U.S. patent application number 14/575823 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for selective angular positioning of the crank of an elliptical.
This patent application is currently assigned to ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.. Invention is credited to Scott R. Watterson.
Application Number | 20150182781 14/575823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53480625 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150182781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watterson; Scott R. |
July 2, 2015 |
Selective Angular Positioning of the Crank of an Elliptical
Abstract
An exercise machine includes a frame pivotally connected to a
stationary horizontal base. A first foot pedal and a second foot
pedal are attached to the frame and arranged to travel along
reciprocating paths. The exercise machine also includes a
resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist
movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along
the reciprocating paths. An angling mechanism is arranged to
selectively angle the frame by pivoting the frame with respect to
the stationary horizontal base.
Inventors: |
Watterson; Scott R.;
(Providence, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ICON HEALTH & FITNESS,
INC.
Logan
UT
|
Family ID: |
53480625 |
Appl. No.: |
14/575823 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61922660 |
Dec 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0605 20130101;
A63B 2022/0682 20130101; A63B 22/208 20130101; A63B 22/001
20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 2071/068 20130101; A63B
2071/0683 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101;
A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 21/22 20060101 A63B021/22; A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a stationary horizontal base; a
frame pivotally connected to the stationary horizontal base; a
first foot pedal and a second foot pedal are movably attached to
the frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths; a
resistance mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist
movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along
the reciprocating paths; an angling mechanism arranged to
selectively change an incline angle formed between the frame and
the stationary horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect
to the stationary horizontal base; and the angling mechanism being
in communication with an electronic control module arranged to
change the incline angle based on user input.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a
first post pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary
horizontal base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post
pivotally connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal
base at a second frame pivot connection.
3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the first post is
connected to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the
second post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second
flywheel.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the first flywheel is
positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the
first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the
second frame pivot connection along the second post.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first flywheel and
the second flywheel are arranged to move with the frame as the
frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal
base.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first foot pedal is
mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot
pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the
first arm support and the second arm support move in a
reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot
pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm
support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the
frame.
7. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the first arm support
and the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as
the frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal
base.
8. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the first foot pedal is
movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and
the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to
the second arm support.
9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the first track and the
second track are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is
pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first foot pedal
and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm.
11. The exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the crank arm is
arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with
respect to the stationary horizontal base.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the angling mechanism
has a limited range about which the angling mechanism is capable of
pivoting the frame.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the angling mechanism
is an actuator positioned to push the frame relative to the
stationary horizontal base.
14. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a flywheel
that is arranged to move with respect to the stationary horizontal
base as the frame moves with respect to the stationary horizontal
base.
15. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame pivotally connected to
a stationary horizontal base; a first foot pedal and a second foot
pedal are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel
along reciprocating paths; the first foot pedal is mechanically
linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is
mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm
support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion
as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the
reciprocating paths wherein the first arm support and the second
arm support are pivotally connected to the frame; a resistance
mechanism connected to the frame and arranged to resist movement of
the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the
reciprocating paths; an angling mechanism arranged to selectively
change an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary
horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the
stationary horizontal base; the first arm support and the second
arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is
pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base; the
resistance mechanism comprising a flywheel mechanically linked to
at least one of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal and
arranged to move with respect to the stationary horizontal base as
the frame moves with respect to the stationary horizontal base; and
the angling mechanism being in communication with an electronic
control module arranged to change the incline angle based on user
input.
16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein a control module is
secured to the frame and includes an incline controller causes
adjustments to an angle formed between the stationary horizontal
base and the frame based on user input.
17. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the first foot pedal
and the second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm and the
crank arm is arranged to move with the frame as the frame is
pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
18. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the first foot pedal
is movable along a first track connected to the first arm support
and the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected
to the second arm support and the first track and the second track
are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with
respect to the stationary horizontal base.
19. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the angling mechanism
is positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary
horizontal base.
20. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame connected to a
stationary horizontal base; the frame comprises a first post
pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary horizontal
base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post pivotally
connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal base at a
second frame pivot connection; a first foot pedal and a second foot
pedal are movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel
along reciprocating paths; the first post is connected to the first
foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second post is
connected to the second foot pedal through a second flywheel; the
first flywheel is positioned proximate the first frame pivot
connection along the first post and the second flywheel is
positioned proximate the second frame pivot connection along the
second post; the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first
arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a
second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm
support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and
the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein
the first arm support and the second arm support are pivotally
connected to the frame; the first foot pedal and the second foot
pedal are connected through a crank arm; the first foot pedal is
movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and
the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to
the second arm support; an angling mechanism arranged to
selectively angle the frame by pivoting the frame with respect to
the stationary horizontal base; and the first flywheel, the second
flywheel, the first arm support, the second arm support, the crank
arm, the first track, and the second track are arranged to
collectively move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with
respect to the stationary horizontal base.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional Patent
Application No. 61/922,660 titled "Selective Angular Positioning of
the Crank of an Elliptical" filed Dec. 31, 2013. This application
is herein incorporated by reference for all that it discloses.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves
one's cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and
providing other benefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise
generally involves low intensity physical exertion over a long
duration of time. Typically, the human body can adequately supply
enough oxygen to meet the body's demands at the intensity levels
involved with aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise
include running, jogging, swimming, and cycling among other types
of aerobic exercise. In contrast, anaerobic exercise typically
involves high intensity exercises over a short duration of time.
Popular forms of aerobic exercise include strength training and
short distance running.
[0003] Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in
a gym or their home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise
machine to have an aerobic workout indoors. One such type of
aerobic exercise machine is an elliptical exercise machine, which
often includes foot supports that move in reciprocating directions
when moved by the feet of a user. Often, the foot supports will be
mechanically linked to arm levers that can be held by the user
during the workout. The arm levers and foot supports move together
and collectively provide resistance against the user's motion
during the user's workout. Other popular exercise machines that
allow a user to perform aerobic exercises indoors include
treadmills, rowing machines, stepper machines, and stationary bikes
to name a few.
[0004] One type of elliptical exercise machine is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,047,968 issued to Brian C. Stewart. In this reference,
an apparatus and method permitting a user to perform simulated
climbing and full body exercise is provided. The design includes a
frame and a pair of lever arms and a pair of foot platforms and a
torso support. The frame is configured to place the operator's
center of gravity in a position of falling away from the frame,
lever arms, foot platforms and providing a torso support enabling
the operator to be supported by hanging from the hands and
supported by the feet and torso support. The frame may be rotated
through varying angles from vertical permitting the operator's
center of gravity to fall away from the frame and allow the
operator to hang away from the frame further enhancing the climbing
experience. Other types of elliptical exercise machines are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,350 issued to William T. Dalebout
and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0190508 issued to Scott
Watterson.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine includes
a frame pivotally connected to a stationary horizontal base.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal that are
movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along
reciprocating paths.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and
arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second
foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include an angling mechanism arranged to selectively change
an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary
horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the
stationary horizontal base.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is in
communication with an electronic control module arranged to change
the incline angle based on user input.
[0010] In one aspect of the invention, the frame comprises a first
post pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary
horizontal base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post
pivotally connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal
base at a second frame pivot connection.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention, the first post is connected
to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second
post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second
flywheel.
[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel is
positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the
first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the
second frame pivot connection along the second post.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel and the
second flywheel are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is
pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is
mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot
pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the
first arm support and the second arm support move in a
reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot
pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm
support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the
frame.
[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support and
the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the
frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal
base.
[0016] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal and the
second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm.
[0017] In one aspect of the invention, the crank arm is arranged to
move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with respect to the
stationary horizontal base.
[0018] In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism has a
limited range about which the angling mechanism is capable of
pivoting the frame.
[0019] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a control module that is secured to the frame and
includes an incline controller arranged to adjust an angle formed
between the stationary horizontal base and the frame based on user
input.
[0020] In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is an
actuator positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary
horizontal base.
[0021] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is
movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and
the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to
the second arm support.
[0022] In one aspect of the invention, the first track and the
second track are arranged to move with the frame as the frame is
pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
[0023] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a flywheel that is arranged to move with respect to
the stationary horizontal base as the frame moves with respect to
the stationary horizontal base.
[0024] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a frame pivotally connected to a stationary
horizontal base.
[0025] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal that are
movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along
reciprocating paths.
[0026] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is
mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot
pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the
first arm support and the second arm support move in a
reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot
pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm
support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the
frame.
[0027] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a resistance mechanism connected to the frame and
arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second
foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.
[0028] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include an angling mechanism arranged to selectively change
an incline angle formed between the frame and the stationary
horizontal base by pivoting the frame with respect to the
stationary horizontal base.
[0029] In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support and
the second arm support are arranged to move with the frame as the
frame is pivoted with respect to the stationary horizontal
base.
[0030] In one aspect of the invention, the resistance mechanism
comprises a flywheel mechanically linked to at least one of the
first foot pedal and the second foot pedal and arranged to move
with respect to the stationary horizontal base as the frame moves
with respect to the stationary horizontal base.
[0031] In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is in
communication with an electronic control module arranged to change
the incline angle stationary horizontal based on user input.
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a control module that is secured to the frame and
includes an incline controller arranged to cause adjustments to an
angle formed between the stationary horizontal base and the frame
stationary horizontal based on user input.
[0033] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal and the
second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm and the crank
arm is arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with
respect to the stationary horizontal base.
[0034] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is
movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and
the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to
the second arm support and the first track and the second track are
arranged to move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with
respect to the stationary horizontal base.
[0035] In one aspect of the invention, the angling mechanism is
positioned to push the frame relative to the stationary horizontal
base.
[0036] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a frame connected to a stationary horizontal
base.
[0037] In one aspect of the invention, the frame has a first post
pivotally connected to a first side of the stationary horizontal
base at a first frame pivot connection and a second post pivotally
connected to a second side of the stationary horizontal base at a
second frame pivot connection.
[0038] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal that are
movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel along
reciprocating paths.
[0039] In one aspect of the invention, the first post is connected
to the first foot pedal through a first flywheel and the second
post is connected to the second foot pedal through a second
flywheel.
[0040] In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel is
positioned proximate the first frame pivot connection along the
first post and the second flywheel is positioned proximate the
second frame pivot connection along the second post.
[0041] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is
mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot
pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the
first arm support and the second arm support move in a
reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot
pedal travel along the reciprocating paths wherein the first arm
support and the second arm support are pivotally connected to the
frame.
[0042] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal and the
second foot pedal are connected through a crank arm.
[0043] In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is
movable along a first track connected to the first arm support and
the second foot pedal is movable along a second track connected to
the second arm support.
[0044] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine may
further include an angling mechanism arranged to selectively angle
the frame by pivoting the frame with respect to the stationary
horizontal base.
[0045] In one aspect of the invention, the first flywheel, the
second flywheel, the first arm support, the second arm support, the
crank arm, the first track, and the second track are arranged to
collectively move with the frame as the frame is pivoted with
respect to the stationary horizontal base.
[0046] Any of the aspects of the invention detailed above may be
combined with any other aspect of the invention detailed
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The
illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present
apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an
exercise machine in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine of
FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise
machine of FIG. 1 with a frame rotated up with respect to a
stationary horizontal base.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine of
FIG. 1 with a frame rotated up with respect to a stationary
horizontal base.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example of a pivot
connection in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an example of a pivot
connection in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of a
frame in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0055] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] An exercise machine, such as an elliptical exercise machine,
includes foot pedals that are mechanically linked together. Such
foot pedals are often mechanically linked to arm supports that move
with the foot pedals of the elliptical exercise machine. Thus, when
any of either the foot pedals or either of the arm supports move,
each of the foot pedals and each of the arm supports also move. As
a result, when a user moves any of these components, each of these
components move together.
[0057] A user can stand on the foot pedals and move his or her feet
along a reciprocating path traveled by the foot pedals while moving
the arm supports back and forth. A user gets an increased workout
when the collective movement of the foot pedals and arm supports is
resisted. Often, the resistance to the foot pedal's movement is
adjustable. Such resistance may be achieved through any appropriate
mechanism. In some examples, a magnetic unit is positioned near a
flywheel such that a magnetic force of the magnetic unit resists
the movement of the flywheel. To adjust the magnetic resistance
force, the magnetic unit may be moved closer to or away from the
flywheel. In alternative examples, the magnetic force is
proportional to electrical energy applied to the magnetic unit, and
the strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted by applying a
different level of electrical energy to the flywheel. In yet other
examples, tensioning units, compression pads, pneumatic mechanisms,
other mechanisms, or combinations thereof are adjusted to change
the resistance.
[0058] In lieu of or in addition to the resistance mechanism
described above, a workout of an exercise machine may be changed by
adjusting an incline of the paths traveled by the foot pedals. The
principles described in the present disclosure include an exercise
machine where the frame of the exercise machine can pivot with
respect to a stationary horizontal base of the exercise machine. As
a result, each of the components that are attached to the frame
will pivot with the frame. For example, if the flywheel, foot
pedals, arm supports, and other components of the exercise machine
are attached to the frame, the flywheel, foot pedals, and arm
supports also move as the frame pivots. As the frame pivots with
respect to the stationary horizontal base, the angle between the
stationary horizontal base and the frame changes. The flywheel,
foot pedals, and arm supports are moved to corresponding angles
with the frame. In situations where the resulting angle causes an
increased incline between the frame and the stationary horizontal
base, the user may experience an increase in the difficulty of the
workout. In some examples, the user may desire to change the
incline angle to target different muscle groups.
[0059] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "resistance
mechanism" includes those components that directly interact to
cause an added degree of resistance during the user's workout. For
example, a resistance mechanism may include a flywheel when the
exercise machine has components that can adjustably impose
resistance to the movement of the flywheel, such as imposing a
magnetic force on the flywheel to prevent the flywheel's rotation.
The flywheel is included in the resistance mechanism when other
components interact with the flywheel to directly resist the
flywheel's movement. For example, braking pads, tensioning
elements, fan blades, or other components can be used to directly
resist the movement of the flywheel. In such examples, both the
flywheel and the components interact to adjustably resist the
movement of the flywheel and are included as part of the resistance
mechanism.
[0060] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "stationary
exercise machine" include exercise machines that do not propel the
exercise machine or otherwise change a location of the user of the
exercise machine based on the effort exerted by the user during his
or her workout. Such stationary exercise machines may change the
incline of the machine or otherwise change the location of the
machine based on motors, drivers, actuators, hydraulic systems, or
other mechanism that operate independent of the user's workout
performance. For example, such functions may be operable by
commands given by the user, such as selecting an option through a
control module of the stationary exercise machine.
[0061] Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIGS. 1-2
depict an example of an exercise machine 10, such as an elliptical
exercise machine. In the example of FIG. 1, the exercise machine is
a stationary exercise machine, however, other types of exercise
machines may be used in accordance with the principles described
herein. The exercise machine 10 includes a base 12 that is attached
to a frame 14 at a first frame pivot connection 11 and a second
frame pivot connection 13. A lower portion 15 of the frame 14
includes a housing 16 that supports a first flywheel 18 and a
second flywheel 20. The first flywheel 18 and the second flywheel
20 are attached to one another through a crank assembly 22. The
crank assembly 22 includes a crank arm 24 that is attached to a
first shaft 26 that is connected to the first flywheel 18 on a
first end 28 and attached to a second shaft 30 that is connected to
the second flywheel 20 at a second end 32.
[0062] The stationary horizontal base 12 may be any appropriate
base in accordance with the principles described in the present
disclosure. In some examples, the stationary horizontal base 12 is
flat and has a center of gravity that is close to a floor or other
type of foundation upon which the exercise machine 10 resides. The
stationary horizontal base 12 may be made of a continuous beam of
metal with a curvature such that multiple portions of the
continuous beam are positioned to make the first and second frame
pivot connections 11, 13 with the lower portion 15 of the frame 14.
In other examples, cross bars connect the multiple portions of the
stationary horizontal base 12. In some examples, the frame includes
just horizontally positioned beams that are aligned with the floor
or another type of foundation. In yet other examples, the
stationary horizontal base 12 may include a vertical support member
that is intended to carry a vertical load. In some examples, the
first and second frame pivot connections 11, 13 are formed in a
midsection 17 or rear section of the horizontally positioned beams
of the stationary horizontal base 12.
[0063] The first shaft 26 is attached to an underside of a first
track 33 that supports a first foot pedal 34, and the second shaft
30 is attached to an underside of a second track 35 that supports a
second foot pedal 36. The crank assembly 22 is shaped such that the
first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30 follow reciprocating paths.
