U.S. patent application number 12/969344 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-07 for support apparatus for an exercise machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOLD ENDEAVORS LLC. Invention is credited to James Bastian.
Application Number | 20110082013 12/969344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43823627 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110082013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bastian; James |
April 7, 2011 |
SUPPORT APPARATUS FOR AN EXERCISE MACHINE
Abstract
A user support apparatus for an exercise machine. The user
support apparatus is interconnected to a frame of the exercise
machine and includes at least one handhold interconnected to a user
support. The user support is generally a fixed length member such
as a rope or cable that a user of the exercise machine may use for
support while exercising. The length of the user support may be
adjustable. The position of an anchor point for the user support
relative to the user may be adjustable, thus allowing the user
support to be anchored generally above the user for overhead
support, generally in front of the user for pulling support, or at
an intermediate position for a combination of overhead and pulling
support.
Inventors: |
Bastian; James; (Fargo,
ND) |
Assignee: |
BOLD ENDEAVORS LLC
Fargo
ND
|
Family ID: |
43823627 |
Appl. No.: |
12/969344 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12564216 |
Sep 22, 2009 |
7878950 |
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12969344 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0064 20130101;
A63B 2208/029 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 22/0235
20130101; A63B 7/00 20130101; A63B 21/4017 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise treadmill comprising: a. a frame having a front end,
a rear end, a left side, and a right side; b. a longitudinal axis
extending from said front end to said rear end and disposed between
said left side and said right side, wherein a lateral dimension is
perpendicular to said longitudinal axis; c. a movable endless belt
disposed along said longitudinal axis; d. a first anchor point; e.
a second anchor point, wherein said first and second anchor points
are spaced in said lateral dimension, wherein said first and second
anchor points are disposed at an elevation greater than a maximum
elevation of said movable endless belt; f. a handhold, wherein said
handhold comprises an elongated bar with a first elongated bar
attachment point and a second elongated bar attachment point,
wherein said first and second elongated bar attachment points are
spaced from each other; and g. a first user support and a second
user support, wherein said handhold is supportably interconnected
to said first and second user supports, wherein said first user
support extends between said first elongated bar attachment point
and said first anchor point, wherein said first user support is
connected to said elongated bar at said first elongated bar
attachment point, wherein said first user support is connected to
said first anchor point, wherein said second user support extends
between said second elongated bar attachment point and said second
anchor point, wherein said second user support is connected to said
elongated bar at said second elongated bar attachment point,
wherein said second user support is connected to said second anchor
point, wherein a length of said first user support between said
first elongated bar attachment point and said first anchor point is
adjustably fixed, wherein said first user support between said
first elongated bar attachment point and said first anchor point is
flaccid and substantially inelastic, wherein a length of said
second user support between said second elongated bar attachment
point and said second anchor point is adjustably fixed, wherein
said second user support between said second elongated bar
attachment point and said second anchor point is flaccid and
substantially inelastic.
2. The exercise treadmill of claim 1, further comprising a
crossmember fixedly interconnected to said frame, wherein said
crossmember extends from said left side of said exercise treadmill
to said right side of said exercise treadmill, wherein said first
and second anchor points are connected to said crossmember.
3. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, wherein said crossmember is
welded to said frame.
4. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, wherein said exercise
treadmill further comprises a console, wherein said first and
second anchor points are disposed at an elevation greater than a
maximum elevation of said console.
5. The exercise treadmill of claim 4, wherein said first anchor
point is disposed at most 12 inches above said maximum elevation of
said console, wherein said second anchor point is disposed at most
12 inches above said maximum elevation of said console.
6. The exercise treadmill of claim 5, wherein said first and second
anchor points are each located farther from said rear end than at
least a portion of said console.
7. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, wherein said exercise
treadmill further comprises a console, wherein said console
comprises at least a portion of said crossmember.
8. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, further comprising: a first
ring, wherein said first ring encircles a portion of said
crossmember, wherein a portion of said first user support passes
through said first ring; a second ring, wherein said second ring
encircles a portion of said crossmember, wherein a portion of said
second user support passes through said second ring.
9. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, wherein said crossmember
comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is
attached to said frame on said left side, wherein said second end
is attached to said frame on said right side.
10. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, wherein said crossmember
comprises a left side portion, a right side portion and a center
portion, wherein said center portion is telescopically
interconnected to at least one of the left side portion and the
right side portion such that a distance between the left side
portion and right side portion is adjustably fixed, wherein said
left side portion is interconnected to a left side hand rail of
said exercise treadmill, wherein said right side portion is
interconnected to a right side hand rail of said exercise
treadmill.
11. The exercise treadmill of claim 10, further comprising: a first
friction member fixedly connected to said to said left hand rail; a
second friction member fixedly connected to said to said left side
portion, wherein said first friction member is in contact with said
second friction member; a third friction member fixedly connected
to said to said right hand rail; a fourth friction member fixedly
connected to said to said right side portion, wherein said third
friction member is in contact with said fourth friction member; a
first plurality of clamping members clamping said left side portion
to said left hand rail; a second plurality of clamping members
clamping said right side portion to said right hand rail.
12. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, further comprising an
accessory support member adjustably interconnected to said
crossmember.
13. The exercise treadmill of claim 12, wherein said accessory
support member comprises at least one of a first set of coplanar
holes and a second set of coplanar holes, wherein said first set of
coplanar holes are arranged in a first square pattern wherein said
first square pattern measures 100 mm along each side thereof,
wherein said second set of coplanar holes are arranged in a second
square pattern wherein said second square pattern measures 75 mm
along each side thereof.
14. The exercise treadmill of claim 12, wherein said accessory
support member comprises an extension portion extending away from
said crossmember, wherein said extension portion is interconnected
to said crossmember, wherein said extension portion is
pivotable.
15. The exercise treadmill of claim 14, wherein said extension
portion is a U-shaped portion, wherein first and second ends of
said U-shaped portion are interconnected to said crossmember.
16. The exercise treadmill of claim 14, further comprising a
removable and replaceable sleeve, wherein said sleeve comprises a
planar surface, wherein said sleeve is positioned about at least a
portion of said extension portion, wherein said extension portion
is at least pivotable from a horizontal position to a vertical
position, wherein when said extension portion is in said horizontal
position, said planar surface is horizontal and provides a
horizontal accessory support surface.
17. The exercise treadmill of claim 16, wherein said extension
portion is operable to pivot 90 degrees in a first direction from a
vertical position, wherein said extension portion is operable to
pivot 90 degrees in a second direction from said vertical position,
wherein said first direction is opposite from said second
direction.
18. The exercise treadmill of claim 17, further comprising first
and second clamps, wherein said first and second clamps are each
operable to be in a loosened state wherein said extension portion
is operable to pivot relative to said crossmember and in a
tightened state wherein said extension portion is fixed relative to
said crossmember.
19. The exercise treadmill of claim 2, further comprising: a waist
pad, wherein said waist pad comprises an elongated pad having two
opposed ends, wherein said waist pad is positionable around at
least a portion of a waist of a user positioned on said exercise
treadmill; a third anchor point, wherein said third anchor point is
disposed at an elevation greater than a maximum elevation of said
movable endless belt; an elastic waist support member, wherein said
elastic waist support member elastically interconnects said waist
pad to said third anchor point.
20. The exercise treadmill of claim 19, wherein said third anchor
point is disposed along said crossmember between said first and
second anchor points.
21. The exercise treadmill of claim 19, further comprising: a
support strap, wherein said support strap is an elongated strap
having two opposed ends, wherein said waist pad is disposed along a
portion of said support strap, wherein said opposed ends of said
support strap are each coupled to said elastic waist support
member, wherein said elastic waist support member extends between
said opposed ends of said support strap and said third anchor point
such that said opposed ends of said support strap and said third
anchor point are elastically interconnected.
22. An exercise treadmill comprising: a. a frame having a front end
and a rear end; b. a longitudinal axis extending from said front
end to said rear end; c. a movable endless belt disposed along said
longitudinal axis; d. a crossmember fixedly connected to said
frame, wherein said crossmember is disposed above said movable
endless belt, wherein at least a portion of said crossmember is
oriented laterally; e. a handhold, wherein said handhold comprises
an elongated bar with a first elongated bar attachment point and a
second elongated bar attachment point, wherein said first and
second elongated bar attachment points are spaced from each other;
f. a first user support and a second user support, wherein said
handhold is supportably interconnected to said first and second
user supports, wherein said first user support is connected to said
elongated bar at said first elongated bar attachment point, wherein
said first user support is connected to said crossmember, wherein
said second user support is connected to said elongated bar at said
second elongated bar attachment point, wherein said second user
support is connected to said crossmember; and g. an accessory
support member adjustably interconnected to said crossmember,
wherein said accessory support member comprises a U-shaped member
extending away from said crossmember, wherein first and second ends
of said U-shaped member are pivotally interconnected to said
crossmember, wherein said U-shaped member is operable to pivot 90
degrees in a first direction from a vertical position, wherein said
U-shaped member is operable to pivot 90 degrees in a second
direction from said vertical position, wherein said first direction
is opposite from said second direction.
23. The exercise treadmill of claim 22, further comprising a
removable and replaceable sleeve, wherein said sleeve comprises a
planar surface, wherein said sleeve is positioned about at least a
portion of said U-shaped member, wherein when said U-shaped member
is in a horizontal position, said planar surface is horizontal and
provides a horizontal accessory support surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/564,216, filed
on Sep. 22, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise machines
and more specifically to support apparatuses that provide support
for a user exercising on an exercise machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Exercise treadmills and other similar exercise equipment
(e.g., elliptical trainers, stair stepper machines) typically
include fixed members that a user of the equipment may grasp for
support during exercise. These fixed members may be in the form of
handrails or fixed handholds that require a user to assume a
particular posture or position in order to utilize the fixed
members for support. In the case of treadmills, using the fixed
members for support may dictate the user's fore/aft position on the
movable endless belt of the treadmill. Optionally, a user may
forego use of the fixed members for support and operate the
exercise equipment without support.
