U.S. patent application number 14/127336 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-03 for integrated exercise workspace.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Charles Martin. Invention is credited to James Charles Martin.
Application Number | 20140187383 14/127336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47423211 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140187383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; James Charles |
July 3, 2014 |
INTEGRATED EXERCISE WORKSPACE
Abstract
An integrated exercise workspace (100) comprises an exercise
device (110), a work surface (120), and elbow supports (130a,
130b). The exercise device (110) is operable by a lower extremity
of a user. The work surface (120) is supported at a work surface
position (122) relative to the exercise device (110) and adapted to
allow use of the work surface (120) by the user while operating the
exercise device (110). The elbow supports (130a, 130b) are adapted
to support elbows of the user at a support position (132a, 132b) to
substantially isolate degrees of freedom with respect to hand
movement from the elbows to hands of the user, so as to minimize
movement of the user's hands due to movement of the lower extremity
while operating the exercise device (110).
Inventors: |
Martin; James Charles; (Salt
Lake City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Martin; James Charles |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47423211 |
Appl. No.: |
14/127336 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
June 21, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/43601 |
371 Date: |
December 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61571127 |
Jun 21, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ; 482/142;
482/54; 482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/025 20130101;
A47B 2220/06 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101;
A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 69/0057 20130101; A63B 22/0056
20130101; A63B 23/04 20130101; A47B 83/04 20130101; A63B 2022/0652
20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ; 482/142;
482/54; 482/57 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 22/02 20060101 A63B022/02; A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 21, 2011 |
US |
61571127 |
Claims
1. An integrated exercise workspace, comprising: an exercise device
operable by a lower extremity of a user; a work surface supported
at a work surface position relative to the exercise device and
adapted to allow use of the work surface by the user while
operating the exercise device; and elbow supports adapted to
support elbows of the user at a support position to substantially
isolate degrees of freedom with respect to hand movement from the
elbows to hands of the user, so as to minimize movement of the
user's hands due to movement of the lower extremity while operating
the exercise device.
2. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the elbow
supports are positioned to support upper arms of the user at an
adduction/abduction angle of between about 0 degrees and about 60
degrees.
3. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the elbow
supports are positioned to support upper arms of the user at a
flexion angle of between about 0 degrees and about 25 degrees.
4. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the elbow
supports are positioned such that wrist extension, flexion,
adduction, and abduction angles are within about 30 degrees of a
neutral position of wrists of the user when the user is operating a
keyboard on the work surface.
5. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the
support position of the elbow supports is adjustable relative to
the work surface.
6. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the work
surface position of the work surface is adjustable relative to the
exercise device.
7. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the
exercise device comprises a recumbent exercise bicycle, a
semi-recumbent exercise bicycle, an upright exercise bicycle, a
treadmill, a stair stepper, an exercise skier, a strider, an
elliptical trainer, or combinations thereof.
8. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the work
surface is substantially horizontal.
9. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the work
surface is substantially flat.
10. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the elbow supports is moveable to facilitate exercise device
ingress and egress.
11. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the elbow
supports extend from the work surface.
12. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 11, wherein the
elbow supports extend horizontally from the work surface.
13. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the
exercise device comprises a recumbent or semi-recumbent exercise
bicycle, and the work surface and a seat of the exercise bicycle
are positionable relative to one another.
14. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 13, wherein the work
surface is height adjustable relative to a seat of the exercise
bicycle to provide clearance for legs of the user while operating
the exercise bicycle.
15. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 13, wherein the seat
is movable in fore and aft directions relative to the work surface
to position the user relative to the work surface.
16. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the
exercise device comprises a recumbent or semi-recumbent exercise
bicycle, and a seat of the exercise bicycle is positionable
relative to an axis of rotation of a crank of the exercise bicycle
to adjust at least one of a relative distance and a relative height
between the seat and the axis of rotation.
17. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the
exercise device comprises a recumbent or semi-recumbent exercise
bicycle and the work surface position is substantially
horizontal.
18. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, wherein the
exercise device comprises a treadmill and the work surface is
height adjustable relative to a walking surface of the treadmill to
position the user's elbows relative to the work surface.
19. The integrated exercise workspace of claim 1, further
comprising an exercise computer and a display to monitor and
display exercise data.
20. A method of using an integrated exercise workspace, comprising:
interfacing a user's lower extremity with an exercise device
operable by the lower extremity; isolating degrees of freedom with
regard to hand movement from elbows to hands of the user, so as to
minimize movement of the user's hands due to movement of the lower
extremity while operating the exercise device; using a work surface
supported relative to the exercise device; and operating the
exercise device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 61/571,127, filed Jun. 21, 2011, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Thirty five percent of adults in the U.S. are currently
obese and that number is predicted to increase to forty two percent
by the year 2030. Obesity dramatically increases the risk of
developing diabetes, which currently afflicts seven percent of the
U.S. population, as well as heart disease, hypertension, and
metabolic syndrome. Thus, there is a significant financial burden
caused by obesity, estimated at $147 billion annually in the U.S.
alone. Obesity results from long-term positive energy balance,
where more energy is consumed than expended. While it may be
convenient to attribute positive energy balance to overeating,
evidence is accumulating that the epidemic of obesity and related
metabolic disorders is also driven by reductions in energy
expended, because of increases in sedentary behaviors, such as
sitting. For example, with increased use of computers in workplace
and home settings, individuals may remain seated for extended
periods, during which energy expenditure is minimal.
[0003] Current strategies to increase energy expenditure by
increasing physical activity are compromised by logistical and
psychological constraints, including insufficient time, perception
that exercise is boring, concern about appearance during exercise,
and fatigue after work. Recent studies show that even low intensity
physical activity is highly effective at improving energy balance
and reducing weight. Thus, it is believed that increasing physical
activity during working hours with an exercise device that can be
used at a desk while working will improve energy balance,
facilitate weight loss, and decrease the risk for developing
diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Such exercise devices are
typically operated by a user's lower body while the user is at a
desk. Integrating an exercise device with a computer workstation
poses unique challenges which are heretofore unaddressed.
SUMMARY
[0004] When using a typical lower body exercise device at a desk
while typing on a keyboard, however, the effects of the lower body
exercise movements can have a detrimental impact on the user's
ability to effectively operate the keyboard. In particular, the
lower body motion induces motion in the upper body that, if not
stabilized, increases the difficulty of typing and accelerates
fatigue in the user's hands, arm and shoulders. This can negatively
affect work performance, which can discourage use of such an
exercise device in a work environment.
[0005] Conventional ergonomic wisdom espouses that elbows should be
unsupported and free to move while typing on a keyboard. However,
the inventors have recognized there is a need for an integrated
exercise workspace capable of stabilizing the upper body while
operating an exercise device with the lower body. Such
stabilization reduces task complexity so that the user can
effectively function to operate a typical keyboard and/or mouse
computer interface with normal accuracy and without undue fatigue.
Accordingly, an integrated exercise workspace and associated
methods are provided. Such an integrated exercise workspace can
comprise an exercise device operable by a lower extremity of a
user. The integrated exercise workspace can further comprise a work
surface supported at a work surface position relative to the
exercise device and adapted to allow use of the work surface by the
user while operating the exercise device. The integrated exercise
workspace can also comprise elbow supports adapted to support
elbows of the user at a support position to substantially isolate
degrees of freedom with respect to hand movement from the elbows to
hands of the user, so as to minimize movement of the user's hands
due to movement of the lower extremity while operating the exercise
device.
[0006] Furthermore, a method of using an integrated exercise
workspace in accordance with the principles herein can comprise
interfacing a user's lower extremity with an exercise device
operable by the lower extremity. The method can also comprise
isolating degrees of freedom with regard to hand movement from
elbows to hands of the user, so as to minimize movement of the
user's hands due to movement of the lower extremity while operating
the exercise device. The method can further comprise using a work
surface supported relative to the exercise device. Additionally,
the method can comprise operating the exercise device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated exercise
workspace with a recumbent cycle, in accordance with an example of
the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2A is a representation of an upper arm
adduction/abduction angle for reference with elbow supports of the
integrated exercise workspace of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 2B is a representation of an upper arm flexion angle
for reference with elbow supports of the integrated exercise
workspace of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 2C is a representation of wrist adduction and abduction
angles for reference with elbow supports of the integrated exercise
workspace of FIG. 1 when the user is operating a keyboard.
[0011] FIG. 2D is a representation of wrist flexion and extension
angles for reference with elbow supports of the integrated exercise
workspace of FIG. 1 when the user is operating a keyboard.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an integrated exercise
workspace with a treadmill, in accordance with another example of
the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an integrated exercise
workspace with adjustable elbow supports, in accordance with yet
another example of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an integrated exercise
workspace with adjustable elbow supports, in accordance with still
another example of the present disclosure.
[0015] These figures are provided merely for convenience in
describing specific embodiments of the invention. Alteration in
dimension, materials, and the like, including substitution,
elimination, or addition of components can also be made consistent
with the following description and associated claims. Reference
will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and
specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
invention is thereby intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference will now be made to certain examples, and specific
language will be used herein to describe the same. Examples
discussed herein set forth an integrated exercise workspace and
associated methods that can provide for stabilizing the upper body
using the elbows while operating an exercise device with the lower
body, such that the user's hands can effectively function to
operate a typical keyboard and/or mouse computer interface without
undue fatigue or additional task complexity.
[0017] With the general embodiments set forth above, it is noted
that when describing an integrated exercise workspace, or the
related method, each of these descriptions are considered
applicable to the other, whether or not they are explicitly
discussed in the context of that embodiment. For example, in
discussing the integrated exercise workspace per se, system and/or
method embodiments are also included in such discussions, and vice
versa.
[0018] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed
herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be
recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It
should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used
for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting.
[0019] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "an elbow support" includes one or
more of such elbow supports and reference to "a support position"
includes one or more of such support positions.
[0020] Also, it is noted that various modifications and
combinations can be derived from the present disclosure and
illustrations, and as such, the following figures should not be
considered limiting.
[0021] In describing and claiming the present invention, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set forth below.
[0022] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the
complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For
example, an object that is "substantially" enclosed would mean that
the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely
enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute
completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context.
However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so
as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total
completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" is equally
applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the
complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic,
property, state, structure, item, or result.
[0023] As used herein, "adjacent" refers to the proximity of two
structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified
as being "adjacent" may be either abutting or connected. Such
elements may also be near or close to each other without
necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity
may in some cases depend on the specific context.
[0024] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the
contrary.
[0025] Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be
executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in
the claims unless otherwise stated. Means-plus-function or
step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a
specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are
present in that limitation: a) "means for" or "step for" is
expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly
recited. The structure, material or acts that support the
means-plus function are expressly recited in the description
herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be
determined solely by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given
herein.
[0026] Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an integrated exercise workspace
100. In accordance with one example of the present disclosure, the
integrated exercise workspace 100 can comprise an exercise device
110 operable by a lower extremity of a user. Examples of suitable
exercise devices include a recumbent exercise bicycle, a
semi-recumbent exercise bicycle, an upright exercise bicycle, a
treadmill, a stair stepper, an exercise skier, a strider, an
elliptical trainer, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the
exercise device 110 can be configured to provide primarily
cardiovascular exercise. It should be understood, however, that any
exercise device that is operable by a lower extremity may be used
in accordance with the present disclosure, including an exercise
device configured to provide primarily a muscle-strengthening
exercise such as a traditional resistance activity or a motor
driven eccentric training device.
[0027] The integrated exercise workspace 100 can also include a
work surface 120. The work surface 120 can be supported at a work
surface position 122 relative to the exercise device 110 and can be
adapted to allow use of the work surface 120 by the user while
operating the exercise device 110. Thus, for example, the work
surface 120 can be configured to support work productivity items,
such as a computer monitor 140, a keyboard 141, a mouse 142, a
telephone (not shown), and/or a computer 143 (shown optionally
located on a floor). In one aspect, as illustrated in the figure,
the work surface 120 can be substantially flat and/or horizontal,
which can allow the work surface to function as a typical office
desk surface. The integrated exercise workspace 100 can also
include an exercise computer 144 and a display 145 to monitor and
display exercise data (e.g. calories expended, equivalent distance
traveled, elapsed time, heart rate, etc). Optionally, the exercise
computer can be embodied as software module for a computer and
corresponding exercise device interface which records information
from sensors or other equipment (i.e. revolutions, speed, etc). The
exercise computer 144 and display 145 can be supported by the work
surface 120 or otherwise positioned to allow the user the see
and/or interface with the exercise computer and display.
[0028] Additionally, the integrated exercise workspace 100 can
include elbow supports 130a, 130b. The elbow supports 130a, 130b
can be adapted to support elbows of the user at a support position
132a, 132b. The elbow supports can be of any size, shape, or
configuration that can support the user's elbows at the support
position 132a, 132b. In the illustrated embodiment, for example,
the elbow support 130a is relatively wide and substantially flat,
which can provide for a variety of interface position options with
the user's elbows. This can allow the user to readjust or
reposition the elbows during use, for example, to achieve or
maintain a comfortable position. The elbow support 130b, on the
other hand, is relatively narrow and includes a pad or cushion 136
to improve comfort and/or grip of the user's elbows on the elbow
support 130b. Alternatively, the elbow support can be cupped to
receive the elbow and provide lateral support.
[0029] In the support position 132a, 132b, the elbow supports 130a,
130b can substantially isolate degrees of freedom with respect to
hand movement from the elbows to hands of the user, so as to
minimize movement of the user's hands due to movement of the lower
extremity while operating the exercise device. With the elbows
unsupported and free to move, the hands can be subject to movement
induced by the lower body exercise motions. This can increase the
task complexity of typing, for example, because the muscles that
control hand motion must also account for the movements induced by
the lower body in order to perform the task. By fixing the elbows
in space relative to the hands and work surface 120, the task of
typing is simplified for the muscles that control hand motion.
Consequently, these muscles can simply perform the task of typing,
without also working to stabilize the hands and fingers relative to
the work surface. Thus, supporting the elbows can isolate hand
movement degrees of freedom, which allows the muscles that control
hand motion to function substantially independent of movement
induced in the upper body by exercise motions of the lower
body.
[0030] In other words, with the user's elbows supported by the
elbow supports 130a, 130b at the support position 132a, 132b, the
relatively large muscles of the users upper arms, shoulders, back,
chest, and/or torso can remain relaxed rather than having to
stabilize the lower arm and compensate for movement induces by the
exercise action. Thus, the relatively small muscles controlling the
user's forearms, wrists, and hands can be substantially unaffected
by the lower body exercise movements. This allows the user's hands
to function in a normal manner while interfacing with the keyboard
or mouse, for example, without fatiguing as a result of attempting
to support, stabilize, or otherwise account for the lower body
movement while functioning on or about the work surface.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, example arm positions are
illustrated that can be achieved with the elbow supports 130a, 130b
in the support position 132a, 132b described with regard to FIG. 1.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the elbow supports 130a, 130b can
be positioned to support upper arms of the user at an
adduction/abduction angle 210 of between about 0 degrees and about
60 degrees, and in some cases up to 45 degrees. In one aspect, the
adduction/abduction angle 210 can be between about 0 degrees and
about 30 degrees. As shown in FIG. 2B, the elbow supports 130a,
130b can be positioned to support upper arms of the user at a
flexion angle 220 of between about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees.
In one aspect, the flexion angle 220 can be between about 0 degrees
and about 20 degrees. These positions of the upper arms with the
elbows on the elbow supports 130a, 130b at the support positions
132a, 132b can effectively isolate degrees of freedom with respect
to hand movement from the elbows to hands of the user, which can
minimize movement of the user's hands due to movement of the lower
body while operating the exercise device 110. Thus, with the elbows
properly supported by the elbow supports 130a, 130b at the support
position 132a, 132b, the user's elbows will be beside or slightly
in front of the user's sides. Such positioning can effectively
reduce the need to activate the relatively large muscles of the
user's upper arms, shoulders, back, chest, and/or torso to
stabilize the user's upper body against movements induced by the
lower body exercise movements.
[0032] Properly supported elbows not only allow the relatively
small muscles controlling the user's forearms, wrists, and hands to
be substantially unaffected by the lower body exercise movements,
but having elbows supported by the elbow supports 130a, 130b at the
support position 132a, 132b can also position the user's wrists in
a manner that is comfortable and sustainable while using the
keyboard 141. For example, the elbow supports 130a, 130b can be
positioned such that a wrist adduction angle 230 (FIG. 2C), wrist
abduction angle 240 (FIG. 2C), wrist flexion angle 250 (FIG. 2D),
and wrist extension angle 260 (FIG. 2D) are within about 30 degrees
of a neutral position of wrists of the user when the user is
operating the keyboard 141 on the work surface 120. These wrist
angles are comfortable for the user and are less likely to result
in muscle fatigue while using the keyboard. The support position
132a, 132b of the elbow supports 130a, 130b can likewise provide
for similar wrist positions when the user is using the mouse 142,
using a writing instrument, such as a pen, or using any other item
typically found on a home or workplace desk. Although support
positions can vary depending on individual users, typical
horizontal distance between elbow supports can range from about 11
inches to about 32 inches, and often from about 18 inches to about
24 inches.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 1, features of the
integrated exercise workspace 100 are shown that can be adjustable
to allow the integrated exercise workspace 100 to accommodate a
variety of user sizes and dimensions. For example, the position of
the elbow supports 130a, 130b can be adjustable relative to the
work surface 120 to locate the elbow supports at a proper support
position 132a, 132b to support the user's elbows as discussed
herein. In one aspect, the position of the elbow supports 130a,
130b can be adjustable in a vertical direction 151, a lateral
direction 152, and/or a fore/aft direction 153. In one aspect,
these directions can be orthogonal to one another. In a particular
aspect, the elbow supports 130a, 130b can be rotatable about one or
more axes parallel to any of the directions 151, 152, 153 to
provide for adjustability in up to six degrees of freedom. Movement
and adjustability of the elbow supports 130a, 130b can be
accomplished by any suitable means, such as a linkage mechanism, a
telescoping support, etc.
[0034] In addition, at least one of the elbow supports 130a, 130b
can be moveable to facilitate exercise device 110 ingress and/or
egress. For example, movement of the elbow support 130b in one or
more of directions 151, 152, 153 can be sufficient to allow
clearance for the user to access the exercise device 110. In
another embodiment, the elbow support 130a is shown extending
horizontally from, and coupled to, the work surface 120 via a hinge
133 rotatable about axis 134. In this configuration, the elbow
support 130a can be rotated in direction 135 to make room for the
user to access the exercise device 110 without undue burden or
effort. Once the user has accessed the exercise device 110, the
elbow support 130a can be rotated in a direction opposite direction
135 to the support position. It should be recognized that one or
both of the elbow supports 130a, 130b can be rotatable about any
axis or rotatable about one or more axes to facilitate exercise
device ingress and/or egress. Facilitating ease of ingress and/or
egress of the exercise device 100 can enhance the safety of using
the integrated exercise workspace 100, particularly for those that
are obese or those who may not be as agile as others.
[0035] Furthermore, the work surface position 122 of the work
surface 120 can be adjustable relative to the exercise device 110.
This can position the work surface 120 at a comfortable and
suitable location relative to the user when the user is using the
exercise device 110. For example, as shown in the figure, the work
surface 120 can be supported by one or more legs 160a, 160b, 160c,
160d. In one aspect, one or more of the legs can be vertically
adjustable in vertical direction 161, such as by a telescoping
structure. In another aspect, one or more of the legs 160a, 160b,
160c, 160d can be movable in a lateral direction 162 and/or a
fore/aft direction 163 to properly locate the work surface 120
relative to the exercise device 110. Movement in the lateral
direction 162 and/or the fore/aft direction 163 can be facilitated
by a wheel 164 or other such device disposed at an end of one or
more legs 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d. In one aspect, the wheel 164 can
be lockable to prevent unwanted movement when the work surface 120
is properly located. In a particular aspect, locking of the wheel
164 can be controlled by the user while using or being supported by
the exercise device 110. Such remote locking control can be
accomplished mechanically by any suitable means, such as an
extension rod or a linkage coupled to a wheel lock, or electrically
by a solenoid actuated wheel lock with a controller accessible by
the user.
[0036] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the exercise device 110
can comprise a recumbent or semi-recumbent exercise bicycle. The
exercise bicycle can have a seat 111 for the user, as well as a
pedal 112 for the user's foot coupled to a crank arm 113 that is
rotatable about an axis 114. On such exercise bicycles, the user's
knees extend upward during a part of the pedal stroke. As described
above, the work surface 120 can be positioned relative to the
exercise device 110. In this case, the work surface 120 can be
positioned relative to the seat 111 of the exercise bicycle, such
as with a height adjustment, to provide clearance for legs of the
user while operating the exercise bicycle. In other words, the work
surface 120 can be positioned to prevent interference between an
underside of the work surface 120 and the user's knees. The crank
length can also affect clearance of the user's knee with the
underside of the work surface. Conventional crank arm lengths are
170 mm, although ergonomics can be improved by shortening the crank
arm in order to allow for a lower work surface with respect to the
seat height. As a general guideline, shortened crank arm lengths
can range from about 85 mm to about 150 mm (e.g. 100 mm, 120 mm,
and 145 mm), although crank arm lengths up to about 180 mm or more
can be used depending on the individual user.
[0037] On the other hand, the seat 111 can be movable relative to
the work surface 120 to provide clearance for the user's knees or
to achieve a desired relationship between the user and the work
surface 120. For example, the seat 111 can be movable relative to
the work surface 120 in a vertical direction 171, a lateral
direction 172, and/or a fore/aft direction 173 to position the user
relative to the work surface 120. Typically, the set 111 can be
inclined forward slightly from typical recumbent positions. Thus,
not only can absolute height of the exercise device 110 be
adjusted, but a degree of incline can also be adjusted such that a
back end of the exercise device can be elevated independently of a
front end of the device. In this manner, the work surface 120 can
be horizontal while user's wrist can be a substantially neutral
position during typing.
[0038] For example, one or more supports 175 of the exercise
bicycle can be vertically adjustable in vertical direction 171,
such as by a telescoping structure. In another aspect, the exercise
bicycle can be movable in the lateral direction 172 and/or the
fore/aft direction 173 to properly locate the exercise bicycle
relative to the work surface 120. Movement in the lateral direction
172 and/or the fore/aft direction 173 can be facilitated by a wheel
174 or other such device. In one aspect, the wheel 174 can be
lockable to prevent unwanted movement of the exercise bicycle when
the exercise bicycle is properly located. In a particular aspect,
locking of the wheel 174 can be controlled by the user while using
or being supported by the exercise bicycle. Such remote locking
control can be accomplished mechanically by any suitable means,
such as an extension rod or a linkage coupled to a wheel lock, or
electrically by a solenoid actuated wheel lock with a controller
accessible by the user.
[0039] In another aspect, the seat 111 of the exercise bicycle can
be rotatable in direction 176 about an axis 177. This can be
accomplished, for example, by changing a length of a telescopic
support 175. Not only can this adjustment alter the spatial
relationship between the seat 111 and the work surface 120, but it
can also adjust a relative height 178 between the seat 111 and the
axis of rotation 114 of the crank 113. The effect of increasing the
relative height 178 is to put the user in a more upright position,
which lowers the user's knees with respect to the shoulders when
pedaling, thus allowing a lower work surface position 122 relative
to the user's chest. In other words, the work surface 120 can be in
a similar position relative to the user as a typical office desk
surface. Accordingly, the work surface 120 can be horizontal
without the need to slope or raise the work surface 120 to provide
clearance between the user's legs and an underside of the work
surface 120 during use of the exercise bicycle. In addition,
rotation of the seat 111 about the axis 177 can also serve to
adjust the height of the seat 111 relative to the work surface 120.
Moreover, the exercise bicycle can be adjustable to accommodate
users of different sizes and dimensions. For example, the seat 111
of the exercise bicycle can be positionable relative to the axis of
rotation 114 of the crank 113 of the exercise bicycle to adjust a
relative distance 179 between the axis of rotation 114 and the seat
111.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 3, illustrated is an integrated
exercise workspace 300 that includes an exercise device 310. In
this embodiment, the exercise device comprises a treadmill. Of
particular note here, the work surface 320 is height adjustable in
direction 361, as described herein, relative to a walking surface
312 of the treadmill. This can position the user's elbows relative
to the work surface 320, such that the elbows are properly
supported by elbow supports 330a, 330b at support positions 332a,
332b, as described herein. In addition, the treadmill can be
movable in a lateral direction 372 and/or a fore/aft direction 373,
in order to orient the elbows accordingly to a user's size and
ensure the elbows are properly supported. Thus, the work surface
320 and/or the exercise device 310 can be positionable and/or
adjustable such that the user's elbows are supported vertically as
previously discussed.
[0041] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate alternative embodiments of elbow
support mounting configurations. Similar to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A includes
elbow supports 430a, 430b that are structurally associated with the
work surface 420. In this case, the elbow supports 430a, 430b are
coupled to the work surface 420 via linkage mechanisms 437a, 437b.
This can allow the elbow supports 430a, 430b to raise, lower,
extend, and/or retract relative to the work surface 420, such that
the user's elbows are properly supported by elbow supports 430a,
430b at support positions 432a, 432b. This can be used to
facilitate adjustments for individual users (i.e. a tall individual
versus a shorter individual may have varying optimal distances
between the work surface, elbow support, seat, etc. Additionally,
the linkage mechanisms 437a, 437b can allow the elbow supports
430a, 430b to be moveable to facilitate ease of exercise device 410
ingress and/or egress, such as by retracting under the work surface
420.
[0042] FIG. 4B, on the other hand, illustrates an embodiment
including elbow supports 530a, 530b that are structurally
associated with the exercise device 510. In this case, the elbow
supports 530a, 530b are coupled to the exercise device 510 via
support arms 537a, 537b. In one aspect, the support arms 537a, 537b
can be telescopic to allow length adjustments in direction 581,
direction 582, and/or direction 583. This can allow the elbow
supports 530a, 530b to raise, lower, extend, and/or retract
relative to the work surface 520, such that the user's elbows are
properly supported by elbow supports 530a, 530b at support
positions 532a, 532b. Additionally, the support arms 537a, 537b can
allow the elbow supports 530a, 530b to be moveable to facilitate
ease of exercise device 510 ingress and/or egress, such as by
rotating in direction 538 about axis 539 to provide clearance for
the user to move between at least one of the elbow supports 530a,
530b and the work surface 520. Alternatively, the support arms
537a, 537b can be movable with the exercise device 510 in direction
573 to facilitate ease of exercise device 510 ingress and/or
egress. Although not illustrated, it should be recognized that an
elbow support can be coupled to a floor, a wall, or any other
suitable support structure.
[0043] In a related example, and to reiterate to some degree, a
method of using an integrated exercise workspace is presented in
accordance with the principles herein. The method comprises
interfacing a user's lower extremity with an exercise device
operable by the lower extremity. The method also comprises
isolating degrees of freedom with regard to hand movement from
elbows to hands of the user, so as to minimize movement of the
user's hands due to movement of the lower extremity while operating
the exercise device. The method further comprises using a work
surface supported relative to the exercise device. Additionally,
the method comprises operating the exercise device. It is noted
that no specific order is required in this method, though generally
in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out
sequentially.
[0044] It is to be understood that the above-referenced embodiments
are illustrative of the application for the principles of the
present invention.
[0045] Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be
devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention while the present invention has been shown in the
drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary
embodiment(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made
without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention
as set forth in the claims.
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