Consequently, the first foot pedal 34 follows the path of the first
shaft 26, and the second foot pedal 36 follows the path of the
second shaft 30. As a user stands on the first foot pedal 34 and
the second foot pedal 36 for a workout, the user's feet also follow
the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal 34 and the second
foot pedal 36. In some examples, the first foot pedal 34 is
slidable along the length of the first track 33. Likewise, the
second foot pedal 36 may be slidable along the length of the second
track 35. Thus, in some examples, the first foot pedal 34 and the
second foot pedal 36 are movable in multiple directions: down the
length of the tracks and with the reciprocating paths defined by
the travel of the first shaft 26 and the second shaft 30.
[0064] The first foot pedal 34 is connected to a first arm support
38 through a first mechanical linkage 40, and the second foot pedal
36 is connected to a second arm support 42 through a second
mechanical linkage 44. The first arm support 38 is connected to the
frame 14 at a first arm pivot connection 46, and the second arm
support 42 is connected to the frame 14 at a second arm pivot
connection 48. In the example of FIGS. 1-2, the first mechanical
linkage 40 includes a first bottom section 50 of the first arm
support 38 connected to a first far end 52 of the first track 33 at
a first joint 54. Likewise, the second mechanical linkage 44 may
include a second bottom section 56 of the second arm support 42
connected to a second far end 58 of the second track 35 at a second
joint 60.
[0065] A control module 62 is connected to a cross bar 64 that
connects a first post 66 of the frame 14 to a second post 68 of the
frame 14. The control module 62 may include multiple buttons 70, a
display 72, a cooling vent, a speaker, another device, or
combinations thereof. The control module 62 can include a
resistance input mechanism 76 that allows the user to control how
much resistance is applied to the movement of the first foot pedal
34, the second foot pedal 36, the first arm support 38, and the
second arm support 42. The control module 62 may also provide the
user with an ability to control other functions of the exercise
machine 10. For example, the control module 62 may be used to
control a level of a climate control, to control an incline angle
between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12, to
control speaker volume, to select a preprogrammed workout, to
control entertainment through the speakers of the display 72 of the
control module 62, to monitor a health parameter of the user during
a workout, to communicate with a remote trainer or computer, to
control other functions, or combinations thereof.
[0066] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an example of the exercise machine 10
with a frame 14 rotated up with respect to the stationary
horizontal base 12. In this example, the first and second flywheels
18, 20, the first and second tracks 33, 35, the first and second
arm supports 38, 42, and the first and second foot pedals 34, 36
all change their incline with respect to the stationary horizontal
base 12 as the frame 14 forms a new angle with the stationary
horizontal base 12. In some embodiments, the entire functional
portion of the exercise machine 10 rotates about a rotational axis
78 formed by the first and second frame pivot connections 11, 13
with the frame 14 to reach a new incline.
[0067] The change in angle allows the user to change the difficulty
of the workout and/or target different muscle groups by changing
the user's incline with respect to the floor or other foundation
upon which the exercise machine 10 resides. The angle change drives
an incline change. Thus, in examples where the user is positioned
on the foot pedals 34, 36 when the frame 14 pivots about the first
and second frame pivot connections 11, 13, the incline of the user
with respect to the floor changes. However, the user remains in an
upright position. The increased difficulty caused by the angle
change may result from a length of the foot pedals 34, 36, the
tracks 33, 35, or other components of the exercise machine 10
becoming more aligned with a gravitational pull. Thus, an increased
amount of gravitational resistance is imposed on the user.
[0068] In some examples, the first and second foot pedals 34. 36
are movably attached to the first and second tracks 33, 35
respectively so that the foot pedals 34, 36 can slide along the
length of the tracks 33, 35. In such examples, the rotary position
of the crank assembly 22 can be locked so that the foot pedals 34,
36 do not travel in circular paths while sliding along the length
of the tracks 33, 35. Such an exercise can mimic cross country
skiing In such an example, a resistance mechanism can be
incorporated into the tracks 33, 35 to add resistance to the
sliding motion of the foot pedals 34, 36. Such a resistance
mechanism may be positioned on the underside of the tracks 33, 35.
By changing the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary
horizontal base 12, a workout that includes sliding the foot pedals
34, 36 along the length of the tracks 33, 35 may be become more
difficult, easier, or target different muscle groups.
[0069] In some situations, the foot pedals 34, 36 are locked with
respect to the tracks 33, 35 such that the user cannot slide the
foot pedals 34, 36 along the tracks' lengths. In such situations,
the crank assembly 22 may be free to rotate such that the foot
pedals 34, 36 can move along reciprocating paths that include
circular motion. In such an example, a change in the angular
position of the frame 14 with respect to the stationary horizontal
base 12 also changes the angle of these reciprocating paths that
incorporate circular motion. Such changes in the angles of the
reciprocating paths can also change the workout such that the
workout becomes more difficult, easier, or targets different muscle
groups.
[0070] The stationary horizontal base 12 may remain in the same
angular orientation when the frame 14 pivots with respect to the
stationary horizontal base 12. In such an example, the angular
orientation of the stationary horizontal base 12 remains constant
regardless of the angle of the frame 14. The length of the
stationary horizontal base 12 may be aligned with a length of the
function portion of the exercise machine 10. As the frame 14 pivots
with respect to the stationary horizontal base 12 a distance
between a rear portion of the exercise machine's functional portion
and a rear portion of the stationary horizontal base 12 may
increase or decrease depending on the direction that the frame 14
is pivoting. In some examples when the frame 14 is pivoted upwards,
the entire weight of the functional portion of the exercise machine
(e.g. minus the weight of the stationary horizontal base 12) is
loaded to pivot connections that are in the front portion of the
exercise machine 10.
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example of a second frame
pivot connection 13 in accordance with the present disclosure. In
this example, the second frame pivot connection 13 includes a pivot
rod 82 that connects the stationary horizontal base 12 to the frame
14. The frame 14 includes a housing 16 that supports the second
flywheel 20. The second post 68 is depicted contacting the housing
16. The frame 14 can pivot about the pivot rod 82 to change the
angle between the frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12 as
illustrated in FIG. 6. Preferably, as the second frame pivot
connection 13 changes the angle between the frame 14 and the
stationary horizontal base 12, the first frame pivot connection 11
also changes its angle by the same amount.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of a
frame 14 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this
example, the housing 16 is partially cut away to illustrate the
frame structure within the housing 16. The angling mechanism 84 is
used to change the angle of the frame 14 relative to the stationary
horizontal base 12. The second post 68 of the frame 14 includes a
piston connection 86 where the angling mechanism 84 can push the
second post 68 to change the angle.
[0073] The angling mechanism 84 can be arranged such that a piston
88 of the angling mechanism 84 can move along the length of the
angling mechanism. As the piston 88 extends, the piston 88 pushes
against the piston connection 86 on a single side of the second
post 68 such that the side of the second post 68 moves up with the
piston 88. However, the second frame pivot connection 13 acts as a
fulcrum about which the second post 68 pivots. As a result, the
incline angle of the functional portion of the exercise machine 10
increases and the angle between the frame 14 and the stationary
horizontal base 12 also changes. As the piston 88 retracts, the
single side of the second post 68 moves down with the piston 88 and
causes the incline angle of the functional portion of the exercise
machine 10 to decrease.
[0074] The piston connection 86 may be integrally formed in the
second post 68. In alternative examples, the piston connection 86
is formed by an attachment connected to the second post 68.
Further, the angling mechanism 84 may be positioned to move the
second post 68, the first post 66, another portion of the frame 14,
or combinations thereof. The angling mechanism 84 may be arranged
to move the frame 14 any appropriate number of degrees. The range
that the angling mechanism 84 is capable of inclining the frame 14
with respect to the stationary horizontal base may be a limited
range. For example, the angling mechanism 84 may be arranged to
move the frame up to 60 degrees, up to 45 degrees, up to 35
degrees, up to 25 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to another number
of degrees, up to degrees there between, or combinations
thereof.
[0075] Any appropriate type of angling mechanism 84 may be used in
accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure.
For example, the angling mechanism 84 may include a hydraulically
driven piston, a pneumatically driven piston, a rotatable piston
that moves vertically based on a thread form, another type of
piston, a linear actuator, a solenoid, or combinations thereof. In
other examples, the angling mechanism 84 does not use a piston.
Such examples my use motors, cables, thread forms, non-linear
actuators, magnetic forces, electric forces, hydraulic pressures,
pneumatic pressures, other types of pressures, gears, screw motors,
other types of angling mechanisms, or combinations thereof. In
addition to being capable of producing a force sufficient to change
the angle between the stationary horizontal base 12 and the frame
14, the angling mechanism 84 may also include an ability to
maintain the angle. For example, the angling mechanism 84 may be
able to hold the weight of the frame 14 in the angled position
while the user works out on the exercise machine 10. Further, while
the example of FIG. 7 has been described with reference to the
angling mechanism 84 being located outside of the housing 16, the
angling mechanism 84 may be positioned inside the housing 16 in
alternative examples.
[0076] The user may cause the angle between the frame 14 and the
stationary horizontal base 12 to change with any appropriate
mechanism. For example, the control module 62 may include a button,
a lever, a touch screen, or another type of mechanism that can be
used to receive input from the user about the user's desired angle.
In such examples, the user may select any appropriate angle within
a range of angles that the exercise machine 10 is capable of
producing. In other examples, such an input mechanism is
incorporated into first arm support 38, the second arm support 42,
another portion of the frame 14, or combinations thereof. In some
examples, a program of a remote device, such as a phone, a laptop,
an electronic tablet, a desktop, another type of mobile device, or
combinations thereof may be used to control the angle between the
frame 14 and the stationary horizontal base 12 wirelessly. In yet
other examples, the exercise machine 10 may respond to audible or
voice recognized commands to change the angle.
[0077] As the angle between the stationary horizontal base 12 and
the frame 14 change, the exercise machine's center of gravity may
also change. The stationary horizontal base 12 may have a shape
that is capable of supporting the weight of the frame 14 over
multiple positions with different centers of gravity. For example,
the stationary horizontal base 12 may have a length that is
sufficient to support differing centers of gravity. Further, the
stationary horizontal base 12 may be made of any appropriate type
of material that is capable of supporting the frame and associated
components over multiple positions.
[0078] While the examples above have been described with reference
to exercise machines that specifically have multiple flywheels, the
exercise machine may include any number of flywheels. For example,
the principles described in the present disclosure can be applied
to exercise machines that incorporate just a single flywheel or no
flywheel at all. Further, while the examples above have been
described with specific reference to an elliptical exercise machine
that provides a user the ability to both work out by sliding the
foot pedals and rotating the crank assembly, the principles
described in the present disclosure can be applied to exercise
machines that provide just one of these types of aforementioned
workouts. Further, while the examples above have been described
with reference to elliptical machines, any appropriate type of
exercise machine may incorporate the principles described in the
present disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0079] In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide a
user the advantage of targeting different muscle groups during a
workout or adjusting the difficulty of a workout. This may be
accomplished by changing the angle between the frame and the
stationary horizontal base of the exercise machine. When the
frame's angle relative to the stationary horizontal base is changed
such that the incline of the functional portion of the exercise
machine increases, the difficulty of the workout increases for the
user. Likewise, when the frame's angle relative to the stationary
horizontal base changes such that the incline decreases, the
difficultly of the workout is reduced.
[0080] The principles described in the present disclosure can be
applied to any appropriate type of exercise machine. For example,
these principles may be applied to an elliptical machine, a
stationary bike, a striding machine, a stepper machine, another
type of exercise machine, or combinations thereof. Further, these
principles are well suited for elliptical machines with a single
flywheel, no flywheel, or multiple flywheels.
[0081] The entire functional portion of the exercise machine may
rotate with the frame as the frame changes position relative to the
stationary horizontal base. For example, the arm supports, foot
pedals, mechanical linkages, tracks, flywheels, resistance
mechanisms, crank assemblies, and other components of the exercise
machine may move with the frame as the frame changes positions.
[0082] Further, the user may control the angle between the frame
and the stationary horizontal base with an incline controller that
is located in a convenient location. For example, the convenient
location may be within an arm's reach of the user while the user is
standing in an upright position on the foot pedals, such as in an
arm support or the control module. In other examples, the incline
controller is incorporated in a position that is convenient for the
user while the user is standing adjacent to the exercise
machine.
[0083] In some examples, the angling mechanism has a capability of
producing forces that are sufficient to change the angle between
the frame and the stationary horizontal base as well as maintain
that angle. In other examples, the angling mechanism is capable of
changing the angle while another mechanism is used to maintain that
angle.
* * * * *