[0004] Exercise treadmills and other similar equipment may include
upper body exercise systems. For example, such systems may be in
the form of handholds interconnected to resistance elements such as
weight stacks or elastic elements to provide resistance to motion
of the user's hands during exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward
exercise systems with support apparatuses that provide support for
users thereof. In particular, the support apparatuses provide
handholds for users which may be used to provide stability,
support, comfort, and/or exercise variability to enhance the
exercising experience. The support apparatuses may be associated
with various types of exercise equipment, including for example,
aerobic exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers,
stair stepper machines, and exercise bikes. The handholds may be
interconnected to user supports that provide movable
interconnections between the handholds and fixed members of the
exercise systems. In this regard, users may, for example, exert
tension on the user supports for support while exercising.
[0006] In one aspect, an exercise system includes an exercise
treadmill, a rigid sub-frame, a first handhold, and a first user
support. The exercise treadmill includes a frame having a front end
and a rear end, a longitudinal axis, and a movable endless belt
disposed along the longitudinal axis. The rigid sub-frame is
adjustably connected to the frame. The sub-frame includes a first
user support anchor point. The first handhold is supportably
interconnected to the first user support and anchored to the
sub-frame at the first user support anchor point. A length of the
first user support between the first handhold and the first user
support anchor point is adjustably fixed, in that the length may be
adjusted to accommodate the user's preferences, and then the length
may be fixed while the user is exercising. The first user support
between the first handhold and the first user support anchor point
is flaccid.
[0007] Furthermore, an orientation of the sub-frame may be
adjustable relative to the frame such that the first user support
anchor point is positionable in at least first and second
positions. The first position may be disposed at a first height
above the movable endless belt and at a first distance from the
rear end along the longitudinal axis, and the second position may
be disposed at a second height above the movable endless belt and
at a second distance from the rear end along the longitudinal axis.
The first height may be greater than the second height, and the
second distance may be greater than the first distance.
[0008] In an embodiment, the first handhold may include an
elongated bar with first and second ends, and the first user
support may be interconnected to the elongated bar at the first and
second ends. The first user support may include a spring member.
Where the exercise system includes a single user support, the
spring member may have a spring constant greater than 3 pounds/inch
(e.g., 6 pounds/inch). The spring member may function to absorb
shock forces that may be imparted on the first handhold by the user
of the exercise system. In an embodiment, an entirety of the length
of the first user support between the first handhold and the first
user support anchor point may be substantially inelastic.
[0009] The exercise system may include a second handhold and a
second user support. The second handhold may be supportably
interconnected to the second user support, which in turn may be
anchored to the sub-frame at a second user support anchor point. A
length of the second user support between the second handhold and
the second user support anchor point may be adjustably fixed. The
second user support between the second handhold and the second user
support anchor point may be flaccid. The first and second user
support anchor points may be disposed along a common portion of the
sub-frame.
[0010] In another embodiment, the exercise system may include a
second user support, and the first handhold may be supportably
interconnected to the second user support. The second user support
may be anchored to the sub-frame at a second user support anchor
point and may be configured similarly to the first user support.
The first and second user support anchor points may be disposed
along a common portion of the sub-frame. The first handhold may be
in the form of an elongated bar with first and second ends, with
the first user support interconnected to the first end, and the
second user support interconnected to the second end (e.g., forming
a trapeze-like arrangement). The interconnections may be fixed
(e.g., the user supports may be in the form of ropes or cables tied
to the ends of the elongated bar) or non-fixed (e.g., the elongated
bar may be in the form of a tube and the first and second user
supports may each be a portion of a single rope or cable running
through the tube). Additionally, the handhold may optionally
include first and second vertical bars. The first vertical bar may
be interconnected to the first end of the elongated bar via a first
universal joint, and the second vertical bar may be interconnected
to the second end of the elongated bar via a second universal
joint. In such a configuration, the first user support may be
interconnected to the first vertical bar, and the second user
support may be interconnected to the second vertical bar.
[0011] The entire lengths of the first and second user supports
between the first handhold and the first and second user support
anchor points, respectively, may be substantially inelastic.
[0012] With respect to the first position of the user support
anchor point, the first height of the first user support anchor
point may be greater than 72 inches and may be selected such that
it is positioned generally at a level higher than a height of a
typical user. With respect to the second position of the user
support anchor point relative to the first position, the first
height may be at least 10 inches greater than the second height,
and the second distance from the rear end of the frame may be at
least 18 inches greater than the first distance from the rear end
of the frame. In this regard, the second position may be generally
disposed such that it is in front of a user of the exercise system.
The sub-frame may be adjustable relative to the frame such that the
first user support anchor point may be positionable in a plurality
of positions (e.g., in discrete positions or in a continuum of
positions) between the first and second positions.
[0013] The sub-frame may be interconnected to the frame along a
pivot axis, and the pivot axis may be disposed above the movable
endless belt perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sub-frame
may be in the form of an inverted U with the pivot axis passing
through both ends of the inverted U. The sub-frame may be
adjustable between a first position 30 degrees above a horizontal
position and a second position pivoted 70 degrees relative to the
first position and above the horizontal position.
[0014] The first and second user supports may include spring
members. The spring members may each have a spring constant greater
than 1.5 pounds/inch, such as 3 pounds/inch.
[0015] In another aspect, an exercise system is provided that
includes an aerobic exercise machine, a rigid sub-frame, a
handhold, and a user support. The aerobic exercise machine includes
a frame having a front end and a rear end, and a longitudinal axis
extending from the front end to the rear end. The rigid sub-frame
is connected to the frame and includes a user support anchor point.
The handhold is supportably interconnected to the user support. The
user support is anchored to the sub-frame at the user support
anchor point. The user support between the handhold and the user
support anchor point may hang from the user support anchor point.
The user support may be flaccid, substantially inelastic and a
length thereof may be adjustably fixed.
[0016] The sub-frame may be pivotally adjustable relative to the
frame such that the user support anchor point may be positionable
in at least first and second positions. The first position may be
disposed at a first height and at a first distance from the rear
end along the longitudinal axis, and the second position may be
disposed at a second height and at a second distance from the rear
end along the longitudinal axis. The first height may be greater
than the second height, and the second distance may be greater than
the first distance.
[0017] The aerobic exercise machine may be a treadmill that
includes a console and a movable endless belt disposed along the
longitudinal axis. Along the longitudinal axis, the user support
anchor point may be disposed on an opposite side of the console
from a majority of the movable endless belt.
[0018] In another aspect, a handhold system for attachment to a
treadmill is provided that includes a rigid frame, a user support
anchor point disposed on the rigid frame, a mounting member, a
handhold, and a support member anchored to the user support anchor
point. The rigid frame is interconnected to the mounting member and
the handhold is supportably interconnected to the user support. The
mounting member is attachable to a handrail of a treadmill. The
user support between the handhold and the anchor point is
flaccid.
[0019] In an embodiment, the rigid frame may be adjustable relative
to the mounting member such that the rigid frame may be operable to
pivot at least 60 degrees relative to the mounting block. An
entirety of the user support between the handhold and the user
support anchor point may be substantially inelastic.
[0020] In another aspect, a method of exercising is provided that
includes exercising, by a user, on a moving endless belt of an
exercise treadmill, and grasping, by the user, a handhold for
support while performing the exercising step. The handhold is
interconnected to a flaccid and substantially inelastic user
support, which is interconnected to a rigid sub-frame, which is, in
turn, interconnected to a frame of the exercise treadmill.
[0021] An entirety of the rigid sub-frame may be below a height of
the user during performance of the exercising and grasping steps.
The method may include adjusting an orientation of the rigid
sub-frame relative to the frame such that a portion of the rigid
sub-frame may be overhead (e.g., at a height greater than that of
the user) of the user when the user is atop the moving endless
belt.
[0022] In another aspect, an exercise treadmill is provided that
includes a frame, a movable endless belt, first and second anchor
points, a handhold, and first and second user supports. The frame
has a front end, a rear end, a left side, and a right side. The
exercise treadmill has a longitudinal axis extending from the front
end to the rear end and disposed between the left side and the
right side. A lateral dimension is perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis. The movable endless belt is disposed along the
longitudinal axis. The first and second anchor points are spaced in
the lateral dimension. For example, the first and second anchor
points may be disposed on the left and right sides of the exercise
treadmill, respectively. The first and second anchor points are
disposed at an elevation greater than a maximum elevation of the
movable endless belt. The handhold includes an elongated bar and is
supportably interconnected to the first and second user
supports.
[0023] The first user support is connected to a first elongated bar
attachment point and to the first anchor point. The second user
support is connected to a second elongated bar attachment point and
to the second anchor point. The first and second elongated bar
attachment points are disposed along the elongated bar and are
spaced from each other. The lengths of the user supports between
the elongated bar attachment points and the anchor points are
adjustably fixed. The user supports are each flaccid and
substantially inelastic.
[0024] In an embodiment, the exercise treadmill may include a
crossmember fixedly interconnected to the frame. The crossmember
may extend from the left side of the exercise treadmill to the
right side of the exercise treadmill, and the first and second
anchor points may be connected to the crossmember. The crossmember
may be welded to the frame.
[0025] In an arrangement, the exercise treadmill may include a
console, and the first and second anchor points may be disposed at
an elevation greater than a maximum elevation of the console. For
example, the first and second anchor points may be disposed at most
12 inches above the maximum elevation of the console. The first and
second anchor points may be each located farther from the front end
than at least a portion of the console. In a variation, the
crossmember may be part of the console.
[0026] In an embodiment, the exercise treadmill may include an
accessory support member adjustably interconnected to the
crossmember such that the accessory support member is pivotable at
least between horizontal and vertical positions. The accessory
support member may include mounting holes for the mounting of VESA
compliant devices, such as monitors and televisions. The exercise
treadmill may further include a removable and replaceable sleeve
that may be positioned over a portion of the accessory support
member. The sleeve may include a planar surface that can provide an
accessory support surface when the accessory support member is in
an appropriate position (e.g., at or near horizontal). Such an
accessory support surface may accommodate a laptop computer,
monitor, television, fan, reading material, or any other
appropriate item or combination of items. In an implementation, the
accessory support member may be operable to pivot at least about 90
degrees in a first direction from a vertical position and at least
about 90 degrees in a second direction from the vertical position.
The accessory support member may be secured to the cross member by
first and second clamps.
[0027] In an embodiment, the exercise treadmill may include a waist
pad, a third anchor point, and an elastic waist support member. The
waist pad may include an elongated pad having two opposed ends,
wherein the waist pad is positionable around at least a portion of
a waist of a user positioned on the exercise treadmill. The third
anchor point may be disposed at an elevation greater than a maximum
elevation of the movable endless belt. The elastic waist support
member may elastically interconnect the waist pad to the third
anchor point. The third anchor point may be disposed along the
crossmember between the first and second anchor points. The
exercise treadmill may further include a support strap. The support
strap may be an elongated strap having two opposed ends, with the
waist pad disposed along a portion of the support strap. Opposed
ends of the support strap may each be coupled to the elastic waist
support member, and the elastic waist support member may extend
between the opposed ends of the support strap and the third anchor
point such that the opposed ends of the support strap and the third
anchor point are elastically interconnected.
[0028] In another aspect, an exercise treadmill is provided that
includes a frame, a movable endless belt, a crossmember, a
handhold, first and second user supports, and an accessory support
member. The frame has a front end and a rear end. The exercise
treadmill has a longitudinal axis extending from the front end to
the rear end. The movable endless belt is disposed along the
longitudinal axis. The crossmember is fixedly connected to the
frame and disposed above the movable endless belt. At least a
portion of the crossmember is oriented laterally. The handhold
includes an elongated bar and is supportably interconnected to the
first and second user supports.
[0029] The first user support is connected to a first elongated bar
attachment point, and the first user support is connected to the
crossmember. The second user support is connected to a second
elongated bar attachment point, and the second user support is
connected to the crossmember.
[0030] The accessory support member is adjustably interconnected to
the crossmember. The accessory support member includes a U-shaped
member extending away from the crossmember. First and second ends
of the U-shaped member are pivotally interconnected to the
crossmember. The U-shaped member is operable to pivot in a first
direction (e.g., 90 degrees) from a vertical position and in a
second direction (e.g., 90 degrees) from the vertical position.
[0031] An embodiment of the current aspect may include a removable
and replaceable sleeve that includes a planar surface. The sleeve
may be positioned about at least a portion of the U-shaped member,
and when the U-shaped member is in a horizontal position, the
planar surface may be horizontal and provide a horizontal accessory
support surface.
[0032] In an embodiment, the lengths of the user supports between
the elongated bar ends and the anchor points may be adjustably
fixed. The user supports may each be flaccid and substantially
inelastic.
[0033] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration
of the further description that follows. It should be understood
that the detailed description and specific examples are intended
for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention. Furthermore, any of the above arrangements,
features and/or embodiments may be combined with any of the above
aspects where appropriate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and further advantages thereof, the following Detailed Description
of the Invention is provided along with the following drawings.
[0035] FIG. 1A is an illustration of an exercise system that
includes a user support.
[0036] FIG. 1B is an illustration of another embodiment of an
exercise system that includes a user support.
[0037] FIG. 1C is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the
exercise system of FIG. 1B.
[0038] FIGS. 2 through 7 illustrate alternate configurations of
user supports.
[0039] FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate the exercise system of FIG.
1B with an accessory support member.
[0040] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a user exercising on another
embodiment of an exercise system.
[0041] FIG. 9C illustrates a user exercising on another embodiment
of an exercise system.
[0042] FIG. 9D illustrates a user exercising on the exercise system
of FIG. 1B with the addition of a waist support apparatus.
[0043] FIG. 9E illustrates a user exercising on another embodiment
of an exercise system.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates an adjustment member for adjusting the
length of a user support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] In the following description, embodiments of the present
invention are set forth in the context of exercise machines with
support apparatuses that provide support for users thereof. In
particular, the support apparatuses may provide handholds for users
which may be used to provide stability, support, comfort, and
exercise variability to enhance the exercising experience. The
support apparatuses may be associated with various types of
exercise equipment, including for example, aerobic exercise
equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair stepper
machines, and exercise bikes.
[0046] FIG. 1A illustrates an exercise system 100 that includes an
exercise treadmill 101. The treadmill 101 includes a frame 102. The
frame 102 includes a frame front end 103 and a frame rear end 104.
The exercise treadmill 101 further includes a movable endless belt
105 disposed along a longitudinal axis 121 of the exercise
treadmill 101. The longitudinal axis 121 is oriented horizontally
(e.g., parallel to a floor on which the treadmill 101 is disposed).
The longitudinal axis 121 is positioned between a left side 125 and
right side 126 of the exercise treadmill 101. The movable endless
belt 105 is disposed "along the longitudinal axis 121" in that when
the movable endless belt 105 is in a horizontal position, the
movable endless belt 105 is disposed parallel to the longitudinal
axis 121. Where the angle of the movable endless belt 105 is
adjustable, the positions in which the movable endless belt 105 may
be disposed (e.g., inclined 10 degrees) are also considered to be
oriented "along the longitudinal axis 121." A top surface of the
movable endless belt 105 is generally moved toward the rear end 104
to provide a moving surface for a user of the exercise system 100
to walk, jog or run upon. In this regard, the user generally is
positioned facing the frame front end 103 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.
9A-9E). Typically, a motor (not shown) drives the movable endless
belt 105 and is generally located at frame front end 103.
[0047] The exercise treadmill 101 further includes a vertical
support 106 that supports a console 107, along with a left side
fixed support 108 and a right side fixed support 109. The console
107 may include a pair of front handholds 110 that are disposed in
front of the user exercising on the exercise treadmill 101. The
console 107 may include displays, buttons, or other inputs and
outputs that may be used to provide feedback to the user and
control various exercise treadmill 101 functions. The console 107
is at a higher elevation (e.g., further above the floor on which
the exercise treadmill 101 is positioned) than the movable endless
belt 105. Typically, the console 107 is positioned such that it is
at an elevation between the waist and shoulders of a typical user
positioned on the movable endless belt 105.
[0048] The exercise treadmill 101 further includes a sub-frame 111.
The sub-frame 111 may be provided by the manufacturer of the
exercise treadmill 101, or the sub-frame 111 and associated
components and hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, clamps) may be sold
separately (either by the manufacturer of the exercise treadmill
101 or by another entity) for installation onto the exercise
treadmill 101. The sub-frame 111 may be substantially rigid in that
any flexure of the sub-frame 111 may be insignificant and/or may go
unnoticed by the user. In an alternate embodiment, the sub-frame
111 may be a standalone structure capable of being positioned
proximate to the exercise treadmill 101. The sub-frame 111
illustrated in FIG. 1A is in the form of an inverted U and is
interconnected to the exercise treadmill 101 via a left mounting
block 112 and a right mounting block 113. The left and right
mounting blocks 112, 113 may be interconnected to the left and the
right side fixed supports 108, 109, respectively, by any
appropriate means including, for example, clamps, tie wraps, or
welds. In this regard, the left and right mounting blocks 112, 113
may be specifically adapted to interconnect to the left and a right
side fixed supports 108, 109. In turn, the sub-frame 111 is
interconnected to the left and right mounting blocks 112, 113.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the position of the sub-frame 111
relative to the exercise treadmill 101 may be adjustable. More
particularly, the orientation of the sub-frame 111 relative to the
exercise treadmill 101 may be adjustable (e.g. the sub-frame 111
may be operable to pivot relative to the exercise treadmill 101).
In this regard, the interconnection between the sub-frame 111 and
the left and right mounting blocks 112, 113 may be adjustable. The
sub-frame 111 may be adjustable from a generally upright position
(as illustrated in FIG. 1A) to a generally forward (of a user
exercising on the exercise treadmill 101) position 114.
Furthermore, the sub-frame 111 may be positioned in a plurality of
positions between the generally upright position and the generally
forward position 114. Repositioning may be achieved by pivoting the
sub-frame 111 relative its interconnection to the left and right
mounting blocks 112, 113 along the direction arrow 125.
[0050] The pivoting motion of the sub-frame 111 relative to the
left and right mounting blocks 112, 113 may be achieved in any
appropriate manner. For example, the sub-frame 111 may include
holes that accept and rotate about pins (not illustrated) extending
from the left and right mounting blocks 112, 113, and the sub-frame
111 may be pivotally mounted to those pins. In such an embodiment,
a user may adjust the sub-frame 111 to achieve a desirable position
and then fix the sub-frame 111 relative to the left and right
mounting blocks 112, 113. The fixing of the sub-frame 111 relative
to the left and right mounting blocks 112, 113 may be achieved in
any appropriate manner, such as for example, inserting pins through
corresponding holes in the sub-frame 111 and the mounting blocks
112, 113, where the corresponding holes are offset from the pivot
point of the sub-frame 111. Such a configuration may yield a
discrete number of available positions for the sub-frame 111. In
another example, clamps may be used to secure the position of the
sub-frame 111 relative to the mounting blocks 112, 113. In such a
configuration, the position of the sub-frame 111 may be
continuously adjustable relative to the mounting blocks 112,
113.
[0051] Optionally, counterweights 115 may be interconnected to the
sub-frame 111. The counterweights 115 may be positioned to provide
a counterforce to the portion of the sub-frame 111 disposed above
the mounting blocks 112, 113. In this regard, the counterweights
115 may reduce the effort necessary to pivot the sub-frame 111 when
adjusting the position of the sub-frame 111.
[0052] The sub-frame 111 includes a crossbar 116 and two crossbar
supports 117. The length of the crossbar supports 117 between the
left and right mounting blocks 112, 113 and the crossbar 116 may be
adjustable. For example, the crossbar supports 117 may each include
an inner portion and an outer portion, where the inner portion has
an outside diameter that may fit within an inside diameter of the
outer portion. In such an example, the inner portions may include
spring-loaded pins with corresponding holes on the outer portions,
and by telescopically adjusting the inner portion relative to the
outer portion, the lengths of the crossbar supports 117 may be
adjusted. In this regard, the distance of the crossbar 116 from a
user exercising on the exercise system 100 may be adjusted. Such
adjustment may accommodate users of varying heights and/or
accommodate positioning of the exercise system 100 (e.g., the
lengths of the crossbar supports 117 may be shortened to lower the
crossbar 116 to accommodate a relatively low ceiling).
[0053] The sub-frame 111 includes an anchor point 118. A user
support 119 may be interconnected to the crossbar 116 at the anchor
point 118. A handhold 120 may be interconnected to the user support
119. A tensile load placed on the user support 119 (e.g., from the
weight of the user support 119, from a user of the exercise system
100) may result in an opposite load being supported by the anchor
point 118. For example, the anchor point 118 may be in the form of
an eyelet 124 bolted to the crossbar 116, and the user support 119
may be in the form of a rope tied to the eyelet 124.
[0054] In another example, the anchor point 118 may be in the form
of a pulley interconnected to the crossbar 116, and the user
support 119 may be in the form of a cable partially wrapped around
the pulley. A first end of such a cable may be interconnected to
the handhold 120 and a second end of the cable may be remotely
anchored with an intermediate portion of the cable being partially
wrapped around the pulley. In such an embodiment, the anchor point
118 supports a tensile load imparted on the user support 119 by a
user of the exercise system 100.
[0055] Hereinafter, the rotational position of the sub-frame 111
will be described in degrees of counterclockwise rotation from a
position parallel to the longitudinal axis 121 with the crossbar
116 forward of the left and right mounting blocks 112, 113. For
example, the sub-frame 111 of FIG. 1A is positioned at about 100
degrees.
[0056] The pivotal adjustability of the sub-frame 111 discussed
above may be used to adjust the position of the anchor point 118
relative to a user exercising on the exercise system 100. In this
regard, the position of the sub-frame 111 illustrated in FIG. 1A
may generally position the anchor point 118 above the head of a
user exercising on the exercise system 100. Along the same lines,
the forward position 114 may generally position the anchor point
118 in front of a user of the exercise system 100. To position the
anchor point 118 overhead of a user, the sub-frame 111 may be
positioned such that it is, for example, at 80 to 100 degrees of
rotation relative to the longitudinal axis 121. Such positioning
may place the anchor point 118 at least 72 inches above the movable
endless belt 105. For example, the sub-frame 111 may be configured
such that when it is at 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal
axis 121, the anchor point 118 is disposed at a height of 84 inches
above the movable endless belt 105, thus accommodating users who
are well over 6 feet tall. When in the forward position at 114, the
sub-frame 111 may be disposed at least 20 degrees rotation relative
to the longitudinal axis 121 (e.g., at 30 degrees). The sub-frame
111 may be operable to rotate through at least 60 degrees (e.g., 70
degrees) of rotation relative to the longitudinal axis 121. In such
a forward position, the anchor point 118 may be positioned in front
of a user of the exercise machine 100. For example, in the forward
position 114, the anchor point 118 may be positioned generally at
or below eye level of an average-sized user exercising on the
exercise machine 100. In this regard, the sub-frame 111 may be
pivoted from 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis 121 to an angle
less than 90 degrees (e.g., 20 degrees) from the longitudinal axis
and the anchor point 118 may be lowered relative to the movable
endless belt 105 (by at least 10 inches; for example by 18 inches)
and moved forward relative to frame 102 (e.g., by at least 18
inches; for example by 30 inches).
[0057] Where the sub-frame 111 is attached to aerobic exercise
equipment other than a treadmill, the sub-frame 111 may be may be
configured such that when it is positioned vertically (e.g., at 90
degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the aerobic exercise
equipment), the anchor point 118 is overhead of a typical user of
the aerobic exercise equipment.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the user support 119 may be in
the form of a flexible, flaccid member such as a rope, cable or
monofilament line. The user support 119 may be substantially
inelastic in that a user exercising on the exercise system 100 may
not feel any give in the user support 119 when the user subjects
the user support 119 to a tensile load (e.g., by exerting down
force on the handhold 120). As such, the substantially inelastic
user support 119 does not substantially elongate in reaction to
tensile load, such as would occur with an elastic member.
Consequently, the substantially inelastic user support 119 provides
a firmer support than would be achieved with an elastic member.
[0059] The handhold 120 is interconnected to the user support 119
such that the handhold 120 is positioned such that a user
exercising on the exercise machine 100 may grasp the handle 120
with one or both hands. In this regard, the handhold 120 may be
wide enough such that a user may grasp the handhold 120 so that the
user's hands are spaced comfortably apart during exercise. For
example, the handhold 120 may be 10 to 18 inches in length such
that a user may grasp the handhold 120 with the user's hands spaced
apart roughly slightly less than the typical user's
shoulder-to-shoulder width.
[0060] The user support 119 may be interconnected to both ends of
the handhold 120 and to the anchor point 118. In this regard, the
user support 119 may be in the form of an inverted Y, with a first
portion 122 (the base of the Y) interconnected to the anchor point
118 on one end and to the two angled portions 123 of the Y on the
other end. The two angled portions 123 may each be connected to the
first portion 122 on one end, and to opposing ends of the handhold
120 on the other end. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the
user support 119 may interconnect to the handhold 120 at a central
point along the handhold 120 such that the user support 119 and
handhold 120 together form an upside down T-shaped structure.
[0061] As noted earlier, the sub-frame 111 and associated
components may be provided with the treadmill 103, or they may be
sold separately for installation onto the exercise treadmill 101.
In the latter case, the associated components may include the
mounting blocks 112, 113, counterweights 115, eyelet(s) 124, user
support(s) 119, handhold(s) 120 and appropriate hardware (e.g.,
nuts, bolts, clamps).
[0062] FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of an exercise system
128 that includes an exercise treadmill 129 that is similar to
exercise treadmill 101 of FIG. 1A. Components of the exercise
treadmill 129 of FIG. 1B that are the same as those of the exercise
treadmill 101 of FIG. 1A are similarly numbered.
[0063] The frame 102 of the exercise treadmill 129 includes a pair
of vertical supports 106 that support a console 107, along with a
left side fixed support 108 and a right side fixed support 109. The
left side fixed support 108 and a right side fixed support 109 may
function as left and right hand rails that may be used by an
exerciser for support during exercise. The console 107 is at a
higher elevation than the movable endless belt 105.
[0064] The exercise system 128 further includes a crossmember 130.
The crossmember 130 extends from the left side 125 to the right
side 126 of the exercise treadmill 129. The crossmember 130 may be
substantially rigid in that any flexure of the crossmember 130 may
be insignificant and/or may go unnoticed by the user. The
crossmember 130 illustrated in FIG. 1B is in the form of an
inverted U and is interconnected to the frame 102 of the exercise
treadmill 129. In particular, a left end 142 of the crossmember 130
is interconnected to the vertical support 106 portion of the frame
102 on the left side 125 of the exercise treadmill 129, and a right
end 143 of the crossmember 130 is interconnected to the vertical
support 106 portion of the frame 102 on the right side 125 of the
exercise treadmill 129. The interconnection between the crossmember
130 and the vertical supports 106 are hidden beneath portions of
the console 107 in the view of FIG. 1B. The crossmember 130 may be
interconnected to the frame 102 in any appropriate manner. For
example, the crossmember 130 may be interconnected to the frame
using bolts, clamps, welds, or any combination thereof.
[0065] The exercise treadmill 129 further includes a handhold 131.
The handhold 131 may be in the form of an elongated bar sized such
that a typical user may appropriately grasp the handhold 131 with
both hands while exercising on the exercise treadmill 129. The
handhold 131 may be interconnected to the crossmember 130 by a
first user support 134 and a second user support 137. In this
regard, a first end 135 of the first user support 134 may be
connected to a first elongated bar end 132 of the handhold 131.
Moreover, a second end 136 of the first user support 134 may be
connected to a first anchor point 140. Similarly, a first end 138
of the second user support 137 may be connected to a second
elongated bar end 133 of the handhold 131, while a second end 139
of the second user support 137 may be connected to a second anchor
point 141. It is noted that an end of a user support denotes the
most distal or proximal portion of the user support relative to a
user. Therefore, for example, where as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the
user supports 134, 137 include portions that loop around the anchor
points 140, 141, the ends of the user supports 134, 137 are
considered the portions of the user supports 134, 137 that
interconnect to the handhold 131 and anchor point 140, 141 (i.e.,
the first ends 135, 138 and the second ends 136, 139).
[0066] The first and second anchor points 140, 141 may be disposed
along a portion of the crossmember 130, and are disposed in spaced
relation to one another. The first anchor point 140 may be disposed
on the left side 125 of the exercise system 128. The second anchor
point 141 may be disposed on the right side 126 of the exercise
system 128. The first and second anchor points 140, 141 may each be
disposed at a greater elevation than a maximum elevation of the
console 107. For example, the first and second anchor points 140,
141 may each be disposed at a greater elevation than the maximum
elevation of the console 107, but no more than 12 inches above the
maximum elevation of the console 107. For example, the anchor
points 140, 141 may be positioned generally at or below eye level
of an average-sized user exercising on the exercise treadmill 129.
The first and second anchor points 140, 141 may each be located
farther from the front end 103 than at least a portion of the
console 107.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the user supports 134, 137 may be
in the form of flexible, flaccid members such as rope, cable or
monofilament line. The user supports 134, 137 may be substantially
inelastic in that a user exercising on the exercise treadmill 129
may not feel any substantial give in the user supports 134, 137
when the user subjects the user supports 134, 137 to a tensile load
(e.g., by exerting a pulling force on the handhold 131). As such,
the substantially inelastic user supports 134, 137 do not
substantially elongate in reaction to tensile load, such as would
occur with elastic members. Consequently, the substantially
inelastic user supports 134, 137 provide a firmer support than
would be achieved with elastic members. The lengths of the user
supports 134, 137 may be adjustably fixed.
[0068] The handhold 131 is interconnected to the user supports 134,
137 such that the handhold 131 may be adjustably positioned such
that a user exercising on the exercise treadmill 129 may grasp the
handhold 131 with one or both hands. In this regard, the handhold
131 may be wide enough such that a user may grasp the handhold 131
so that the user's hands are spaced comfortably apart during
exercise. For example, the handhold 131 may be 10 to 18 inches in
length such that a user may grasp the handhold 131 with the user's
hands spaced apart roughly slightly less than the user's
shoulder-to-shoulder width.
[0069] In an arrangement, the crossmember 130 may be part of the
console 107. For example, the crossmember 130 may be disposed
within and along an upper edge of the console 107. In such an
arrangement, the anchor points may be interconnected to the
crossmember 131 and extend from the console 107 (e.g., through an
upper surface of the console, as shown by alternate anchor points
144 and 145). In such an arrangement, the crossmember 131 may
provide structural support for the console 107.
[0070] FIG. 1C illustrates a portion of another embodiment of an
exercise system 150 that is similar to exercise system 128 of FIG.
1B. Components of the exercise system 150 of FIG. 1C that are the
same as those of the exercise system 128 of FIG. 1B are similarly
numbered. In the exercise system 150, in place of the crossmember
130 that is supported on each end, a T-shaped support 151 is
included. The T-shaped support 151 includes a horizontal member 152
and a vertical member 153. The first and second anchor points 140,
141 may be connected to the horizontal member 152 in the same
manner and at the same location relative to the console 107 as in
the exercise system 128 of FIG. 2B.
[0071] Several variations to the configurations of the user
supports 119, 134, 137, the handholds 120, 131, and how the
handholds 120, 131 anchor to the crossbar 116 and crossmember 130
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 7. Although
certain figures illustrate certain combinations of features of the
user supports 119, 134, 137, handholds 120, 131 and crossbar 116
and crossmember 130, it is to be understood that various features
illustrated in one of the figures may be used with any other
appropriate features illustrated in other figures.
[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate configuration of a user
support 201 and handhold 202. The configuration includes a spring
203 disposed between a flaccid upper portion 204 and the eyelet
124. The spring 203 may be configured to provide a cushioning
effect with respect to shock forces that may be created by a user
exercising on the exercise machine 100 imparted on the handhold
202. In this regard, the spring 203 may not be conducive to the
user performing upper body exercises by alternately extending and
retracting the spring 203. Accordingly, the spring 203 may have a
spring rate of greater than 3 pounds/inch. The spring 203 may also
include a member configured to limit the extension of the spring
203 to a predetermined distance. For example, an inelastic cable
may be disposed within the coil of the spring 203 (where spring 203
is a coil spring) and attached to both ends of the spring 203. In
such a configuration, when the spring extends to the length of the
inelastic cable, an increase of tensile force on the spring 203
will be borne by the inelastic cable and no more extension of the
spring 203 will take place, thus limiting the extension of the
spring 203.
[0073] Additionally, the handhold 202 of the configuration of FIG.
2 is not fixedly interconnected to the user support 201. The
handhold 202 is configured with a through hole through which a
flaccid lower portion 205 of the user support 201 is disposed. As
such, the handhold 202 may slide along the lower portion 205.
Accordingly, a user holding on to the handhold 202 while exercising
on the exercise machine 100 may be able to hold the handhold 202 at
an angle relative to the crossbar 116 while maintaining tension in
both portions of the lower portion 205 of the user support 201.
[0074] In a variation of the user support 201 of FIG. 2, the spring
203 may not be present and the flaccid upper and lower portions
204, 205 together may have elasticity such that the entire user
support 201 has spring constant equivalent to that of the user
support 201 with the spring 203. In such an embodiment, the entire
user support 201 may have a total spring rate of greater than 3
pounds/inch.
[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate configuration of a user
support 301 and handhold 120. The user support 301 is
interconnected to a crossbar 302 and the handhold 120. The crossbar
302 is similar to crossbar 116 of FIG. 1A with the eyelet 124
replaced with a pulley assembly 303. The pulley assembly 303
includes a mounting bracket 304 and a pulley 305. The mounting
bracket 304 may be operable to rotate relative to the crossbar 302
or it may be fixed relative to the crossbar 302. A portion of the
user support 301 may be wound around the pulley 305. The user
support 301 may include an adjustment member 306. The adjustment
member 306 may be used to adjust the length of the user support
301. In this regard, the distance between the crossbar 302 and the
handhold 120 when the user support 301 is under a tensile load may
be established. This also adjusts the height of the handhold 120
relative to a user of the exercise system 100 when the crossbar 302
is positioned in an overhead position (e.g., at 90 degrees).
[0076] Turning briefly to FIG. 10, the operation of the adjustment
member 306 will be described. One end of the user support 301 is
attached to the crossbar 120 (not shown in FIG. 10) below the
portion of the user support 301 illustrated in FIG. 10. The other
end of the user support 301 winds around the pulley 305 (not shown
in FIG. 10) above the portion of the user support 301 illustrated
in FIG. 10, and is secured to the user support 301 via the
adjustment member 306. The end of the user support 301 adjacent the
adjustment member 306 includes a stopper 901 to prevent the user
support 301 from sliding completely through the adjustment member
306.
[0077] The adjustment member 306 generally includes a first opening
902 for receiving a first portion 903 of the user support 301, and
a second opening 904 for receiving a second portion 905 of the user
support 301. The first portion 903 extends from one side of the
pulley 305 and the second portion 905 extends from an opposite side
of the pulley 305. The adjustment member 306 is generally comprised
of a thin plate-like structure. To adjust the height of the
handhold 120, the adjustment member 306 is pivoted perpendicular
with the user support 301 so that the first portion 903 and the
second portion 905 of the user support 301 align with a respective
opening.
[0078] The adjustment member 306 may then be moved vertically along
the first portion 903 of the user support 301 thus effectively
raising or lowering the handhold 120. When the handhold 120 is at a
desired height, the adjustment member 306 and handhold 120 are
released, thus effectively forcing the adjustment member 306 to
pivot via the weight of the handhold 120 upon the first portion 903
thus kinking the user support 301 and holding the handhold 120 at a
given vertical height. As more weight is placed upon the handhold
120 the adjustment member 306 further kinks the user support
301.
[0079] Accordingly, where a user support includes an adjustment
member such as adjustment member 306, the length of such a user
support may be "adjustably fixed." "Adjustably fixed" refers to a
configuration where the length of the user support between a
handhold and a crossbar may be fixed during exercise, yet that
length may be adjusted by manipulating an adjustment member such as
adjustment member 306. For example, the length may be fixed in that
a user may place tensile loads on the user support during exercise
without causing any significant lengthening (e.g., beyond extension
of a spring for a cushioning effect such as discussed with
reference to spring 203) of the distance between the handhold and
the crossbar.
[0080] FIG. 4A illustrates an alternate configuration of the
exercise system 100 that includes a first user support 401 and a
second user support 402. The first and second user supports 401,
402 are attached to a handhold 403 to support the handhold 403.
Each of the first and second user supports 401, 402 are supported
by eyelets 124 attached to a crossbar 404. The lengths of the first
and second user supports 401, 402 are adjustable via adjustment
members 306.
[0081] The crossbar 404 may be a single unitary bar or it may
comprise individual sections that are subsequently interconnected
to form the crossbar 404. For example, the crossbar 404 may
comprise a left side portion 405, a right side portion 406, and a
center portion 407. The center portion 407 may interconnected to
the left side portion 405 and/or right side portion 406 via a
telescopic interface. In this regard, the center portion 407 may be
operable to fit around a portion of the left side portion 405
and/or right side portion 406, and the amount of the center portion
407 around the left side portion 405 and/or right side portion 406
may be adjustable (e.g., by inserting the side portions 405, 406
farther into or less into the center portion 407). Thus, the total
width of the crossbar 404 may be adjustable. Such adjustability may
accommodate attachment of the crossbar 404 to exercise equipment of
varying widths (e.g., varying distances between left and right side
hand rails). Clamps or other appropriate methods may be used at the
interface between the center portion 407 and the left side portion
405 and/or right side portion 406 to secure the center portion 407
to the left side portion 405 and/or right side portion 406.
[0082] In a variation of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, the
first user support 401 and the second user support 402 may be
constructed from a single length of material (e.g., rope, cable).
In such a variation, the handhold 403 may be in the form of a
hollow tube through which the single length of material may be run.
In such an embodiment, the handhold 403 may be operable to slide
along the single line of material allowing the handhold 403 to be
at an angle relative to the crossbar 404 while maintaining tension
in the entirety of the single length of material.
[0083] FIG. 4B illustrates another alternate configuration for
securing the first user support 401 to the crossbar 404. The
configuration of FIG. 4B includes a ring 408 positioned about the
crossbar 404. Interconnected to the ring 408, in a manner similar
to links in a chain, is a quick-release connector 409. The user
support 401 is interconnected to the quick-release connector 409 in
a manner similar to the interconnection between the user support
401 and eyelet 124 shown in FIG. 4A. Such a configuration allows
for easy disconnecting and connecting of the user support 401 to
the crossbar 404. Such a configuration may be used with any
appropriate embodiment described herein, including the embodiments
of FIGS. 1B and 8A through 8C. Moreover, clamps may be positioned
on both sides of the ring 408 to restrict motion of the ring 408
along the crossbar 404.
[0084] FIG. 4C illustrates another alternate configuration of the
exercise system 100 that includes a crossmember assembly 415 that
supports the first user support 401 and the second user support 402
of FIG. 4A. The crossmember assembly 415 includes a left side
portion 416, a right side portion 417, and a center portion 418.
Portions of the left and right side portions 416, 417 may
telescopically fit within corresponding portions of the center
portion 418 and/or vice versa (e.g., portions of the center portion
418 may telescopically fit within corresponding portions of the
left and right side portions 416, 417). Left side 421 and right
side 422 clamps disposed about the center portion 418 may clamp the
center portion 418 to the side portions 416, 417. The ends of the
center portion 418 may be castellated such that when the clamps
421, 422 are tightened, the ends of the center portion 418 may
compress around and become secured to the ends of the left and
right side members 416, 417. An accessory support member 419 may be
fixed to the center portion 418. For example, a welded area 420 may
fix the accessory support member 419 to the center portion 418. The
accessory support member 419 may be similar to the accessory
support member 820 discussed below with reference to FIGS. 8A
through 8C. By loosening the clamps 421, 422 and pivoting the
center portion 418, the position of the accessory support member
419 may be adjusted.
[0085] A left side ring 423 and a right side ring 424 may be
disposed about the center portion 418. The rings 423, 424 may
provide anchor points for the interconnection of the first and
second user support 401, 402, similar to the eyelets 124 of FIG.
4A. The rings 423, 424 may be restricted from moving by the clamps
421, 422 and the accessory support member 419. In this regard, the
left ring 423 may be captured between the left side clamp 421 and a
left end of the accessory support member 419. Similarly, the right
ring 424 may be captured between the right side clamp 422 and a
right end of the accessory support member 419.
[0086] FIG. 5A illustrates another alternate configuration of the
exercise system 100 that includes a first user support 501 and a
second user support 502 where the first and second user supports
501, 502 are not interconnected to each other by a single handhold.
The configuration of FIG. 5A includes a first handhold 503
interconnected to the first user support 501 and a second handhold
504 interconnected to the second user support 502. The lengths of
the first and second user supports 501, 502 are independently
adjustable via adjustment members 306. The first and second user
supports 501, 502 are interconnected to a crossbar 506 by springs
505, spring-to-pulley members 507, and pulleys 508 (thus combining
the spring configuration of FIG. 2 and the pulley configuration of
FIG. 3).
[0087] The first and second user supports 501, 502 may each be
configured similarly to the user support 301 of FIG. 3 in that the
first and second user supports 501, 502 may be generally configured
in a inverted Y, with the angled portions of the inverted Y
interconnected to their respective first and second handholds 503,
504. The first and second handholds 503, 504 may be sized to accept
a single hand of a user of the exercise system 100 and therefore
may be smaller than the handled 120 of FIG. 3. For example, the
first and second handholds 503, 504 may each be four to seven
inches in length.
[0088] In a variation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, the
first and second handholds 503, 504 may each be in the form of a
hollow tube through which the first and second user supports 501,
502 may be respectively run (similar to the configuration of FIG.
2). In such an embodiment, the first and second handholds 503, 504
may be operable to slide along their respective user supports 501,
502 allowing the first and second handholds 503, 504 be at an angle
relative to the crossbar 506 while maintaining tension in the
entirety (e.g., in both angled portions of the Y) of the first and
second user supports 501, 502.
[0089] FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative configuration of a
handhold 510 and a user support 511 that may be used in the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 5A (substituting the handhold 510
for the first and second handholds 503, 504). The handhold 510 is
in the form of a single elongated member interconnected to a user
support 511 at a single interconnection point.
[0090] FIG. 6 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the
exercise system 100 that includes a first user support 601 and a
second user support 602 interconnected to a sub-frame 603 at a
crossbar 604. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, portions of the first
and second user supports 601, 602 may extend into the crossbar 604
and down along a vertical support 605. Within in the sub-frame 603,
the first and second user support 601, 602 may be interconnected to
a single elongated member 606. The elongated member 606 may be
constructed similarly to the first and second user supports 601,
602. For example, the first and second user supports 601, 602 and
the elongated member 606 may each be constructed from rope or
cable. In turn, the elongated member 606 may be wound around a
spool 607 interconnected to a motor 608. The motor 608 may be
mounted in any appropriate position within the exercise system 100.
By activating the motor 608 to rotate the spool 607, the elongated
member 606 may be further wound or unwound from the spool 607, thus
making the portions of the first and second user supports 601, 602
outside of the sub-frame 603 shorter or longer, respectively. In
this manner, the lengths of the first and second user supports 601,
602 outside of the sub-frame 603 may be adjusted. Such adjustment
may be initiated by a user of the exercise system 100 activating a
user control (e.g., a button or a toggle switch). The user control
may be located on the console 107 of exercise system 100 or in any
other appropriate location.
[0091] The first and second user supports 601, 602 may be
interconnected to first and second vertical handholds 609, 610,
respectively. The first and second vertical handholds 609, 610 may
be configured similarly to the handhold 510 of FIG. 5B with the
addition that each vertical handhold 609, 610 may be interconnected
to a universal joint 611, 612, respectively, that is in turn
interconnected to a horizontal handhold 613. Such a configuration
presents a user of the exercise system 100 with the ability to use
(e.g., for support during exercise) the vertical handholds 609,
610, the horizontal handhold 613, or a combination of one of the
vertical handholds 609, 610 and the horizontal handhold 613. In a
variation, the vertical handholds 609, 610 may be hollow, and the
respective first and second user supports 601, 602 may run through
the vertical handholds 609, 610 and attach directly to the
horizontal handhold 613. At least a portion of each of the vertical
handholds 609, 610 may be operable to freely rotate about an axis
along its respective length.
[0092] The horizontal handhold 613 may include a first pair of
contacts 614 and a second pair of contacts 615. The pairs of
contacts 614, 615 may be disposed along the horizontal handhold 613
such that they are generally in the area where the user of the
exercise system would normally grasp when using the horizontal
handhold 613 during exercise. By grasping the horizontal handhold
613 such that the user contacts at least a portion of the pairs of
contacts 614, 615, electronics disposed within the horizontal
handhold 613 may be operable to determine the heart rate of the
user of the exercise system 100. The heart rate of the user may
then be displayed in a display 616 located along the horizontal
handhold 613. Additionally, or alternatively to the display on the
horizontal handhold 613, a wireless transmitter may be disposed
within the horizontal handhold 613 and may wirelessly transmit data
containing the heart rate information (e.g., for display on the
console 107).
[0093] FIG. 7 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the
exercise system 100 that includes a first user support 701 and a
second user support 702 interconnected to a crossbar 705. In this
embodiment, the first and second user supports 701,702 are
substantially rigid elongated members. A first handhold 703 is
interconnected to the first user support 701, and a second handhold
704 is interconnected to the second user support 702. The handholds
703,704 may be interconnected to the first and second user supports
701,702 by universal joints 706. The first and second user supports
701,702 may be interconnected to the crossbar 705 via universal
joints 706. The universal joints 706 may be in any appropriate
form, including, for example, forms with rigid members (e.g.,
interconnected to each other through rotatable and/or pivotable
interconnections) and forms with flexible members (e.g., short
portions of rope or cable).
[0094] The length of the first user support 701 may be adjustable.
In this regard, the first user support 701 may include an inner
member 707 and an outer member 708. The inner member 707 may be
partially disposed within a portion of the outer member 708. The
length of the inner member 707 disposed within the outer member 708
may be adjustable such that the overall length of the first user
support 701 is adjustable. In this manner, the distance between the
crossbar 705 and the first and second handholds 703, 704 may be
adjusted. For example, the inner member 707 may include a
spring-loaded pin with corresponding holes on the outer member 708,
and by telescopically adjusting the inner member 707 relative to
the outer member 708, the length of the first user support 701 may
be adjusted. Any other appropriate method of adjusting the length
of a two piece telescoping member may be used in the first user
support 701. The second user support 702 may be configured
similarly to the first user support 701.
[0095] The handholds, user supports and crossbars and associated
members described with respect to the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1A through 7, may be used in additional embodiments in any
appropriate combination. For example, the spring and pulley
arrangement of FIG. 5A may be used in a single line embodiment such
as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In another example, the pulse monitoring
feature illustrated in FIG. 6 may be used in any other of
embodiment. As stated earlier, although certain figures illustrate
certain combinations of features of the handholds, user supports
and crossbars, it is to be understood that these are exemplary and
that other combinations of these features are also
contemplated.
[0096] FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate the exercise system 128 of
FIG. 1B with the addition of an optional accessory support member
820 and related components. The accessory support member 820 may
include a U-shaped portion 821 that is connected to the crossmember
130. In this regard, a first end 822 of the U-shaped portion 821
may interconnect to the crossmember 130 on the left side 125 of the
exercise system 128, and a second end 823 of the U-shaped portion
821 may interconnect to the crossmember 130 on the right side 126
of the exercise system 128.
[0097] The accessory support member 820 may include a support plate
824 fixed to the accessory support member 820 (e.g., welded) that
may serve as an interconnection point for various accessories. For
example, the support plate 824 may include a first set of coplanar
holes 825 that are arranged in a square pattern where the sides of
the square are 100 mm in length. The holes may be sized to
accommodate M4 screws. Such a hole pattern 825 may accommodate VESA
(Video Electronics Standards Association) monitor mounting
standards, enabling the mounting of VESA compliant devices (e.g.,
monitors, televisions) to the support plate 824, such as monitor
827. In addition to, or instead of, the first set of coplanar holes
825, the support plate 824 may include a second set of coplanar
holes 826 that are arranged in a square pattern where the sides of
the square are 75 mm in length. The hole pattern 826 accommodates
another VESA standard mounting configuration. The support plate 824
may include any other appropriate hole pattern.
[0098] The accessory support member 820 may interconnect to the
crossmember 130 at the first end 822 of the U-shaped portion 821
with a first clamp 828. The first clamp 828 may be of any
appropriate configuration to allow for the tightening and loosening
of the first clamp 828 about the crossmember 130. For example, the
first clamp 828 may partially surround the crossmember 130 and a
threaded member may be disposed across a gap in the first clamp
828. By tightening a screw on the threaded member, the gap in the
first clamp 828 may be reduced, thus clamping the first clamp 828
to the crossmember 130 and thus fixing the first clamp 828 relative
to the crossmember 130. The first clamp 828 may include a
quick-release lever 833 to allow for quick loosening and tightening
of the first clamp 828 to the crossmember 130. The quick-release
lever 833 may be similar to quick-release levers commonly found on
bicycle hubs. A second clamp 829 disposed at the second end 823 of
the U-shaped portion 821 may be similarly configured for securing
the second end 823 of the U-shaped portion 821 to the crossmember
130. The second clamp 829 may include a second quick-release lever
834.
[0099] By loosening both of the clamps 828, 829, the accessory
support member 820 may be pivoted relative to and about the
crossmember 130. Thus, the accessory support member 820 may be
pivoted to a vertical position as depicted in FIG. 8A; the
accessory support member 820 may be pivoted to a forward horizontal
position as depicted in FIG. 8B; and the accessory support member
820 may be pivoted to a rearward horizontal position as depicted in
FIG. 8C. Other positions in between those depicted in FIGS. 8A
through 8C may also be achieved. Moreover, positions outside of the
range depicted in FIGS. 8A through 8C may also be achieved, such as
a rearward inclined positioned that presents an inclined surface to
the user that may, for example, be used to hold reading material
for reading while exercising.
[0100] Turning to FIG. 8B, the exercise system 128 may also include
a sleeve 830 that is operable to be positioned over the accessory
support member 820. The sleeve 830 may include a planar surface
831. By positioning the accessory support member 820 in a
horizontal position and then placing the sleeve 830 over the
accessory support member 820 with the planar surface 831 facing
upward, the planar surface 831 may be horizontally positioned and
may serve as a shelf or support. For example, the planar surface
831 may be used to support a laptop computer, monitor, television,
cooling fan, radio, book stand or any other item a user of the
exercise system 128 may wish to view or have access to while on the
movable endless belt 105. The forward horizontal position of FIG.
8B may, for example, be beneficial for holding a television at a
comfortable distance from a user of the exercise system 128.
[0101] FIG. 8C illustrates the sleeve 830 positioned over the
accessory support member 820 with the accessory support member 820
in the rearward horizontal position. In such an arrangement, the
sleeve 830 positions the planar surface 831 close to a user of the
exercise system 128. The rearward horizontal position may, for
example, be beneficial for holding a laptop computer such that it
is accessible by a user of the exercise system 128.
[0102] The sleeve 830 may include an enclosure portion 832 that
extends from the planar surface 831. The sleeve may be positioned
over the accessory support member 820 such that the accessory
support member 820 is disposed between the planar surface 831 and a
portion of the enclosure portion 832. The sleeve 830 may include
features that assist in fixing the sleeve 830 to the accessory
support member 820. For example, the sleeve 830 may include a
feature that snaps or presses onto a portion of the accessory
support member 820, such as the part of the U-shaped portion 821
that is parallel to the crossmember 830. Any other appropriate
manner of fixing the sleeve 830 to the accessory support member 820
may be employed. The enclosure portion may, for example, include a
surface 835 (shown in FIG. 8B) parallel to the planar surface 831
in the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 821.
[0103] In an arrangement, the crossmember 130, the accessory
support member 820, and/or the sleeve 830 may be interconnected to
an exercise system that does not include a movable handhold or
handholds attached to user supports such as those described in
FIGS. 2 through 7.
[0104] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a user 801 exercising on an
exercise system 802 that includes a treadmill 803 and a sub-frame
804 interconnected to the treadmill 803. The sub-frame 804 supports
a pair of user supports 805 which in turn are interconnected to a
pair of handholds 806. Use of the exercise system 802 by the user
801 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. The
description is also applicable to the other embodiments of exercise
systems described herein, with appropriate modifications (e.g.,
adjusting a single user support in systems that include a single
horizontal handhold supported by a single user support).
[0105] To use the exercise system 802, the user 801 may first
adjust the position of the sub-frame 804 relative to the treadmill
803. The user 801 may select the position of the sub-frame 804 to
provide the desired support, ranging from overhead support
(illustrated in FIG. 9A) to "pulling" support (illustrated in FIG.
9B), or to intermediate support positions (e.g., in between and
combining overhead and "pulling" support). "Pulling" support refers
to a configuration where the user 801 pulls on the handholds 806 in
a rearward direction for support. Overhead support may include
positioning the sub-frame 804 such that an anchor point 809 (the
point or points where the user supports 805 are anchored to the
sub-frame 804) is at a height that is generally greater than the
height of a typical user. Overhead support may, for example,
include positioning the sub-frame 804 at an angle between 70 and
110 degrees.
[0106] Once the sub-frame 804 is in the desired position, the user
801 may then adjust the length of the user supports 805 as desired.
Where the sub-frame 804 is in a generally overhead position,
adjusting the length of the user supports 805 effectively adjusts
the heights of the handholds 806. Where the sub-frame 804 is in a
"pulling" support position, adjusting the length of the user
supports 805 effectively adjusts the fore-aft position of the user
801 along a movable endless belt 807 of the treadmill 803.
[0107] The user 801 may select from a wide variety of support
configurations by adjusting the sub-frame 804 angle and user
support 805 lengths.
[0108] For example, with the sub-frame 804 in a generally overhead
position, the user 801 may adjust the handholds 806 such that the
user 801 may use the handholds 806 for support while the user's 801
hands are positioned similar to where they typically are when
walking (as shown in FIG. 9A), or the user 801 may choose to raise
the handholds 806 such that the user's 801 forearms are parallel to
the ground while grasping the handholds 806. Positions higher,
lower, or in between those described may also be chosen by the user
801. In embodiments including two user supports, the lengths of the
two user supports may be adjusted so that they are different from
each other. Accordingly, the distance of the handholds 806 above
the movable endless belt 807 (when allowed to hang freely) may, for
example, be adjustable between 18 and 60 inches.
[0109] In another example, with the sub-frame 804 in a "pulling"
support position, the user 801 may adjust the user supports 805
such that the user's 801 arms are forwardly extended (as shown in
FIG. 9B) when using the handholds 806, or the user 801 may choose
to lengthen the user supports 805 such that the user 801 is able to
position the handholds 806 in a lower position (e.g., at the user's
801 waist). The length of the user supports 805 may also be
adjusted to adjust the fore-aft positioning of the user 801 along
the movable endless belt 807 of the treadmill 803.
[0110] While exercising on the exercise system 802, the user 801
may use the handholds 806 to provide a degree of support that
allows supported hand and arm movement. This is in contrast to
using a fixed support (e.g., grasping the frame of the treadmill
803) that provides for no hand movement, and to hands-free
exercise, which provides no support. The adjustable and supported
hand and arm movement achievable with the exercise system 802 may
yield enhanced comfort, improved exercise enjoyment, increased
exercise variety, a greater freedom of movement, and improved
posture. Such supported hand and arm movement may accommodate
natural hand and arm motion associated with walking, jogging or
running.
[0111] The adjustment to the angle of the sub-frame 804 (and the
other sub-frames discussed herein) may be motorized and/or
automated. In this regard, a sub-frame motor (not shown) may be
operable to adjust the angle of the sub-frame 804. The user 801 may
adjust the angle of the sub-frame 804 by activating the sub-frame
motor through a control device (e.g., a switch or button on a
console 808). Alternatively or additionally, the position of the
sub-frame 804 may be preprogrammed and/or programmed into a memory
(e.g., within the console 808) and may be accessed by the exercise
system 802 while the user 801 is exercising to vary the angle of
the sub-frame 804 during exercise. Such varying may be performed in
conjunction with varying other parameters of the exercise system,
such as movable endless belt 807 speed or angle (relative to the
floor beneath the exercise system 802).
[0112] In a variation, the sub-frame 804 of the exercise system 802
may be fixed relative to the treadmill 803 in the position
illustrated in FIG. 9A. In this regard, in this variation, the
position of the sub-frame 804 may be non-adjustable. In such an
exercise system 802, the location of the anchor point 809 may be
fixed relative to the treadmill 803. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 9A, the location of the anchor point may be disposed at a
height that is generally above the height of a typical user (e.g.,
user 801) of the exercise system 802.
[0113] Similarly, in another variation, the sub-frame 804 may be
fixed relative to the treadmill 803 in the position illustrated in
FIG. 9B. In the present variation, the location of the anchor point
809 may be fixed relative to the treadmill 803 such that the anchor
point 809 is disposed on an opposite side of the console 808 from a
majority of the movable endless belt 807 and at a height that is
generally in front of a typical user (e.g., user 801).
[0114] In other variations, the location of the anchor point 809
may be fixed relative to the treadmill 803 in other positions
(e.g., between those illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B).
[0115] A method of exercising illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B may
include exercising, by the user 801, on the moving endless belt 807
and grasping the handholds 806 (or any other handhold configuration
illustrated herein) for support while exercising. In such a method,
the user supports 805 may be flaccid and substantially inelastic.
As illustrated in FIG. 9B, an entirety of the sub-frame 804 may be
below the height of the user 801 on the movable endless belt 807.
The method may include adjusting the orientation of the sub-frame
804 relative to the treadmill 803 (e.g., from the position
illustrated in FIG. 9B to the overhead position illustrated in FIG.
9A).
[0116] FIG. 9C is an illustration of an exercise system 815 that
includes the crossbar 404 of FIG. 4A interconnected to treadmill
803. The crossbar 404 is attached to hand rails (right side hand
rail 817 is visible in FIG. 9C) of the treadmill 803. A right end
portion 816 of the crossbar 404 is attached to the right side hand
rail 817. The right end portion 816 and the right side hand rail
817 are parallel to each other along the portions thereof where
they are attached to each other.
[0117] A first friction member 818 may be attached to the right
side handrail 817 along the surface in contact with the end portion
816. A second friction member 819 may be attached to the end
portion 816 along the surface in contact with the right side
handrail 817. Consequently, the first and second friction members
818, 819 may be in contact with each other when the crossbar 404 is
attached to the treadmill 803. The first and second friction
members 818, 819 may have roughened surfaces such that when they
are in contact with each other, relative movement between them is
restricted, thus restricting relative movement between the crossbar
404 and the treadmill 803. The first and second friction members
818, 819 may, for example, be adhesively bonded to the crossbar 404
and right side hand rail 817, respectively.
[0118] With the first and second friction members 818, 819 between
them, the crossbar 404 and right side hand rail 817 may be clamped
to each other. For example, clamping members 837 may clamp the
crossbar 404 to the right side hand rail 817. The clamping members
837 may be cable ties. For example, three cables ties (two of which
are visible in FIG. 9C) may be used to clamp the crossbar 404 to
the right side hand rail 817. Other appropriate devices for
clamping two members together may be employed instead of or in
addition to the clamping members 837.
[0119] A protective wrap 836 may be positioned over the end portion
816, the right side hand rail 817, and the clamping members 837.
For example, the protective wrap 836 may be a neoprene wrap.
[0120] A left end portion (not visible in FIG. 9C) of the crossbar
404 may be attached to a left hand rail (not visible in FIG. 9C) of
the treadmill 803 in a similar manner. In an alternate embodiment,
the crossmember assembly 415 of FIG. 4C may be interconnected to
the treadmill 803. In another variation, the crossmember assembly
415 of FIG. 4C, but without the user supports 401, 402 and handhold
403, may be interconnected to the treadmill 803, thus providing
accessory holding capabilities without providing the user support
function of the handhold 403. Any other appropriate arrangement
shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, or arrangements combining features
shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, may be interconnected to the treadmill
803.
[0121] FIG. 9D illustrates the user 801 exercising on an exercise
system 850 similar to the exercise system 128 of FIG. 1B with the
addition of a waist support apparatus 851. The waist support
apparatus 851 is operable to provide support to the user 801 by
tethering a waist pad 853 at least partially wrapped about the user
801 to a third anchor point 856 on the treadmill in front of the
user 801.
[0122] The waist support apparatus 851 may increase user comfort
and/or stability while the user 801 is exercising on the exercise
system 850. The waist support apparatus 851 facilitates hands-free
exercising on the exercise system 850. The waist support apparatus
851 may be used in place of or in conjunction with use of the
handhold 131 or any other appropriate handhold as described herein.
The waist support apparatus 851 may be used in conjunction with the
use of fixed handholds, such as the left and right side fixed
supports 108, 109. The user 801 may alternate between the different
methods of support described herein to, for example, provide
variability to an exercise session.
[0123] The waist pad 853 may include padding to increase comfort to
the user 801. The padding may be beneficially contoured for
positioning across the lower back of the user 801. The waist pad
853 may be sized to fit a range of typical users; for example, the
waist pad 853 may be sized that both ends of the waist pad 853 will
extend to the front side of the largest planned-for user 801 of the
waist support apparatus 851. The waist pad 853 is illustrated as
wrapping around the waist of the user 801 in FIG. 9D. Alternative
positioning of the waist pad 853 may be used. For example, a user
may choose to position the waist pad 853 at a level higher or lower
than the illustrated position of FIG. 9D.
[0124] The waist support apparatus 851 may include an elastic waist
support member 854 positioned between the frame of the treadmill
(e.g., crossmember 130) and the waist pad 853. The elastic waist
support member 854 may absorb shocks and accommodate motion (e.g.,
the alternating leg motion) associated with the user 801 walking,
jogging or running on the movable endless belt 105. The elastic
waist support member 854 may be in the form of one or more elastic
strands (e.g., a bungee cord) and/or one or more springs (e.g., a
metal helical spring). The elastic waist support member 854 may be
selected such that a typical user will cause one or more inches of
elongation of the elastic waist support member 854 when using the
waist support apparatus 851 for support while exercising. The
elongation may increase and decrease with the gait of the user 801
while exercising. In an example, where the elastic waist support
member 854 comprises one or more elastic strands, the elastic waist
support member 854 may be flaccid.
[0125] A support strap 852 may be interconnected to the waist pad
853 and to the elastic waist support member 854. The support strap
852 may be a continuous strap that wraps around the user 801 with
both ends of the strap interconnected to the elastic waist support
member 854 in front of the user 801. In such an arrangement, the
waist pad 853 may attach to the support strap 852 and the support
strap 852 may provide the necessary support for the user 801 while
exercising. In such an arrangement, the waist pad 853 may primarily
be used to increase the comfort of the user 801. In another
variation, the support strap 852 may comprise two portions that are
fixed to the waist pad 853 and together, the waist pad 853 and two
portions of the support strap 852 may provide the support for the
user 801. For example, the first portion of support strap 852 may
be attached (e.g., sewn) to a first end of the waist pad 853 and
the second portion of support strap 852 may be attached to a second
end of the waist pad 853.
[0126] The support strap 852 may be interconnected to the elastic
waist support member 854 in any appropriate manner. For example,
and as illustrated in FIG. 9D, both the elastic waist support
member 854 and the support strap 852 may be interconnected to a
D-ring 855. The elastic waist support member 854 and the support
strap 852 may be interconnected to the D-ring 855 in any
appropriate manner, using any appropriate hardware. In another
example, the interconnection between the support strap 852 and the
elastic waist support member may incorporate a quick disconnect
mechanism and/or a rotating connection.
[0127] The effective lengths of the support strap 852 and/or
elastic waist support member 854 may be adjustable to, for example,
accommodate different users and/or different desired positions
along the movable endless belt 105. The adjustability may be
achieved in any appropriate manner, including, for example, through
the use of buckles or clamps. Such adjustability may also allow the
user 801 to adjust the level of support provided by the waist
support apparatus 851. For example, for a given user at a given
position along the movable endless belt 105, a shorter unstretched
length of the elastic waist support member 854 may result in more
pressure against the back of the user 801 than a longer unstretched
length.
[0128] The elastic waist support member 854 may be interconnected
to the treadmill at the third anchor point 856. The third anchor
point 856 may be disposed along the crossmember 130 between the
first and second anchor points 140, 141. The third anchor point 856
may be disposed along the crossmember 130 at approximately the
center of the crossmember 130 (e.g. along the longitudinal axis 121
between the left side 125 and the right side 126). The third anchor
point 856 may be in the form of an eyelet or any other appropriate
mechanism (e.g., similar to anchor points 140, 141). In general,
the third anchor point 856 may be disposed in front of the user 801
at a height that is at or slightly above (e.g., within 12 inches)
the console 107.
[0129] The user 801 may position the waist support apparatus 851 as
shown in FIG. 9D by, for example, slipping the waist pad 853 and
support strap 852 over his head and lowering the waist pad 853 and
support strap 852 to the illustrated position. Alternatively, the
waist pad 853 and support strap 852 may be operable to be opened
(e.g., by using a belt buckle, a carabiner, or any other
appropriate mechanism) such that the user may place the waist pad
853 and support strap 852 around the user's waist and then close
the waist pad 853 and support strap 852 to achieve the
configuration of FIG. 9D.
[0130] FIG. 9E illustrates the user 801 exercising on an exercise
system 810 that includes the treadmill 803. In the exercise system
810, the handholds 806 are supported by user supports 811 that are
interconnected to an overhead support such as a ceiling 812 at an
interconnection site 813. The user supports 811 may include any of
the features (e.g., springs, pulleys, adjustment mechanisms)
discussed above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A through
9B. The interconnection site 813 may be a single point (e.g., a
single eyelet) or it may include two separate points (e.g., two
eyelets spaced apart as in FIG. 4A). The position of the
interconnection site 813 may be adjusted relative to the treadmill
803 by moving the treadmill 803 (e.g., forward or rearward relative
to the interconnection site 813).
[0131] In alternate embodiments, the interconnection site 813 may
be supported by and/or attached to other structures. For example,
an overhead beam may be used in place of the ceiling 812. In
another example, a free standing frame (e.g., not fixed to the
treadmill 803) may be configured to position the interconnection
site 813 relative to the treadmill 803. Such a freestanding frame
may be portable such that it may be moved with the treadmill 803 or
moved to provide support to a user of another exercise system. In
another example, the interconnection site 813 may be supported by a
wall or other structure located in front of the treadmill 803, thus
providing a "pulling" support similar to that of FIG. 9B.
[0132] While various embodiments have been described in detail, it
is apparent that further modifications and adaptations of the
invention will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to
be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *