U.S. patent application number 13/019544 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for exercise apparatus with an inertia system.
Invention is credited to Robert E. Rodgers, JR..
Application Number | 20120108402 13/019544 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45997339 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120108402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodgers, JR.; Robert E. |
May 3, 2012 |
Exercise Apparatus With an Inertia System
Abstract
An oscillating inertia system for use in an exercise apparatus
that provides instantaneously variable amplitude. In one example,
an oscillating inertia system includes a rotational oscillator
having inertial mass. The rotational oscillator is coupled to a
limb engagement member through a coupling member. During operation,
the oscillating inertia system is configured to rotate in one
direction, come to a stop, rotate in the other direction, come to a
stop, and so on repetitively. This oscillating rotation causes the
limb engagement member of the exercise device to move through a
range of motion where one extent of the range of motion is fixed
and the other extent of the range of motion is variable in real
time responsive to a user's exerted/applied force.
Inventors: |
Rodgers, JR.; Robert E.;
(Canyon Lake, TX) |
Family ID: |
45997339 |
Appl. No.: |
13/019544 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61337332 |
Feb 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/157 20130101;
A63B 2071/0063 20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 21/00069
20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 2022/0038 20130101; A63B
21/156 20130101; A63B 21/227 20130101; A63B 2022/0682 20130101;
A63B 21/155 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/110 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/22 20060101
A63B021/22 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: an oscillating member
configured to oscillate about an axis of rotation; an engagement
member configured to accept force exerted by a user and configured
to move in a periodic motion path; and a coupling member attached
between the oscillating member and the engagement member, the
coupling member configured to transfer force exerted by a user on
the engagement member to the oscillating member, wherein the
oscillating member is configured to move about both directions of
the axis of rotation in a single oscillation period during two
cycles of the periodic motion path of the engagement member.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the oscillation period
of the oscillating member is configured to oscillate at a variable
amplitude in response to force changes exerted by a user.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an inertia
device mechanically coupled to the oscillating member, the inertia
device configured to provide inertial force to the oscillating
member.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a brake
device mechanically coupled to the oscillating member, the brake
device configured to provide inertial force to the oscillating
member.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least
one guide element configured to guide the coupling member along a
path of motion.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least one guide
element is adjustable so as to change the path of motion of the
coupling member in order to alter a resistance property of the
exercise apparatus.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement member
is configured to accept force exerted from the lower body of a
user.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement member
is configured to accept force exerted from the upper body of a
user.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the oscillating
member includes a counterweight configured to create a torque to
displace the oscillating member from a top dead center
condition.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the oscillating
member is an cardoid shape.
12. An exercise system comprising: an engagement member configured
to receive force exerted by a user, the engagement member further
configured to travel in a continuous periodic path; and an
oscillating inertial system including at least one inertial device
configured to receive energy and to deliver energy during
oscillation, said oscillating inertial system comprising a
rotational oscillator configured to oscillate past an equilibrium
point while maintaining the continuous periodic motion of the
engagement member.
13. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein the continuous periodic
path of the engagement member simulates a stair climbing
motion.
14. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein the continuous periodic
path of the engagement member corresponds to the motion of an
elliptical exercise device.
15. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein the continuous periodic
path of the engagement member corresponds to the motion of a
recumbent exercise apparatus.
16. The system of claim 12 further comprising a second inertial
system coupled to a second engagement member, wherein the second
inertial system comprises a rotational oscillator configured to
oscillate past an equilibrium point while maintaining a continuous
periodic motion path of the second engagement member.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the periodic motion path of the
first and second engagement members are instantaneously variable in
amplitude.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 further comprising at least
one spring coupled to said rotational oscillator, the at least one
spring configured to provide supplemental inertial forces to the
oscillating inertial system.
19. An exercise apparatus comprising: a rotational oscillator
configured to oscillate about an axis of rotation; an engagement
member configured to be displaced by force applied by a user; a
coupling member configured to couple the engagement member to the
rotational oscillator and to transfer force therebetween, the
coupling member having a first and a second surface configured to
alternately contact the rotational oscillator during a period of
rotation.
20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first and second
surface alternately contact the rotational oscillator during a
single periodic motion of the engagement member.
21. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the amplitude of
oscillation is configured to be instantaneously variable.
22. An exercise apparatus comprising: a limb engagement member
configured to engage a limb of a user and to be displaced
repetitively by a force applied by said user; an oscillating
inertial system comprising a rotational oscillator, said rotational
oscillator having an axis of rotation, said rotational oscillator
configured to rotate first in one direction of rotation about the
axis of rotation and then in the opposing direction of rotation; a
coupling member coupling the limb engagement member to the
oscillating inertial system, wherein during operation the limb
engagement travels through a range of motion between a first dwell
point and a second dwell point of the rotational oscillator.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first and second
dwell points are variable from one cycle of operation to the next
cycle of operation.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 22 further comprising at least
one spring coupled to said rotational oscillator, the at least one
spring configured to provide supplemental inertial forces to the
oscillating inertial system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/337,332 filed on Feb. 2, 2010 and entitled
"VARIABLE AMPLITUDE INERTIA DEVICE," the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present description relates generally to an exercise
apparatus having an oscillating inertia system and more
particularly it relates to an exercise apparatus having an
oscillating inertia system with instantaneously variable
amplitude.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It can be appreciated that exercise devices have been in use
for many years, and many of these devices use rotary inertia
devices such as a flywheel. The flywheel is typically is used to
make the exercise motion more fluid. Devices that may use flywheels
include exercise bicycles, elliptic motion exercise devices, linear
motion exercise devices such as cross country ski trainers, and
certain pendulum exercise devices.
