U.S. patent application number 13/800742 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer.
This patent application is currently assigned to DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to Hsuan-Fu HUANG, Han-Lin LIU.
Application Number | 20140194253 13/800742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51061382 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140194253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUANG; Hsuan-Fu ; et
al. |
July 10, 2014 |
PEDAL MOTION PATH ADJUSTABLE ELLIPTICAL TRAINER
Abstract
A pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer includes a
base frame , a support mechanism including a rail holder pivoted to
the base frame, a support member and two sliding rails, a rotating
mechanism set mounted at the left and right sides of the base frame
and movable along a respective closed-loop motion path with a
respective support link thereof respectively slidably coupled to
one respective sliding rail, a linkage mechanism set mounted at the
left and right sides of the base frame, and a sliding mechanism
mounted at the rail holder and including a transmission member, two
follower members respectively mounted on two opposite ends of the
transmission member and movable relative to each other. Thus, the
elliptical trainer allows the user to change forward-backward pedal
motion paths or left-right pedal motion paths, achieving training
of different groups of the muscles of the legs.
Inventors: |
HUANG; Hsuan-Fu; (Hemei
Town, TW) ; LIU; Han-Lin; (Hemei Town, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC. |
Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
Taipei City
TW
|
Family ID: |
51061382 |
Appl. No.: |
13/800742 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0023 20130101;
A63B 2022/0028 20130101; A63B 22/0015 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 2022/0676 20130101; A63B 22/205 20130101; A63B
22/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/04 20060101
A63B023/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 7, 2013 |
TW |
102100465 |
Claims
1. A pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer, comprising: a
base frame mounted on a support surface; a support mechanism
comprising a rail holder, a support member and two sliding rails,
said rail holder being pivotally mounted at said base frame, each
said sliding rail comprising a pivot portion and a sliding portion,
said pivot portion being axially connected to said support member;
a rotating mechanism set comprising two cranks and two support
links, said cranks being coaxially and pivotally coupled to said
base frame, each said support link comprising opposing first end
portion and second end portion, said first end portion being
pivoted to one said crank, said second end portion being slidably
coupled to one said sliding rail for moving along a closed-loop
motion path; a linkage mechanism set comprising two handlebars
respectively pivotally mounted at opposing left side and right side
of said base frame and two links respectively pivotally coupled
between said handlebars and the second end portions of said support
links; a sliding mechanism mounted at said rail holder, said
sliding mechanism comprising a transmission member, two follower
member and a first drive source for rotating said transmission
member, said transmission member comprising two first stop blocks
and two second stop blocks, said follower members being
respectively mounted around two opposite ends of said transmission
member and movable relative to each other between one respective
said first stop block and one respective said second stop
block.
2. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 1, wherein said first drive source of said sliding
mechanism is a reversible motor.
3. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 1, wherein said first drive source of said sliding
mechanism is a grip operable to rotate said transmission member on
the axis thereof.
4. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 3, wherein said transmission member of said sliding
mechanism is a screw rod having a left handed thread on one end
thereof and a right handed thread on an opposite end thereof; said
follower members are screw nuts respectively threaded onto the left
handed thread and right handed thread of the screw rod of said
transmission member.
5. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 1, wherein said support mechanism further comprises a
bracket, a second drive source and a drive rod movable forward and
backward relative to said second drive source, said second drive
source being affixed to said support member, said bracket being
axially connected to said support member, said bracket having a
front side thereof stopped against said support surface and a rear
side thereof pivotally connected to a front end of said drive
rod.
6. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 5, wherein said drive rod of said support mechanism
comprises a screw rod and a screw nut, the screw rod of said drive
rod having one end thereof connected to said second drive source
and rotatable on the axis thereof by said second drive source, the
screw nut of said drive rod being threaded onto the screw rod of
said drive rod and pivotally coupled with a top side of said
bracket and drivable by the screw rod of said drive rod to move
axially along the screw rod of said drive rod.
7. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 6, wherein said bracket comprises a main rod member, a
wheel axle and two rollers, said main rod member being axially
connected to said support member of said support mechanism, said
wheel axle being connected to a bottom end of said main rod member,
said two rollers being respectively rotatably mounted at two
opposite ends of said wheel axle and adapted for stopping against
said support surface.
8. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 1, wherein each said support link comprises a pedal
mounted at a top side of the second end portion thereof, said pedal
being turnable back and forth on the longitudinal axis thereof.
9. The pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer as claimed
in claim 1, wherein said second end portion of each said support
link comprises a pulley block supported on one said sliding rail.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to elliptical machines and
more particularly, to a pedal motion path adjustable elliptical
trainer, which allows change of pedal motion paths.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Elliptical trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to
simulate walking that move along a smooth, elliptical path.
Elliptical trainers offer a non-impact cardiovascular workout that
can help you reach your health and fitness goals. The pedal motion
paths of conventional elliptical trainers are constant, hence, the
entire exercise will seem tedious, and will be unable to train all
different muscles of the legs.
[0005] Taiwan Patent 1294294 discloses an elliptical trainer
entitled "LEG-TRAINING ELLIPTICAL MACHINE", which uses a screw rod
of a slope control mechanism to control movement of a female screw
member, causing the female screw member to bias a drag bar. When
biasing the drag bar, the angle of a rail holder is changed
relative to the floor to adjust the slope of the pedal motion
paths. Further, Taiwan Patent M403355 discloses a lifting mechanism
for elliptical trainer, which uses a retractable rod of a linear
actuator to adjust the angular position of a lift frame relative to
the floor, thereby changing the pedal motion paths. The aforesaid
two prior art patents allow control of the elevation of pedals to
change the motion paths of sliding bars subject different
requirements from different users. However, the axis of rotation of
each pedal is kept in parallel to the reference axis of the
rotating mechanism. When viewed from the top side, the left and
right pedals can simply biased in a front-rear direction. Thus,
only a small part of the muscles of the legs can be trained during
exercise, resulting in poor effects of exercise. In order to
improve the drawbacks of the aforesaid two prior art designs,
Taiwan Patent M407086 discloses an elliptical trainer, entitled
"Improved structure of fitness elliptical machine", which uses two
sliding guide rails to control variation of the sliding motion
path. The two sliding guide rails are formed of one single tubular
member that is bent into a predetermined shape defining a parallel
part and a splayed part. However, this design simply allows the
machine to perform one specific motion model. If the user wishes to
change the outward expansion angle, the user must purchase a
different model of elliptical trainer or a different type of
sliding rails, causing so much inconvenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has been accomplished under the
circumstances in view. It is the main object of the present
invention to provide a pedal motion path adjustable elliptical
trainer, which allows quick adjustment of forward-backward pedal
motion paths as well as left-right pedal motion paths, achieving
training of different groups of the muscles of the legs.
[0007] To achieve this and other objects of the present invention,
a pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer comprises a base
frame, a support mechanism, a rotating mechanism set, a linkage
mechanism set and a sliding mechanism. The base frame is supported
on a support surface. The support mechanism comprises a rail
holder, a support member and two sliding rails. The rail holder is
pivotally coupled to the base frame. Each sliding rail comprises a
pivot portion and a sliding portion. The pivot portion is axially
connected to the support member. The rotating mechanism set
comprises two cranks and two support links. The cranks are
coaxially and pivotally coupled to the base frame. Each support
link comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. The
first end portion is pivotally connected to one respective crank.
The second end portion is slidably coupled to one respective
sliding rail and movable along a closed-loop motion path. The
linkage mechanism set comprises two handlebars and two links. The
handlebars are respectively pivotally mounted at the left and right
sides of the base frame. Each link has its one end pivoted to one
respective handlebar and its other end pivoted to the second end
portion of one respective support link. The sliding mechanism is
mounted at the rail holder, comprising a transmission member, two
follower members and a first drive source for rotating the
transmission member. The transmission member comprises two first
stop blocks and two second stop blocks. The follower members are
respectively mounted on two opposite ends of the transmission
member and movable relative to each other along the transmission
member between one respective first stop block and one respective
second stop block.
[0008] Thus, by means of lateral displacement of the sliding
mechanism and vertical displacement of the support mechanism, the
elliptical trainer allows the user to change the left-right pedal
motion paths or the front-back pedal motion paths for training
different groups of muscles of the legs.
[0009] Other advantages and features of the present invention will
be fully accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs
denote like components of structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an oblique left top elevational view of a pedal
motion path adjustable elliptical trainer in accordance with the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the pedal motion path
adjustable elliptical trainer in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the pedal motion path adjustable
elliptical trainer in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear side view of the pedal motion path
adjustable elliptical trainer in accordance with the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a part of the present
invention, illustrating the status of the support mechanism before
lift and the status of the sliding mechanism before lateral
displacement.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view, in an enlarged scale, of a part of the
present invention, illustrating lateral displacement of the pedal
motion path adjustable elliptical trainer.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of the present
invention, illustrating the status of the support mechanism of the
elliptical trainer before lift.
[0017] FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 7, illustrating the lifted status
of the support mechanism of the elliptical trainer.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an oblique top elevation of a part of an alternate
form of the elliptical trainer in accordance with the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top view of a part of an alternate form of the
present invention, illustrating the status of the sliding mechanism
before lateral displacement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TILE INVENTION
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an elliptical trainer 10 in
accordance with the present invention is shown comprising a base
frame 20, a support mechanism 30, a rotating mechanism set 40, a
linkage mechanism set 50, and a sliding mechanism 60.
[0021] The base frame 20 is mounted at a support surface G.
[0022] The support mechanism 30 comprises a rail holder 31, a
support member 32, two sliding rails 33, a bracket 34, a second
drive source 35, and a drive rod 36 movable back and forth relative
to the second drive source 35. The rail holder 31 is pivotally
mounted at the base frame 20. Each sliding rail 33 comprises a
pivot portion 332 axially connected to the front side of the
support member 32, and a sliding portion 334. The second drive
source 35 is affixed to the support member 32. The bracket 34 is
mounted at the support member 32 with the front side thereof
stopped against the support surface G and the rear side thereof
pivoted to the front side of the drive rod 36. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 8, the drive rod 36 comprises a screw rod 362 and
a socket nut 364. The screw rod 362 has its one end connected to
the second drive source 35 and rotatable on its own axis by the
second drive source 35. The bracket 34 comprises a main rod member
342, a wheel axle 344, and two rollers 346. The main rod member 342
is connected to the support member 32 of the support mechanism 30.
The screw nut 364 is threaded onto the screw rod 362 and pivotally
connected to the top end of the main rod member 342. The wheel axle
344 is connected to the bottom end of the main rod member 342. The
rollers 346 are respectively rotatably mounted at the two opposite
ends of the wheel axle 344 and supported on the support surface G.
When going to set the support mechanism 30 at a predetermined angle
of inclination relative to the support surface G, start the second
drive source 35 to rotate the screw rod 362, causing the screw nut
364 to move axially and forwardly along the screw rod 362 and to
further push the top end of the main rod member 342. At this time,
the bottom end of the main rod member 342 and the rollers 346 will
be moved along the support surface C toward the rail holder 31,
causing the rail holder 31 of the support mechanism 30 to be biased
relative to the base frame 20, and therefore, the support mechanism
30 can be moved to the desired angular position relative to the
support surface G.
[0023] The rotating mechanism set 40 comprises two opposing cranks
42 and support links 44. The cranks 42 are respectively coaxially
pivoted to the base frame 20. Each support link 44 has opposing
first end portion 442 and second end portion 444. The first end
portions 442 of the support links 44 are respectively pivotally
connected to the cranks 42. The second end portions 444 of the
support links 44 are respectively slidably coupled to the sliding
rails 33 by a respective pulley block 446. Further, a pedal 448 is
provided at the top side of the second end portion 444 of each
support link 44. Each pedal 448 is turnable back and forth on the
longitudinal axis thereof. Thus, the user can step the pedals 448
alternatively up and down along a closed-loop path.
[0024] The linkage mechanism set 50 comprises two handlebars 52,
and two links 54. The handlebars 52 are respectively pivotally
mounted at two opposite lateral sides of the base frame 20. The
links 54 are respectively pivotally connected between the
handlebars 52 and the second end portions 444 of the support links
44.
[0025] The sliding mechanism 60 is supported on the rail holder 31,
comprising a transmission member 62, two follower members 64, and a
first drive source 66 adapted to rotate the transmission member 62.
The transmission member 62 comprises two first stop blocks 622 and
two second stop blocks 624. The follower members 64 are
respectively sleeved onto the two opposite ends of the transmission
member 62, and movable relative to each other between a respective
first stop block 622 and a respective second stop block 624.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the
transmission member 62 is a bi-directional guide screw rod having a
left handed thread on its one end and a right handed thread on its
other end; the follower members 64 are screw nuts respectively
threaded onto the left handed thread and right handed thread of the
guide screw rod 62; the first drive source 66 is a reversible
motor. When the user wishes to change the lateral motion path,
start the motor 66 to rotate the guide screw rod 62 clockwise,
causing the screw nuts (follower members) 64 to move in direction
from the respective first stop blocks 622 toward the respective
second stop blocks 624. At this time, the sliding portions 334 of
the sliding rails 33 that are respectively pivotally connected to
the screw nuts (follower members) 64 will be biased outwardly on
the axes of the associating pivot portions 332. Thus, when the user
is pedaling the pedals 448, the pulley blocks 446 are moved along
the respective sliding rails 33, producing an expansion pattern of
elliptical motion path. On the contrary, when controlling the motor
66 to reverse the guide screw rod 62, the sliding portions 334 of
the sliding rails 33 will be moved in direction from the respective
second stop blocks 624 toward the respective first stop blocks 622,
returning the expansion pattern of elliptical motion path to the
original status.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the user wishes to exercise
along a simple up and down motion path, start the second drive
source 35 to rotate the screw rod 362 of the drive rod 36
clockwise, moving the screw nut 364 of the drive rod 36 toward the
top side of the main rod member 342 of the bracket 34. Because the
main rod member 342 is pivotally connected to the support member
32, the bottom side of the main rod member 342 and the rollers 346
will be stopped against the support surface G and moved toward the
rail holder 31 subject to the lever principle. At this time, the
support mechanism 30 will be biased on the axis of the rail holder
31 to an inclination angle relative to the support surface G. On
the contrary, when wishing to return the support mechanism 30 to
its former position, reversely rotate the screw rod 362 to move the
screw nut 364 along the screw rod 362, pulling the top side of the
main rod member 342 of the bracket 34 backwardly. Thus, the bottom
side of the main rod member 342 and the rollers 346 will be stopped
against the support surface G and moved toward the rail holder 31
subject to the lever principle, lowering the support mechanism 30
to the original start point.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternate form of the
elliptical trainer in accordance with the present invention is
shown. In this alternate form, the first drive source 66' of the
sliding mechanism is a grip operable to rotate the transmission
member 62. Thus, when the user applies a clockwise or
counter-clockwise rotating force to the grip 66', the screw rod 62
is rotated with the grip 66', moving the screw nuts 64 along the
screw rod 62 between the respective first stop blocks 622 and the
respective second stop blocks 624, and the sliding portions 334 of
the sliding rails 33 that are respectively pivoted to the screw
nuts 64 are biased on the axes of the associating pivot portions
332 outwards or inwards, achieving the objects of the present
invention.
[0029] In conclusion, the invention allows the user to alter the
forward and backward biasing motion paths as well as the leftward
and rightward biasing motion paths to train the muscles of
different parts of the legs.
[0030] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention
is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *