U.S. patent application number 13/656533 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for adjustable stride length exercise method and apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joseph D. MARESH, Kenneth W. STEARNS. Invention is credited to Joseph D. MARESH, Kenneth W. STEARNS.
Application Number | 20130288858 13/656533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40955668 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130288858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARESH; Joseph D. ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
ADJUSTABLE STRIDE LENGTH EXERCISE METHOD AND APPARATUS
Abstract
An exercise apparatus includes a frame for residing on a
horizontal surface, a pair of arm-supporting members for supporting
the user's arms and a pair of leg-supporting members for supporting
the user's legs. A linkage assembly couples the arm-supporting
members and leg-supporting members to the frame and moves the
arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths
relative to the frame in response to user forces applied to the
arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage
assembly includes actuators for adjusting dimensions of the closed
paths in response to control signal inputs. Sensors mounted on the
linkage assembly generate force-indicating signals representing
user force. A user interface receives and processes the
force-indicating signals and supplies the control signal inputs to
the actuators. A dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a
function of at least one of the forces applied to the leg and
arm-supporting members.
Inventors: |
MARESH; Joseph D.; (West
Linn, OR) ; STEARNS; Kenneth W.; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MARESH; Joseph D.
STEARNS; Kenneth W. |
West Linn
Houston |
OR
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40955668 |
Appl. No.: |
13/656533 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13244124 |
Sep 23, 2011 |
8292789 |
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13656533 |
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12846685 |
Jul 29, 2010 |
8025611 |
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13244124 |
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12397942 |
Mar 4, 2009 |
7824314 |
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12846685 |
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11482232 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
7604574 |
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12397942 |
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09065308 |
Apr 23, 1998 |
7086993 |
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11482232 |
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10712784 |
Nov 12, 2003 |
7556589 |
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12397942 |
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09684667 |
Oct 6, 2000 |
6672994 |
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10712784 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 ;
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/225 20130101;
A63B 2022/0682 20130101; A63B 2024/0068 20130101; A63B 2225/20
20130101; A63B 21/0083 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B
2071/0063 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2071/0627 20130101; A63B 22/0012
20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B
2225/15 20130101; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 21/0051 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 21/012 20130101;
A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 24/0075
20130101; A63B 2208/0238 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B
22/0056 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 22/0017
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 ;
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus for exercising a user's arms and legs
comprising: a frame for residing on a horizontal surface; a pair of
arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms; a pair of
leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs; a linkage
assembly for coupling the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting
members to the frame and for moving the arm-supporting members and
leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in
response to forces the user applies to the arm-supporting members
and leg-supporting members, wherein the linkage assembly comprises
at least one actuator, each actuator for adjusting a dimension of
at least one of the closed paths in response to a control signal
input; a sensor coupled to the linkage assembly for generating a
force-indicating signal representing a user force applied to at
least one of the arm-supporting and leg-supporting members; and a
user interface for receiving the force-indicating signal and for
supplying the control signal input to each actuator.
2. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
closed paths of the leg-supporting members have non-zero dimensions
along two perpendicular axes and the at least one actuator adjusts
dimensions of the closed paths of the leg-supporting members along
at least one of the two perpendicular axes.
3. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
closed paths of each leg-supporting member have non-zero dimensions
along two perpendicular axes, and wherein the at least one actuator
adjusts dimensions of the closed paths of the leg-supporting
members along each of the two perpendicular axes.
4. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein a
dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at
least one of the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting
members.
5. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at
least one actuator adjusts a dimension of the leg-supporting
members.
6. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
sensor senses the user force applied to at least one of the
arm-supporting members.
7. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
sensor comprises a strain gauge.
8. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
linkage assembly interconnects the arm-supporting members and
leg-supporting members such that movement of the arm-supporting
members is synchronized to movement of the leg-supporting until the
user applies a threshold amount of force to the arm-supporting
member, in which case, movement of the arm-supporting members
deviate from their otherwise synchronized movement relative to the
leg-supporting members.
9. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising; a resistance device coupled to the frame and to the
linkage assembly for providing an adjustable resistance to movement
of the leg and arm-supporting members in the closed paths.
10. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the
user interface adjusts the adjustable resistance provided by the
resistance device in response to the force-indicating signal.
11. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the
resistance devices provides separate resistance to movement of the
leg and arm-supporting members along their respective paths.
12. A method for exercising a user's arms and legs comprising the
steps of: a. providing a pair of arm-supporting members for
supporting the user's arms; b. providing a pair of leg-supporting
members for supporting the user's legs; c. linking the
arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members a frame so that
they move in closed paths relative to the frame in response to
forces the user applies to the arm-supporting members and
leg-supporting members; d. adjusting a dimension of at least one of
the closed paths in response to a control signal; e. generating a
force-indicating signal representing a user force applied to at
least one of arm-supporting and leg-supporting members; and f.
providing a user interface for receiving the force-indicating
signal and for generating the control signal.
13. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein the closed paths
of the leg-supporting members have non-zero dimensions along two
perpendicular axes and the at least one actuator adjusts dimensions
of the closed paths of the leg-supporting members along at least
one of the two perpendicular axes.
14. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein the closed paths
of the leg-supporting members have non-zero dimensions along two
perpendicular axes and wherein the at least one actuator adjusts
dimensions of the closed paths of the leg-supporting members along
each of the two perpendicular axes.
15. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein a dimension of
at least one of the closed paths is a function of at least one of
the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting members.
16. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein a dimension of
the leg-supporting members is adjusted in response to the control
signal at step d.
17. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein step e comprises
sensing user forces applied to at least one of the arm-supporting
members and generating the force-indicating signal in response to
the sensed user forces.
18. The method in accordance with claim 12 wherein step c
comprising linking the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting
members such that movement of the arm-supporting members is
synchronized to movement of the leg-supporting until the user
applies a threshold amount of force to the arm-supporting member,
in which case, the arm-supporting members deviates from their
synchronized movement relative to the leg-supporting members.
19. The method in accordance with claim 12 further comprising the
step of g. providing an adjustable resistance to movement of the
leg and arm-supporting members in the closed paths.
20. The exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 19 further
comprising the step of: g. adjusting the adjustable resistance
provided by the resistance device in response to the
force-indicating signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 12/846,685 filed on Jul. 29, 2010 (U.S. Pat.
No. 8,025,611 issued Sep. 27, 2011), which is a continuation of
patent application Ser. No. 12/397,942 filed on Mar. 4, 2009 (U.S.
Pat. No. 7,824,314 issued Nov. 2, 2010), which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/482,232
filed on Jun. 30, 2006 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,604,574 issued Oct. 20,
2009), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/065,308 filed on Apr. 23, 1998 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,993 issued
Aug. 10, 2008). Patent application Ser. No. 12/397,942 is also a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/712,784
filed on Nov. 12, 2003 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,589 issued Jul. 7,
2009), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/684,667 filed Oct. 6, 2000 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,994
issued Jan. 6, 2004).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus
having arm and leg supporting members that travel in closed paths,
and more specifically to an exercise apparatus that senses user
forces applied to the exercise apparatus and automatically adjusts
dimensions of the closed paths in response to the sensed user
forces.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Many exercise apparatuses facilitate both arm movements and
leg movements. Examples of such equipment include elliptical
exercise apparatuses (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,343, 5,423,729,
5,540,637, 5,725,457, and 5,792,026); free form exercise apparatus
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,290,211 and 5,401,226); rider exercise apparatus
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,603,486, 5,695,434, and 5,997,446);
glider/strider exercise apparatus (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,940,233 and
5,795,268); stepper exercise apparatus (U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,690);
bicycle exercise apparatus (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,188,030 and
4,509,742); and various other, miscellaneous exercise apparatus
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,494 and 5,039,088). These patents are
incorporated herein by reference as examples of suitable
applications for the present invention. Generally speaking, the
foregoing exercise apparatuses have arm-supporting members and
leg-supporting members synchronized to facilitate a coordinated
"total body" exercise motion. Synchronized motion makes the
equipment relatively easy to use but the perceived quality of
exercise tends to exceed the actual quality of exercise because the
arms typically perform very little work. In industry terminology,
the arms are generally "along for the ride." Some exercise
apparatuses have been developed to provide independent upper body
exercise and lower body exercise. One notable example is the
NordicTrack ski exercise apparatus (U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,102) but
many people consider such exercise apparatuses relatively difficult
to use, due to the independent nature of the arm motions and the
leg motions. Recognizing that each of the foregoing types of total
body exercise apparatus suffers certain shortcomings, room for
improvement remains with respect to total body exercise
apparatuses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides unique methods and exercise
apparatuses for total body exercise. In one sense, the present
invention may be described as encouraging one or more
arm-supporting members to be generally synchronized relative to
respective leg-supporting member(s) while allowing relative
movement between the arm-supporting members and respective
leg-supporting members in response to the application of user
forces. The present invention may also be said to encourage one or
more arm-supporting members to be synchronized relative to
respective leg-supporting members while subjecting the
arm-supporting members to resistance applied and/or measured
independent of the leg-supporting members.
[0007] An exercise apparatus in accordance with the invention may
include a frame for residing on a horizontal surface, a pair of
arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms and a pair of
leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs. A linkage
assembly couples the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting
members to the frame and moves the arm-supporting members and
leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in
response to user forces applied to the arm-supporting members
and/or leg-supporting members.
[0008] The linkage assembly includes one or more actuators, each
for adjusting a dimension of at least one of the closed paths in
response to a control signal input. Each of one or more sensors
coupled to the linkage assembly generates a force-indicating signal
representing a force the user applies to one of the arm or leg
supporting members. A user interface receives the force-indicating
signal and supplies a control signal input to each actuator. A
dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at
least one of the user forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting
members.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a separate
resilient member is interconnected between each arm-supporting
member and either the frame or a respective leg-supporting member
to bias the arm-supporting member to move through a particular path
in response to movement of the respective leg-supporting member. As
a result, each arm-supporting member remains synchronized with a
respective leg-supporting member in the absence of user force
applied against the arm-supporting member.
[0010] The preferred embodiment also includes a resistance device
providing adjustable resistance to movement of the leg-supporting
members and the arm-supporting members, and sensors for detecting
user force exerted against respective arm-supporting members. In
one desired mode of operation, resistance to movement of the
leg-supporting members is set, and the resistance is subsequently
adjusted as a function of user force applied against the
arm-supporting members. As a result, upper body work can increase
or decrease without affecting the amount of lower body work being
performed by the user. Alternative embodiments of the present
invention may be implemented with this "responsive resistance"
arrangement to the exclusion of the resilient members discussed in
the preceding paragraph, or with the resilient members to the
exclusion of the "responsive resistance" arrangement.
[0011] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described
in greater detail below and/or shown in the accompanying figures.
However, the present invention is not limited to these particular
embodiments, or even to the types of exercise apparatuses on which
they are shown. Moreover, the present invention is applicable to
different combinations of force receiving and/or limb moving
members, and additional variations and/or advantages will become
more apparent from the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the following Figures of the Drawing, like numerals
represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several
views:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise apparatus constructed
according to the principles of the present invention,
[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 1,
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a user interface on the exercise
apparatus of FIG. 1,
[0016] FIG. 4a is a flow chart of a control program suitable for
use in conjunction with the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1,
[0017] FIG. 4b is a flow chart of another control program suitable
for use in conjunction with the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1,
[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative user interface
display,
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another alternative user interface
display,
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exercise apparatus
constructed according to the principles of the present
invention,
[0021] FIGS. 8-11 are side views of other exercise apparatuses,
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus,
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 12,
with the linkage members depicted at four different times during an
exercise cycle,
[0024] FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of other exercise
apparatuses,
[0025] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise
apparatus of FIG. 15,
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side view of another exercise apparatus,
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another exercise
apparatus,
[0028] FIG. 19 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG.
18,
[0029] FIG. 20 is a side view of another exercise apparatus,
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another exercise
apparatus,
[0031] FIG. 22 is a side view of the linkage assembly on the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 21, with the linkage members depicted at
different times during an exercise cycle,
[0032] FIGS. 23a-23e are side views of five distinct linkage
assemblies which produce generally elliptical exercise motion,
[0033] FIGS. 24-26 are side views of other exercise
apparatuses,
[0034] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the linkage assembly on the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 26,
[0035] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another exercise apparatus
constructed according to the principles of the present
invention,
[0036] FIGS. 29-34 are side views of other exercise
apparatuses,
[0037] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another exercise
apparatus,
[0038] FIG. 36 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG.
35,
[0039] FIGS. 37 and 38 are side views of other exercise
apparatuses,
[0040] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another exercise
apparatus,
[0041] FIG. 40 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG.
39,
[0042] FIG. 41 is a front view of an exercise apparatus similar to
that shown in FIGS. 39-40 but provided with an alternative arm
exercise assembly,
[0043] FIG. 42 is a side view of an exercise apparatus similar in
many respects to the exercise apparatuses of FIGS. 39-40,
[0044] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another exercise,
[0045] FIG. 44 is a side view of a portion of the exercise
apparatus of FIG. 43,
[0046] FIG. 45-47 are side views of other exercise apparatus,
[0047] FIG. 48 is a side view of an alternative linkage arrangement
suitable for use on the exercise apparatus of FIG. 47,
[0048] FIG. 49 is a side view of an exercise apparatus similar in
many respects to the exercise apparatus of FIG. 48,
[0049] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another exercise
apparatus,
[0050] FIG. 51 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 50,
and
[0051] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an arm exercise assembly
suitable for use on some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] An exercise apparatus constructed according to the
principles of the present invention is designated as 100 in FIGS.
1-2. Exercise apparatus 100 is an elliptical motion exercise
apparatus that is similar in many respects to exercise apparatus
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,339, incorporated herein by
reference. However, the present invention is not limited to this
specific type of exercise apparatus nor to any particular category
of exercise apparatus, but rather, is suitable for use on various
sorts of exercise equipment, examples of which are disclosed in the
prior art patents identified above.
[0053] Exercise apparatus 100 is generally symmetrical about a
vertical plane extending lengthwise through its center. Generally
speaking, exercise apparatus 100 includes similar "right-hand"
components and "left-hand" components disposed on opposite sides of
the plane of symmetry that move along similar paths when the
exercise apparatus is in use but are one hundred and eighty degrees
out of phase relative to one another. Like reference numerals are
used to designate both the "right-hand" and "left-hand" parts, and
when reference is made to one or more parts on only one side of an
exercise apparatus, it is to be understood that corresponding
part(s) are disposed on the opposite side of the exercise
apparatus. Certain components, which are intersected by the plane
of symmetry and/or are associated with the inertial characteristics
of the linkage assembly, exist individually and thus, do not have
any "opposite side" counterparts.
[0054] Exercise apparatus 100 includes a frame 110 configured to
rest upon a horizontal floor surface, a pair of arm-supporting
members 170 for supporting the user's arms, a pair of
leg-supporting members 150 for supporting the user's legs and a
linkage assembly for coupling the arm-supporting members and
leg-supporting members to frame 110 and for moving the
arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths
relative to the frame in response to forces the user applies to the
arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage
assembly includes left and right cranks 120 rotatably mounted on
frame 110 via a common crank shaft. Various other members of the
linkage assembly link rotation of cranks 120 to generally
elliptical motion of the leg-supporting members 150 and to
generally reciprocal motion of arm arm-supporting members 170. The
term "generally elliptical motion" is intended in a broad sense to
describe a closed path of motion having non-zero dimensions in
horizontal and vertical directions. The "stroke length" of
foot-supporting member 150 is the dimension of the closed path in
the horizontal direction and the "stroke length" of each
arm-supporting member 170 is the horizontal dimension of the closed
path its upper end 177 follows as the arm-supporting member
reciprocates.
[0055] Each crank 120 also functions as a pulley (or sprocket), but
the invention is not limited to this particular arrangement. A
flywheel 124 is rotatably mounted on the rear stanchion, beneath
the crank 120, and connected in "stepped-up" fashion to the crank
disc 120. In particular, a relatively smaller diameter pulley (or
sprocket) is rigidly secured to the flywheel 124 and linked to the
crank disc 120 by means of a looped member 122, such as a timing
belt (or chain). An eddy current resistance device 126 is mounted
on the frame 110 and operatively connected to the flywheel 124. The
components described in this paragraph, as well as their
arrangement and operation, are well known in the art. Generally
speaking, the flywheel 124 adds inertia to the linkage assembly,
and the eddy current resistance device 126 provides adjustable
resistance to rotation of the flywheel 124 and associated movement
of the components of the linkage assembly.
[0056] A radially displaced portion of each crank 120 is rotatably
connected to an intermediate portion of a respective connector link
130 at a respective connection point 132. The lower end of each
connector link 130 is rotatably connected to a rearward end of a
respective rocker link 140. An opposite, forward end of each rocker
link 140 is pivotally connected to the intermediate trunnion at a
respective connection point 141. An opposite, upper end of each
connector link 130 is rotatably connected to a rearward end of a
respective leg-supporting member 150 at a respective connection
point 135. An opposite, forward end of each leg-supporting member
150 is rotatably connected to a lower end of a respective rocker
link 160 at a respective connection point 156. An intermediate
portion of each leg-supporting member 150 is sized and configured
to function as a respective leg support 155. An opposite, upper end
of each rocker link 160 is rotatably connected to the forward
stanchion at pivot axis P (shown in FIG. 2).
[0057] On each side of exercise apparatus 100, a hub 166 is rigidly
secured to the upper end of a respective rocker link 160 and has a
star-shaped perimeter which projects axially, in a direction away
from the central plane of symmetry. A generally annular member 186
has a central, star-shaped opening which fits snugly about a
respective hub 166, thereby keying the two members 186 and 166 to
one another. For reasons that become more apparent below, the
member 186 is resilient and preferably made of rubber. The
resilient member 186 has a star-shaped perimeter, which is similar
in shape but larger in size than the perimeter of the hub 166. A
plate 176 has a central, star-shaped opening which fits snugly
about a respective resilient member 186, thereby keying the two
members 186 and 176 to one another. An arm-supporting member 170
has a lower end which is rigidly connected to a respective plate
176, and an opposite, upper end 177 which is sized and configured
for grasping by a respective hand of a user standing on the
leg-supporting members 155.
[0058] On each side of exercise apparatus 100, two pegs 168 are
rigidly secured to a respective hub 166, project axially outward
from the hub 166, and define a gap therebetween. A metal strip 178
has an upper end disposed in the gap between a respective pair of
pegs 168, and an opposite, lower end rigidly secured to a
respective plate 176. A strain gauge 188 (or other suitable sensor)
is mounted lengthwise on a respective strip 178 and connected to a
respective wire 189 extending into the frame 110 via a centrally
located bore in the pivot shaft. Covers 180, sized and configured
to span the exposed side of the plates 176 (and the components
within the platform of the plates 176), are preferably secured
(bolted, for example) to respective hubs 166 to shroud the
components and/or prevent relative axial movement between
respective plates 176, annular members 186, and hubs 166.
[0059] The strain gauge 188 operates in a manner known in the art
to generate an electrical signal indicative of strain experienced
by the strip 178 in response to forces the user applies to the
arm-supporting member 170 and leg-supporting member 155. An
alternative type of suitable sensor may simply measure
displacement, for example. Those skilled in the art will also
recognize that similar sensor arrangements (and/or flexing
arrangements) may be placed on other suitable portions of exercise
apparatus 100 to measure work and/or provide tactile feedback in
response to the application of user force.
[0060] Generally speaking, the arrangement inside each cover 180
biases a respective arm-supporting member 170 to remain in a
particular orientation relative to a respective rocker link 160. As
a result, each arm-supporting member 170 will simply pivot together
with a respective rocker link 160 (entirely "in sync") when a user
of exercise apparatus 100 is exercising his lower body to the
exclusion of his upper body. However, when the user applies force
through either arm-supporting member 170, the respective resilient
member 186 will accommodate some pivoting or "flexing" of the
arm-supporting member 170 relative to the respective rocker link
160. The freedom to move the arm-supporting member 170 out of sync,
although limited in range, tends to provide the user with the
sensation of having accomplished something with his upper body
independent of the motion associated with exercise of his lower
body. In other words, the user can increase the arm exercise stroke
relative to the leg exercise stroke, simply by pulling and/or
pushing on respective arm-supporting members 170, preferably in a
manner which remains coordinated with movement of the rocker links
160. Generally speaking, the length of the arm exercise stroke is a
function of force exerted by the user against arm-supporting
members 170 under a given set of operating parameters. On the
preferred embodiment 100, the dampening effect of the rubber
members 186 tends to limit the rate of change in the length of the
arm exercise stroke. Also, if desired, the available range of
relative motion may be strictly limited by placing overlapping
stops on the arm-supporting members 170 and either the rocker links
160 or the frame 110.
[0061] Movement of an arm-supporting member 170 relative to a
respective rocker link 160 places strain on a respective strip 178.
The magnitude of the strain and/or the displacement experienced by
the strip 178 may be used to assess the amount of work performed
via the user's upper body and/or the relative amounts of work
performed via the user's upper body and the user's lower body. This
information may be displayed in various forms to the user and/or
used in connection with various functions of exercise apparatus
100. For example, FIG. 4a shows a flow chart of a program 220
suitable for controlling the resistance device 126 during variable
operation of the arm-supporting members 170. The program 220 is
described as "Auto Mode" because it is designed to automatically
adjust the resistance device 126 as a function of force applied
against the arm-supporting members 170.
[0062] As an initial step 221, the program 220 activates in
response to a signal to enter the Auto Mode. The next step 222 is
to set the base resistance (BR) for resisting exercise of the lower
body only. For example, the base resistance may be set manually by
the user or based upon steady state operation of exercise apparatus
100 over the course of a particular time period. The next step 223
is to set the current resistance (CR) for the resistance device 126
to equal the base resistance (BR). The next step 224 is to process
incoming data, if any, from the sensors 188. If no upper body force
(UBF) is detected, then the program 220 returns to the step 223 of
setting the current resistance (CR) equal to the base resistance
(BR). On the other hand, if upper body force (UBF) is detected,
then the next step 225 is to increase the current resistance (CR)
to provide a reactionary force to the upper body force (UBF). The
program 220 then repeats the data processing step 224, which may
involve taking multiple samples and/or performing mathematical
analysis on the incoming data.
[0063] FIG. 4b shows a flow chart of a program 230 suitable for
signaling the user during variable operation of the arm-supporting
members 170. The program 230 is described as "Prompt Mode" because
it is designed to prompt the user to distribute work between the
upper body and lower body in accordance with a predetermined target
distribution.
[0064] As an initial step 231, the program 230 activates in
response to a signal to enter the Prompt Mode. The next step 232 is
to set the base resistance (BR) and the upper body target (UBT) as
a percentage of the base resistance. For example, the base
resistance may be set manually by the user or based upon a heart
rate portion of the control program, and the upper body target may
be set manually by the user and/or established by another portion
of the control program. The next steps 233-238 involve gathering
and processing of data from the sensors 188. If step 234 determines
that upper body force (UBF) exceeds the upper body target (UBT) by
more than 5%, then the next step 235 signals the user to use more
legs and/or less arms, and then the sampling step 233 is repeated.
Otherwise, step 236 determines whether or not the detected upper
body target (UBT) exceeds the upper body force (UBF) by more than
5%. If yes, then step 237 signals the user to use more arm force
and/or less leg force, and then the sampling step 233 is repeated.
If no, then step 238 signals the user that the actual distribution
of work is comparable to the target distribution of work, and then
the sampling step 233 is repeated. The program may be further
refined to distinguish between the user's left and right arms
and/or the user's left and right legs, and/or to compare total
actual exertion to a total target level of exertion.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a user interface 190 resides on
frame 110. The programs 220 and 230 are stored within a memory chip
in the interface 190, and both the strain gauges 188 and the eddy
current resistance device 126 are placed in communication with a
controller in the user interface 190 (via wires or other suitable
means). The user interface 190 may be configured to perform a
variety of functions, including displaying information to the user,
such as (a) available exercise parameters and/or programs, (b) the
current parameters and/or currently selected program (see windows
197 and 198), (c) the current time, (d) the elapsed exercise time
(see window 194), (e) the current and/or average speed of exercise
(see window 195), (f) the amount of work performed during exercise,
(g) the simulated distance traveled during the current workout
session and/or over the course of multiple workout sessions (see
window 196), (h) material transmitted over the internet, and/or (i)
discrete amounts of work being performed by the user's arms and/or
legs. With respect to information based upon multiple workout
sessions, the interface 190 may be programmed to store such data
and also, to distinguish between multiple users of exercise
apparatus 100. With regard to the distribution of work, bar graphs
191a and 191b show the relative amounts of work currently being
performed by a user's upper body and lower body, respectively; bar
graphs 192a and 192b show the relative amounts of work performed
over the course of a workout by a user's upper body and lower body,
respectively; and bar graphs 193a and 193b show the relative
amounts of work performed over the course of multiple workouts by a
user's upper body and lower body, respectively.
[0066] The user interface 190 may also be configured to perform
functions allowing the user to (a) select or change the information
being viewed, (b) select or change an exercise program, (c) adjust
the resistance to exercise of the arms and/or the legs, (d) adjust
the stroke length of the arms and/or the legs (if available), (e)
adjust the orientation of the exercise motion (if available),
and/or (f) quickly stop the exercise motion of the arms and/or the
legs (if available). To facilitate the selection of such options,
the user interface 190 includes user operable buttons 199 which may
be pushed at various times and/or in various combinations to
achieve a desired result.
[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various
functions of exercise apparatus 100 may be controlled by and/or
performed in response to various types of signals, including (a)
the user pushing a button 199 on the user interface 190 or on
either arm-supporting member 170; (b) a sensor detecting the
presence or absence of the user's hands on the arm-supporting
members 170; (c) a sensor detecting the user's level of exertion
(user exerted force and/or heart rate, for example) for comparison
to a target level or range; (d) an automated program; and/or (e) a
person other than the user (such as a trainer) who is in
communication with the exercise apparatus (via remote control
and/or the internet, for example).
[0068] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that other
types of input devices and/or displays may be used without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,
FIG. 5 shows an alternative user interface 200 with two alternative
displays of the relative amounts of work performed by a user's
upper body and lower body. A first, digital display 202 shows the
percentage of work performed by the user's upper body adjacent to
the percentage of work performed by the user's lower body. A
second, analog display includes a scale 204 and an indicator 206,
which moves along the scale 204 to indicate the percentage of work
being performed by the portion of the user's body that is currently
performing the majority of the work. The user interface 200 also
includes three LED displays 207-209 which may be alternatively lit
to indicate the relationship between the user's current
distribution of work and the user's target distribution of work.
More specifically, the illumination of display 207 signals the user
to increase the emphasis on upper body exercise; the illumination
of display 208 signals the user to maintain the current
distribution of work between upper body and lower body; and the
illumination of display 209 signals the user to increase the
emphasis on lower body exercise. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that audible signals may be used together with or in
place of visible signals.
[0069] Another alternative user interface 210 is shown in FIG. 6.
Two analog displays are aligned relative to one another to
facilitate a visual comparison between the target distribution of
work and the actual distribution of work. Each display includes an
identical scale 214 and a respective indicator 216 or 218. The
indicator 216 moves along the upper scale 214 to indicate the
user's target distribution of work between upper body and lower
body, and the indicator 218 moves along the lower scale 214 to
indicate the user's actual distribution of work between upper body
and lower body. All of the foregoing displays may be enhanced to
distinguish between the left and right sides of the person's body,
as well.
[0070] Another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to employ the
present invention is shown in FIG. 7. As suggested by the common
reference numerals, exercise apparatus 250 is similar to the first
embodiment 100 of FIG. 2, except for the rocker link 260, the
arm-supporting member 270, and the manner in which they are
connected to one another and the frame 110 at connection assembly
280. In particular, a steel hub 256 is rotatably mounted on shaft
116, and a resilient member 186 is mounted on and about the hub
256, and a steel plate 266 is mounted on and about the resilient
member 186. In other words, the resilient member 186 is
interconnected between the hub 256 and the plate 266. Both the
rocker link 260 and the arm-supporting member 270 are rigidly
secured to the plate 266. In response to the application of user
force against the upper end 277 of the arm-supporting member 270,
the resilient member 186 accommodates movement of the
arm-supporting member 270 from its otherwise synchronized path of
motion, and the strip 178 experiences strain as a function of such
force.
[0071] Another, related embodiment may be implemented by switching
each connection assembly 280 with a respective pivot joint 156
defined between the rocker link 260 and the leg-supporting member
150. Yet another approach is to form the arm-supporting members and
respective rocker links as unitary pieces and place suitable
sensors on the upper ends 277 of the arm-supporting members or
between the arm-supporting members and movable handgrips on the
arm-supporting members.
[0072] Still another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to
employ the present invention is designated as 300 in FIG. 8.
Exercise apparatus 300 includes a frame 310 residing upon a floor
surface, and a leg exercise assembly similar to that on the first
embodiment 100. Among other things, the leg exercise assembly
includes left and right leg-supporting members 350 having forward
ends rotatably connected to lower ends of respective rocker links
360. An intermediate portion of each rocker link 360 is rotatably
connected to the frame 310 at pivot axis Q. Left and right
arm-supporting members 370 have respective lower ends rotatably
connected to respective rocker links 360 at respective pivot axes R
(disposed a distance above the pivot axis Q). An opposite, upper
end 377 of each arm-supporting member 370 is sized and configured
for grasping by a person standing on the leg-supporting links
350.
[0073] An upper end 365 of each rocker link 360 is configured to
provide an arcuate slot 367 which is centered about a respective
pivot axis R. A respective block 385 is movably mounted within each
slot 367, and is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of a
respective arm-supporting member 370 (by means of a bolt 375, for
example). First and second resilient members 387 are preferably
disposed in respective gaps defined between opposite sides of the
block 385 and opposite ends of the slot 367 to bias the
arm-supporting member 370 toward an aligned orientation relative to
the rocker link 360. On this embodiment 300, the resilient members
387 are helical coil springs.
[0074] In the absence of user force applied against the
arm-supporting members 370, the arm-supporting members 370 pivot in
synchronized fashion together with respective rocker links 360.
However, the resilient members 387 allow the arm-supporting members
370 to be forcibly moved relative to respective rocker links 360 at
the discretion (and strength) of the user. The embodiment 300 is
shown without strain gauges or other sensors to emphasize that the
"flexible synchronization" aspect of the present invention and the
"responsive resistance" aspect of the present invention and the
"display of work distribution" aspect of the present invention may
used independent of each other. Additional examples include
replacing the resilient member 186 on the embodiment 250 with a
similarly sized and shaped rigid member, and/or replacing the strip
178 on the embodiment 100 with a sufficiently strong bar rigidly
secured to both the plate 176 and the hub 166.
[0075] On an exercise apparatus 300 comprising a frame 310 designed
to rest upon a floor surface; an arm-supporting member 370; and a
leg-supporting member 350, wherein at least one of the supporting
members is movably mounted on the frame, the present invention may
be described in terms of (a) linkage assembly for interconnecting
the leg-supporting member 350 and the arm-supporting member 370 in
such a manner that the path traversed by the user's hand is
synchronized relative to the path traversed by the user's foot,
until a threshold amount of user force is applied against the
arm-supporting member, in which case, the hand path may deviate
from its otherwise synchronized path relative to the foot path;
and/or (b) a linkage assembly for connecting the leg-supporting
member and the arm-supporting member in such a manner that the path
traversed by the user's hand is synchronized relative to the path
traversed by the user's foot and movable against a resistance force
which is measured and/or applied independent of the leg-supporting
member; and/or (c) a user interface for displaying the distribution
of work between a user's upper body and lower body.
[0076] The present invention also may be said to provide various
methods, which may be implemented in connection with various
exercise apparatuses including the foregoing examples. One such
method is to provide arm-supporting members and leg-supporting
members, which are both synchronized and subject to independent
resistance. Another such method is to provide arm-supporting
members and leg-supporting members, which are both encouraged to
remain synchronized and selectively movable relative to one
another. Yet another method is to move a person's hands and feet
through respective paths which are synchronized relative to one
another, while allowing deviation from the synchronized path in
response to user applied force and/or providing separate resistance
to movement along the respective paths. Yet another method is to
measure and/or display work performed separately by a person's
upper body and lower body.
[0077] FIG. 9 shows an exercise apparatus 420 using a cam and
roller arrangement in lieu of a rocker link to constrain a portion
of each connector link to move in reciprocal fashion relative to a
frame to the extent that it essentially switches the relative
locations of the crank joint and the roller on each connector
link.
[0078] Exercise apparatus 420 may be generally described in terms a
frame 436 designed to occupy a fixed position relative to a floor
surface; left and right cranks 434 rotatably mounted on the frame
436; at least one bearing surface 440 mounted on the frame 436; and
left and right connector links 432 having lower distal ends which
are connected to respective leg-supporting members 447,
intermediate portions which are rotatably connected to radially
offset portions of respective cranks 434, and upper distal ends
which are rotatably connected to respective rollers 442 that bear
against the bearing surface 440. The resulting linkage assembly
links rotation of the cranks 434 to generally elliptical movement
of the leg-supporting members 447. The "stroke length" of each
foot-supporting member 447 is its dimension in a generally
horizontal direction.
[0079] The bearing surface 440 has a first support portion, which
is rotatably connected to the frame 436, and a second support
portion, which is rotatably connected to an end of an actuator 425.
An opposite end of the actuator 450 is rotatably connected to the
frame 436. A display 430 provides information to a user of exercise
apparatus 420 and sends control signals to the actuator 425 to
adjust its dimensions. When the bearing surface 440 occupies the
position shown in solid lines in FIG. 9, the leg-supporting members
447 move through the path designated as P29. When the bearing
surface 440 occupies the position shown in dashed lines, the
leg-supporting members 447 move through the path designated as
P29'. The bearing surface 440 could be replaced by a more
complicated structural member disposed about the roller and
configured to constrain same to travel in either true reciprocating
fashion or along a closed curve path.
[0080] FIG. 10 shows an exercise apparatus 900 having a frame 910
including a base 912 designed to rest upon a floor surface, and a
stanchion 914 extending upward from an end of the base 912. Left
and right cranks 920 are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the
stanchion 914 and rotate about a common crank axis relative
thereto. The cranks 920 may be flywheels or crank arms, which are
optionally connected to a flywheel, either directly or in
"stepped-up" fashion.
[0081] On each side of exercise apparatus 900, a first end of a
connector link 930 is rotatably connected to a respective crank 920
(by means of a pin joint). A slot 934 is provided along an
intermediate portion of each connector link 934 to receive a
bearing member 940. The bearing members 940 are mounted on a common
bracket 944, which is rigidly secured in any of several locations
along the stanchion 914. More specifically, at least one fastener
949 extends through the bracket 944 and into a slot 919 in the
forward stanchion 914. The fasteners 949 selectively lock and
unlock the bracket 944 in place relative to the stanchion 914 to
facilitate adjustment of the former relative to the latter.
[0082] Left and right leg-supporting members 950 have first ends,
which are rotatably connected to second, opposite ends of
respective connector links 930 (by means of pin joints). Left and
right rollers 959 are rotatably connected to second, opposite ends
of respective leg-supporting links 950, and the rollers 959 travel
along at least one underlying surface on the base 912 (or the
floor). An intermediate portion of each leg-supporting member 950
is sized and configured to support a respective foot of a standing
person.
[0083] The arrangement of linkage assembly components is such that
rotation of the cranks 920 is linked to generally elliptical
movement of the intermediate portions of the leg-supporting
members. When the bracket 944 occupies the position shown in solid
lines in FIG. 10, a person's foot moves through the path designated
as P10. When the bracket 944 occupies the position shown in dashed
lines in FIG. 10, a person's foot moves through the path designated
as P 10'. Among other things, a powered actuator such as, for
example actuator 425 of FIG. 9, could be substituted for the
fasteners 949 to facilitate adjustments to the path configuration
during exercise and/or in response to a control signal.
[0084] FIG. 11 depicts yet another exercise apparatus 2240 that can
be adapted to employ the present invention, the exercise apparatus
including a frame 2241 having a base 2242 designed to occupy a
fixed position relative to a floor surface, and a stanchion 2243
extending upward from an end of the base 2242. Left and right
connector links 2244 have (a) first ends rotatably connected to
respective cranks 2245, which in turn, are rotatably mounted on
opposite sides of the stanchion 2243; (b) intermediate portions
rotatably connected to respective rocker links 2246, which in turn,
are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the stanchion 2243;
and (c) second, opposite ends rotatably connected to forward ends
of respective leg-supporting members 2247. Arm-supporting members
2255 are sized and configured for grasping by the user. An
opposite, rearward end 2249 of each leg-supporting member 2247 is
sized and configured to support a respective foot of a standing
person. An intermediate portion of each leg-supporting member 2247
is rotatably connected to a lower end of a respective rocker link
2250. The rocker link 2250 and arm-supporting member 2255 are
rotatably coupled to stanchion 2243 and to one another through a
hub assembly 2265 similar to the hub assembly (116, 166, 168, 178,
180 186, 188, 189) of FIGS. 1 and 2 containing a strain gauge for
monitoring user forces applied to arm-supporting member 2255.
[0085] The leg-supporting members 2247 extend substantially
parallel to an underlying floor surface, and the connector links
2244 and rocker links 2250 extend substantially perpendicular to
the underlying floor surface. The resulting linkage assembly links
rotation of the cranks 2245 to generally elliptical movement of the
leg-supporting members 2249 through the path designated as P41. The
pivot axes of the rocker links 2246 and/or the rocker links 2250
may be adjusted relative to the frame 2241 to change the path of
exercise motion. On exercise apparatus 2240, for example, each
rocker link is rotatably connected to a respective bracket 2256 or
2258, which in turn, is movable horizontally relative to the
stanchion 2243. Slots in the brackets 2256 and 2258 provide the
necessary degree of freedom, and fasteners 2257 and 2259 releasably
lock the respective brackets 2256 and 2258 in place.
[0086] A user interface 2266, similar to user interface 190 of FIG.
2, mounted on stanchion 2243, receives the force-indicating signal
produced by the strain gauge in hub 2265. Among other things,
powered actuators, for example similar to actuator 425 of FIG. 9,
could be substituted for the fasteners 2257 and 2259 to facilitate
adjustments to the path configuration during exercise and/or in
response to control signals from controller 2266. User interface
2266 may also be configured to perform functions allowing the user
to (a) select or change the information being viewed, (b) select or
change an exercise program, (c) adjust the resistance to exercise
of the arms and/or the legs, (d) adjust the stroke length of the
arms and/or the legs, (e) adjust the orientation of the exercise
motion (if available), and/or (f) quickly stop the exercise motion
of the arms and/or the legs (if available).
[0087] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various
functions of exercise apparatus 2240 may be controlled by and/or
performed in response to various types of signals, including (a)
the user pushing a button on the user interface 2266 or on either
arm-supporting member 2255; (b) a sensor detecting the presence or
absence of the user's hands on arm-supporting members 2255; (c) a
sensor detecting the user's level of exertion (user exerted force
and/or heart rate, for example) for comparison to a target level or
range; (d) an automated program; and/or (e) a person other than the
user (such as a trainer) who is in communication with the exercise
apparatus (via remote control and/or the internet, for
example).
[0088] Another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to employ the
present invention is designated as 615 in FIG. 12. Exercise
apparatus 615 has a frame 620 which includes a base 622 designed to
rest upon a floor surface. A seat 624 and a back support 626 are
secured to a rearward end of the base 622 to support a user. A
stanchion 628 is secured to an opposite, forward end of the base
622 to support a linkage assembly. A user sits in the seat 624 and
places individual feet on respective foot receiving elements 642.
The user exercises by pushing against the foot receiving elements
642 in alternating fashion. The foot receiving members 642 move
through generally elliptical paths of motion as a flywheel 634
rotates.
[0089] The linkage assembly includes a camshaft 630 which is
rotatably mounted on the stanchion 628 by means of bearing
assemblies 636. The flywheel 634 shares an axis of rotation Z5 with
the camshaft 630 and rotates together therewith relative to the
frame 620. On each side of exercise apparatus 615, a first link 640
has an upper end which is rotatably mounted on an eccentric portion
of the camshaft 630. The link 640 rotates about an axis relative to
the eccentric portion, which in turn, rotates about the camshaft
axis Z5. The eccentric portion on the right side of exercise
apparatus 615 is diametrically opposite the eccentric portion on
the left side of exercise apparatus 615. A foot receiving element
642 is pivotally mounted on an opposite, lower end of each first
link 640. Each foot receiving element 642 is movable through a
limited range of motion relative to a respective first link
640.
[0090] On each side of exercise apparatus 615, two second links 650
have first ends rotatably connected to a respective first link 640,
beneath the camshaft 630 and proximate same, and second, opposite
ends rotatably connected to the stanchion 628. As a result, the
second links 650 rotate about respective axes B5 relative to
respective first links 640 and about a common axis C5 relative to
the frame 620. Thus, the second links 650 may be described as
"rocker links" and/or as means for constraining respective axes B5
to move in reciprocating fashion.
[0091] Another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to employ the
present invention is designated as 315 in FIG. 13. Exercise
apparatus 315 has a frame (not shown) and a seat 324 and a back
support 326 which are secured to the frame. A linkage assembly is
connected to the frame generally beneath the seat 324. A user sits
in the seat 324 and places his hands on opposite sides of a hand
receiving element 372. The user exercises by moving the hand
receiving member 372 through generally elliptical paths of motion
as a flywheel 334 rotates.
[0092] The linkage assembly includes a camshaft 330 having an
eccentric portion 332. The flywheel 334 shares an axis of rotation
with the camshaft 330 and rotates together therewith relative to
the frame. A first link 340 has a lower end which is rotatably
mounted on the eccentric portion 332 of the camshaft 330. The link
340 rotates about an axis relative to the eccentric portion 332,
which in turn, rotates about the camshaft axis. The hand receiving
element 372 is mounted on an opposite, upper end of the first link
340.
[0093] A second link 351 has a first end rotatably connected to the
first link 340 above the camshaft 330 and proximate same. As a
result, the second link 351 rotates about an axis B6 relative to
the first link 340. The second link 351 has a second, opposite end
rotatably connected to the frame and thus, also rotates about an
axis C6 relative to the frame. The second link 351 may be described
as a "rocker link" and/or as a means for constraining the axis B6
to move in reciprocating fashion.
[0094] Exercise apparatus 315 provides an optional means for
adjusting the length of the exercise stroke or path of motion. In
particular, the rocker link 351 may be connected to a different
point along the first link 340, as suggested by the dashed line
depiction thereof in FIG. 13. The hand receiving member 372 moves
through a path P when the rocker link 351 defines the axis B6, and
the hand receiving member 372 moves through a smaller path P' when
the rocker link 351 defines the axis B6'.
[0095] An optional resistance device 380 (which could be a linear
damper or a fluid shock absorber, for example) is shown on exercise
apparatus 315. A first end of the resistance device 380 is
rotatably connected to the first link 340 and cooperates therewith
to define an axis of rotation G. A second, opposite end of the
resistance device 380 is rotatably connected to the frame and
cooperates therewith to define an axis of rotation H. The
resistance device may be configured to provide adjustable
resistance and/or resistance in only one direction. Moreover, other
resistance devices could be added to or substituted for the damper
arrangement. For example, a spring may be disposed between the
first link 340 and the frame to resist movement of the first link
340 away from the back support 326.
[0096] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the resistance
device 380 and/or the adjustable rocker link 351 may be used on
other embodiments of the present invention, as well, and
conversely, that features of the other embodiments could be
included on exercise apparatus 315. For example, exercise apparatus
315 could be modified to have reciprocating right and left hand
receiving members (and/or foot receiving members) similar in
operation to the foot receiving members of the embodiment 615.
[0097] An exercise apparatus constructed according to the
principles of the present invention is designated as 15 in FIGS.
14-16. Exercise apparatus 15 has a frame 20 which includes a base
22 designed to rest upon a floor surface. A seat 24 and a back
support 26 are secured to a rearward end of the base 22 to support
a user. A stanchion 28 is secured to an opposite, forward end of
the base 22 to support a linkage assembly. A user sits in the seat
24 and places both feet on a foot receiving element 42 and both
hands on a hand receiving element 72. The user exercises by
alternatively pushing against the foot receiving element 42 and the
hand receiving element 72.
[0098] The linkage assembly includes a camshaft 30 which is
rotatably mounted on the stanchion 28. A flywheel 34 is mounted on
the camshaft 30 and rotates together therewith about an axis Z
relative to the frame 20. A first link 40 has an upper end which is
rotatably mounted on an eccentric portion 32 of the camshaft 30.
The link 40 rotates about an axis A relative to the eccentric
portion 32, and the axis A, in turn, rotates about the axis Z. The
foot receiving element 42 is mounted on an opposite, lower end of
the first link 40.
[0099] A second link 50 has a first end rotatably connected to the
first link 40 by means of a pin 18. As a result, the second link 50
rotates about an axis B relative to the first link 40. The axis B
may be described as proximate the upper end of the first link 40.
The second link 50 has a second, opposite end rotatably connected
to the frame 20 at axially extending shoulder portion 27. As a
result, the second link 50 also rotates about an axis C relative to
the frame 20. The second link 50 may be described as a "rocker
link" and/or as a means for constraining the axis B to move in
reciprocating fashion.
[0100] Third links 60 have first ends rotatably connected to
opposite sides of the first link 40 by means of a pin 18. As a
result, the third links 60 rotate about an axis D relative to the
first link 40. The axis D may be described as proximate the upper
end of the first link 40, and/or the axis B may be described as
intermediate the axis D and the axis A. The third links 60 have
second, opposite ends rotatably connected to an end of a fourth
link 70. As a result, the third links 60 also rotate about an axis
E relative to the fourth link 70.
[0101] The fourth link 70 has an intermediate portion rotatably
connected to the frame 20 at axially extending shoulder portion 29.
As a result, the fourth link 70 rotates about an axis F relative to
the frame 20. The hand receiving member 72 is mounted on an end of
the fourth link 70 opposite the axis E. The fourth link 70 may be
described as generally L-shaped with the axis F disposed at the
vertex (and between the axis E and the hand receiving member
72).
[0102] As shown in FIG. 15, rotation of the flywheel 34 is linked
to movement of the foot receiving member 42 through a generally
elliptical path of motion P, and movement of the hand receiving
member 72 through an arcuate path of motion Q. For example: (i)
when the eccentric axis A is at seven o'clock relative to the
camshaft axis Z, the foot receiving member 42 and the hand
receiving member 72 occupy the positions shown in solid lines; (ii)
when the eccentric axis is at the ten o'clock orientation
(designated as Aa), the foot receiving member and the hand
receiving member occupy the positions designated as 42a and 72a
(and the user is likely to begin pushing against the hand receiving
element); (iii) when the eccentric axis is at the one o'clock
orientation (designated as Ab), the foot receiving member and the
hand receiving member occupy the positions designated as 42b and
72b; and (iv) when the eccentric axis is at the four o'clock
orientation (designated as Ac), the foot receiving member and the
hand receiving member occupy the positions designated as 42c and
72c (and the user is likely to begin pushing against the foot
receiving element). On the embodiment 15, the rocker link 50
oscillates through a range of approximately seven and one-half
degrees during a complete exercise cycle, and the crank radius
defined between the axis Z and the axis A is approximately one-half
of an inch.
[0103] The flywheel 34 adds inertia to the linkage assembly, so
that the user need not continuously push against the appropriate
force receiving member. On the other hand, the user may
continuously exercise his upper body by pushing and pulling against
the hand receiving member 72 at the appropriate times. Also, toe
loops or straps may be provided on the foot receiving member 42 to
allow the user to push and pull against same and thereby
continuously exercise his lower body.
[0104] Another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to employ the
present invention is designated as 115 in FIG. 17. Exercise
apparatus 115 has a frame 121 which includes a base 123 designed to
rest upon a floor surface. A seat 124 and a back support 127 are
secured to a rearward end of the base 123 to support a user. A
stanchion 129 is secured to an opposite, forward end of the base
123 to support a linkage assembly. A user sits in the seat 125 and
places both feet on a foot receiving element 142 and both hands on
a hand receiving element 172. The user may exercise by
alternatively pushing against the foot receiving element 142 and
the hand receiving element 172.
[0105] The linkage assembly includes a camshaft (like that on
exercise apparatus 15) which is rotatably mounted on the stanchion
125. A flywheel 134 is mounted on the camshaft and rotates together
therewith about a camshaft axis relative to the frame 121. A first
link 141 has an upper portion which is rotatably mounted on an
eccentric portion of the camshaft. The link 141 rotates about an
axis A4, which in turn, rotates about the camshaft axis. The foot
receiving element 142 is mounted on a lower distal end of the first
link 141.
[0106] A second link 151 has a first end rotatably connected to an
upper distal end of the first link 141. As a result, the second
link 151 rotates about an axis B4 relative to the first link 141.
The axis B4 may be described as disposed above the axis A4. The
second link 151 has a second, opposite end rotatably connected to
the frame 121 at axially extending shoulder portion on the
stanchion 129. As a result, the second link 151 also rotates about
an axis C4 relative to the frame 121. The second link 151 may be
described as a "rocker link" and/or as a means for constraining the
axis B4 to move in reciprocating fashion.
[0107] Third links 161 have first ends rotatably connected to
opposite sides of the first link 141. As a result, the third links
161 rotate about an axis D4 relative to the first link 14'. The
axis D4 may be described as proximate the lower end of the first
link 141 and/or intermediate the axis A4 and the foot receiving
member 142. The third links 161 have second, opposite ends
rotatably connected to an end of a linear fourth link 171. As a
result, the third links 161 also rotate about an axis E4 relative
to the fourth link 171.
[0108] The fourth link 171 has an intermediate portion rotatably
connected to the frame 121 at axially extending shoulder portion on
the stanchion 129. As a result, the fourth link 171 rotates about
an axis F4 relative to the frame 121. The hand receiving member 172
is mounted on an end of the fourth link 171 opposite the axis
E4.
[0109] Like on exercise apparatus 15, rotation of the flywheel 135
is linked to movement of the foot receiving member 142 through a
generally elliptical path of motion, and movement of the hand
receiving member 172 through an arcuate path of motion. The rocker
link 151 is disposed above the camshaft axis in the second
embodiment 115, and the motions are comparable (though generally
inverse) to those on the first embodiment 15 (where the rocker link
50 is disposed beneath the camshaft axis Z). The exercise path
provided by either embodiment may be varied by rotating the rocker
axis (C or C4) about the camshaft axis (so that the rocker link 50
or 151 is no longer horizontal).
[0110] Another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to employ the
present invention is designated as 415 in FIGS. 18-19. Exercise
apparatus 415 has a frame 420 which supports a linkage assembly. As
in the foregoing exercise apparatus, the linkage assembly links
rotation of a flywheel 434 to generally elliptical movement of a
force receiving member 442.
[0111] The linkage assembly includes a camshaft 430 which is
rotatably mounted on the frame 420 by means of bearing assemblies
436. A relatively large diameter sprocket 493 is mounted on the
camshaft 430 and rotates together therewith about a camshaft axis
relative to the frame 420. A first link 440 has an upper portion
which is rotatably mounted on an eccentric portion 432 of the
camshaft 430. This step in the assembly process may be performed by
separating the first link 440 into two discrete parts along the
line shown intersecting the eccentric portion 432 in FIG. 18. The
link 440 rotates about a discrete axis relative to the eccentric
portion 432, which in turn, rotates about the camshaft axis. The
foot receiving element 442 is mounted on an opposite, lower end of
the first link 440. A hole 447 is formed through the first link 440
to receive an optional hand receiving element with or without
intermediate linkage components (like those on exercise apparatus
15).
[0112] The sprocket 493 is connected to a relatively small diameter
sprocket 492 by means of a continuous belt 499. The sprocket 492
rotates together with the flywheel 434 relative to the frame 420.
The flywheel shaft 490 is rotatably mounted to the frame 420 by
means of bearing assemblies 496. Those skilled in the art will
recognize this arrangement as a "stepped up" flywheel assembly
which adds inertia to the system.
[0113] A bearing member 450 projects laterally outward from
opposite sides of the first link 440 and into grooves 425 provided
in opposing portions of the frame 420. The bearing member 450
travels along the grooves 425 during rotation of the camshaft 430
and limits movement of the first link 440 relative to the frame 420
accordingly. The bearing member 450 may be provided with a
non-circular or "cammed" profile, and/or the grooves 425 may be
provided with non-linear or "cammed" profiles, in order to impose
desired characteristics on the motion of the first link 440. A slot
429 in the frame 420 provides clearance for the link 440 as it
cycles.
[0114] Another exercise apparatus that may be adapted to implement
the principles of the present invention is designated as 800 in
FIG. 20. Exercise apparatus 800 generally includes a linkage
assembly 801 which moves relative to a frame 810 in a manner that
links rotation of a crank 820 to generally elliptical motion of a
force receiving member 850. The term "elliptical motion" is
intended in a broad sense to describe a closed path of motion
having a relatively longer first axis and a relatively shorter
second axis (which is perpendicular to the first axis).
[0115] The frame 810 generally includes a base 812 which extends
from a forward end 813 to a rearward end 814. A relatively forward
transverse support 815 and a relatively rearward transverse support
816 cooperate to stabilize exercise apparatus 800 relative to a
horizontal floor surface. A first stanchion or upright support 817
extends upward from the base 812 proximate its forward end 813. A
second stanchion or upright support 818 extends upward from the
base 812 proximate its rearward end 814.
[0116] Exercise apparatus 800 is generally symmetrical about a
vertical plane extending lengthwise through the base 812
(perpendicular to the transverse ends 815 and 816 thereof), the
primary exception being the diametrically opposed linkage assembly
components on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry. Like
reference numerals are used to designate both the "right-hand"
parts and the "left-hand" parts on exercise apparatus 800, and when
reference is made to one or more parts on only one side of the
exercise apparatus, it is to be understood that corresponding
part(s) are disposed on the opposite side. Those skilled in the art
will also recognize that the portions of the frame 810 which are
intersected by the plane of symmetry exist individually and thus,
do not have any "opposite side" counterparts.
[0117] The linkage assembly 801 generally includes left and right
cranks 820, left and right first links 830, left and right second
links or rocker links 840, left and right third links or foot
supporting links 850, and left and right fourth links or rocker
links 860. On each side of exercise apparatus 800, a crank 820 is
rotatably mounted to the rear stanchion 818 via a common shaft. In
exercise apparatus 800, each crank 820 is a flywheel which is
rigidly secured to the crank shaft, so that each crank 820 rotates
together with the crank shaft relative to the frame 810. The
flywheels 820 add inertia to the linkage assembly 801, and a drag
strap or other known device may be connected to at least one of the
flywheels 820 to provide an element of resistance.
[0118] An upper distal end 832 of each first link 830 is rotatably
connected to a respective crank 820. As a result of this
arrangement, the first link 830 is rotatable relative to the crank
820 and thereby defines an axis of rotation which, in turn, is
rotatable about the crank shaft or crank axis. Each first link 830
has an intermediate portion 834 which is rotatably connected to a
respective second link 840. Each first link 830 has an opposite,
second distal portion 835 which is rotatably connected to a
rearward end of a respective third link 850.
[0119] Each second link 840 is rotatably interconnected between the
stanchion 818 and a respective first link 830 and may be described
as a rocker link. As part of an optional adjustment feature, each
second link 840 may be secured in any of a plurality of positions
along the intermediate portion 834 of a respective first link 830.
In particular, a fastener is inserted through any of several holes
in the first link 830 and an aligned hole in the second link 840.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that various known
fasteners, such as a snap button or a detent pin, may be used to
make the adjustable connection. As a result of the interconnection
between the first link 830 and the second link 840, the first link
830 pivots relative to the second link 840 and thereby defines an
axis of rotation which, in turn, pivots relative to the stanchion
818. In other words, the intermediate portion 834 of the first link
830 is constrained to move in reciprocating fashion relative to the
stanchion 818.
[0120] Each third link 850 is rotatably interconnected between a
respective first link 830 and a respective fourth link 860. Since
the first links 830 are linear in exercise apparatus 800, the three
rotational axes associated therewith lie within a single plane
(which extends perpendicular to the drawing sheet of FIG. 20). Each
third link 850 has an intermediate portion 855 which is sized and
configured to support a person's foot. In this regard, each third
link 850 may be described as a force receiving means and/or a foot
supporting member. Each third link 850 has an opposite, forward end
856 which is rotatably connected to a lower end 865 of a respective
fourth link 860.
[0121] An intermediate portion 867 of each fourth link 860 is
rotatably connected to the forward stanchion 817. As a result of
this arrangement, each third link 850 pivots relative to a
respective fourth link 860 and thereby defines an axis of rotation
which, in turn, pivots relative to the frame 810. In other words,
each fourth link 860 is rotatably interconnected between a
respective third link 850 and the frame 810 and may be described as
a rocker link and/or as a means for constraining the forward end
856 of the third link 850 to move in reciprocating fashion relative
to the frame 810. An opposite, upper end 866 of each fourth link
860 is sized and configured for grasping by a person standing on
the foot supports 855. In this regard, each fourth link 860 may be
described as a force receiving means and/or a hand supporting
member.
[0122] To use exercise apparatus 800, a person stands with a
respective foot on each of the foot supports 855 and begins moving
his or her feet in striding fashion. The linkage assembly 801
constrains the person's feet to move through elliptical paths while
the cranks 820 rotate relative to the frame 810. The point of
interconnection between the first link 830 and the second link 840
may be moved along the length of the former in order to adjust the
foot path. The handles 866 move in reciprocal fashion during
rotation of the cranks 820, so that the person may exercise his or
her arms simply by grasping a respective handle 866 in each hand.
In the alternative, the person may simply balance during leg
exercise and/or steady himself or herself relative to a stationary
support (not shown) on the frame 810.
[0123] Exercise apparatus 800 may be modified in a number of ways
without departing from the scope of the present invention. For
example, the rocker links 860 could be replaced by rollers mounted
on the forward ends of the foot supporting links 850 and in rolling
contact with a ramp or tracks mounted on the frame. Furthermore,
the rearward stanchion 818 could be altered so that the axis
defined between the rockers 840 and the stanchion 818 would be
disposed behind the crank axis. Moreover, an upper portion of the
rear stanchion could be pivotally mounted to a lower portion
thereof and selectively moved relative thereto in order to adjust
the foot path. The cranks 820 could be replaced by crank arms and
"stepped-up" flywheel and/or supplemented with a drag strap or
other known resistance device to provide momentum and/or resistance
to exercise movement. Such exercise apparatus could also be
modified so that the rocker axis is oriented differently and/or
selectively movable relative to the crank axis.
[0124] Another exercise apparatus constructed according to the
principles of the present invention is designated as 1000 in FIGS.
21-22. Exercise apparatus 1000 generally includes a frame and a
linkage assembly which moves relative to the frame in a manner that
links rotation of left and right cranks to generally elliptical
motion of left and right force receiving members.
[0125] The linkage assembly may be described in terms of connector
links 1010 having three discrete connection points which may be
described as three vertices of a triangle. The connector links 1010
maintain fixed distances between the connection points but is not
necessarily triangular in shape. On exercise apparatus 1000, the
connector links 1010 have first connection points 1012 which are
rotatably connected to radially offset portions of respective
cranks 1020; second connection points 1013 which are rotatably
connected to distal ends of respective rocker links 1030; and third
connection points 1014 which are rotatably connected to respective
foot supporting members 1040. Opposite ends of the rocker links
1030 are rotatably connected to respective trunnions 1003 on the
frame.
[0126] A first portion of each connector link 1010 extends in
linear fashion between the first connection point 1012 and the
second connection point 1013, and a second portion of each
connector link 1010 extends in linear fashion between the first
connection point 1012 and the third connection point 1014. Each
connector link 1010 could be provided with a third portion which
extends in linear fashion between the second connection point 1013
and the via third connection point 1014 (in addition to or in lieu
of either other portion) without affecting the motion of the
linkage assembly. FIG. 22 shows the connection points 1012-1014 at
various points throughout an exercise cycle.
[0127] The cranks 1020 are keyed to a crank shaft 1021 together
with a relatively large diameter pulley 1022. A belt 1023 connects
the pulley 1022 to a relatively small diameter pulley 1024 which is
keyed to a remote shaft 1025. The foot supports 1040 move through
generally elliptical paths J, the crank shaft 1021 rotates at a
first speed, and the remote shaft 1025 rotates at a second,
relatively greater speed. The remote shaft 1025 is suitable for
linking movement of the foot supports 1040 to movement of arm
exercise members and/or rotation of a flywheel, which in turn, may
be acted upon by a drag strap or other known resistance device. In
the absence of one-way clutches or the like, the shafts 1021 and
1025 are free to rotate in either direction.
[0128] FIG. 23a shows a linkage assembly 1050 which is similar in
many respects to that on exercise apparatus 1000. A connector link
1051 and a crank 1052 are rotatably interconnected to define a
first connection point; the connector link 1051 and a rocker link
1053 are rotatably interconnected to define a second connection
point; and the connector link 1051 and a foot support are rotatably
interconnected to define a third connection point 1055. The T-shape
configuration of the connector link 1051 maintains the three
connection points in fixed relationship to one another.
[0129] A radially inward end of the crank 1052 is rotatably
connected to a first frame member 1058, and a radially-inward end
of the rocker link 1053 is rotatably connected to a second frame
member 1059. The resulting linkage assembly 1050 links rotation of
the crank 1052 to movement of the foot support through a path of
motion K. The axes associated with the frame members 1058 and 1059
define a line therebetween which is approximately perpendicular to
the major axis of the path K.
[0130] FIG. 23b shows a linkage assembly 1060 which is similar in
some respects to the previous assembly 1050. A connector link 1061
and a crank 1062 are rotatably interconnected to define a first
connection point; the connector link 1061 and a rocker link 1063
are rotatably interconnected to define a second connection point;
and the connector link 1061 and a foot support are rotatably
interconnected to define a third connection point 1065. The T-shape
configuration of the connector link 1061 maintains the three
connection points in fixed relationship to one another.
[0131] A radially inward end of the crank 1062 is rotatably
connected to a first frame member 1068, and a radially inward end
of the rocker link 1063 is rotatably connected to a second frame
member 1069. The resulting linkage assembly 1060 links rotation of
the crank 1062 to movement of the foot support through a path of
motion L. The axes associated with the frame members 1068 and 1069
define a line therebetween which is approximately parallel to the
major axis of the path L, and at least a portion of the connector
link 1061 remains between said axes throughout an exercise cycle.
Also, the arrangement and proportions of the linkage components
allow a person's hand to rotate with the crank while the person's
foot moves with the foot support.
[0132] FIG. 23c shows a linkage assembly 1070 which is similar in
some respects to the assemblies 1050 and 1060. A connector link
1071 and a crank 1072 are rotatably interconnected to define a
first connection point; the connector link 1071 and a rocker link
1073 are rotatably interconnected to define a second connection
point; and the connector link 1071 and a foot support are rotatably
interconnected to define a third connection point 1075. The T-shape
configuration of the connector link 1071 maintains the three
connection points in fixed relationship to one another.
[0133] A radially inward end of the crank 1072 is rotatably
connected to a first frame member 1078, and a radially inward end
of the rocker link 1073 is rotatably connected to a second frame
member 1079. The resulting linkage assembly 1070 links rotation of
the crank 1072 to movement of the foot support through a path of
motion M. The axes associated with the frame members 1078 and 1079
define a line therebetween which is approximately parallel to the
major axis of the path M.
[0134] FIG. 23d shows a linkage assembly 1080 which is similar in
some respects to the previous assembly 1070. A connector link 1081
and a crank 1082 are rotatably interconnected to define a first
connection point; the connector link 1081 and a rocker link 1083
are rotatably interconnected to define a second connection point;
and the connector link 1081 and a foot support are rotatably
interconnected to define a third connection point 1085. The
substantially linear connector link 1081 maintains the three
connection points in fixed relationship to one another.
[0135] A radially inward end of the crank 1082 is rotatably
connected to a first frame member 1088, and a radially inward end
of the rocker link 1083 is rotatably connected to a second frame
member 1089. The resulting linkage assembly 1080 links rotation of
the crank 1082 to movement of the foot support through a path of
motion N. The axes associated with the frame members 1088 and 1089
define a line therebetween which is approximately parallel to the
major axis of the path N.
[0136] FIG. 23e shows a linkage assembly 1090 which is similar in
some respects to the previous assembly 1080. A connector link 1091
and a crank 1092 are rotatably interconnected to define a first
connection point; the connector link 1091 and a rocker link 1093
are rotatably interconnected to define a second connection point;
and the connector link 1091 and a foot support are rotatably
interconnected to define a third connection point 1095. The
substantially linear connector link 1091 maintains the three
connection points in fixed relationship to one another.
[0137] A radially inward end of the crank 1092 is rotatably
connected to a first frame member 1098, and a radially inward end
of the rocker link 1093 is rotatably connected to a second frame
member 1099. The resulting linkage assembly 1090 links rotation of
the crank 1092 to movement of the foot support through a path thy,
of motion M. The axes associated with the frame members 1098 and
1099 define a line therebetween which is approximately parallel to
the major axis of the path O.
[0138] FIG. 24 shows a "stand up" exercise apparatus 1100 having a
linkage assembly similar to that designated as 1050 in FIG. 23a.
The exercise apparatus frame includes a base 1102 designed to rest
upon a floor surface; a forward stanchion 1104 extending upward
from the base 1102; and fixed handle bars 1106 extending rearward
from an upper end of the stanchion 1104.
[0139] Crank arms 1120 are rotatably mounted relative to the frame
and operatively connected to a "stepped up" flywheel 1126. Radially
displaced ends of the crank arms 1120 are connected to respective
connector links 1110. The dashed lines designated as 1051' are
included in FIG. 24 to suggest an alternative connector link
configuration. Rocker links 1130 are movably interconnected between
the frame and respective connector links 1110. Foot supports 1140
are connected to respective connector links 1110.
[0140] Rotation of the crank arms 1120 is linked to reciprocal
pivoting of the rocker links 1130 and movement of the foot supports
1140 through generally elliptical paths of motion designated as
P14. The foot supports 1140 are preferably connected to the
connector links 1110 in a manner which allows rotation of the
former approximately nineteen degrees in either direction relative
to the latter. An alternative way to facilitate "leveling" of the
foot supports is to suspend them from the connector links 1110, so
that a user's weight tends to remain under center of the rotational
axis defined between the foot support and the connector link.
[0141] FIG. 25 shows another "stand up" exercise apparatus 1200
which is similar in many respects to exercise apparatus 1100.
Connector links 1210 have first portions connected to respective
crank arms 1220; second portions connected to respective rocker
links 1230; and third portions connected to respective foot
supports 1240. Rotation of the crank arms 1220 relative to the
frame 1201 is linked to reciprocal pivoting of the rocker links
1230 and movement of the foot supports 1240 through generally
elliptical paths of motion designated as P15.
[0142] The foot supports 1240 are maintained in level orientations
by means of guide linkages movably interconnected between the foot
supports 1240 and the frame 1201. Each guide linkage includes a
first pair of parallel bars 1251 rotatably interconnected between
the frame 1201 and a plate 1252, and a second pair of parallel bars
1253 rotatably interconnected between the plate 1252 and a
respective foot support 1240.
[0143] FIG. 26 shows another "stand up" exercise apparatus 1300
which is similar in many respects to exercise apparatus 1100 and
1200. The exercise apparatus frame includes a base 1302 designed to
rest upon a floor surface; a stanchion 1304 extending upward from
the base 1302; and fixed handle bars 1306 extending rearward from
an upper end of the stanchion 1304.
[0144] On each side of exercise apparatus 1300, first and second
connector links 1310a and 1310b have first portions connected to
respective first and second crank arms 1320a and 1320b; second
portions connected to respective first and second rocker links
1330a and 1330b; and third portions connected to a respective foot
support 1340. Rotation of the crank arms 1320a and 1320b relative
to the frame is linked to reciprocal pivoting of the rocker links
1330a and 1330b and movement of the foot supports 1340 through
generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P16. The rocker
links 1330 pivot through a range of approximately 36 degrees and
are within eleven degrees of their forwardmost orientation when a
respective foot platform 1340 reaches its apex. The foot supports
1340 are maintained in level orientations by means of the dual
linkage assemblies associated with each foot support 1340. At least
one of the crank arms 1320a and 1320b is operatively connected to a
"stepped up" flywheel 1326.
[0145] FIG. 27 shows a linkage assembly 1300' which is similar in
many respects to that on exercise apparatus 1300. On each side of
the assembly 1300', first and second connector links 1310a' and
1310b' have first portions connected to respective first and second
crank arms 1320a' and 1320b'; second portions connected to
respective first and second rocker links 1330a' and 1330b'; and
third portions connected to a respective foot support 1340.
Rotation of the crank arms 1320a' and 1320b' relative to the frame
is linked to reciprocal pivoting of the rocker links 1330a' and
1330b' and movement of the foot supports 1340 through generally
elliptical paths of motion designated as P17. Although the crank
arms 1320b' are not keyed to a common shaft, they are still
constrained to rotate in synchronous fashion.
[0146] FIG. 28 shows a linkage assembly 1400 which is similar in
some respects to the previous assembly 1300'. First and second
connector links 1410 have first portions connected to respective
first and second crank arms 1420; second portions connected to
respective first and second rocker links 1430; and third portions
connected to a foot support 1440. Rotation of the crank arms 1420
relative to the frame is linked to reciprocal pivoting of the
rocker links 1430 and movement of the foot support 1440 through a
generally elliptical path of motion designated as P18.
[0147] The foot support 1440 is maintained in a constant
orientation relative to the frame by offsetting the rotational axes
and connection points on one side of the assembly 1400 relative to
those on the other side of the assembly 1400. Although the crank
arms 1420 are not keyed to a common shaft, they are still
constrained to rotate in synchronous fashion.
[0148] The foot support 1440 is sized and configured to accommodate
both feet of a user seated and facing toward the foot support 1440,
and the linkage assembly 1400 is designed to provide a leg press
type exercise motion. A "stepped up" flywheel 1426 is connected to
a crank shaft 1425 to add inertia to the assembly 1400, and a
spring 1460 is disposed in compression between the frame and the
first portion of a connector link 1410 to bias the foot support
1440 toward the user. Similar springs could be used on other
exercise apparatuses in addition to or in lieu of a flywheel.
[0149] FIG. 29 shows another "sit down" exercise apparatus 1500
which includes a chair 1505 and a linkage assembly similar to that
shown in FIG. 23a. Connector links 1510 have first portions
connected to respective crank arms 1520; second portions connected
to respective rocker links 1530; and third portions connected to
respective foot supports at connection points 1515. A radially
inward end of each crank 1520 is rotatably connected to a first
frame member 1508, and a radially inward end of the rocker link
1530 is rotatably connected to a second frame member 1509. The
resulting linkage assembly links rotation of the crank arms 1520
relative to the frame to pivoting of the rocker links 1530 and
movement of the foot support connection points 1515 through
generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P19. The dashed
lines 1051'' suggest an alternative configuration for the connector
links 1510. On exercise apparatus like exercise apparatus 1500,
where the crank arms are keyed to a common shaft, a flywheel could
be substituted for the crank arms, and the connector links could be
rotatably connected directly to diametrically opposed points on the
flywheel.
[0150] FIG. 30 shows a "stand up" exercise apparatus 1600 having a
linkage assembly which is similar in many respects to that shown in
FIG. 23b. Connector links 1610 have first portions connected to
respective crank arms 1620; second portions connected to respective
rocker links 1630; and third portions connected to respective foot
supports 1640. A radially inward end of each crank 1620 is
rotatably connected to a first frame member 1608, and a radially
inward end of the rocker link 1630 is rotatably connected to a
second frame member 1609. The resulting linkage assembly links
rotation of the crank arms 1620 relative to the frame to pivoting
of the rocker links 1630 and movement of the foot supports 1640
through generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P20. The
foot supports 1640 are rigidly secured to the connector links 1610
and change orientations during the exercise cycle. The dashed lines
1061' suggest an alternative configuration for the connector links
1610.
[0151] FIG. 31 shows another "sit down" exercise apparatus 1700
which includes a chair 1705 and a linkage assembly similar to that
shown in FIG. 23b. Connector links 1710 have first portions
connected to respective crank arms 1720; second portions connected
to respective rocker links 1730; and third portions connected to
respective foot supports at connection points 1715. A radially
inward end of each crank 1720 is rotatably connected to a first
frame member 1708, and a radially inward end of the rocker link
1730 is rotatably connected to a second frame member 1709. The
resulting linkage assembly links rotation of the crank arms 1720
relative to the frame to pivoting of the rocker links 1730 and
movement of the foot support connection points 1715 through
generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P21a. The dashed
lines 1061'' suggest an alternative configuration for the connector
links 1710.
[0152] Optional fourth connection points 1717 are provided on the
connector links 1710 to receive handles and direct them through
generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P21b. In this
regard, the present invention may be seen to provide elliptical
motion exercise for both the lower body and the upper body. In a
preferred mode of operation, a person pulls against a handle when
it occupies a relatively low position along the path P21b, and a
person pushes against a foot support when it occupies a relatively
high position along the path P21a. In other words, the user may
pull with his left hand while pushing with his right leg and then
pull with his right hand while pushing with his left leg.
[0153] Handles may be connected to connector links on some of the
other exercise apparatuses, as well. For example, an exercise
apparatus with a single, relatively larger foot support (like that
shown in FIG. 28) could facilitate exercise wherein a person pulls
with both arms during a "lower" one-half of an exercise cycle and
subsequently pushes with both legs during an "upper" one-half of
the exercise cycle. Contrary to conventional rowing exercisers,
such an exercise apparatus exercises the upper body and lower body
at different times in the exercise cycle (approximately 180 degrees
out of phase) and maintains relatively continuous motion.
[0154] FIG. 32 shows a "stand up" exercise apparatus 1800 having a
linkage assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 23c. The exercise
apparatus frame includes a base 1802 designed to rest upon a floor
surface, and a stanchion 1804 extending upward from the base
1802.
[0155] On each side of exercise apparatus 1800, a connector link
1810 has a first portion connected to a respective crank arm 1820;
a second portion connected to a respective rocker link 1830; and a
third portion connected to a respective foot support 1840. Rotation
of the crank arms 1820 relative to the frame is linked to pivoting
of the rocker links 1830 and movement of the foot supports 1840
through generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P22. The
dashed lines 1071' suggest an alternative configuration for the
connector links 1810. The foot supports 1840 are suspended from the
connector links 1810 and therefore "self-leveling" relative to the
underlying ground surface.
[0156] Optional handles 1870 are rotatably mounted on the stanchion
1804 within reach of a person standing on the foot supports 1840.
Rotation of the handles 1870 is linked to rotation of the cranks
1820 to facilitate contemporaneous exercise of the lower body and
the upper body. An optional "stepped up" flywheel 1826 may be
operatively connected to the cranks 1820 to add inertia to the
linkage assembly.
[0157] FIG. 33 shows another "sit down" exercise apparatus 1900
which includes a chair 1905 and a linkage assembly similar to that
shown in 23c. Connector links 1910 have first portions connected to
respective crank arms 1920; second portions connected to respective
rocker links 1930; and third portions connected to respective foot
supports at connection points 1915. A radially inward end of each
crank 1920 is rotatably connected to a first frame member 1908, and
a radially inward end of the rocker link 1930 is rotatably
connected to a second frame member 1909. The resulting linkage
assembly links rotation of the crank arms 1920 relative to the
frame to pivoting of the rocker links 1930 and movement of the foot
support connection points 1915 through generally elliptical paths
of motion designated as P23. The dashed lines 1071'' suggest an
alternative configuration for the connector links 1910.
[0158] Optional handles may be connected to the crank arms 1920 (at
the first connection points on the connector links 1910 or at
discrete locations) to facilitate upper body exercise, as well as
lower body exercise. Adjustments may be made to exercise apparatus
1900 or other exercise apparatuses to optimize motion of the
handles and/or the foot supports relative to a seated user. For
example, the distance between the user and the linkage assembly may
be adjusted by moving the seat 1905 relative to the linkage
assembly (as suggested by the arrows 23A); the orientation of the
elliptical paths P23 relative to the user may be adjusted by
rotating the frame relative to the seat 1905 (as suggested by the
arrows 23B); and/or the configuration of the elliptical paths P23
may be adjusted by changing the distance between the frame members
1908 and 1909 (as suggested by the arrows 23C), and/or by changing
the length of one or more of the linkage assembly components (as
suggested by the arrows 23D). A common way to make adjustments of
this sort involves provision of at least one hole in a member on
one side of the adjustment; provision of multiple holes in a member
on the other side of the adjustment; and insertion a fastener
through an aligned pair of holes. For example, each rocker link
1930 might include first and second telescoping members which are
selectively fixed relative to one another by means of a detent
pin.
[0159] Additional methods may also be described with reference to
the foregoing exercise apparatus 1900. For example, the present
invention may be seen to provide various methods of exercise,
comprising the steps of interconnecting a crank between a first
frame member and a first connection point on a rigid link;
constraining a second connection point on the rigid link to move in
reciprocal fashion relative to a second frame member; connecting a
foot support to a third connection point on the rigid link; and
moving the resulting linkage assembly relative to a seat, rotating
the frame members relative to a seated user, changing the distance
between the frame members, and/or changing the length of one or
more linkage assembly components.
[0160] FIG. 34 shows another "sit down" exercise apparatus 1950
which includes a chair 1955 and a connector link 1960 having
connection points similar to those on the assembly shown in FIG.
23c but a dashed line representation 1991 more comparable to the
assembly shown in FIG. 23a. In any event, connector links 1960 have
first portions connected to respective crank arms 1970; second
portions connected to respective rocker links 1980; and third
portions connected to respective foot supports at connection points
1965. A radially inward end of each crank 1970 is rotatably
connected to a first frame member 1958, and a radially inward end
of the rocker link 1980 is rotatably connected to a second frame
member 1959. The resulting linkage assembly links rotation of the
crank arms 1970 relative to the frame to pivoting of the rocker
links 1980 and movement of the foot support connection points 1965
through generally elliptical paths of motion designated as P24.
Like on previously described exercise apparatuses, handles may be
connected to the crank arms 1970, and/or adjustments may be made to
the linkage assembly and/or its relationship to the chair 1955.
[0161] Yet another exercise apparatus constructed according to the
principles of the present invention is designated as 700 in FIGS.
35-36. Exercise apparatus 700 generally includes a linkage assembly
which moves relative to the frame 710 in a manner that links
rotation of crank(s) 720 to generally elliptical motion of force
receiving member(s) 741 or 744. The frame 710 includes a generally
U-shaped base 712 which rests upon a floor surface. A forward
stanchion 714 extends upward from the base 712 and supports the
crank(s) 720 and the linkage assembly.
[0162] Exercise apparatus 700 is generally symmetrical about a
vertical plane extending lengthwise through the frame 710, the only
exceptions being an inertia altering system 790 and the relative
orientation of certain parts of the linkage assembly on opposite
sides of the plane of symmetry. In exercise apparatus 700, the
"right-hand" components are one hundred and eighty degrees out of
phase relative to the "left-hand" components. However, like
reference numerals are used to designate both the "right-hand" and
"left-hand" parts on exercise apparatus 700, and when reference is
made to one or more parts on only one side of the exercise
apparatus, it is to be understood that corresponding part(s) are
disposed on the opposite side of exercise apparatus 700. Those
skilled in the art will also recognize that the portions of the
frame 710 which are intersected by the plane of symmetry, as well
as the components of the inertia system 790, exist individually and
thus, do not have any "opposite side" counterparts.
[0163] On each side of exercise apparatus 700, a crank 720 is
rotatably mounted to the stanchion 714 via a common shaft 724. In
particular, each crank 720 has a first end which is rigidly secured
to the crank shaft 724, so that each crank 720 rotates together
with the crank shaft 724 relative to the frame 710. Each crank 720
has a second, opposite end which rotates about an axis Aa (shown in
FIG. 36) and thereby defines a crank radius.
[0164] The inertia altering system 790 includes a relatively large
diameter pulley 791 which is rigidly secured to the crank shaft 724
and rotatable about the axis Aa. A closed loop or belt 792 connects
the large pulley 791 to a relatively small diameter pulley 793
which rotates (together with another large diameter pulley 794 and
a discrete shaft) relative to the frame 710. A second, longer belt
795 connects the second large pulley 794 to a second small diameter
pulley 796 which rotates (together with a flywheel 797 and another
discrete shaft) relative to the frame 710. The result is a
"stepped-up" flywheel 797 which rotates faster than the crank shaft
724 and the cranks 720. Other inertia altering devices, such as a
frictional drag strap, may be added to or substituted for the
flywheel arrangement to provide momentum and/or resistance to
exercise movement.
[0165] The opposite end of each crank 720 is rotatably connected to
an intermediate portion 742 of a respective main link 740. As a
result of this arrangement, the first link 740 is rotatable about
an axis Bb (shown in 36) relative to the crank 720. The axis Bb is
disposed at a fixed distance or crank radius from the axis Aa and
is rotatable about the axis Aa. In other words, the crank 720 may
be described as a means for constraining a portion 742 of the main
link 740 to rotate relative to the frame 710.
[0166] Each first link 740 has a relatively lower intermediate
portion 743 which is rotatably connected to an end of a respective
rocker link 730. An opposite end of each rocker link 730 is
rotatably connected to the stanchion 714 at axis Dd (shown in FIG.
36). As a result of this arrangement, the first link 740 is
rotatable about an axis Cc (shown in FIG. 36) relative to the
rocker link 730. The axis Cc is disposed at a fixed distance from
the axis Dd and is rotatable about the axis Dd. In other words, the
rocker link 730 may be described as a means for constraining a
portion 743 of the main link 740 to move in reciprocal fashion
relative to the frame 710.
[0167] Each first link 740 has an upper distal end 741 which is
sized and configured for grasping, and a lower distal end 744 which
is sized and configured to support a discrete foot of a standing
person. Both ends 741 and 744 are constrained to move through a
generally elliptical path of motion in response to rotation of the
cranks 720 and pivoting of the rocker links 730.
[0168] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional
embodiments, modifications, and/or applications involving exercise
apparatus 700. For example, the exercise motion could be adjusted
by providing telescoping cranks and/or rocker links with holes that
align to receive fasteners in more than one location, and/or by
adjusting the location of the rocker axis relative to the frame.
Moreover, the size, configuration, and/or arrangement of the
components of the foregoing embodiment 700 may be modified as a
matter of design choice.
[0169] A variation of exercise apparatus 700 is designated as 750
in FIG. 37. Exercise apparatus 750 uses a roller arrangement in
lieu of a rocker link to constrain a portion of each connector link
to move in reciprocal fashion relative to a frame.
[0170] Exercise apparatus 750 may be generally described in terms a
frame 751 designed to occupy a fixed position relative to a floor
surface; left and right cranks 752 rotatably mounted on the frame
751; a ramp 755 mounted on the frame 751; and left and right
connector links 753 having upper distal ends 758 which are sized
and configured for grasping, relatively higher intermediate
portions which are rotatably connected to radially offset portions
of respective cranks 752, relatively lower intermediate portions
which support respective rollers 754 that bear against the ramp
755, and lower distal ends which are connected to respective foot
supporting members 756. The resulting linkage assembly links
rotation of the cranks 752 to generally elliptical movement of the
foot supporting members 756 and the handles 758 through respective
paths P27a and P27b. The ramp 755 may be modified to be selectively
movable relative to the frame 751 in order to provide different
paths of exercise motion.
[0171] Another variation of the foregoing exercise apparatus 700 is
designated as 760 in FIG. 38. Exercise apparatus 760 essentially
switches the relative locations of the crank joint and the rocker
joint on each connector link.
[0172] Exercise apparatus 760 may be generally described in terms a
frame 761 designed to rest upon a floor surface; left and right
cranks 762 rotatably mounted on the frame 761; left and right
rocker links 763 rotatably connected to the frame 761; and left and
right connector links 764 having lower distal end which are
connected to respective foot supporting members 765, relatively
lower intermediate portions which are rotatably connected to
radially offset portions of respective cranks 762, relatively
higher intermediate portions which are rotatably connected to
distal ends of respective rocker links 763, and upper distal ends
766 which are sized and configured for grasping. The resulting
linkage assembly links rotation of the cranks 762 to pivoting of
the rocker links 763 and generally elliptical movement of the foot
supporting members 765 and the handles 766.
[0173] Still another exercise apparatus constructed according to
the principles of the present invention is designated as 515 in
FIGS. 39-40. Exercise apparatus 515 generally includes a frame 520
and a linkage assembly movably mounted on the frame 520. Generally
speaking, the linkage assembly moves relative to the frame 520 in a
manner that links rotation of cranks 532 to generally elliptical
motion of foot supporting, force receiving members 542.
[0174] The frame 520 includes a base 522 and a forward stanchion
528. The base 522 may be described as generally I-shaped and is
designed to rest upon a horizontal floor surface. Exercise
apparatus 515 is generally symmetrical about a vertical plane
extending lengthwise through the base 522 (perpendicular to the
transverse members at each end thereof), the only exceptions being
components of a resistance assembly and the relative orientation of
certain parts of the linkage assembly on opposite sides of the
plane of symmetry. In exercise apparatus 515, the "right-hand"
components are one hundred and eighty degrees out of phase relative
to the "left-hand" components. However, like reference numerals are
used to designate both the "right-hand" and "left-hand" parts on
exercise apparatus 515, and when reference is made to one or more
parts on only one side of exercise apparatus, it is to be
understood that corresponding part(s) are disposed on the opposite
side of exercise apparatus 515. Those skilled in the art will also
recognize that the portions of the frame 515 which are intersected
by the plane of symmetry exist individually and thus, do not have
any "opposite side" counterparts.
[0175] The forward stanchion 528 may be described as an inverted
y-shape which extends upward and rearward from the base 522 and
supports a user accessible display 588. The display 588 is suitable
for providing exercise information and/or facilitating adjustments
to exercise constraints.
[0176] Crank arms 532 are rotatably mounted to the forward
stanchion 528 by means known in the art and rotate about a crank
axis ZZ. A flywheel 534 is also rotatably mounted to the forward
stanchion 528 by means known in the art and rotates about a
discrete flywheel axis. The crank arms 532 are connected to the
flywheel 534 by means known in the art to provide a "stepped up"
flywheel arrangement. In particular, a belt 599 is formed into a
closed loop about a relatively large diameter pulley 593 secured to
the crank shaft and a relative small diameter pulley secured to the
flywheel shaft. As a result of this arrangement, the members 532
and 534 rotate together, but the latter rotates faster than the
former.
[0177] Those skilled in the art will recognize that other known
types of inertia altering mechanisms may be added to or substituted
for the stepped up flywheel arrangement. For example, a drag strap
or brake assembly may be provided to selectively impede rotation of
the flywheel 534 and/or the crank 532. Moreover, exercise apparatus
515 could be built so that friction forces acting on the joints
provide sufficient resistance to exercise movement. Those skilled
in the art will also recognize that a housing or shroud may be
disposed over the stepped-up crank and flywheel assembly.
[0178] First rigid links 540 are movably interconnected between the
frame 520 and respective cranks 532. In particular, each link 540
has a first end or distal portion 541 which is rotatably connected
to a respective crank arm 532. Each link 540 and crank arm 532
combination defines a rotational axis AA which is disposed a radial
distance away from the crank axis ZZ.
[0179] Each first link 540 has an intermediate portion which is
rotatably connected to a lower end 564 of a respective rocker link
560. A bracket 544 is rigidly secured to the intermediate portion
of each first link 540, and several holes 546 are formed through
the bracket 544. A detent pin 566 or other suitable fastener is
inserted through a particular hole 546 and through an aligned
bearing assembly on the lower end 564 of the rocker link 560 to
rotatably interconnect the two links 560 and 540. In other words,
each first link 540 and rocker link 560 combination defines a
rotational axis BB which is adjustable relative to the former.
[0180] In an alternative exercise apparatus, the intermediate
portion of each link 540 is rotatably connected to a respective
bearing member that rocks back and forth along an underlying
bearing surface. In another alternative exercise apparatus, the
intermediate portion of each link 540 is rotatably connected to a
respective bearing member that travels along a rail on the frame.
In each case, the rotational axes defined between the links 540 and
the bearing members travel in a straight line, as opposed to a
relatively large radius arc on the depicted exercise apparatus
515.
[0181] Each first link 540 has an opposite, second end or distal
portion which is sized and configured to support a discrete foot of
a standing person. In particular, a foot platform 542 is rigidly
secured to the second end of each first link 540. The bracket 544
is disposed proximate the foot platform 542 and conceals a bend in
the first link 540 which places the two distal portions at an
obtuse angle relative to one another.
[0182] Each rocker link 560 has an intermediate portion 568 which
is rotatably connected to the forward stanchion 528. As a result,
the rocker links 560 rotate about an axis CC relative to the frame
520. Each rocker link 560 has an opposite, distal portion or upper
end 569 which is sized and configured for grasping by a person
standing on the foot platforms 542.
[0183] Movement of either foot platform 542 causes rotation of the
cranks 532 and reciprocal movement of the rockers 560. The
arrangement of parts is such that the foot platforms 542 are
constrained to travel through substantially elliptical paths. In
other words, the links 540 and 560 may be described as a linking
means, movably interconnected between the frame 520 and the cranks
532, for linking rotation of the cranks 532 to elliptical movement
of the foot supports 542 and/or for linking rotation of the cranks
532 to reciprocal movement of the handles 569.
[0184] An optional feature of exercise apparatus 515 is that the
orientation of the path traveled by the foot supporting members 542
may be adjusted by moving the position of the axis BB relative to
the first links 540. In particular, a plurality of holes 546 are
formed through adjacent flanges on each first link 540, and a lower
end of each rocker link 560 is disposed between the flanges. A
bearing on the rocker end 564 is aligned with any of the holes 546,
and a bolt or other fastener 566 is inserted through the aligned
holes to selectively interconnect the two links 540 and 560. In the
alternative, the two links 540 and 560 may simply be interconnected
by a fastener which is not selectively removable.
[0185] Another optional adjustment feature may be provided by
selectively moving the position of the axis CC relative to the
crank axis ZZ. Such an adjustment may be accomplished, for example,
by making an upper portion of the forward stanchion 528 movable
relative to a lower portion and using a detent pin to secure the
upper portion in a plurality of positions.
[0186] A working embodiment of exercise apparatus 515 provided
acceptable foot motion with the axis ZZ and the axis AA spaced
approximately seven inches apart, the axis AA and the axis BB
spaced approximately twenty-three inches apart, the axis BB and the
axis CC spaced approximately twenty-eight inches apart, and the
axis CC and the axis ZZ spaced approximately thirty inches apart.
The thirty degree bend in each first link 540 provides sufficient
clearance for operation relative to an underlying support surface,
and the forty degree bend in each rocker link 560 provides
sufficient clearance for a person's knees.
[0187] An alternative embodiment arm exercise assembly is shown in
FIG. 41 on an exercise apparatus 515' which is similar in all other
respects to the previous embodiment 515 (as suggested by the common
reference numerals). A shaft is rigidly secured to the forward
stanchion 528' and protrudes beyond opposite sides thereof. Rocker
links 650 have lower ends rotatably connected to respective first
links 540, and upper ends rotatably mounted on opposite ends of the
protruding shaft. The rocker links 650 are rotatable relative to
the frame 520' about an axis CD. Arm driven members 660 have upper
ends 669 sized and configured for grasping, and lower portions 665
rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the protruding shaft. The
arm driven members 660 rotate about the same axis CD relative to
the frame 520'.
[0188] In the absence of any additional interconnections, the arm
driven members 660 and the leg driven members 650 are free to
rotate relative to the frame member 520' and one another. However,
pins 656 may be inserted through aligned holes in respective arm
driven members 660 and leg driven members 650 (indicated generally
at 663), in order to constrain them to rotate together about the
axis CD. In other words, the pins 656 provide a means for
selectively linking the arm driven members 660 and the leg driven
members 650 and/or cooperate with the leg driven members 650 to
provide a means for selectively linking the arm driven members 660
and the foot supporting members 542. In the alternative, pins 656
may be inserted through aligned holes in respective arm driven
members 660 and a frame member 686 (indicated generally at 667), in
order to lock the former in place relative to the latter. In this
configuration, the leg driven members 650 remain free to rotate
relative to both the frame 520' and the arm driven members 660. In
other words, the pins 656 also provide a means for selectively
locking the arm driven members 660 to the frame 520'.
[0189] Exercise apparatus 515' provides the options of stationary
arm supports, independent arm and leg exercise members, and
dependent arm and leg exercise members. A resistance device which,
for example, may include friction pads and thrust bearings, may be
provided to resist movement of the arm driven members 660
independent of the leg driven members 650.
[0190] A variation of the foregoing exercise apparatus 515 is
designated as 500 in FIG. 42. Exercise apparatus 500 essentially
switches the relative locations of the crank joint and the rocker
joint on each of the foot supporting links, as compared to the
previous embodiments 515 and 515'.
[0191] Exercise apparatus 500 may be generally described in terms a
frame 501 designed to occupy a fixed position relative to a floor
surface; left and right cranks 502 rotatably mounted on the frame
501; left and right rocker links 503 rotatably connected to the
frame 501; and left and right connector links 504 having rearward
distal ends which are connected to respective foot supporting
members 505, intermediate portions which are rotatably connected to
radially offset portions of respective cranks 502, and forward
distal ends which are rotatably-connected to lower distal ends of
respective rocker links 503. Upper distal ends 507 of the rocker
links 503 are sized and configured for grasping. The resulting
linkage assembly links rotation of the cranks 502 to pivoting of
the rocker links 503 and handles 507 and generally elliptical
movement of the foot supporting members 505.
[0192] FIGS. 43-44 show a "stepping" type exerciser 2100
constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
Exercise apparatus 2100 includes left and right cranks 2120
rotatably connected to a frame by means of a crank shaft and
bearing assemblies 2102. A larger diameter pulley 2122 is keyed to
the crank shaft and rotates together with the cranks 2120 about a
common crank axis. A belt 2124 connects the pulley 2122 to a
smaller diameter pulley 2126 which is rigidly secured to a flywheel
2128. The pulley 2126 and the flywheel 2128 are rotatably connected
to the frame by means of a flywheel shaft and bearing assemblies
2103. As a result, the pulley 2126 and the flywheel 2128 rotate at
a relative faster rotational velocity than the cranks 2120 and
pulley 2122. A conventional resistance device may be connected to
the flywheel 2128 to resist rotation thereof.
[0193] Left and right connector links 2130 have intermediate
portions which are rotatably connected to radially displaced
portions of respective cranks 2120. The connector links 2130 have
first ends which are rotatably connected to first ends of
respective rocker links 2140, and second, opposite ends which are
connected to respective foot supporting members 2150. The rocker
links 2140 have second, opposite ends which are rotatably connected
to the frame by means of frame member 2104.
[0194] One end of each foot supporting member 2150 is rotatably
connected to a respective connector link 2130, and an opposite end
of each foot supporting member 2150 is rotatably connected to an
end of a respective floating crank 2160. An opposite end of each
floating crank 2160 is rotatably connected to a distal end of a
respective crank 2120. Left and right foot platforms 2155 are
mounted on respective foot supporting members 2150 proximate their
pivotal connections with respective connector links 2130. The
floating cranks 2160 and pivoting foot supporting members 2150
cooperate to maintain the foot platforms 2155 in relatively
favorable orientations throughout an exercise cycle.
[0195] Optional left and right dampers 2170 are rotatably
interconnected between frame member 2105 and intermediate portions
of respective foot supporting members 2150. The arrangement is such
that the dampers 2170 tend to resist vertical movement of the foot
platforms 2155 without unduly interfering with "over center"
rotation of the cranks 2120.
[0196] Yet another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to employ
the present invention is designated as 2200 in FIG. 45. Exercise
apparatus 2200 includes a frame 2201 having a base 2202 designed to
occupy a fixed position relative to a floor surface, and a
stanchion 2203 extending upward from an end of the base 2202. Left
and right connector links 2204 have (a) first ends rotatably
connected to respective cranks 2205, which in turn, are rotatably
mounted on opposite sides of the stanchion 2203; (b) intermediate
portions rotatably connected to respective rocker links 2206, which
in turn, are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the stanchion
2203; and (c) second, opposite ends rotatably connected to
intermediate portions of respective foot supporting members 2207.
Upper ends of the foot supporting members 2207 are rotatably
connected to respective rocker links 2208, which in turn, are
rotatably connected to opposite sides of the stanchion 2203 (above
the cranks 2205). The lower end 2209 of each foot supporting
members 2207 is sized and configured to support a respective foot
of a standing person.
[0197] The foot supports 2209, rocker links 2208, and connector
links 2204 extend substantially parallel to an underlying floor
surface, and the foot supporting members 2207 and rocker links 2206
extend substantially perpendicular to the underlying floor surface.
The resulting linkage assembly links rotation of the cranks 2205 to
generally elliptical movement of the foot supports 2209 through the
path designated as P36.
[0198] Still another exercise apparatus that can be adapted to
employ the present invention is designated as 2210 in FIG. 46.
Exercise apparatus 2210 includes a frame 2211 having a base
designed to occupy a fixed position relative to a floor surface,
and a stanchion extending upward from an end of the base. Left and
right connector links 2214 have (a) first ends rotatably connected
to respective cranks 2215, which in turn, are rotatably mounted on
opposite sides of the stanchion; (b) intermediate portions
rotatably connected to respective rocker links 2216, which in turn,
are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the stanchion; and (c)
second, opposite ends rotatably connected to upper ends of
respective intermediate links 2218. Opposite, lower ends of the
intermediate links 2218 are rotatably connected to intermediate
portions of respective foot supporting links 2217.
[0199] Each rocker link 2216 has (a) a lower end rotatably
connected to a forward end of a respective foot supporting link
2217; (b) a relatively lower intermediate portion rotatably
connected to a respective connector link 2214; (c) a relatively
higher intermediate portion rotatably connected to the stanchion;
and (d) an upper end 2212 sized and configured for grasping. A
rearward end 2219 of each foot supporting link 2217 is sized and
configured to support a respective foot of a standing person.
[0200] The foot supporting links 2219 and connector links 2214
extend substantially parallel to an underlying floor surface, and
the intermediate links 2218 and rocker links 2216 extend
substantially perpendicular to the underlying floor surface. The
resulting linkage assembly links rotation of the cranks 2215 to
generally elliptical movement of the foot supports 2219.
[0201] In FIG. 47, another variation of the present invention is
designated as 2220. Exercise apparatus 2220 includes a frame 2221
having a base designed to occupy a fixed position relative to a
floor surface, and a stanchion extending upward from an end of the
base. Left and right connector links 2224 have (a) first ends
rotatably connected to respective rocker links 2226, which in turn,
are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the stanchion; (b)
intermediate portions rotatably connected to respective cranks
2225, which in turn, are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the
stanchion; and (c) second, opposite ends rotatably connected to
forward ends of respective rolling links 2227.
[0202] Left and right rollers 2222 are rotatably mounted on
rearward ends of respective rolling links 2227 and bear against
underlying surfaces on the frame 2221. Left and right foot
supporting members 2228 have intermediate portions which are
rotatably connected to intermediate portions of respective roller
links 2227. A rearward end 2229 of each foot supporting member 2228
is sized and configured to support a respective foot of a standing
person. An opposite, forward end of each foot supporting member
2228 is rotatably connected to a lower end of a respective rocker
link 2230. An intermediate portion of each rocker link 2230 is
rotatably connected to the stanchion, and an upper end 2233 of each
rocker link 2230 is sized and configured for grasping.
[0203] The foot supporting members 2228, rolling links 2227, and
rocker links 2226 extend substantially parallel to an underlying
floor surface, and the connector links 2224 and rocker links 2230
extend substantially perpendicular to the underlying floor surface.
Also, the rocker links 2230 and the rocker links 2226 share a
common pivot axis X38 relative to the stanchion. The resulting
linkage assembly links rotation of the cranks 2225 to generally
elliptical movement of the foot supports 2229 through the path
designated as P38.
[0204] FIG. 48 shows an alternative exercise apparatus 2200' which
is similar in many respects to exercise apparatus 2200. However,
distinct rocker links 2226' cooperate with a distinct frame 2221'
to define a pivot axis Z39 which is spaced apart from the pivot
axis Y39 defined between the frame 2221' and the other rocker links
2230.
[0205] FIG. 49 shows another exercise apparatus 2200'' than can be
adapted to employ the present invention which is similar in many
respects to the foregoing exercise apparatus 2200. However,
swinging links 2237 are substituted for the rolling links 2227, and
left and right rocker links 2232 are rotatably connected between
respective swinging links 2237 and a rearward stanchion 2223 on the
frame 2221''. The resulting linkage assembly links rotation of the
cranks 2225 to generally elliptical movement of the foot supports
2229 through the path designated as P40.
[0206] Another aspect of the present invention is described with
reference to an exercise apparatus designated as 2000 in FIGS.
50-51. Exercise apparatus 2000 includes a frame 2010 designed to
occupy a fixed position relative to a horizontal floor surface.
Left and right cranks 2020 are rotatably mounted on opposite sides
of the frame 2010 and synchronized to rotate together with a
flywheel shaft by means of pulleys and belts 2021 disposed on each
side of the frame 2010. The pulleys and belts 2021 interconnect the
cranks 2020 in a manner which causes the flywheel shaft and
flywheel 2022 to rotate in "stepped-up" fashion relative
thereto.
[0207] Connector links 2040 have first connection points which are
rotatably connected to radially offset portions of respective
cranks 2020 (see CF in FIG. 51), and second connection points which
are rotatably connected to distal ends of respective rocker links
2030. Opposite ends of the rocker links 2030 are rotatably
connected to opposite sides of the frame 2010. Foot supporting
platforms 2044 are connected to third connection points on
respective connector links 2040. The three connection points on
each connector link 2040 cooperate to define the vertices of a
triangle. The connector links 2040 need not span all three sides of
the triangle in order to effect all of the necessary connections.
On exercise apparatus 2000, the connector links 2040 extend from
the third connection points to the second connection points and
then to the first connection points. In other words, the connector
links 2040 do not extend directly between the first connection
points and the third connection points but could do so without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0208] The above-described arrangement of components is such that
rotation of the cranks 2020 is linked to movement of the foot
supports 2044 through generally elliptical paths of motion
designated as PF. Rigid plates 2060, which are sized and configured
to cover or span the paths of motion PF, are rigidly secured to
opposite sides of the frame 2010, just outside respective paths of
motion PF. Bearing members 2046 project laterally from respective
foot supports 2044 and bear against respective plates 2060. The
bearing members 2046 and plates 2060 are manufactured to facilitate
movement of the former across the latter. An advantage of this
arrangement is a reduction in side loading forces acting on the
rotational joints.
[0209] Another variation of the present invention may be described
with reference to an arm exercise assembly designated as 960 in
FIG. 52. The assembly 960 is shown relative to a frame 961 having a
base 962 that is designed to rest upon a floor surface. A stanchion
or upright 963 extends upward from the base 962 proximate the front
end of the frame 961. A post 964 is pivotally mounted on the
upright 963 and selectively secured in a generally vertical
orientation by means of a ball detent pin 965. The pin 965 may be
removed in order to pivot the post 964 to a collapsed or storage
position relative to the base 962.
[0210] Another frame member or yoke 966 is slidably mounted on the
post 964, between an upper distal end of the post 964 and a pair of
outwardly extending shoulders near the lower, pivoting end. A
spring-loaded pin 967 (or other suitable fastener) extends through
the frame member 966 and into any of a plurality of holes 968 in
the post 964 to selectively lock the frame member 966 at one of a
plurality of positions along the post 964 (and above the underlying
floor surface).
[0211] Left and right vertical members or rocker links 970 have
upper ends which are rotatably mounted to opposite sides of a shaft
987 on the frame member 966. Opposite, lower ends of the links 970
are rotatably connected to forward ends of respective foot
supporting members 975. The rearward portions of the foot
supporting members 975, as well as the remainder of the linkage
assembly components, are comparable to those on exercise apparatus
800, for example. The inclination of the path traveled by the foot
supporting members 975 is a function of the height of the frame
member 966 above the floor surface. In other words, the difficulty
of exercise can be increased simply by locking the frame member 966
in a relatively higher position on the post 964.
[0212] Left and right handle members 980 are also rotatably
connected to opposite ends of the shaft 987 on the frame member 966
and thus, share a common pivot axis with the links 970. The handle
members 980 include upper, distal portions 988 which are sized and
configured for grasping by a person standing on the foot supporting
members 975. A hole is formed through each handle member 980,
proximate its lower end 981 (and beneath the pivot axis), and a
corresponding hole is formed through each link 970 at an equal
radial distance away from the pivot axis.
[0213] Pins 991 are selectively inserted through the aligned holes
to interconnect respective links 970 and handle members 980 and
thereby constrain each pinned combination to pivot as a unit about
the pivot axis. In this particular configuration, the pins 991 may
be said to be selectively interconnected between respective handle
members 980 and links 970, and/or to provide a means for
selectively linking respective handle members 980 and links 970.
Moreover, the pins 991 may be seen to cooperate with the links 970
to provide a means for selectively linking the handle members 980
to respective foot supporting members 975.
[0214] Another hole 986 is formed through each of the handle
members 980, above the pivot axis, and corresponding holes 968 are
formed in the frame member 966 at an equal radial distance above
the pivot axis. The same pins 991 may alternatively be inserted
through the aligned holes 986 and 968 to interconnect the handle
members 980 and the frame member 966 and thereby lock the former in
place relative to the latter. In this configuration, the pins 991
may be seen to provide a means for selectively locking the handle
members 980 (but not the links 970) to the frame 961. In the
absence of any such pin connections, the handle members 980 and the
links 970 are free to pivot relative to the frame 961 and one
another.
[0215] The foregoing embodiments and associated methods are
representative but not exhaustive examples of exercise apparatuses
than can be adapted to employ the present invention. It is to be
understood that the embodiments and/or their respective features
may be mixed and matched in a variety of ways to arrive at other
embodiments. For example, the control and/or display options
described with reference to a particular embodiment are applicable
to other embodiments, as well. Recognizing that this disclosure
will lead those skilled in the art to recognize additional
embodiments, modifications, and/or applications which fall within
the scope of the present invention, the scope of the present
invention is to be limited only to the extent of the claims which
follow.
* * * * *