U.S. patent application number 13/950085 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for elliptical exercise device with vibration capabilities.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott R. Watterson.
Application Number | 20140024499 13/950085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49947026 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140024499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watterson; Scott R. |
January 23, 2014 |
Elliptical Exercise Device with Vibration Capabilities
Abstract
An exercise device includes a frame having a base support and an
upright support structure. Connected to the frame is a drive
assembly. One or more link arm are connected between the drive
assembly and the frame. The one or more link arms include first and
second reciprocating foot supports and first and second swing arms.
One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the exercise
device at various locations in order to vibrate desired portions of
the exercise device, such as the foot supports or swing arms. The
vibrations from the vibration assemblies are transferred to a user
during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological
benefits to the user.
Inventors: |
Watterson; Scott R.; (Logan,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49947026 |
Appl. No.: |
13/950085 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13948045 |
Jul 22, 2013 |
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13950085 |
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61676486 |
Jul 27, 2012 |
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61678066 |
Jul 31, 2012 |
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61674483 |
Jul 23, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/012 20130101;
A63B 21/00196 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 2022/0676
20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 21/005 20130101; A63B 24/0087
20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 22/0046 20130101; A63B
22/001 20130101; A63B 22/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: a frame; first and second
reciprocating foot supports linked to the frame, each of the first
and second reciprocating foot supports being movable in a generally
predefined path; and one or more vibration assemblies, at least one
vibration assembly of the one or more vibrations assemblies being
connected to the first reciprocating foot support or the second
reciprocating foot support, wherein the at least one vibration
assembly selectively creates vibrations to cause the first
reciprocating foot support or the second reciprocating foot
supports to vibrate.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a first
swing arm pivotally connected to the frame and the first
reciprocating foot support; and a second swing arm pivotally
connected to the frame and the second reciprocating foot
support.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the one or more
vibration assemblies comprise at least one vibration assembly
connected to the first swing arm or the second swing arm to cause
the first swing arm or the second swing arm to vibrate.
4. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the one or more
vibration assemblies comprise a vibration assembly connected to
each of the first and second swing arms to selectively vibrate each
of the first and second swing arms.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the one or more
vibration assemblies comprise a vibration assembly connected to the
first reciprocating foot support and a vibration assembly connected
to the second reciprocating foot support to selectively vibrate
each of the first and second reciprocating foot supports.
6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein each of the first and
second reciprocating foot supports comprises a footpad, wherein the
vibration assemblies connected to the first and second
reciprocating foot supports are connected adjacent to the
footpads.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one
or more vibration assemblies comprises a motor, a shaft rotatable
by the motor about an axis of rotation, and one or more eccentric
weights mounted on the shaft, each of the one or more eccentric
weights comprising a center of mass that is offset from the axis of
rotation.
8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein rotation of the shaft
about the axis of rotation causes the centers of mass of the one or
more eccentric weights to revolve around the axis of rotation,
thereby creating the vibrations.
9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein an intensity or
frequency of the vibrations may be selectively controlled by
adjusting the speed at which the centers of mass of the one or more
eccentric weights revolve around the axis of rotation.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a control
panel mounted on the frame, the control panel having one or more
user inputs, the control panel being in electrical communication
with the one or more vibration assemblies such that the one or more
vibration assemblies are controllable by activating the one or more
user inputs.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein an intensity or
frequency of the vibrations is related to the speed at which the
first and second reciprocating foot supports move.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the generally
predefined path in which each of the first and second reciprocating
foot supports moves is at least one of a generally elliptically
shaped path, a generally arcuately shaped path, and a generally
linearly shaped path.
13. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a drive
assembly mounted on the frame, the first and second reciprocating
foot supports being movably connected to the drive assembly.
14. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the drive assembly
comprises a resistance mechanism that regulates the movements of
the first and second reciprocating foot supports.
15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein an intensity or
frequency of the vibrations is related to a resistance level of the
resistance mechanism.
16. An elliptical exercise device, comprising: a base support; a
generally upright support structure connected to the base support;
a drive assembly connected to the base support; a first
reciprocating foot support and a second reciprocating foot support,
the first reciprocating foot support having a first end movably
connected to the drive assembly, the second reciprocating foot
support having a first end connected to the drive assembly and
offset from the first end of the first reciprocating foot support,
the first reciprocating foot support and the second reciprocating
foot support each being movable in a generally predefined path; a
first swing arm and a second swing arm, the first swing arm being
pivotally connected to the frame and the first reciprocating foot
support, the second swing arm being pivotally connected to the
frame and the second reciprocating foot support; and one or more
vibration assemblies, wherein the one or more vibration assemblies
selectively create vibrations to cause at least one of the first
reciprocating foot support, the second reciprocating foot support,
the first swing arm, and the second swing arm to vibrate, at least
one of the one or more vibration assemblies comprising: a motor; a
shaft rotatable by the motor about an axis of rotation; and one or
more eccentric weights fixedly mounted on the shaft such that
rotation of the shaft causes the one or more eccentric weights to
rotate about the axis of rotation, each of the one or more
eccentric weights having a center of mass that is radially offset
from the axis of rotation.
17. The exercise cycle of claim 16, wherein an intensity or
frequency of the vibrations created by the one or more vibration
assemblies is related to at least one of a speed of the drive
assembly or the first and second reciprocating foot supports.
18. The exercise cycle of claim 16, wherein the one or more
vibration assemblies comprise a vibration assembly connected to
each of the first reciprocating foot support and the second
reciprocating foot support.
19. The exercise cycle of claim 18, wherein each of the first and
second reciprocating foot supports comprises a footpad, and wherein
the vibration assemblies connected to the first and second
reciprocating foot supports are connected adjacent to the
footpads.
20. The exercise cycle of claim 16, wherein the one or more
vibration assemblies comprise a vibration assembly connected to the
first swing arm and a vibration assembly connected to the second
swing arm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/676,486 filed on Jul. 25, 2012, U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/678,066 filed on Jul. 31, 2012, and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/948,045 filed Jul. 22, 2013 which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/674,483 filed on Jul. 23, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and
devices for exercise. More particularly, the disclosure relates to
exercise devices with vibration capabilities.
Background
[0003] Physical exercise provides exercisers with numerous
benefits, including aerobic conditioning, strength enhancement,
weight loss, and rehabilitation. These benefits can be realized
through various types of exercise, including elliptical- and
strider-type exercises. Additionally, recent research indicates
that vibration therapy can also provide numerous benefits. Such
benefits can include improved muscle strength and performance,
increased bone density, stamina, flexibility, mobility, and
coordination, enhanced critical blood flow throughout the body,
relief of aches and pains, enhanced explosive strength, accelerated
weight loss, decreased cortisol levels, increased production of
serotonin and neurothrophine, and improved injury recovery.
[0004] Various devices have been developed to vibrate a person's
body in an effort to realize the above noted benefits of vibration
therapy. There have also been efforts made to incorporate vibration
into more traditional exercise devices. U.S. Pat. No. 3,205,888,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,832, U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,859, U.S. Pat. No.
7,166,067, U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,948, U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,355, U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2007/0190508, U.S. Patent Publication No.
2008/0207407, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0214971, U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2008/0279896, U.S. Patent Publication No.
2009/0118098, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0210418, and U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2010/0311552 disclose examples of such
vibration exercise devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one example embodiment of the disclosure, an exercise
device includes a frame, first and second reciprocating foot
supports linked to the frame, and one or more vibration assemblies.
Each of the first and second reciprocating foot supports is movable
in a generally predefined path. At least one vibration assembly of
the one or more vibrations assemblies is connected to the first
reciprocating foot support or the second reciprocating foot
support. The at least one vibration assembly selectively creates
vibrations to cause the first reciprocating foot support or the
second reciprocating foot supports to vibrate.
[0006] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the exercise device also includes a first swing arm
pivotally connected to the frame and the first reciprocating foot
support.
[0007] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the exercise device also includes a second swing
arm pivotally connected to the frame and the second reciprocating
foot support.
[0008] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more vibration assemblies include at
least one vibration assembly connected to the first swing arm or
the second swing arm to cause the first swing arm or the second
swing arm to vibrate.
[0009] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more vibration assemblies comprise a
vibration assembly connected to each of the first and second swing
arms to selectively vibrate each of the first and second swing
arms.
[0010] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more vibration assemblies comprise a
vibration assembly connected to the first reciprocating foot
support and a vibration assembly connected to the second
reciprocating foot support to selectively vibrate each of the first
and second reciprocating foot supports.
[0011] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, each of the first and second reciprocating foot
supports comprises a footpad
[0012] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the vibration assemblies connected to the first and
second reciprocating foot supports are connected adjacent to the
footpads.
[0013] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, at least one of the one or more vibration
assemblies comprises a motor, a shaft rotatable by the motor about
an axis of rotation, and one or more eccentric weights mounted on
the shaft.
[0014] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, each of the one or more eccentric weights comprises
a center of mass that is offset from the axis of rotation.
[0015] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, rotation of the shaft about the axis of rotation
causes the centers of mass of the one or more eccentric weights to
revolve around the axis of rotation, thereby creating the
vibrations.
[0016] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an intensity or frequency of the vibrations may be
selectively controlled by adjusting the speed at which the centers
of mass of the one or more eccentric weights revolve around the
axis of rotation.
[0017] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the exercise device also includes a control panel
mounted on the frame.
[0018] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the control panel has one or more user inputs.
[0019] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the control panel is in electrical communication
with the one or more vibration assemblies such that the one or more
vibration assemblies are controllable by activating the one or more
user inputs.
[0020] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an intensity or frequency of the vibrations is
related to the speed at which the first and second reciprocating
foot supports move.
[0021] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the generally predefined path in which each of the
first and second reciprocating foot supports moves is at least one
of a generally elliptically shaped path, a generally arcuately
shaped path, and a generally linearly shaped path.
[0022] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the exercise device includes a drive assembly
mounted on the frame.
[0023] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the first and second reciprocating foot supports
are movably connected to the drive assembly.
[0024] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the drive assembly comprises a resistance mechanism
that regulates the movements of the first and second reciprocating
foot supports.
[0025] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an intensity or frequency of the vibrations is
related to a resistance level of the resistance mechanism.
[0026] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the elliptical exercise device includes a base
support, a generally upright support structure connected to the
base support, a drive assembly connected to the base support, a
first reciprocating foot support, a second reciprocating foot
support, a first swing arm, a second swing arm, and one or more
vibration assemblies.
[0027] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the first reciprocating foot support ha a first end
movably connected to the drive assembly.
[0028] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the second reciprocating foot support has a first
end connected to the drive assembly and offset from the first end
of the first reciprocating foot support.
[0029] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the first reciprocating foot support and the second
reciprocating foot support are each movable in a generally
predefined path.
[0030] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the first swing arm is pivotally connected to the
frame and the first reciprocating foot support.
[0031] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the second swing arm is pivotally connected to the
frame and the second reciprocating foot support.
[0032] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more vibration assemblies selectively
create vibrations to cause at least one of the first reciprocating
foot support, the second reciprocating foot support, the first
swing arm, and the second swing arm to vibrate.
[0033] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, at least one of the one or more vibration
assemblies includes a motor, a shaft rotatable by the motor about
an axis of rotation, and one or more eccentric weights fixedly
mounted on the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the one
or more eccentric weights to rotate about the axis of rotation.
[0034] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, each of the one or more eccentric weights has a
center of mass that is radially offset from the axis of
rotation.
[0035] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an intensity or frequency of the vibrations created
by the one or more vibration assemblies is related to at least one
of a speed of the drive assembly or the first and second
reciprocating foot supports.
[0036] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more vibration assemblies comprise a
vibration assembly connected to each of the first reciprocating
foot support and the second reciprocating foot support.
[0037] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, each of the first and second reciprocating foot
supports comprises a footpad.
[0038] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the vibration assemblies are connected to the first
and second reciprocating foot supports adjacent to the
footpads.
[0039] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more vibration assemblies comprise a
vibration assembly connected to the first swing arm and a vibration
assembly connected to the second swing arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise device
according to one example embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a close up view of a vibration assembly connected
to the exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates the vibration assembly of FIG. 3 separate
from exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a user performing an exercise on the
exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exercise device
according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a review perspective view of an exercise device
according to yet another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an exercise device
according to still yet another example embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and
devices for exercise that include vibration capabilities. Depicted
in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a representation of one illustrative exercise
device 100, which may incorporate the novel features of the present
invention, including various novel devices, functionalities,
hardware and software modules, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, exercise device 100 is depicted as an elliptical exercise
device. Exercise device 100 includes a frame 102 that has a base
support 104 and a generally upright support structure 106. A drive
assembly 108 is mounted on frame 102. More specifically, drive
assembly 108 is mounted on base support 104 near a rear end of
exercise device 100. Accordingly, the illustrated exercise device
may be referred to as a "rear mechanism" or "rear drive" elliptical
exercise device. Upright support structure 106 has a console or
control panel 110 mounted thereon.
[0049] Connected between drive assembly 108 and upright support
structure 106 are a plurality of link arms. The plurality of link
arms include a first reciprocating foot support 112 (also referred
to herein as first foot support 112), a second reciprocating foot
support 114 (also referred to herein as second foot support 114), a
first swing arm 116, and a second swing arm 118. First foot support
112 includes a first end 120, a second end 122, and a footpad 124.
Similarly, second foot support 114 includes a first end 126, a
second end 128, and a footpad 130. First swing arm 116 includes a
lower end 132, an upper end 134, and an intermediate portion 136.
Likewise, second swing arm 118 includes a lower end 138, an upper
end 140, and an intermediate portion 142. Upper ends 134, 140 may
include or take the form of handles that a user may hold while
exercising.
[0050] First end 120 of first foot support 112 is rotatably
connected to drive assembly 108. Similarly, first end 126 of second
foot support 114 is rotatably connected to drive assembly 108. As
illustrated, the locations where first end 120 and first end 126
are connected to drive assembly 108 are offset from one another by
about 180.degree.. As a flywheel 144 in drive assembly 108 rotates
about axis A, first end 120 and first end 126 revolve around axis A
in a generally predefined path, such as a generally circular
path.
[0051] Second end 122 of first foot support 112 is pivotally
connected to lower end 132 of first swing arm 116 and second end
128 of second foot support 114 is pivotally connected to lower end
138 of second swing arm 118. Intermediate portion 136 and
intermediate portion 142 are pivotally connected to upright support
structure 106 at pivots 146, 148, respectively. Accordingly, swing
arms 116, 118 can swing back and forth in the directions of arrows
A and B. As a result of the pivotal connections between swing arms
116, 118 and upright support structure 106, lower ends 132, 138 and
upper ends 134, 140 move back and forth along generally predefined
paths, such as arcuate paths.
[0052] The swinging of swing arms 116, 118 may be associated with
the movement about axis A of first ends 120, 126 of first and
second foot supports 112, 114. That is, as first ends 120, 126
revolve about axis A, second ends 122, 128 of first and second foot
supports 112, 114 are forced to move. Since second ends 122, 128
are connected to lower ends 132, 138, the movements of second ends
122, 128 are generally limited to the same arcuate paths along
which lower ends 132, 138 move. The generally circular movements of
first ends 120, 126 about axis A and the generally arcuate
movements of second ends 122, 128 combine to cause footpads 124,
130 to move in generally predefined paths, such as generally
elliptically shaped paths.
[0053] The swinging of swing arms 116, 118 may be offset from one
another. For instance, as upper end 134 of swing arm 116 swings in
the direction of arrow A (e.g., away from drive assembly 108),
upper end 140 of swing arm 118 may swing in the direction of arrow
B (e.g., toward drive assembly 108). The offset swinging motion of
swing arms 116, 118 may be a result of the offset connections
between first ends 120, 126 and drive assembly 108.
[0054] Drive assembly 108 may optionally include a resistance
mechanism 150 for regulating the rotation of flywheel 144 and or
first ends 120, 126. Resistance mechanism 150 may include a
mechanical, frictional, electric, electromechanic, magnetic,
electromagnetic, or other type of brake. Resistance mechanism 150
may be selectively adjustable in order to adjust a braking force
applied to flywheel 144 or first ends 120, 126. Increasing or
decreasing the braking force increases or decreases the resistance
to the rotation of flywheel 144 and/or first ends 120, 126, thereby
affecting the rotational speed thereof.
[0055] As is common with electric exercise devices, resistance
mechanism 150 may be connected to a controller 152 that controls
the operation of resistance mechanism 150, and thus the resistance
applied to flywheel 144 or first ends 120, 126. The resistance to
the rotation of flywheel 114 or first ends 120, 126 is one example
of an adjustable operating parameter of exercise device 100.
[0056] Controller 152 can be incorporated within control panel
1110, resistance assembly 150, or another portion of exercise
device 100. Controller 152 may take the form of a computer, a
processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, state machine or
other similar device that includes circuitry for controlling the
operation of one or more features on exercise device 100, including
the operating parameter(s) of the movable elements (e.g., first and
second foot supports 112, 114, swing arms 116, 118, flywheel 144).
Controller 152 may also include one or more computer readable media
or devices that have computer executable instructions stored
thereon.
[0057] Exercise device 100 may also have the capability to vibrate
certain portions of exercise device 100. For instance, exercise
device 100 may include one or more vibration assemblies 154
connected thereto and which vibrate one or more parts of exercise
device 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for instance,
exercise device 100 includes six vibration assemblies 154. More
specifically, a vibration assembly 154a is connected to first foot
support 112, a vibration assembly 154b is connected to second foot
support 114, a vibration assembly 154c is connected to swing arm
116 near pivot 146, a vibration assembly 154d is connected to swing
arm 116 near upper end 134, a vibration assembly 154e is connected
to swing arm 118 near pivot 148, and a vibration assembly 154f is
connected to swing arm 118 near upper end 140.
[0058] When activated, vibration assemblies 154a-154f may cause all
or certain portions of exercise device 100 to vibrate. For
instance, vibration assembly 154a may cause first foot support,
including first footpad 124, to vibrate, which vibrations may be
transferred to a user's left foot and leg. Similarly, vibration
assembly 154b may cause second foot support 114, including second
footpad 130, to vibrate, which vibrations may be transferred to the
user's right foot and leg. Likewise, vibration assemblies 154c,
154d may cause first swing arm 116 to vibrate, which vibrations may
be transferred to the user's left hand and arm. Also, vibration
assemblies 154e, 154f may cause second swing arm 118 to vibrate,
which vibrations may be transferred to the user's right hand and
arm. Accordingly, vibration assemblies 154a-154f may vibrate
individual parts of exercise device 100. In other embodiments, one
or more of vibration assemblies 154a-154f may vibrate specific
areas of exercise device 100. For instance, one or more of
vibration assemblies 154a-154f may vibrate upright support
structure 106 and components connected thereto (e.g., swing arms
116, 118, foot supports 112, 114). In still other embodiments, one
or more of vibration assemblies 154a-154f may vibrate the entirety
of exercise device 100. Thus, exercise device 100 may include a
vibration assembly that vibrates a specific portion of exercise
device 100, multiple vibration assemblies that vibrate multiple
specific portions of exercise device 100, or one or more vibration
assemblies that vibrate all or a substantial portion of exercise
device 100.
[0059] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate vibration assembly 154a in greater
detail. It is understood that vibration assemblies 154b-154f may be
similar or identical to vibration assembly 154a. Accordingly, the
following discussion of vibration assembly 154a is equally
applicable to vibration assemblies 154b-154f. In FIG. 3, a close up
view of vibration assembly 154a is shown mounted to the underside
of first foot support 112. Vibration assembly 154a is illustrated
directly below first footpad 124. Such a location may maximize the
amount of vibration transferred to a user's foot on footpad 124. As
can be seen in FIG. 3, vibration assembly 154a is connected to
first foot support 112 with a bracket 156 and bolts 158. In FIG. 4,
vibration assembly 154a is shown separate from exercise device
100.
[0060] According to the illustrated embodiment, vibration assembly
154a includes a motor 160, a shaft 162, and eccentric weights 164,
166. Shaft 162 extends through motor 160 such that motor 160 is
able to rotate shaft 162 about a longitudinal axis A of shaft 162.
Each of eccentric weights 164, 166 has a center of mass that is
offset from shaft 162 and axis A. For instance, eccentric weights
164, 166 may have centers of mass 168, 170, respectively.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, eccentric weights 164, 166
are fixedly mounted on opposing ends of shaft 162. As a result,
when shaft 162 is rotated by motor 160, eccentric weights 164, 166
likewise rotate about axis A. For instance, in FIG. 4, eccentric
weights 164, 166 are shown in solid lines in a first position.
Eccentric weights 164, 166 are also shown in dashed lines in a
second position after eccentric weights 164, 166 are rotated
partially about axis A. As can be seen, as eccentric weights 164,
166 rotate, centers of mass 168, 170 revolve about axis of rotation
A. The movement of centers of mass 168, 170 about axis A causes
vibration assembly 154a to vibrate. Because vibration assembly 154a
is mounted to first foot support 112, the vibrations from vibration
assembly 154a are transferred to first foot support 112, thereby
causing first foot support 112, including first footpad 124, to
vibrate. Likewise, the vibrations from vibration assemblies
154b-154f are transferred to the parts of exercise device 100 to
which they are attached (e.g., second foot support 114, swing arm
116, swing arm 118).
[0062] The intensity and frequency of the vibrations are a result
of a number of different variables, including the speed at which
the eccentric weights 164, 166 rotate, the distance between axis A
and centers of mass 168, 170, and the size of eccentric weights
164, 166. The intensity and/or frequency of the vibrations can be
increased by increasing the rotational speed of eccentric weights
164, 166, increasing the distance between axis A and centers of
mass 168, 170, and/or increasing the size of eccentric weights 164,
166. Conversely, the intensity and/or frequency of the vibrations
can be decreased by decreasing the rotational speed of eccentric
weights 164, 166, decreasing the distance between axis A and
centers of mass 168, 170, and/or decreasing the size of eccentric
weights 164, 166.
[0063] Vibration assemblies 154a-154f may also be connected to
controller 152 and/or control panel 110. For instance, as shown in
FIG. 3, vibration assembly 154a is connected to controller 152
and/or control panel 110 via wires 172. Connecting vibration
assemblies 154a-154f to controller 152 enables controller 152 to
control the operation of vibration assemblies 154a-154f, including
such things as turning vibration assemblies 154a-154f on and off,
controlling the speed at which the eccentric weights are rotated,
and which direction the eccentric weights are rotated. Similarly,
connecting vibration assemblies 154a-154f to control panel 110
enables a user of exercise device 100 to selectively control the
operation of vibration assemblies 154a-154f at control panel 110.
For instance, a user may activate one or more inputs on control
panel 110 to turn one or more of vibration assemblies 154a-154f on
or off, adjust the speed at which the eccentric weights of each
vibration assembly are rotated, and/or alter the direction the
eccentric weights rotate.
[0064] Attention is now directed to FIG. 5 which illustrates a user
174 exercising on exercise device 100 with the vibration
capabilities activated. More specifically, user 174 is exercising
on exercise device 100 as a person would on a traditional
elliptical exercise device. More specifically, user 174 stands on
footpads 124, 130 and moves first and second foot supports 112, 114
with his legs and holds upper ends 134, 140 to move his arms back
and forth as swing arms 116, 118 swing. As noted, activation of
vibration assemblies 154a-154f causes vibration assemblies
154a-154f and, in turn, parts of exercise device 100 to vibrate, as
illustrated with the vibration lines near vibration assemblies
154a-154f. As user 174 exercises on exercise device 100, the
vibrations are transferred to user 174.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an exercise device 180.
Exercise device 180 is illustrated as a front mechanism elliptical
device. In other words, exercise device 180 includes a drive
assembly 182 disposed near a front end of exercise device 180. Like
with exercise device 100, drive assembly 182 includes a flywheel
184 to which first and second foot supports 186, 188 are connected.
Unlike exercise device 100, first and second foot supports 186, 188
are connected to drive assembly 182 at second ends thereof. First
and second foot supports 186, 188 include first and second footpads
190, 192, respectively. Additionally, first and second foot
supports 186, 188 include rollers 194, 196, respectively, which
ride along rail 198 as first and second foot supports 186, 188 move
in generally elliptically shaped paths. Exercise device 180 also
includes first and second swing arms 200, 202 that swing back and
forth as a user exercises on exercise device 180.
[0066] Like exercise device 100, exercise device 180 may also
include one or more vibration assemblies 204 for vibrating one or
more parts of exercise device 180. For instance, as illustrated in
FIG. 6, exercise device 180 includes a vibration assembly 204a
connected to first foot support 186 near first footpad 190, a
vibration assembly 204b connected to second foot support 188 near
second footpad 192, a vibration assembly 204c connected to first
swing arm 200, and a vibration assembly 204d connected to second
swing arm 202.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another exercise
device 220. Exercise device 220 is illustrated as a mid-mechanism
elliptical exercise device. In other words, exercise device 220
includes a drive assembly 222 disposed between the front and rear
ends of exercise device 220. Operatively associated with drive
assembly 222 are first and second foot supports 224, 226. First and
second foot supports 224, 226 include first and second footpads
228, 230, respectively, which move in generally elliptically shaped
paths. Exercise device 220 also includes first and second swing
arms 232, 234 that swing back and forth as a user exercises on
exercise device 220.
[0068] Exercise device 220 may also include one or more vibration
assemblies 236 for vibrating one or more parts of exercise device
220. For instance, exercise device 220 includes a vibration
assembly 236a connected to first foot support 224 near first
footpad 228, a vibration assembly 236b connected to second foot
support 226 near second footpad 230, a vibration assembly 236c
connected to first swing arm 232, and a vibration assembly 236d
connected to second swing arm 234.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an exercise device 250.
Exercise device 250 is illustrated as a strider exercise machine. A
first link arm 252 supports a first footpad 254. First link arm 252
is rotatably connected to a first swing arm 256 and to a drive
assembly 258. First link arm 252 moves during the performance of an
exercise such that first footpad 254 move is a generally arcuate
path. Although not shown, exercise device 250 may also include a
second link arm 260, a second footpad 262, and a second swing arm
264 that are similar to first link arm 252, first footpad 254, and
first swing arm 256.
[0070] Exercise device 250 may also include one or more vibration
assemblies 266 for vibrating one or more parts of exercise device
250. For instance, exercise device 250 includes a vibration
assembly 266a connected to first link arm 252 near first footpad
254 and a vibration assembly 266b connected to first swing arm
256.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0071] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
systems and devices that impart vibrations to a user's body. More
particularly, the systems and devices of the present disclosure
impart vibrations to a user's body during the performance of an
exercise. The exercise and the imparted vibrations can provide
numerous benefits to the user, including aerobic conditioning,
improved muscle strength and performance, increased bone density,
stamina, flexibility, mobility, and coordination, enhanced critical
blood flow throughout the body, relief of aches and pains, enhanced
explosive strength, accelerated weight loss, decreased cortisol
levels, increased production of serotonin and neurothrophine, and
improved injury recovery.
[0072] The systems and devices of the present disclosure may
include an exercise device in the form of an elliptical- or
strider-type exercise device. The exercise devices may include a
frame having an upright support structure connected to a base
support. The upright support structure may support a control panel.
Also mounted on the frame may be a drive assembly that can include
a flywheel and/or a resistance mechanism.
[0073] Connected between the frame and the drive assembly may be
one or more link arms. The link arms may include one or more foot
supports and one or more swing arms. For instance, a first end of a
first foot support may be connected to the drive assembly and a
second end of the first foot support may be connected to a first
swing arm. The first swing arm may be pivotally connected to the
frame so that the first swing arm can swing back and forth. The
first end of the first foot support may revolve about an axis in a
generally circular path while the second end of the first foot
support moves in a generally arcuate path. The combination of the
circular and arcuate paths may result in a footpad moving in a
generally elliptical path. The link arms may also include a second
foot support and a second swing arm that are similar to the first
foot support and first swing arm.
[0074] An elliptical exercise device may be a rear mechanism, front
mechanism, or mid-mechanism device. That is, a drive assembly may
be positioned toward the rear of the device, toward the front of
the device, or between the front and rear of the device. In any
case, foot supports may be movable in generally elliptically shaped
paths during the performance of exercise.
[0075] In other embodiments, the exercise device may be a strider
or stepper exercise device. In the case of a strider exercise
device, the foot supports or foot pads may move in generally
arcuate paths during the performance of exercise. In the case of a
stepper exercise device, the foot supports or foot pads may move in
generally arcuate or linear paths during the performance of
exercise.
[0076] The systems and devices of the present disclosure may also
include one or more vibration assemblies that create vibrations
that are imparted to the user during the performance of the
exercise. Each of the one or more vibration assemblies may include
a motor, such as a rotary motor, that rotates a shaft about an axis
of rotation. The axis of rotation may be generally parallel to or
collinear with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. One or more
eccentric weights may be mounted on the shaft such that rotation of
the shaft causes the one or more eccentric weights to rotate about
the axis of rotation. Each of the one or more eccentric weights may
have a center of mass that is offset from the axis of rotation. As
a result of the offset between the centers of mass and the axis of
rotation, rotation of the one or more eccentric weights creates
vibrations that are transferred through the exercise device and
into the user. In other embodiments, the vibration assembly motor
may directly rotate the one or more eccentric weights without
requiring the weights to be mounted on a shaft.
[0077] The one or more vibration assemblies may be connected to the
exercise device such that the vibrations created by the one or more
vibration assemblies are transferred to specific parts or the
entirety of the exercise device. For instance, the one or more
vibration assemblies may be rigidly connected to specific locations
on the exercise device. Such locations may include on or near one
or more of the foot supports, the footpads, the swing arms, and the
handles. Accordingly, one or more vibration assemblies may be
connected to the exercise device to vibrate one or more portions of
the exercise device. The number of vibration assemblies used may
depend on the size of the vibration assemblies used, the placement
of the vibration assemblies on the exercise device, and/or the
portions of the exercise device that are to be vibrated.
[0078] For instance, one relatively large vibration assembly may be
connected to the frame. This arrangement may allow for the
vibrations to spread through the frame and into the user by way of
the foot supports and the swing arms. Alternatively, one or more
vibration assemblies may be connected to the foot supports or
footpads to vibrate just the foot supports or footpads. Similarly,
one or more vibration assemblies may be connected to the swing arms
to vibrate just the swing arms. Likewise, one or more vibration
assemblies may be connected to drive assembly to vibrate the drive
assembly. Still further, multiple vibration assemblies may be
connected to the exercise device at various locations to vibrate
one or more portions of the exercise device.
[0079] In cases where multiple vibration assemblies are used, the
vibration assemblies may be coordinated with one another to create
vibrations with desired characteristics. For instance, the
rotational speed and/or direction of the vibration assemblies may
be coordinated to create vibrations with desired intensities and/or
frequencies. More specifically, the rotational speed and/or
direction of each vibration assembly may be controlled to generate
the desired vibrations where the user contacts the exercise device.
In other words, the rotational speed and/or direction of each
vibration assembly may be controlled so that the vibrations from
each vibration assembly either add to or partially cancel the
vibrations from the other vibration assemblies to achieve the
desired vibrations.
[0080] In addition or as an alternative to having rotating
eccentric weights that create vibrations, the one or more vibration
assemblies may include one or more rotating cams or other movable
members that periodically engage, hit, or tap the exercise device
or components thereof in order to create the vibrations in the
exercise device.
[0081] In addition to the above-noted physiological benefits,
adding vibration to the disclosed devices can increase the
enjoyment associated with using the disclosed devices. For
instance, a user that uses a typical elliptical or strider exercise
device may find it uncomfortable or boring. In contrast, vibrating
the exercise device can provide a sensation to the user that is
similar to running on a road, trail, or other outdoor surface as
well as providing a softer ride for the user.
[0082] In some embodiments, the intensity and/or frequency of the
vibrations may be tied to other operating parameters of the
exercise device. By way of non-limiting example, the intensity
and/or frequency of the vibrations may be tied to speed of the foot
supports and/or swing arms or the resistance level of the
resistance mechanism. For instance, the intensity and/or frequency
of the vibrations may increase or decrease as the speed of the foot
supports increases or decreases. Similarly, the intensity and/or
frequency of the vibrations may increase or decrease as the
resistance level of the resistance mechanism increases or
decreases.
* * * * *