[0004] Exercise bicycles have been in use for many years, and many
use continuously rotating flywheels to smooth the exercise motion.
The flywheel is typically coupled to a crank with pedals to which
the user applies force. However, the amplitude of the exercise
motion is constrained by the crank system and the extension and
flexion of the user's limbs is defined.
[0005] Conventional elliptic motion machines use flywheels coupled
to a crank system to smooth the motion of the machine. Although the
elliptic path of motion of the pedals is not circular as with the
exercise bike, the path is nonetheless defined and constrained by
the dimensions and configuration of the crank and linkage
system.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Various embodiments of the invention are directed to
devices, systems and methods relating to exercise apparatuses that
utilize oscillating inertia systems having instantaneously variable
amplitude. In one example, an oscillating inertia includes a
rotational oscillator having inertial mass. The rotational
oscillator is coupled to a limb engagement member through a
coupling member. During operation, the oscillating inertia system
is configured to rotate in one direction, come to a stop, rotate in
the other direction, come to a stop, and so on repetitively. This
oscillating rotation causes the limb engagement member of the
exercise device to move through a range of motion where one extent
of the range of motion is fixed and the other extent of the range
of motion is variable in real time responsive to a user's
exerted/applied force applied to the limb engagement member.
[0007] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an example embodiment of
an oscillating inertia system.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3A depicts a side view of an exercise apparatus having
an oscillating inertia system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3B depicts an isometric view of elements of an exercise
apparatus having an oscillating inertia device in accordance with
an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of elements of an exercise
apparatus having an oscillating inertia device in accordance with
an example embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 5A-C depict a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0015] FIGS. 6A-C depict a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0016] FIGS. 7A-C depict a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0018] FIGS. 9A-C depict a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0019] FIGS. 10A-B depict a side view of elements of an oscillating
inertia system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of an example embodiment
of an oscillating inertia system.
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of an example embodiment
of an oscillating inertia system.
[0022] FIGS. 13A-C depict side and top views of an example
embodiment having an oscillating inertia system and an example
motion path of such an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 14 depicts a side view of an example embodiment having
an oscillating inertia system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an
oscillating inertia system in an exercise apparatus. For visual
clarity, frame 101 of the exercise apparatus is shown only in part.
It is understood that the frame will provide supporting locations
for one or more elements of the exercise apparatus and that the
configuration of the frame is adapted for appropriate placement of
various elements. The limb engagement member 103 is coupled to
frame 101. Limb engagement member 103 is shown having example foot
plate 105 to which the user applies force through his/her feet.
However, limb engagement member 103 may have other components
capable of engaging other portions or limbs of a user. As an
example, handle 107 is a component that can engage the user's hand.
It is understood that the location and type of coupling of limb
engagement member 103 to frame 101 may be one of many known to one
skilled in the art and may be adapted to achieve a desired exercise
pattern. As an example, limb engagement member 103 may be pivotally
coupled at one end to a frame or it may be coupled to the frame
through an intervening linkage assembly, but coupling is not
limited to these examples. Further, limb engagement member 103 may
be of various shapes, various configurations, and may have multiple
elements.
[0025] Rotational oscillator 110 is coupled to shaft 112 which may
be supported by an axial rotation mechanism, such as bearings 114.
In one embodiment, bearings 114 are mounted to and supported by
frame 101 and together with frame 101 provide support to shaft 112.
In some embodiments, rotational oscillator 110 is an approximate
cardoid shape. Rotational oscillator 110 may be configured to have
significant rotational inertia and also function as an inertial
device by incorporating weight such as weight 130. Weight 130 may
be placed on rotational oscillator 110 in an asymmetric position so
that in a top dead center condition, weight 130 creates a torque to
displace rotational oscillator 110 from the top dead center
condition.
[0026] If there is insufficient inertia in rotational oscillator
110, additional inertia devices may be utilized in some
embodiments. As an example, additional inertia/brake device 116 is
mounted to shaft 112. Inertia/brake device 116 may serve dual
purposes. It may be an inertia device and/or a brake device. Brakes
frequently have significant rotational inertia, so a brake can
perform dual functions of providing inertia and braking. In one
embodiment, pulley 117 is mounted to shaft 112 and is coupled to a
second inertia/brake device 120 by belt 118. Inertia/brake device
120 may be supported by bearings, not shown for visual clarity. In
such cases, said bearings may be mounted to and supported by frame
101. Rotational oscillator 110 and/or inertia/brake device 116 may
provide adequate inertia, but if not, second inertia/brake device
120 may be utilized to add inertia to the oscillating inertia
system. Accordingly, in some embodiments, three different devices
may operate as inertia devices and contribute significant inertia
to the oscillating inertia system, the rotational oscillator 110,
the inertia/brake device 116, and the inertia/brake device 120.
[0027] Any or all of the above-described devices may be used to add
inertia to the oscillating inertia system. Those skilled in the art
will understand that any moving components, such as shafts,
pulleys, and bearings, have nominal inertia and nominal friction.
However, such nominal inertia and nominal friction generally have
only a small effect on the feel and operation of an exercise
apparatus. In the disclosed embodiments, inertia devices have
sufficient rotational inertia to allow smooth and satisfying
operation of the exercise device, and brake devices have sufficient
resistance to motion to provide meaningful workloads for the user
of the exercise device.
[0028] Coupling member 122 is coupled to rotational oscillator 110
at rotational oscillator coupling location 124. In this embodiment,
coupling member 122 is coupled to rotational oscillator 110 using a
pin at coupling location 124. However, other ways of coupling the
coupling member 122 to rotational oscillator 110 may be utilized.
Alternate ways of coupling may utilize bolts, rivets, adhesives,
pulley, or pin with bushing or bearing, but coupling is not limited
to these examples.
[0029] Coupler 122 may be guided by guide elements 128 and 129
which contact coupler 122. Guide elements 128 and 129 may be
coupled to and supported by frame 101 and may be implemented as
pulley devices, static elements, etc. Coupling member 122 is
functionally coupled to limb engaging member 103 at coupling
location 126. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, coupling member
may be made from any material which has sufficient strength and
flexibility to be utilized in the illustrated system. For example,
coupling member 122 may be implemented as a flexible element such
as a belt, chain, or cable. Such flexible elements can be routed
through the frame 101 with multiple guide elements 128 and 129 so
that limb engagement member 103 can be placed at locations within
the exercise device other than immediately below guide elements 128
and 129. Also, coupling member 122 may comprise multiple elements
such as links, pivoting members, rotational members, and additional
flexible elements that allow placement of limb engagement member
103 at locations within the exercise device other than immediately
below guide elements 128 and 129.
[0030] In FIG. 1, as the user applies force to limb engagement
member 103, force is transmitted through coupling member 122 to
rotational oscillator 110. This in turn causes rotation of
rotational oscillator 110, shaft 112, inertia/brake device 116,
pulley 117, and inertia/brake device 120. Further, in some
embodiments, the described system operates in an oscillating manner
such that oscillation amplitude properties of rotational oscillator
110 are variable responsive to force applied by the user to limb
engagement member 103. As such, embodiments provide significant
advantages over previous devices because a user may, for example,
take shorter strides or steps according to a desired exercise
regime. These advantages, and structure which enables such, are
shown in more detail below.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows 13 phases of rotation for rotational oscillator
110 so as to demonstrate the operation of an oscillating inertia
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Each of the 13 phase drawings shows the position of the rotational
oscillator and the limb engagement member at the beginning of the
phase. For simplicity and visual clarity, only the basic elements
of an example oscillating inertia system are shown.
[0032] The initial position of rotational oscillator 110 is shown
in Phase 1. This initial position of the rotational oscillator also
correlates to the position shown in FIG. 1. The rotational
oscillator at the beginning of phase 1 has no initial rotational
velocity. This is the first dwell point. As used herein, a dwell
point is a point of no velocity. As the user applies force to limb
engagement member 103, force is transmitted through coupling member
122 to rotational oscillator 110. In this embodiment, during the
initial rotation, coupling member 122 contacts rotational
oscillator 110 on a first surface of the coupling member. The
transmitted force causes rotational acceleration of rotational
oscillator 110 in a clockwise direction resulting in downward
motion of limb engagement member 103. As the rotational oscillator
gains rotational velocity during Phase 1, energy is added to any
inertial devices which may be coupled to shaft 112.
[0033] During Phase 2 and Phase 3, the user continues to apply
force to limb engagement member 103, limb engagement member
continues to move downward, rotational oscillator 110 continues to
accelerate in a clockwise direction, and energy is added to any
inertial devices coupled to shaft 112.
[0034] During Phase 4 a transition occurs. At the beginning of
Phase 4, rotational oscillator coupler location 124 is at a
position where portions of coupling member 122 and limb engagement
member 103 are nearly stationary. This may also be referred to as
an equilibrium point. Coupling member 122 and limb engagement
member 103 have moved to their furthest extents. Further, force
applied by the user to limb engagement member 102 at the beginning
of Phase 4 does not cause any further rotational acceleration of
rotational oscillator 110. Although portions of coupling member 122
and limb engagement member 103 are nearly stationary at the
beginning of phase 4, rotational oscillator 110 continues clockwise
rotation driven by inertia devices. Immediately after the beginning
of Phase 4, the limb engagement member 103 begins to move upward.
Additionally, coupling member 122 is in contact with rotational
oscillator 110 on a second surface of coupling member 122. Downward
force applied to limb engagement member 103 causes deceleration of
rotational oscillator 110. As the limb engagement member 103 moves
upward while the user applies force downward, energy is subtracted
from any inertial elements coupled to shaft 110.
[0035] During Phase 5 and Phase 6, limb engagement member 103
continues to move upward and any downward force applied by the user
causes deceleration of rotational oscillator 110 and further
subtraction of energy from any inertial devices coupled to shaft
112.
[0036] During Phase 7 a transition occurs. Forces applied to the
limb engagement member 103 by the user and by gravity have
decelerated rotational oscillator 110 to zero velocity at the
beginning of phase 7. This is the second dwell point, or point of
no velocity. Immediately after the beginning of phase 7, rotational
oscillator 110 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, opposite
that of Phases 1 through 6. As the user applies force to limb
engagement member 103, force is transmitted through coupling member
122 to rotational oscillator 110. The transmitted force causes
rotational acceleration of rotational oscillator 110 resulting in
downward motion of limb engagement member 103. As the rotational
oscillator gains rotational velocity during Phase 7, energy is
added to any inertial devices which may be coupled to shaft
112.
[0037] During Phase 8 and Phase 9, the user continues to apply
force to limb engagement member 103, limb engagement member
continues to move downward, rotational oscillator 110 continues to
accelerate, and energy is added to any inertial devices coupled to
shaft 112.
[0038] During Phase 10, another transition occurs that is similar
to the transition of Phase 4. At the beginning of Phase 10,
rotational oscillator coupler location 124 is at a position where
portions of coupler 122 and limb engagement member 103 are nearly
stationary for an instant. Further, force applied by the user to
limb engagement member 103 at the beginning of Phase 10 does not
cause any further rotational acceleration of rotational oscillator
110. Immediately after the beginning of Phase 10, the limb
engagement member 103 begins to move upward. Downward force applied
to limb engagement member 103 causes deceleration of rotational
oscillator 110. As the limb engagement member 103 moves upward
while the user applies force downward, energy is subtracted from
any inertial elements coupled to shaft 112.
[0039] During Phase 11 and Phase 12, limb engagement member 103
continues to move upward and any downward force applied by the user
causes deceleration of rotational oscillator 110 and further
subtraction of energy from any inertial devices coupled to shaft
112.
[0040] At the beginning of Phase 13, rotational oscillator 110 and
coupling member 122 are in the same position as Phase 1. Once
oscillation cycle of rotational oscillator 110 has completed, a new
cycle begins repeating Phases 1 through 12. As can be seen, because
of the oscillating motion provided by rotational oscillator 110, as
opposed to a continuously rotating crank-type device, a user may
move in a smaller amplitude of motion and maintain the same general
motion pattern corresponding to the type of exercise being done by
the user.
[0041] During Phases 1 though 13, limb engagement member 103 in
this embodiment has completed two cycles of a continuous periodic
motion, during a single oscillation period of rotational oscillator
110. Phases 1-6 represent one cycle and phases 7-13 represent a
second cycle. Specifically, limb engagement member 103 has started
at its highest position, moved downward to its lowest position,
changed direction, moved upward to its highest position, changed
direction, moved to its lowest position, changed directions and
moved to its highest position. During Phases 1 through 13,
rotational oscillator has started at dwell point 1, rotated to the
equilibrium point, changed rotational direction, rotated back to
the equilibrium point, and returned to dwell point 1 where the
cycle begins again. The embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the
shaft 112 oriented horizontally. However, the shaft and the
oscillating inertia system may be disposed in any number or
orientations including, but not limited to, vertical.
[0042] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment which shows an example
implementation where two limb engagement members and two
oscillating inertia systems are utilized to engage two limbs of the
user. Portions of this embodiment are shown schematically in
isometric view in FIG. 4. Although many of the elements of the left
side of the exercise apparatus are obscured in the side view of
FIG. 3A, it is understood that the left side has the same elements
as the right side and operates in the same manner. Limb engagement
member 103 has first and second ends. Limb engagement member 103 is
pivotally coupled near the first end to frame 101 at coupling
location 106. Coupling member 122 is coupled to the second end of
limb engagement member at coupling location 126. Coupling member
122 is also coupled to rotational oscillator 110 which is part of
the oscillating inertia system.
[0043] During operation, the user steps onto right and left plate
105 and begins a vertical stepping motion by alternately stepping
downward and upward with each foot. The downward stepping motion of
the right foot applies force to limb engagement member 103 and
accelerates rotational oscillator 110. An example of such
acceleration and motion is illustrated with respect to Phases 1
through 3 in FIG. 2. As the user's foot and right foot plate 105
reaches the bottom of the stepping motion, the downward motion of
right foot plate 105 decelerates to zero. This correlates to the
beginning of Phase 4 in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, nearly the
full weight of the user is supported by right foot plate 105 at
this plate position. As rotational oscillator 110 continues to
rotate, right foot plate 105 changes direction and begins to move
upward. Because energy is being transferred from the inertial
devices to foot plate 105 through coupling member 122, force is
applied in a manner and direction which tends to lift the user's
right foot. This lifting force exerted on the right foot signals
the user to begin a transfer of weight to the left foot. The right
foot plate 105 continues vertical motion as exemplified in Phase 5
and Phase 6 of FIG. 2. The weight of limb engagement member 103 and
any force applied by the user to right foot plate 105 causes
rotational oscillator 110 to continue to decelerate. As rotational
oscillator 110 continues to decelerate, it reaches zero velocity
and foot engagement member 103 comes to a stop. This correlates to
the second dwell point at the beginning of Phase 7 in FIG. 2. At or
near this time, the user has begun to transfer body weight from the
left foot plate to the right foot plate. Right foot plate 105 once
again begins downward motion and the rotational oscillator 110
accelerates. The right foot plate 103 has gone through a full cycle
and the rotational oscillator 110 has gone through one half of a
cycle. When right foot plate 105 goes through one more cycle, the
rotational oscillator 110 will have gone through one full cycle as
shown in FIG. 2. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B and 4 may be
operated to simulate a climbing motion, it may also be operated to
simulate a jumping motion. The user would initiate exercise by
alternately extending and retracting both legs in unison. This
would cause both limb engagement members to move upward and
downward which in turn would cause oscillation of the rotational
oscillators.
[0044] During operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B and 4, the
lowest position of foot plate 103 is defined and controlled by the
geometry of the exercise apparatus. However, the highest position
of foot plate 103 is variable and controllable by the user. In some
embodiments, this variability and control is exerted in an
instantaneous manner as the user applies force to the foot plate
103. During operation, the user may instantly begin to alter forces
applied to foot plate 105 so as to alter and vary the step height
even though the oscillator may not have reached a particular dwell
point. If the user applies greater force to the right foot plate
and/or applies less force to the left foot plate during downward
motion of the right foot plate, rotational oscillator 110 will have
greater acceleration and supplemental inertia devices, if any, will
store more energy. The greater energy stored during downward motion
of the right foot plate will create force which tends to lift the
right foot plate higher during upward motion. Alternately, if the
user applies less force to the right foot plate and/or applies
greater force to the left foot plate during downward motion of the
right foot plate, rotational oscillator 110 will have less
acceleration and supplemental inertia devices, if any, will store
less energy. The reduced energy stored during downward motion of
the right foot plate will tend to lift the right plate to a reduced
height during upward motion. In this way, the user can alter the
step height of the illustrated embodiment by instantaneously
varying the forces applied to the foot plates. Although the new
step height is not known until the step reaches the top of its
upward motion, the application of forces to alter the step occurs
instantaneously. Therefore, for this specification, instantaneously
variable amplitude may connote that the user can apply forces
instantaneously to limb engagement member 103 to alter the
amplitude of motion, and not necessarily that the direction of
motion instantaneously changes with the application of force.
[0045] During operation of an exercise apparatus having an
oscillating inertia system, the user may prefer to have resistance
to motion. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B and 4, inertia/brake
device 116 can be actuated to provide resistance to rotation. This
actuation may be utilized to provide resistance to downward motion
of the limb engagement member 103 and foot plate 105. In some
embodiments, the brake can be configured to selectively apply
resistance in one or both directions of motion by turning the brake
on and off. Such switching may be mechanically accomplished, may be
controlled via a microprocessor control circuit, or may be
implemented in any other manner sufficient to provide a desired
resistance. It may be desirable in some embodiments to drive an
inertia/brake device unidirectionally. This can be accomplished
with various mechanisms. FIG. 3B illustrates one such embodiment of
an inertia/brake device 116. In FIG. 3B, shafts 112 and 205 are
supported by bearings, not shown for clarity. Coupled to shaft 112
are two pulleys 194 and 195. Pulleys 194 and 195 have overrunning
clutches that engage shaft 112. Each clutch freewheels in one
direction of rotation but locks in the opposing direction of
rotation. The clutches are configured so that when one clutch is
locked, the other clutch is freewheeling, and vice versa. Pulleys
202 and 203 are coupled to and rotate with shaft 205. Inertia/brake
device 208 is coupled to and rotates with shaft 205. Belt 200 wraps
around the four pulleys in a serpentine manner. As rotational
oscillator 110 and shaft 112 oscillate, pulleys 194 and 195 are
alternately driven by overrunning clutches 196 and 197 so that only
one of the two pulleys is driving shaft 112 at any time. This in
turn causes belt 200 to drive pulleys 202 and 203, shaft 205, and
inertia/brake device 208 unidirectionally. It is noted that while
the above embodiment is implemented with belts and pulleys, the
inventive concepts may be implemented in any manner, such as by
utilizing belts, gears, and the like.
[0046] In embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B and 4, instantaneously variable
step height and a defined lowest position of the foot plate provide
significant advantages over traditional reciprocal steppers.
Traditional reciprocal steppers have no lower limit of motion.
Therefore, the user must consciously stop downward motion or the
foot plate will strike the machine or the floor. This conscious
stopping of the downward motion of the plate may be uncomfortable
or unsatisfying for some users. The user perceives a more natural
stepping motion when utilizing inventive aspects described herein,
such as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B and 4 because the user's
full body weight is supported by a foot plate at its lowest
position. Further, the oscillating inertia system begins to exert
force which tends to naturally lift the user's foot immediately
after the plate reaches its lowest position, prompting the user to
transfer weight to the opposing plate.
[0047] The configuration and sizing of the rotational oscillator
110 and any possible inertia devices coupled to the rotational
oscillator may be done so as to accommodate the intended user and
the intended exercise pattern. For example, the designer of the
exercise apparatus of some embodiments may choose an average
weight, an average exercise stepping cadence, and an average step
height. As the user applies full body weight at the top of a step
and moves downward to the bottom of the step, the potential energy
of the user at the top of the step is converted to rotational
kinetic energy in rotational oscillator 110 and any inertia devices
at the bottom of the step, assuming no frictional or braking
resistance. The potential energy at the top of the step is
proportional to step height multiplied by user body weight. The
rotational kinetic energy in the inertia devices is proportional to
rotational mass multiplied by rotational velocity squared. User
weight, exercise cadence, step height, and rotational mass of the
inertia devices are all interrelated as potential energy is
converted to rotational kinetic energy and vice versa. The designer
may define the potential energy at the top of the step by selecting
the user body weight and the step height. In this case, the
designer may select appropriate rotational oscillator 110
characteristics and inertia device rotational mass to achieve the
desired exercise cadence and limb engagement member velocity
profile. The rotational mass of the inertia devices can be
increased by adding or redistributing mass to a radial location
further from the center of rotation of the inertia device. FIG. 5
shows a rotational oscillator 110 such as is illustrated in the
embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 3A-B. In order to achieve preferred
rotational oscillator characteristics for a particular design use,
a designer may desire to adjust the size and shape of the
rotational oscillator. The rotational oscillator 110 will generally
be sized so that a limb engagement member 103 moves through the
specified step height. A rotational oscillator that is scaled up in
size and operating through the same angular range of motion will
create a larger step height. The shape of the rotational oscillator
may impact the velocity characteristics of the limb engagement
member 103.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5A, torque applied to rotational oscillator
110 is proportional to the effective radius of force application Ra
multiplied by force transmitted by coupling member 122. In FIG. 5B,
rotational oscillator 110 has rotated to another position, and the
effective radius Rb has decreased from Ra because coupling member
122 is contacting rotational oscillator 110 at a different location
than in FIG. 5A. In FIG. 5C, rotational oscillator 110 has rotated
to still another position, and the effective radius Rc has
decreased still further. In FIG. 5A, the greater effective radius
of force application results in relatively greater torque and
radial acceleration of rotational oscillator 110 for a given force
F than in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Further, for a given radial velocity of
rotational oscillator 110 in FIG. 5A, the limb engagement member
103 falls at a faster rate than in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Therefore, the
designer may select a rotational oscillator shape that generates
the desired velocity characteristics of limb engagement member 103.
The rotational oscillators of FIGS. 1-5 are an approximate cardoid
shape. A characteristic of this shape is that as the rotational
oscillator nears a dwell point and the limb engagement member is
slowing to a stop, the effective radius of force application may be
increasing. This greater radius of force application provides
additional or supplemental torque to assist in direction change of
the rotational oscillator and limb engagement members. FIGS. 6A-C
show examples of various shapes and configurations of rotational
oscillators. The shapes shown in FIGS. 6A-C are configured for
oscillating motion and not continuous unidirectional rotation.
Further, the shapes of FIGS. 6A-C are generally symmetric. However,
rotational oscillators are not limited to the shapes shown and may
be configured to create the desired operating characteristics of
the exercise apparatus.
[0049] It may be desirable to allow the user to make adjustments to
the exercise apparatus to alter the feel or function. Referring to
FIG. 7, FIGS. 7A-C show a servo actuation system in accordance with
one embodiment that changes the geometry of the oscillating inertia
system under user control. The position of the rotational
oscillator 110 is the same in all three figures. Servo motor 140 is
coupled to frame 101 and is configured to move pulley displacement
device 143. Such movement may be accomplished in many ways. For
example, in some embodiments, pulley displacement device 143 may be
moved by driving a height adjustment mechanism, such as lead screw
142. Pulley displacement device 143 comprises guide elements 128
and 129, and may be configured to engage lead screw 142. The
initial position of guide elements 128 and 129 is shown in FIG. 7A.
In the initial position shown in FIG. 7A, the effective radius of
force application is R1. As the servo motor is actuated, guide
elements 128 and 129 are moved up or down. In FIG. 7B, guide
elements 128 and 129 have been moved upward by the servo actuation
system and closer to rotational oscillator 110. The effective
radius of force application R2 has been increased from the
effective radius of force application R1 in FIG. 7A. Therefore, for
a given force level at limb engagement member 103, greater torque
is applied to the rotational oscillator resulting in greater
rotational acceleration. In FIG. 7C, guide elements 128 and 129
have been moved downward by the servo actuation system and further
from rotational oscillator 110. The effective radius of force
application R3 is decreased from the effective radius of force
application R1 in FIG. 7A. Therefore, for a given force level at
limb engagement member 103, reduced torque is applied to the
rotational oscillator resulting in reduced rotational acceleration.
By moving the guide elements 128 and 129 in relation to the
rotational oscillator 110, the operating characteristics of the
oscillating inertia system may be changed. It is appreciated that
various methods may be implemented to provide adjustment to the
geometry of the disclosed exercise apparatuses. As such, the above
description is not intended to be limiting.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment having a servo actuation
system that allows the user to alter the rotational mass of the
rotational oscillator 110. Servo motor 145 is coupled to rotational
oscillator 110 and drives lead screw 147. Adjustable weight 149
engages lead screw 145. As the servo motor 145 is actuated,
adjustable weight 149 moves closer to or further from shaft 112. As
adjustable weight 149 moves further from the shaft 112, the
rotational mass of rotational oscillator 110 increases. Therefore,
the rate of acceleration of rotational oscillator 110 is reduced
for a given level of force at the limb engagement member 103 and
torque at rotational oscillator 110. As adjustable weight 149 moves
closer the shaft 112, the rotational mass of rotational oscillator
110 decreases. Therefore, the rate of acceleration of rotational
oscillator 110 is increased for a given level of force at the limb
engagement member 103 and torque at rotational oscillator 110. By
changing the rotational mass under servo control, the operating
characteristics of the oscillating inertia system have been
changed. Again, it is appreciated that various methods may be
implemented to provide adjustable weighting to alter rotation mass
of oscillator 110. As such, the above description is not intended
to be limiting.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, FIGS. 9A-C show a schematic of an
embodiment of an oscillating inertia system that utilizes spring
force applied to the rotational oscillator 110. This embodiment
also utilizes a coupling member 122 that comprises at least a
portion that is a rigid link. Limb engagement member 103 is coupled
to the frame and translates back and forth under operation. Limb
engagement member 103 is coupled to rotational oscillator 110
through coupling member 122. Spring 152 is coupled to rotational
oscillator 110 through spring coupler 150. As the user applies
force to limb engagement member 103, force is applied to rotational
oscillator 110. As rotational oscillator 110 rotates, spring 152 is
extended or relaxed. The interaction of rotational oscillator 110
with spring coupler 150 is similar to the interaction of rotational
oscillator 110 with coupling member 122 in FIGS. 1-8. In this
manner, spring force may be used to provide additional or
supplemental torque in the oscillating inertia system.
[0052] FIGS. 10A-B show an embodiment that operates similarly to
the embodiment of FIG. 9. However, these embodiments utilize two
springs 152a and 152b which may allow greater total spring force
and/or greater spring life. This embodiment also utilizes a
coupling member 122 that comprises at least a portion that is a
rigid link. Limb engagement member 103 is coupled to the frame and
translates back and forth under operation. Limb engagement member
103 is coupled to rotational oscillator 110 through coupling member
122. Springs 152a and 152b are coupled to rotational oscillator 110
through spring couplers 150a and 150b. Spring couplers 150a and
150b may be rigid or flexible depending on the particular design
characteristics of the exercise device. Further, spring couplers
150a and 150b may function to provide additional tension/spring
force to supplement the force of springs 152a and 152b. As the user
applies force to limb engagement member 103, force is applied to
rotational oscillator 110. As rotational oscillator 110 rotates,
springs 152a and 152b are extended or relaxed. In the embodiment of
FIG. 10B, the interaction of rotational oscillator 110 with spring
coupler 150 is similar to the interaction of rotational oscillator
110 with coupling member 122 in FIGS. 1-8. In this manner, the
extension of the springs in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-B provides
additional or supplemental torque to assist in direction change of
the rotational oscillator and limb engagement members.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of an exercise apparatus that
utilizes a compliant cross coupling system to link the right and
left side members. It is anticipated that previously described
embodiments, such as those described above related to FIGS. 3A-B,
would have independently operating right and left oscillating
inertia systems. However, it may be desirable to cross couple the
right and left sides so that downward motion of one side creates an
upward force on the other side and vice versa. Such application of
force through the cross coupling system may prompt the user to step
in alternating fashion.
[0054] As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 11, right and left limb
engagement members 103 are coupled at their forward ends to
compliant spring/damper units 158R and 158L. The right side
spring/damper 158R is coupled to left side spring/damper 158L by
coupler 160. Coupler 160 is guided and positioned by pulley 162.
Spring/damper units 158R and 158L may have springs or a have a
combination of springs and dampers. The spring/damper units extend
as force is applied by limb engagement members 103 and coupler 160.
During operation of the exercise apparatus, the user steps in
reciprocating fashion so that the limb engagement member on one
side rises and the limb engagement member on the other side lowers.
If the user maintains perfect synchronization of the right and left
sides at the maximum design step height, then spring dampers 158L
and 158R do not extend. However, if the user deviates from perfect
synchronization or steps at a lower step height, the spring dampers
extend and provide a force at the limb engagement member 103 to
prompt the user to alter his stepping pattern and improve
synchronization of the right and left sides. Compliance in the
cross coupling system allows the user to continue to
instantaneously vary the step height. Coupler 160 may be of various
configurations that cause opposing motion including, but not
limited to, rigid links coupled to an oscillating rocker arm.
Further, the FIG. 11 embodiment has two spring/dampers, but a
single spring/damper or multiple spring/dampers may be used.
[0055] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of an exercise apparatus
with compliant cross coupling. The embodiment of FIG. 12 has right
and left sides similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B and 4. The
right and left sides are coupled by torsional spring/damper device
166. The right side of torsional spring/damper device 166 is
coupled to right side shaft 112 and the left side of torsional
spring/damper device 166 is coupled to the left side shaft 112.
Torsional spring/damper device 166 may incorporate gears and/or
overrunning clutches so that right side shaft 112 and left side
shaft 112 rotate in opposition, i.e., where one side of torsional
spring/damper device 166 rotates clockwise while the opposing side
rotates counterclockwise, and vice versa. During operation,
torsional spring/damper device 166 may impart rotational forces to
respective rotational oscillators 110 as a user makes a stepping
motion or stride.
[0056] FIG. 13A shows a side view of another embodiment which
implements the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In this
embodiment, an exercise apparatus utilizes an oscillating inertia
system that has instantaneously variable step and/or stride height
and instantaneously variable horizontal stride length. Frame 101
includes a basic supporting framework. An oscillating inertia
system is coupled to one end of frame 101. Similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, rotational oscillator 110 is coupled to shaft
112. Shaft 112 is supported by the frame through bearings, not
shown. Also, coupled to shaft 112 is inertia/brake device 116.
Coupling member 122 is coupled at one end to rotational oscillator
110 at 124. At its other end, coupling member 122 is coupled to
limb engagement member 103 at coupling location 126. Coupling
member 122 engages guide elements 128, 129, and 170.
[0057] In this illustrated embodiment, arcuate motion member 174 is
pivotally coupled to frame 101 at coupling location 174. Limb
engagement member 103 may also be coupled to arcuate motion member
172 at coupling location 176. Arcuate motion member 174 has an
upper portion 178. Upper portion 178 may be used as a handle by the
user. Arcuate motion member 178 may be straight, curved, or bent in
any manner to accommodate a design preference for the apparatus.
Limb engagement member 103 has foot plate 105 on which the user
stands. Limb engagement member 103 may also be straight, curved, or
bent in any manner to accommodate a design preference for the
apparatus.
[0058] In the embodiment of FIG. 13A, coupling member 122 is a
flexible element which may be a belt, a cog belt, a chain, a cable,
or any flexible component able to carry tension. Although the
coupling member in the embodiment of FIG. 13A is shown to be a
unitary continuous flexible element, the coupling member may
comprise multiple elements including, but not limited to, links,
rotary spools, pivoting elements, and the like. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 13B, cross coupling is accomplished with pivoting
links.
[0059] FIG. 13B depicts a top view of elements of the cross
coupling system shown in FIG. 13A. Elements 180 are coupled to
arcuate motion members 172. Thus, each of right and left elements
180 may move in unison with each right and left arcuate motion
member 172 respectively. Connectors 182 couple right and left
elements 180 to the right and left sides of rocker arm 184. Rocker
arm 184 is pivotally coupled at its mid portion to frame 101 at
location 186. As arcuate motion members 172 move, connectors 182
cause a rocking motion of rocker arm 184. This rocking motion
causes right and left arcuate motion members 172 to move in
opposition and thereby accomplish cross coupling in the fore and
aft directions of the right and left pivotal linkage assemblies.
Coupled to rocker arm 184 is brake device 188. Brake device 188
resists movement of rocker arm 184 and therefore resists fore and
aft movement of arcuate motion member 172 and limb engagement
member 103.
[0060] During operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A, the
user ascends the exercise device, stands on foot plates 105, and
initiates a climbing motion by placing his/her weight on one of
foot plates 105. As the user steps downward, force is transmitted
through coupling member 122 initiating oscillation of rotational
oscillator 110. As the rotational oscillator 110 continues to
oscillate, foot plates 105 alternately lift and lower. This lifting
and lowering motion simulates the lifting and lowering motion that
a user's foot may undertake during walking, striding, jogging, and
climbing. The user may instantaneously alter step or stride height
by altering the vertical forces he/she applies to foot plates 105.
As user's foot lowers during a stepping or striding motion, foot
plate 105 comes to a stop and reverses direction as the rotational
oscillator 110 oscillates. The user may simultaneously apply
forward and rearward forces to move the foot plates fore and aft.
The amplitude of the fore and aft motion is instantaneously
variable by the user who may alter fore and aft forces applied to
the foot plates instantaneously. By combining instantaneously
variable step or stride height with instantaneously variable stride
length, the user may achieve a wide variety of foot paths. FIG. 13C
shows two possible such paths, the first in solid line, the second
in dashed line. The height of each path is measured at the mid
portion of each path. The height the path is controlled by the user
through the oscillating inertia system, and the width of the path
is controlled by the user through the application of variable fore
and aft forces through the foot plates. Unlike other embodiments
shown, the foot plates may not come to a complete stop during a
striding motion. Instead, there may be motion in either the
vertical direction and/or the horizontal direction. However, the
oscillating inertia system in this embodiment affects vertical
amplitude in the mid portion of the striding motion much as it does
in other embodiments having vertical amplitude.
[0061] The operation of the rotational oscillator 110 provides a
defined direction reversal of foot plate 105 at the bottom of each
step or stride taken by the user. The variation in the vertical
amplitude of step or stride height occurs at the mid portion of the
step or stride while the bottom of the step or stride is defined
and controlled by the oscillating inertia system and is the same
from step to step. The user may instantaneously alter stride length
by altering the forward and rearward force he/she applies to foot
plates 105. The user may instantaneously select a nearly vertical
step with little horizontal displacement, or he/she may
instantaneously select a longer stride with greater horizontal
displacement. When the user displaces the foot plates horizontally,
the combined vertical displacement and horizontal displacement
results in a closed path where the amount of horizontal and
vertical displacement is controllable by the user in real-time.
[0062] Further, the systems described herein may have exercise
parameters adjusted by a user. In one embodiment, an exercise
apparatus may include an input device pad 300 which allows a user
to select one or more factors such as weight, exercise velocity,
and the like. Upon selection by a user, a control system 301 within
the exercise apparatus may send control signals via control lines
302 in order to engage/disengage or alter properties of one or more
portions of the apparatus, such as an inertia device 116, the
operational range of rotation of rotational oscillator 110, etc.,
in order to conform to the user's specifications.
[0063] FIG. 14 shows a side view of another embodiment. This
embodiment illustrates an example implementation of a recumbent
exercise apparatus utilizing an oscillating inertia system. Frame
101 includes a basic supporting framework. An oscillating inertia
system is coupled to one end of frame 101. Similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, rotational oscillator 110 is coupled to shaft
112. Shaft 112 may be supported by the frame through bearings, not
shown. Also, in this embodiment inertia/brake device 116 is coupled
to shaft 112. Coupling member 122 is coupled at one end to
rotational oscillator 110 at 124. At its other end, coupling member
122 is coupled to limb engagement member 103 at coupling location
126. Coupling member 122 engages guide elements 128, 129, and
170.
[0064] Limb engagement member 103 is coupled to the frame at
coupling location 190 and its orientation is generally vertical.
Limb engagement member 103 has foot plate 105 against which the
user applies force. Limb engagement member 103 may be straight,
curved, or bent in any manner to accommodate a design preference
for the apparatus. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, coupling member
122 is a flexible element which may be a belt, a cog belt, a chain,
a cable, or any flexible component able to carry tension. Although
the coupling member in the embodiment of FIG. 14 is shown to be a
unitary continuous flexible element, the coupling member may
comprise multiple element including, but not limited to, links,
rotary spools, and pivoting elements. Seat 192 is coupled to and
supported by the frame. The seat 192 has adjustment that allows the
user to position the seat 192 closer to or further from the foot
engagement members 103.
[0065] During operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the
user sits in seat 192 and initiates an exercise pattern by applying
force to foot plates 105. As the user applies force to foot plates
105, force is transmitted through coupling member 122 initiating
oscillation of rotational oscillator 110. As the rotational
oscillator 110 continues to oscillate, foot plates 105 move fore
and aft as the user extends and flexes his/her knee. As the knee
extends, foot plate 105 comes to a stop and reverses direction as
the rotational oscillator 110 oscillates. The operation of the
rotational oscillator 110 provides a defined direction reversal of
foot plate 105 to prevent over extension of the user's leg and
knee. The amplitude of motion of foot plate 105 in the direction of
the user during knee flexion is instantaneously variable as the
oscillating inertia system operates. Therefore, the user may
instantaneously vary the range of motion of the exercise
pattern.
[0066] It is noted that adjustment mechanisms, such as those
illustrated with respect to FIGS. 7-8 may also be included in other
disclosed devices, such as the devices of FIGS. 12-14, to control
various exercise parameters. Such implementations may vary based on
desired design considerations and will be apparent to those of
skill in the art reviewing the present disclosure.
[0067] It is appreciated that embodiments of the teachings
disclosed herein may be used in multiple types of exercise
equipment devices as shown above. Example devices may include an
elliptical device, stair climber, recumbent exercise apparatus,
combination devices which utilize arm motion (e.g., with
recumbent/elliptic devices), upper body exercise devices, and the
like.
[0068] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *