the conduits into upright members 804A,
804B, 806A, and 806B. The cooling air leaves the upright members
through a plurality of cooling air outlets 808A-D, 810A-D, and 812.
Working in cooperation, air flows leaving cooling air outlets
808A-D, 810A-D, and 812 mostly surround an exerciser (not shown)
using stationary exercise device 800.
[0082] As shown, cooling air outlets 808A-D are located on forward
upright members 804A and 804B, and direct cooling air toward the
front middle torso, legs, and feet of the exerciser. Similarly,
cooling air outlets 810A-D are located on rear upright members 806A
and 806B, and direct cooling air toward the rear middle torso,
legs, and feet of the exerciser. Upper member 802 includes cooling
air outlet 812, which directs cooling air toward the head, neck,
and front torso of the exerciser.
[0083] FIG. 8B also illustrates a preferred embodiment that
includes horizontal members 814A, 814B that supply cooling air from
either side of an exerciser, as well as a cooling air source 808
that supplies cooling air thorough a hose 809 and through conduits
within the body of stationary exercise device 800. Cooling air from
cooling air source 808 travels from the conduits into substantially
upright members 804A and 804B. The cooling air leaves the upright
members and enters horizontal members 814A and 814B and upper
member 802. The cooling air leaves the horizontal members through a
plurality of cooling air outlets 816A-H. Working in cooperation,
air flows leaving cooling air outlets 816A-D and 816E-H mostly
surround an exerciser (not shown) using stationary exercise device
800.
[0084] As illustrated, cooling air outlets 816A-D direct cooling
air from the left side of the stationary exercise device 800.
Similarly, cooling air outlets 816E-H direct cooling air from the
right side of the stationary exercise device 800.
[0085] FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 8B, except
that the cooling air source (such as an air conditioner, or other
suitable cooling air source) is contained within the stationary
exercise device 800, the cooling air source having an air inlet 811
through which ambient air is drawn into the cooling air source and
cooled before being delivered to the cooling air outlets 812,
816A-H
[0086] FIG. 9A also illustrates a preferred embodiment that
includes a cooling air source 808 that is external to the
stationary exercise device 900 and supplies cooling air thorough a
hose 809 and through conduits within the body of stationary
exercise device 900. Cooling air from cooling air source 808
travels from the conduits into substantially upright members 804A
and 804B and upper member 802. The cooling air also travels within
the conduits, leaving the body of the stationary exercise device
900 through cooling air outlets 906A and 906B. Working in
cooperation, air flows 910A and 910B, leaving cooling air outlets
906A and 906B, respectively, direct cooling air upward from below,
toward the rear middle torso, legs, and feet of the exerciser.
[0087] FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 9A, except
that the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B includes an additional pair of
rear cooling air outlets 906C and 906D. As shown, the additional
pair of rear cooling air outlets 906C, 906D direct air flows 910C
and 910D, respectively. Working in cooperation, the inner rear
cooling air outlets 906C and 906D direct cooling air upward from
below, toward the legs and feet of the exerciser. Similarly, the
outer rear cooling air outlets 906A and 906B direct cooling air
upward from below, toward the rear middle torso of the
exerciser.
[0088] FIG. 9C illustrates an embodiment which is similar to FIG.
9A, except that the cooling air source is contained within the
stationary exercise device 900, the cooling air source having an
air inlet 811 through which ambient air is drawn into the cooling
air source and cooled before being delivered to the cooling air
outlets 812, 808A-D, and 906A-B.
[0089] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 6, except
that the stationary exercise device 600 includes a cooling air
output hose 1000. The cooling air output hose 1000 enables the
stationary exercise device 600 to supply cooling air to a second
stationary exercise device 1002. As shown, cooling air output hose
1000 serves as an input hose 606 to the stationary exercise device
1002. This enables the cooling air source 608 to supply cooling air
to both of the stationary exercise devices 600, 1002 without
requiring a direct cooling air connection between the cooling air
source 608 and the second stationary exercise device 1002.
[0090] Embodiments of the present invention direct cooling air
specifically towards where it is needed, that is, towards the body
of the exerciser 602, and in some embodiments, towards targeted
regions of the body of the exerciser 602. Embodiments of the
invention create a personal cooling environment which surrounds at
least part of the body of the exerciser 602.
[0091] As a consequence, with reference to FIG. 11, using an
adaptor for collecting cooling air from a room air conditioner,
overall cooling requirements can be reduced for the room in which
the stationary exercise device 600 is located. The room air
conditioner 1102, previously used for cooing the entire room, can
operate so as to only cool the exerciser directly, which requires
less energy than cooling the entire room. The room air conditioner
1102, combined with the adaptor 1100, services as the source of
cooling air, rather than the separate, dedicated cooing air source
608 shown in FIG. 6A, for example.
[0092] In these embodiments, the cooling air input 606 is connected
to an adaptor 1100, which collects and diverts cooling air from the
room air conditioner 1102 to the cooling air input hose 606. In
some embodiments the adaptor 1100 includes a boosting fan 1104 that
increases the pressure and/or flow rate of the cooling air supplied
to the cooling air input hose 606.
[0093] FIG. 12 shows a cooling air source 200 located in an
exercise room having a plurality of exercise devices 304, the
cooling air source 200 being able to supply cooling air to the
plurality of stationary exercise devices 304 via main hose 300,
which branches out via distribution hose 302. The cooling air
source 200 supplies cooling air at a pressure and flow rate that
enables each exerciser to meet individually-selected cooling
requirements and/or preferences. The cooling air source 200 can
include a regulator that can ensure that the cooling air source 200
supplies a desired pressure, flow, etc. to each exercise device
when fewer than all of a large number of connected exercise devices
are in use.
[0094] Each exercise device 304 includes a pair of cooling air
outlets 1200A, 1200B in its upper structure, which can direct
cooling air toward the face of an exerciser, a plurality of cooling
air vents along its base 204A-H, which can direct cooling air
upward toward the exerciser from below, and a plurality of cooling
air outlets 1204A-D located in upright structures, which can direct
cooling air toward the front of the exerciser. Alternatively, the
cooling air source can be located outside of the exercise room.
[0095] 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.
* * * * *