U.S. patent application number 13/585637 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for elliptical motion exerciser.
This patent application is currently assigned to DREAM VISIONS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Theodore G. Habing, Christopher R. Merli. Invention is credited to Theodore G. Habing, Christopher R. Merli.
Application Number | 20140051552 13/585637 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50100427 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140051552 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Habing; Theodore G. ; et
al. |
February 20, 2014 |
ELLIPTICAL MOTION EXERCISER
Abstract
An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank with left and
right crank arms rotatably coupled to the frame and left and right
exercise assemblies. Each of the exercise assemblies includes a
pedal link, a foot pedal coupled to a rearward portion of the pedal
link, a rocker link having a lower portion pivotally coupled to the
forward end of the pedal link and an upper portion pivotally
coupled to the frame, and a driver link having a forward portion
pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and a rearward portion
pivotally coupled to the pedal link. A flexible connecting member
is coupled to the pedal links or the driver links and to a pivoting
assembly mounted on the frame. The left and right foot pedals
reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation
of the crank and reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in
coordination with rotation of the pivoting assembly.
Inventors: |
Habing; Theodore G.;
(Tustin, CA) ; Merli; Christopher R.; (Boulder,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Habing; Theodore G.
Merli; Christopher R. |
Tustin
Boulder |
CA
CO |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DREAM VISIONS, LLC
Tustin
CA
|
Family ID: |
50100427 |
Appl. No.: |
13/585637 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0015 20130101;
A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 21/155 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 22/0061 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 21/0421
20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B
2022/0682 20130101; A63B 21/0056 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 22/0017 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and
right crank arms; left and right exercise assemblies, each
comprising: a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; a
foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; a
rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion
pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the
upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; a driver link having
forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver
link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward
portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; at
least one flexible connecting member coupled to the left and right
pedal links; a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving
said at least one flexible connecting member; wherein the left and
right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in
coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and
right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in
coordination with rotation of the pivoting assembly.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the left and right
exercise assemblies further comprise a handle member with an upper
and lower portion, said lower portion of said handle member rigidly
connected to said upper portion of said rocker link, said upper
portion of said handle member having a grip area adapted to receive
a user's hand during exercise.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one
flexible connecting member has a first end connected to the left
pedal link and a second end coupled to the right pedal link.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one
flexible connecting member comprises (i) a first flexible
connecting member connected at one end thereof to the left pedal
link and at an opposite end thereof to the pivoting assembly and
(ii) a second flexible connecting member connected at one end
thereof to the right pedal link and at an opposite end thereof to
the pivoting assembly.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a primary
flywheel coupled to the crank.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
resistance mechanism coupled to the pivoting assembly to resist
angular displacement of the pivoting assembly.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6 wherein the resistance
mechanism is adjustable to adjust displacement of the pivoting
assembly in relation to a users weight.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 6 wherein the resistance
mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the
pivoting assembly.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivoting assembly
includes a carriage assembly having a carriage receiving the
flexible connecting member, the carriage being adjustable in a
radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation of the
pivoting assembly.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pivoting
assembly comprises a shaped cam.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivoting assembly
comprises a pulley receiving the flexible connecting member.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a
resistance mechanism coupled to the pulley to resist rotation of
the pulley.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein the resistance
mechanism is adjustable.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein the resistance
mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the
pulley.
15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a range
limiter operatively coupled to the rotating member to limit angular
displacement of the pivoting assembly.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 wherein the range limiter is
adjustable to adjust an angular displacement limit of the pivoting
assembly.
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein a coupling location
of said at least one flexible connecting member to the left and
right pedal links is adjustable.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the driver links are
adjustable in length.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lifting
mechanism coupled to the frame to selectively elevate a forward
portion of the frame.
20. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein a longitudinal
position of the crank is adjustable forwardly and rearwardly on the
frame.
21. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and
right crank arms; left and right exercise assemblies, each
comprising: a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; a
foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; a
rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion
pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the
upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; a driver link having
forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver
link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward
portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; at
least one flexible connecting member coupled to the left and right
driver links; a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving
said at least one flexible connecting member; wherein the left and
right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in
coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and
right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in
coordination with rotation of the pivoting assembly.
22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein said at least one
flexible connecting member has a first end connected to the left
driver link and a second end coupled to the right driver link.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein said at least one
flexible connecting member comprises (i) a first flexible
connecting member connected at one end thereof to the left driver
link and at an opposite end thereof to the pivoting assembly and
(ii) a second flexible connecting member connected at one end
thereof to the right driver link and at an opposite end thereof to
the pivoting assembly.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein the left and right
exercise assemblies further comprise a handle member with an upper
and lower portion, said lower portion of said handle member rigidly
connected to said upper portion of said rocker link, said upper
portion of said handle member having a grip area adapted to receive
a user's hand during exercise.
25. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a primary
flywheel coupled to the crank.
26. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a
resistance mechanism coupled to the pivoting assembly to resist
angular displacement of the pivoting assembly.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the resistance
mechanism is adjustable.
28. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the resistance
mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the
pivoting assembly.
29. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein the pivoting
assembly includes a carriage assembly having a carriage receiving
the flexible connecting member, the carriage being adjustable in a
radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation of the
pivoting assembly.
30. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein the pivoting
assembly comprises a pulley receiving the flexible connecting
member mounted to the frame for rotation about an axis.
31. The exercise apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a
resistance mechanism coupled to the pulley to resist rotation of
the pulley.
32. The exercise apparatus of claim 31 wherein the resistance
mechanism is adjustable to adjust an exercise resistance.
33. The exercise apparatus of claim 31 wherein the resistance
mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the
pulley.
34. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a range
limiter operatively coupled to the rotating member to limit angular
displacement of the pivoting assembly.
35. The exercise apparatus of claim 34 wherein the range limiter is
adjustable to adjust an angular displacement limit of the pivoting
assembly.
36. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein a coupling location
of said at least one flexible connecting member to the left and
right driver links is adjustable.
37. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein the driver links are
adjustable in length.
38. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a lifting
mechanism coupled to the frame to selectively elevate a forward
portion of the frame.
39. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 wherein a longitudinal
position of the crank is adjustable forwardly and rearwardly on the
frame.
40. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and
right crank arms; left and right exercise assemblies, each
comprising: a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; a
foot supporting platform coupled to the rearward portion of the
pedal link; a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the
lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal
link and the upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; a driver
link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of
the driver link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the
rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal
link; a suspension link suspended from the frame and pivotally
coupled to the driver link; an interconnection linkage coupled to
the left and right suspension links to coordinate reciprocal
movement of the suspension links; wherein the left and right foot
supporting platforms reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in
coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and
right foot supporting platforms reciprocate upwardly and downwardly
in coordination with movement of the interconnection linkage.
41. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein the suspension links
are adjustable in length.
42. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein the driver links are
adjustable in length
43. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein pivotal coupling of
each suspension link to the respective driver link is adjustable
along a length of the driver link.
44. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein each of the foot
supporting platforms comprises a portion fixed with respect to the
respective pedal link and an adjustable portion.
45. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein the left and right
exercise assemblies further comprise a handle member with an upper
and lower portion, said lower portion of said handle member rigidly
connected to said upper portion of said rocker link, said upper
portion of said handle member having a grip area adapted to receive
a user's hand during exercise.
46. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein a portion of each
foot supporting platform is vertically adjustable.
47. The exercise apparatus of claim 46 wherein a toe portion of
each foot supporting platform is vertically adjustable.
48. The exercise apparatus of claim 46 wherein a heel portion of
each foot supporting platform is vertically adjustable.
49. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and
right crank arms; left and right exercise assemblies coupled to
respective ones of the crank arms, each of the exercise assemblies
having a foot supporting platform; an interconnection mechanism
attached to the frame and coupled to the exercise assemblies;
wherein the left and right foot supporting platforms reciprocate
forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank
and wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and
downwardly in coordination with movement of the interconnection
mechanism.
50. The exercise apparatus of claim 49 wherein the foot supporting
platforms are pivotally connected to the respective exercise
assemblies.
51. The exercise apparatus of claim 50 wherein the foot supporting
platforms are pivotally connected to the respective exercise
assemblies to permit movement about a non-horizontal axis.
52. The exercise apparatus of claim 51 wherein the foot supporting
platforms are lockable to prevent movement about non-horizontal
axes.
53. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and
right crank arms; left and right exercise assemblies, each
comprising: a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; a
foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; a
rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion
pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the
upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; a driver link having
forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver
link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward
portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; at
least one flexible connecting member coupled to the left and right
driver links; a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving
said at least one flexible connecting member; wherein the left and
right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in
coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and
right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in
coordination with each other.
54. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having two crank arms out of phase
with each other; two exercise assemblies, each comprising; a pedal
link having forward and rearward portions; a foot pedal coupled to
the rearward portion of the pedal link; a rocker link having upper
and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the
forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally
coupled to the frame; a driver link having forward and rearward
portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled
to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver
link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; at least one flexible
connecting member coupled to the two exercise assemblies; a
pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving said at least one
flexible connecting member; wherein the foot pedals reciprocate
forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank
and wherein the foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in
coordination with each other.
55. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank rotatably
coupled to the frame, the crank having two opposing crank arms out
of phase with one another; two leg exercise assemblies, each
comprising: a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; a
foot support coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; a
rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion
operatively coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the
upper portion operatively coupled to the frame to provide
reciprocating motion; a driver link having forward and rearward
portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled
to one of the crank arms and the rearward portion of the driver
link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; a suspension support
suspended from the frame and operatively coupled to the driver link
to provide swinging motion; an interconnection coupled to the
suspension supports of each leg exercise assembly to coordinate
reciprocal movement of the suspension supports; wherein the foot
supports of each leg exercise assembly reciprocates forwardly and
rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein
the two foot supports reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in
coordination with movement of the interconnection.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
exercise equipment and, more specifically, to embodiments of an
elliptical motion exerciser.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Elliptical exercisers have been marketed since the 1990s.
Although a variety of such devices have been introduced, they all
share many common characteristics. An elliptical exerciser is a
stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing,
skiing, walking or running without causing excessive pressure to
the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries. It offers
a non-impact, weight-bearing cardiovascular workout that can vary
from light to high intensity based on the speed of the exercise and
the resistance preference set by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides an improved apparatus for
cardiovascular exercise. Pedals for supporting the user are
suspended from the frame of the apparatus. A flywheel and crank
arms provide a striding motion with a fixed, dependant horizontal
motion range. This striding motion may also be adjustable by having
variable adjustments for the length of the cranks. A flexible link
connecting the pedals provides variable, dependant vertical motion
range controlled and defined by the user or by resistance. The user
can do a vertical stepping motion, a back and forth ski motion, or
variable elliptical motions by simply changing the user's stride.
The pedals follow the user's foot motion. By adjusting certain
components, the linkage encourages several types of elliptical
motions and an inclined arc motion. As the user strides
horizontally, the flywheel and crank arms control the range of the
horizontal motion, but vertical motion is controlled by the force
of the user within a limited range. This provides a better
cardiovascular workout than just following a fixed path because the
user has to control the motion and can vary the motion to exercise
different muscles or exercise the same muscles differently.
[0004] In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus in accordance with
the invention comprising a frame, a crank rotatably coupled to the
frame, the crank having left and right crank arms, and left and
right exercise assemblies. Each of the exercise assemblies
comprises a pedal link having forward and rearward portions, a foot
pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link, a rocker
link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally
coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion
pivotally coupled to the frame, and a driver link having forward
and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link
pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward
portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link. The
apparatus further comprises at least one flexible connecting member
coupled to the left and right pedal links and a pivoting assembly
mounted on the frame receiving said at least one flexible
connecting member. The left and right foot pedals reciprocate
forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank
and the left and right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and
downwardly in coordination with rotation of the pivoting
assembly.
[0005] In another embodiment, an exercise apparatus in accordance
with the invention comprises a frame, a crank rotatably coupled to
the frame, the crank having left and right crank arms, and left and
right exercise assemblies. Each exercise assembly comprises a pedal
link having forward and rearward portions, a foot pedal coupled to
the rearward portion of the pedal link, a rocker link having upper
and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the
forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally
coupled to the frame, and a driver link having forward and rearward
portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled
to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver
link pivotally coupled to the pedal link. The apparatus further
comprises at least one flexible connecting member coupled to the
left and right driver links and a pivoting assembly mounted on the
frame receiving said at least one flexible connecting member. The
left and right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in
coordination with rotation of the crank and the left and right foot
pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with
rotation of the pivoting assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise apparatus in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a pivoting assembly.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the pivoting assembly showing
the operational movement thereof.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of the pivoting assembly showing
movement of a carriage thereon.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates the different pedal motions available to
a user by varying the resistance to the flexible links.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a pivoting assembly with
extension springs.
[0014] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a pivoting assembly coupled
to a secondary flywheel having a mechanical brake.
[0015] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a pivoting assembly coupled
to a secondary flywheel having a magnetic brake.
[0016] FIG. 11A is an isometric view of another pivoting assembly
coupled to a secondary flywheel.
[0017] FIG. 11B is an isometric view of a pivoting assembly
incorporating a shaped cam.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a path of motion with a lengthened
flexible member.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a path of motion with a shortened
flexible member.
[0020] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a pivoting assembly with a
carriage for adjusting the lengths of the flexible members.
[0021] FIG. 15 shows an adjustable driver link.
[0022] FIG. 16 shows the horizontal and inclined pedal motions with
the adjustable driver links in extended and shortened
positions.
[0023] FIG. 17 shows inclination of the exercise apparatus for an
inclined pedal motion.
[0024] FIG. 18 shows the horizontal and inclined pedal motions with
an adjustable flywheel in rearward and forward positions.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a front isometric view of an exercise apparatus
in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a rear isometric view of the exercise apparatus
shown in FIG. 19.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in
FIG. 19.
[0028] FIG. 22 shows adjustable connection points of the flexible
links to the driver links.
[0029] FIG. 23 shows the path of motion with the connection point
in a rearward position.
[0030] FIG. 24 shows the path of motion with the connection point
in a middle position.
[0031] FIG. 25 shows the path of motion with the connection point
in a forward position.
[0032] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an exercise apparatus in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 27 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in
FIG. 26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] In the following description, for purposes of explanation
and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from
these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions
of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure
the description of the present invention with unnecessary
detail.
[0035] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
generally described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Exercise apparatus
10 has a frame 12 for supporting the apparatus on a floor surface.
The apparatus has a pair of foot platforms or pedals 14L, 14R on
which a user stands to perform exercises with the apparatus. The
pedals are attached to respective pedal links 16L, 16R. These pedal
links are pivotally attached at their forward ends to respective
rocker links 17L, 17R. The rocker links are pivotally attached at
their upper ends to the frame 12. Pedal Links 16L, 16R have
upwardly projecting ears 18L, 18R, respectively. Driver links 20L,
20R are pivotally coupled to the pedal ears 18L, 18R, respectively.
Forward ends of driver links 20L, 20R are pivotally coupled to
crank arms 22L, 22R, respectively. The crank arms are coupled to
flywheel 24, which is rotatably mounted on frame 12.
[0036] Flexible members 26L, 26R are connected to the rear of pedal
Links 16L, 16R, respectively. The flexible members are guided over
pulleys 28L, 28R and pass through hollow frame members 30L, 30R.
The flexible members exit the forward ends of the hollow frame
members and pass around pulleys 32L, 32R. Flexible members 26L, 26R
are attached to pivoting assembly 52, which will be more fully
explained below.
[0037] Exercise arms 36L, 36R are attached to respective rocker
links 17L, 17R to provide optional upper body exercise while using
apparatus 10. A fixed handgrip 38 is provided if the user of the
apparatus wishes to exercise only the lower body. Handgrip 38 and,
optionally, forearm rests (not shown) help the user to work the
glutes and hamstrings when pushing back on the pedals. Panel 40 is
placed in a position to be easily viewed by the user of the
apparatus and may be made adjustable in height to give the user an
unobstructed view forward for watching TV or enjoying the
surroundings. Controls and displays for operation of the apparatus
are mounted on panel 40. A support for reading material may be
attached to frame 12 in the vicinity of panel 40 and may be made
foldable for storage when not in use.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, flexible members 26L, 26R are
attached to pivoting assembly 52 as mentioned above. Alternatively,
a single continuous flexible member may be attached to pivoting
assembly 52 with each end of the flexible member connected to a
respective pedal. Carriage 34 is slidably coupled to rails 50L,
50R, which are mounted on pivoting assembly 52. Pivoting assembly
52 is mounted on the apparatus frame 12 to pivot about axis 54.
Lever 56 is attached to the pivoting assembly 52 and is disposed
between elastomeric springs 58L, 58R, which are mounted on the
apparatus frame. Pivotal displacement of the pivoting assembly 52
is resisted by the elastomeric springs, which, in the absence of
forces applied through flexible members 26L, 26R, maintain the
pivoting assembly 52 in a centered position. During use of the
exercise apparatus in the manner described below, forces are
transmitted through flexible links 26L, 26R to pull the carriage
34, and hence the entire pivoting assembly 52, alternately from
side to side. Member 56 alternately compresses the springs 58L,
58R.
[0039] As mentioned above, carriage 34 is mounted on rails 50L, 50R
and is movable thereon toward and away from axis 54. Pivoting
assembly 52 includes a mechanism, such as a screw and follower, so
that the position of carriage 34 may be controlled by the user of
the apparatus.
[0040] In order to exercise on apparatus 10, the user stands on
pedals 14L, 14R and grasps either arms 36L, 36R or handle bar 38.
As the user exerts forward and/or backward pressure on the pedals,
the movement of the pedals is coordinated by rotation of crank arms
22L, 22R, which results in a natural striding motion. Adjustable
mechanical or electromechanical resistance may be provided to
impose a braking effect on the rotation of flywheel 24 to increase
the exercise workout.
[0041] The user can exercise with just a simple forward and
backward striding motion or can add a vertical component to the
motion by pushing downwardly on the pedals. Adding such a vertical
component of motion results in the pedals moving in an elliptical
path. Vertical motion of the pedals is coordinated by flexible
members 26L, 26R and the pivotal motion of pivoting assembly 52.
Downward force applied by the foot of the user is transmitted
through the corresponding flexible member and is applied to
carriage 34. This results in a torque about axis 54 that is
linearly related to the distance between carriage 34 and axis 54.
This torque results in rotational displacement of the pivoting
assembly, which lifts the opposite pedal. Displacement of the
pivoting assembly is opposed by compression of elastomeric spring
58L or 58R. As the user releases downward force on the pedal, the
compressed elastomeric spring urges the pivoting assembly toward a
centered position and the flexible member returns the pedal to its
neutral vertical position.
[0042] If the carriage 34 is moved closer to axis 54, the torque
applied to the pivoting assembly 52 about axis 54 is reduced for
any given force applied to the carriage by one of the flexible
members. However, the opposing torque resulting from compression of
the elastomeric spring remains constant. This results in a reduced
rotational displacement of the pivoting assembly and, therefore, a
reduced displacement of the pedal. As the carriage is moved closer
to axis 54, the torque applied to the pivoting assembly is reduced.
If the carriage is positioned so that the ends of the flexible
members align with axis 54, the torque is reduced to zero, thereby
resulting in no pivotal displacement of the pivoting assembly and
no vertical displacement of the pedals. This effect on the path of
motion of the pedals is illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0043] An alternative arrangement of the pivoting assembly using
coil extension springs in lieu of elastomeric springs is
illustrated in FIG. 8. The pivoting assembly includes a crossmember
60 to which first ends of springs 62L, 62R, 63L and 63R are
attached. The opposite ends of the springs are attached to
stationary frame member 64. As with the elastomeric springs in the
previously described embodiment, springs 62L, 62R, 63L and 63R
oppose pivotal movement of the pivoting assembly and hold it
centered when no external forces are applied through the flexible
members.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment employing extension springs,
the flexible members 26L, 26R may be secured to a fixed structure
rather than to a carriage. In this case, the distance from the
flexible members to the pivot axis remains constant. The attachment
points of the springs to the pivoting assembly may be adjusted
toward or away from the pivot axis. By moving the attachment points
closer to the pivot axis, the torque exerted by the springs in
opposition to pivotal movement of the pivoting assembly is reduced,
whereas moving the attachment points away from the pivot axis
increases the opposing torque. Movement of the spring attachment
points thus adjusts the resistance to downward motion of the
pedals. Lower resistance allows the pedals to follow a more
elliptical path of motion, whereas higher resistance reduces the
vertical displacement of the pedals.
[0045] Adjustable range limiters may be provided to set the
vertical travel limits of the pedals. Such limits do not define the
path of motion of the pedals since that is controlled by the amount
of downward force exerted by the user; however, as a safety
precaution, the range limiters define the maximum vertical
displacement of the pedals.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pivoting
assembly. Flexible members 26L, 26R are attached to pulley 310,
which rotates about pivot axis 312. If pulley 310 is circular, the
distance between the flexible members and the pivot axis remains
constant. A secondary flywheel 314 is coupled to pulley 310 by belt
316. A brake 318 resists rotation of the secondary flywheel, which
thereby controls deflection of the pivoting assembly and hence
provides resistance to vertical movement of the pedals. The braking
effort applied by brake 318 may be adjusted by the user to furnish
a desired level of exercise resistance and also to compensate for
the weight of the user.
[0047] Another alternative embodiment of the pivoting assembly is
illustrated in FIG. 10. Here, pivoting assembly 320 is coupled to
secondary flywheel 322 by belt 324. Again, rotation of the
secondary flywheel is resisted by brake 326, which in this case is
a magnetic brake.
[0048] A further alternative arrangement of the pivoting assembly
is illustrated in FIG. 11A. Pivoting assembly 66 is coupled to
pulley 68. Pivoting assembly 66 includes a shaped cam 67, to which
the ends of flexible members 26L, 26R are attached. As in the
previously described embodiments that employ a secondary flywheel,
the flexible members 26L, 26R are not attached to a carriage. The
distance from the flexible members to the pivot axis 54 is dictated
by the shape of cam 67. Belt 70 wraps around pulley 68 and drives
secondary flywheel 72. The inertia of flywheel 72 resists pivotal
movement of the pivoting assembly and hence provides resistance to
vertical motion of the pedals.
[0049] Yet a further alternative arrangement of the pivoting
assembly is illustrated in FIG. 11B. In this configuration,
flexible members 26L, 26R are wrapped around a shaped cam 300. In
the illustrated embodiment, the effective diameter of the cam 300
is significantly smaller than in the previously described pivoting
assemblies. Therefore, the distance from the shaped cam axis 301 to
the flexible members 26L, 26R is much smaller. Consequently, to
achieve a range of vertical pedal motion comparable to the
previously described embodiments, the shaped cam 300 will need to
rotate through a much greater angle than in the previously
described versions. In this configuration, the force of the user on
the pedals 114R, 114L will apply a much smaller torque about the
shaped cam axis 301. This allows a flywheel 302 and brake mechanism
303 to be mounted directly to the shaped cam axis without the need
for any pulley arrangement or additional gearing.
[0050] Angular displacement of the shaped cam 300 is opposed by a
spring plate assembly 304, which is mounted to rotate about a
spring plate assembly pivot axis 305. The spring plate assembly 304
is operationally associated with the shaped cam 300 such that it
may move through a much smaller angular displacement. This can be
achieved via a chain-and-sprocket arrangement or gearbox.
Displacement of the spring plate assembly 304 is opposed by
compression of elastomeric spring 58L or 58R such that the spring
plate 304, and by association the shaped cam 300, remain in a
centered position.
[0051] Flexible members 26L, 26R may be flat, narrow straps of
steel or Kevlar reinforced urethane or other suitable material.
Alternatively, the flexible members may be round cross-section
cables of high tensile strength material, such as steel, nylon or
other polymers or natural fibers. In other embodiments of the
invention, the flexible members may be replaced with a system of
pivotal levers connecting the pedals to the frame of the apparatus.
Linkages between the left and right pivotal levers are provided to
coordinate the vertical movement of the pedals. The pivotal levers
may be coupled to one or more devices for providing fixed or
adjustable resistance to movement of the pedals, such as springs,
elastomeric members, weights or a flywheel. Adjustable resistance
allows the vertical decent of the pedals to be controlled in
relation to the individual user's weight. Here again, adjustable
range limiters may be provided to set the vertical travel limits of
the pedals.
[0052] The starting height of the pedals may be made adjustable by
lengthening or shortening the flexible members 26L, 26R. Shortening
the flexible members shortens the radius of swing about pulleys
28L, 28R, which results in more rise at the front of the elliptical
path of motion, i.e., the elliptical path is more inclined. This
provides the user with the sensation of running uphill. This effect
can be seen by comparing FIG. 12 with FIG. 13. The lengthened
flexible members in FIG. 12 result in a more horizontally aligned
elliptical path of motion as shown by the dashed line. The
shortened flexible members in FIG. 13 result in a more inclined
elliptical path of motion as again shown by the dashed line.
[0053] A stepper motor or similar device may be used to adjust the
length of the flexible members. FIG. 14 illustrates a pivoting
assembly 80 with a movable carriage 82. Flexible members 26L, 26R
are guided around pulleys 84L, 84R, respectively and attached to
carriage 82. Moving the carriage rearwardly draws in the flexible
members, raises the pedal height and provides a more inclined path
of motion. Carriage 82 may be controlled to move forward and lower
the pedals to a default position for ease of entry and exit at the
end of each exercise routine.
[0054] Another way to provide an inclined path of motion is to make
the driver links between the pedals and crank arms adjustable in
length. Referring to FIG. 15, the rear portion of driver link 86R,
which connects to the respective pedal, telescopes in and out of
the forward portion and is secured at a desired position with pin
88. Shortening the driver links brings the pedals forward and
consequently raises the pedal as the flexible members 26L, 26R
pivot about respective pulleys 28L, 28R. This inclines the
elliptical path of motion as shown in FIG. 16.
[0055] Yet another way to incline the pedal paths of motion is to
simply raise the front of the entire apparatus 10 as shown in FIG.
17, much as conventional treadmills may be inclined.
[0056] Still another way to incline the pedal paths of motion is to
move the flywheel and crank arms longitudinally forward. As with
shortening the driver links, this brings the pedals forward with
respect to the flexible member pulleys, thereby inclining the path
of motion as shown in FIG. 18. The flywheel may be attached to the
frame of the apparatus on a pivot arm that can tilt forward or on a
carriage that slides back and forth.
[0057] FIGS. 19-21 show another embodiment of the invention.
Whereas the flexible members connect to the pedals in the
embodiment previously described in connection with FIGS. 1-3, the
flexible members 126L, 126R of apparatus 100 are attached to
respective driver links 120L, 120R. Exercise apparatus 100 has a
frame 112 for supporting the apparatus on a floor surface. The
apparatus has a pair of foot platforms or pedals 114L, 114R on
which a user stands to perform exercises with the apparatus. The
pedals are attached to respective pedal links 116L, 116R. These
pedal links are pivotally attached at their forward ends to
respective rocker links 117L, 117R. The rocker links are pivotally
attached at their upper ends to the frame 112. Driver links 120L,
120R have pivot pins 119L, 119R extending transversely through the
ends of the pedal links. The forward ends of driver links 120L,
120R are pivotally coupled to crank arms 122L, 122R, respectively.
The crank arms are coupled to flywheel 124, which is rotatably
mounted on frame 112.
[0058] As mentioned above, flexible members 126L, 126R are
connected to the driver links at the outboard ends of pivot pins
119L, 119R, respectively. The rotational movement of the driver
link about pivot pins 119L, 119R causes take up and let out of the
flexible members on their attachment cam. This causes the pedal
movement to form an ellipse with forward and backward movement of
the pedals even when the flexible members are not traveling through
the system, thus not causing rotation of pivoting assembly 152. The
flexible members are guided over pulleys 128L, 128R and pass
through hollow frame members 130L, 130R. The flexible members exit
the forward ends of the hollow frame members and pass around
pulleys 132L, 132R. The flexible members are attached to pivoting
assembly 152, which may be configured in accordance with any of the
previously described embodiments, including with or without a
carriage and with or without a flywheel.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 22, the point where flexible members
126L, 126R are attached to the driver links may be adjusted
longitudinally with respect to the driver link pivot pins 119L,
119R. Trays 121L, 121R are attached to the respective pivot pins.
The ends of the flexible members are attached to adjustment members
123L, 123R, which slide within the respective trays and may be
adjusted to fit within one of a plurality of notches in the sides
of the trays. If the connection points are adjusted rearward from
the driver link pivots, the pedals will tend to follow a generally
open elliptical path of motion as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
23. If the connection points are adjusted more forwardly, but still
rearward of the driver link pivots, the pedals will tend to follow
a flatter inclined elliptical path as shown by the dotted line in
FIG. 24. If the connection points are adjusted to forward of the
driver link pivots, each pedal will tend to follow the forward and
upward arc of the attached end of the flexible member pivoting
about the respective pulley 128L or 128R. The user has a tendency
to push down through the inclining motion and follow the path of
motion to which the pedal is mechanically constrained, with the
result that the pedals will generally follow an inclined arc as
shown by the dotted line in FIG. 25.
[0060] A more compact version of the above-described apparatus 100
is shown in FIGS. 26-27. Apparatus 200 is functionally the same as
apparatus 100, but has a simplified frame 212 and reconfigured
flexible members 226L, 226R. The flexible members are connected to
the driver link pivot pins and are guided up over pulleys 201L,
201R, then down around pulleys 203L, 203R below the pedals. The
flexible members are then connected to pivoting assembly 252, which
is also below the pedals.
[0061] It will be recognized that the above-described invention may
be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is
understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *