U.S. patent application number 14/247421 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for exercise device providing elliptical exercising paths.
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, Shih-Wei LIU.
Application Number | 20150182787 14/247421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50000821 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150182787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIU; Shih-Wei ; et
al. |
July 2, 2015 |
EXERCISE DEVICE PROVIDING ELLIPTICAL EXERCISING PATHS
Abstract
An exercise device is provided with a reciprocal-movement
mechanism and an angle-adjusting chassis comprising a frame, a
guider, and a driving assembly. The reciprocal-movement mechanism
is operable between at least a first position and a second
position, the reciprocal-movement mechanism has a front portion and
a rear portion. The angle-adjusting chassis is coupled with the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the angle-adjusting chassis
configured to change at least one of a moving path of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the first position, and the second
position.
Inventors: |
LIU; Shih-Wei; (Taipei City,
TW) ; Huang; Hsuan-Fu; (Taipei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyaco International Inc. |
Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dyaco International Inc.
Taipei City
TW
|
Family ID: |
50000821 |
Appl. No.: |
14/247421 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 22/0015 20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 71/0619 20130101;
A63B 2022/0676 20130101; A63B 22/205 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 2071/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 27, 2013 |
TW |
102148745 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: a reciprocal-movement mechanism
operable between at least a first position and a second position,
the reciprocal-movement mechanism has a front portion and a rear
portion; and an angle-adjusting chassis coupled with the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the angle-adjusting chassis
configured to change at least one of a moving path of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the first position, and the second
position, the angle-adjusting chassis comprising: a frame coupled
with the front portion of the reciprocal-movement mechanism, the
frame having a front portion configured to be supported by a
supporting surface and a rear portion; a guider movably coupled
with the rear portion of the reciprocal-movement mechanism, the
guider having a front portion pivotably coupled with the rear
portion of the frame, the guider having a rear portion configured
to be supported by the supporting surface; and a driving assembly
coupled with the frame for driving a moving piece that causes the
rear portion of the frame to rise or fall between a first level and
a second level, wherein a movement of the rear portion of the frame
causes an incline angle of the guider to vary between a first
guider incline angle and a second guider incline angle.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the reciprocal-movement
mechanism comprises a flywheel providing a damping effect, a
driving wheel for driving the flywheel, two cranks respectively
arranged at a side of the driving wheel for driving the driving
wheel, two driving arms with each arm comprising two ends in which
one end couples with one of the two cranks and the other couples
with a wheel disposed on the guider.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the reciprocal-movement
mechanism provides an elliptical or elliptical-like moving path
between the first position and the second position and enables an
operation by foot movements.
4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the frame is pivotably
movable relative to the supporting surface based on a pivot point
near the front portion of the frame and near the supporting
surface.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the guider comprises two
guide rails enabling movements of two first members of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism along the guide rails, wherein a rear
portion of each of the two first members is slidably coupled with a
corresponding guide rail of the two guider rails.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the supporting surface
is ground surface.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the guider is pivotably
movable relative to the supporting surface based on a pivot point
near the rear portion of the guider and near the supporting
surface.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein at least the front
portion of the frame and the rear portion of the guider provide
ground support for supporting the exercise device when the exercise
device rests on the supporting surface.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the guider rotates
clockwise around a pivot point near the rear portion of the guider
to increase the incline angle when the frame rotates
counterclockwise around a pivot point near the front portion of the
frame, resulting in a first frame incline angle between a bottom of
the frame and the supporting surface and the incline angle between
the first guider incline angle and the second guider incline angle,
with the incline angle being between a bottom of the guider and the
supporting surface.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the driving assembly
comprises a motor, a screw rod driven by the motor, an
internally-threaded tube rotatably coupled with the screw rod and
driven by the motor to move along the screw, and the moving piece
coupled with the internally-threaded tube.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the moving piece is
pivotably coupled with the frame and has a first portion slidably
supported by the supporting surface and the second portion driven
by the motor through the internally-thread tube so that a movement
of the internally-threaded tube along the screw causes the first
portion to slide on the supporting surface, either forward to
increase the incline angle or backward to decrease the incline
angle.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the
frame is pivotably attached to and below the front portion of the
guider with two parallel pivot points.
13. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least a
two pads arranged under and near the front portion of the frame,
wherein each of the two pads comprises a surface for contacting the
supporting surface and a curved junction corresponding to and
coupled with an arced junction of the frame.
14. An exercise device, comprising: a reciprocal-movement mechanism
operable between at least a first position and a second position,
the reciprocal-movement mechanism has a front portion and a rear
portion; and an angle-adjusting chassis coupled with the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the angle-adjusting chassis
configured to change at least one of a moving path of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the first position, and the second
position, the angle-adjusting chassis comprising: a frame coupled
with the front portion of the reciprocal-movement mechanism, the
frame having a front portion configured to be supported by a
supporting surface and a rear portion; a guider movably coupled
with the rear portion of the reciprocal-movement mechanism, the
guider having a front portion pivotably coupled with the rear
portion of the frame, the guider having a rear portion configured
to be supported by the supporting surface; and a driving assembly
coupled with the frame for driving a moving piece that causes the
guider rotating clockwise around its rear end and the frame
rotating counterclockwise around its front end, resulting in a
first frame incline angle between the frame and the supporting
surface and a second guider incline angle between the guider and
the supporting surface
15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the
reciprocal-movement mechanism comprises a flywheel providing a
damping effect, a driving wheel for driving the flywheel, two
cranks respectively arranged at a side of the driving wheel for
driving the driving wheel, two driving arms with each arm
comprising two ends in which one end couples with one of the two
cranks and the other couples with a wheel disposed on the
guider.
16. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the
reciprocal-movement mechanism provides an elliptical or
elliptical-like moving path between the first position and the
second position and enables an operation by foot movements.
17. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the frame is pivotably
movable relative to the supporting surface based on a pivot point
near the front portion of the frame and near the supporting
surface.
18. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the guider is
pivotably movable relative to the supporting surface based on a
pivot point near the rear portion of the guider and near the
supporting surface.
19. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein at least the front
portion of the frame and the rear portion of the guider provide
ground support for supporting the exercise device when the exercise
device rests on the supporting surface.
20. The exercise device of claim 14, further comprising at least a
two pads arranged under and near the front portion of the frame,
wherein each of the two pads comprises a surface for contacting the
supporting surface and a curved junction corresponding to and
coupled with an arced junction of the frame.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an exercise device, and
more particularly relates to exercise device providing elliptical
or elliptical-like exercising paths.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Without limiting the disclosed embodiments, an elliptical
trainer, also called a cross-trainer or an X-trainer, is a
stationary exercise machine to simulate stair climbing, walking, or
running.
[0005] The elliptical trainer does not cause excessive pressure to
the joints as the two legs simultaneously share the burden, hence
decreasing the risk of impact injuries.
[0006] The elliptical trainer typically includes two pedals. A user
steps on the pedals and the operation of the elliptical trainer
cause the pedals to provide a moving path. For conventional
elliptical trainers, the path of the pedals cannot be varied.
[0007] Taiwan Patent, Publication No., M403355, entitled "Rising
Device for Elliptical Trainers," discloses an elliptical trainer
with a rising device that can adjust the path of the pedals. As
shown in FIG. 1, the rising device 40 comprises a motor assembly
403 including a motor 4031, a screw 4032, and an internally-thread
tube 4033. The motor 4031 can drive the screw 4032 to rotate and to
make the internally-thread tube 4033 moving in the direction away
from the motor 4031. The stick 4051 of the rising device 405 is
pushed by the internally-thread tube 4033, causing the wheel 413
sliding on the ground and the guider 402 above the frame 401
rotating about two ear parts 4021. An angle is therefore present
between the guider 402 and the frame 401, and the tracks of the
pedals are thus varied. The entire contents of above-mentioned
Taiwan Patent are incorporated herein by reference.
[0008] Yet there is still a need for an elliptical trainer that can
reduce cost and increase stability and varieties of exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one general aspect, the present invention relates to an
exercise device, and more particularly relates to exercise device
providing elliptical exercise paths.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, an exercise
device is provided with a reciprocal-movement mechanism and an
angle-adjusting chassis comprising a frame, a guider, and a driving
assembly. The reciprocal-movement mechanism is operable between at
least a first position and a second position, the
reciprocal-movement mechanism has a front portion and a rear
portion. The angle-adjusting chassis is coupled with the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the angle-adjusting chassis
configured to change at least one of a moving path of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the first position, and the second
position. The frame is coupled with the front portion of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the frame having a front portion
configured to be supported by a supporting surface and a rear
portion. The guider is movably coupled with the rear portion of the
reciprocal-movement mechanism, the guider having a front portion
pivotably coupled with the rear portion of the frame, the guider
having a rear portion configured to be supported by the supporting
surface. The driving assembly is coupled with the frame for driving
a moving piece that causes the rear portion of the frame to rise or
fall between a first level and a second level, wherein a movement
of the rear portion of the frame causes an incline angle of the
guider to vary between a first guider incline angle and a second
guider incline angle.
[0011] In one embodiment, the reciprocal-movement mechanism
comprises a flywheel providing a damping effect, a driving wheel
for driving the flywheel, two cranks respectively arranged at a
side of the driving wheel for driving the driving wheel, and two
driving arms with each arm comprising two ends in which one end
couples with the crank and the other couples with a wheel disposed
on the guider.
[0012] In one embodiment, the reciprocal-movement mechanism
provides an elliptical or elliptical-like moving path between the
first position and the second position and enables an operation by
foot movements.
[0013] In one embodiment, the frame is pivotably movable relative
to the supporting surface based on a pivot point near the front
portion of the frame and near the supporting surface.
[0014] In one embodiment, the guider comprises two guide rails
enabling movements of two first members of the reciprocal-movement
mechanism along the guide rails, wherein a rear portion of each of
the two first members is slidably coupled with a corresponding
guide rail of the two guider rails.
[0015] In one embodiment, the supporting surface is ground
surface.
[0016] In one embodiment, the guider is pivotably movable relative
to the supporting surface based on a pivot point near the rear
portion of the guider and near the supporting surface.
[0017] In one embodiment, at least the front portion of the frame
and the rear portion of the guider provide ground support for
supporting the exercise device when the exercise device rests on
the supporting surface.
[0018] In one embodiment, the guider rotates clockwise around a
pivot point near the rear portion of the guider to increase the
incline angle when the frame rotates counterclockwise around a
pivot point near the front portion of the frame, resulting in a
first frame incline angle between a bottom of the frame and the
supporting surface and the incline angle between the first guider
incline angle and the second guider incline angle, with the incline
angle being between a bottom of the guider and the supporting
surface.
[0019] In one embodiment, the driving assembly comprises a motor, a
screw rod driven by the motor, an internally-threaded tube
rotatably coupled with the screw rod and driven by the motor to
move along the screw, and the moving piece coupled with the
internally-threaded tube.
[0020] In one embodiment, the moving piece is pivotably coupled
with the frame and has a first portion slidably supported by the
supporting surface and the second portion driven by the motor
through the internally-thread tube so that a movement of the
internally-threaded tube along the screw causes the first portion
to slide, on the supporting surface, either forward to increase the
incline angle or backward to decrease the incline angle.
[0021] In one embodiment, the rear portion of the frame is
pivotably mounted below the front portion of the guider with two
parallel pivot points. In one embodiment, a rear end of the frame
is pivotally attached to and below the front end of the guider.
[0022] In one embodiment, at least a two pads are arranged under
and near the front portion of the frame, wherein each of the two
pads comprises a surface for contacting the supporting surface and
a curved junction corresponding to and coupled with an arced
junction of the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a conventional rising device
for an elliptical trainer.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an angle-adjusting chassis
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 are side and front views showing an
exercise device according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front view showing an angle-adjusting chassis
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 are side and front views showing an
exercise device according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIGS. 8A and 8B are front views showing an exercise device
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 9A-9D show the detail of a pad used in embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Embodiments of the invention are now described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, instances of which are to
be interpreted to be to scale in some implementations while in
other implementations, for each instance, not. In certain aspects,
use of like or the same reference designators in the drawings and
description refers to the same, similar or analogous components
and/or elements, while according to other implementations the same
use should not. According to certain implementations, use of
directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down,
over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, clockwise, and
counterclockwise, are to be construed literally, while in other
implementations the same use should not. While the invention will
be described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it
will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention
to these embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced
without some or all of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known process operations and components are not described in
detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
While drawings are illustrated in detail, it is appreciated that
the quantity of the disclosed components may be greater or less
than that disclosed, except where expressly restricting the amount
of the components.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, an angle-adjusting chassis 20 is
disclosed according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the angle-adjusting chassis 20 comprises a
frame 201, a guider 202, a driving assembly 203, and a moving piece
204. Preferably, the front end 201A of the frame 201 has a wheel or
a pivot contacting with a supporting surface, and the rear end 202B
of the guider 202 has a wheel or a pivot contacting with the
supporting surface. The supporting surface is preferably, but is
not limited to, the ground. In an embodiment, the front portion of
the frame 201 is configured to be supported by the supporting
surface or ground. In an embodiment, the rear portion of the guider
202 is configured to be supported by the supporting surface or
ground.
[0032] The rear portion 201R of the frame 201 pivotably couples
with the front portion 202F of the guider 202; the connection can
be the horizontally connected or connected above or below the
guider 202. In this context, the term "the rear portion 201R of the
frame 201" refers to the rear end 201B of the frame 201 and the
portion near the rear end 201B, and the term "the front portion
202F of the guider 202" refers to the front end 202A of the guider
202 and the portion near the front end 202A.
[0033] In this preferred embodiment, the rear end 201B of the frame
201 is pivotably mounted below the front end 202A of the guider
202. In an embodiment, the rear end 201B of the frame 201 is
pivotally attached to and below the front end 202A of the guider
202. In another embodiment, the rear end 201B of the frame 201
pivotably couples with the front end 202A of the guider 202. In
this embodiment, the moving piece 204 pivotably couples with the
frame 201, and the driving assembly 203 couples with the frame 201
for driving the moving piece 204 that cause the rear portion of the
frame 201 to rise or fall between a first level and a second level,
wherein a movement of the rear portion of the frame causes an
incline angle of the guider to vary between a first guider incline
angle and a second guider incline angle.
[0034] In this embodiment, the driving assembly may comprise, but
is not limited to, a motor 2031, a screw 2032, and an
internally-thread tube 2033. For example, the moving piece 204 may
comprise two first linkage parts 2041 and a second linkage part
2043. The two first linkage parts 2041 are respectively arranged at
a side of the frame 201, and a second linkage part 2043 connects
with the two first linkage parts 2041.
[0035] An upper end of the moving piece 204 may pivotably couple
with the internally-thread tube 2033 via a pivot 2044. For example,
the second linkage part 2043 may pivotably couple with the
internally-thread tube 2033 via the pivot 2044. A middle portion of
each first linkage part 2041 may pivotably couple with the frame
201, and a lower end of each first linkage part 2041 may comprise a
wheel 2046 in contact with the supporting surface or the
ground.
[0036] It should be noted that the two first linkage parts 2041 are
arranged outside of the frame 201 in this embodiment, while they
can be arranged inside of the frame in another embodiment. Further,
the quantity of the first linkage part could be single. In
addition, at least a pad 205 is arranged under the front end 201A
of the frame 201, for stabilizing the front end 201A of the frame
201, and/or adjusting the distance between the frame and the
supporting surface.
[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B show an exercise device 1 according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device 1,
such as an elliptical trainer, comprises the above-mentioned
angle-adjusting chassis 20 and a reciprocal-movement mechanism 30.
The reciprocal-movement mechanism 30 can be operated by a user,
e.g., operable for simulating stair climbing, walking, or running.
The reciprocal-movement mechanism 30 has a front portion 30A and a
rear portion 30B. The frame 201 couples with the front portion 30A
of the reciprocal-movement mechanism 30. The guider 202 movably
couples with the rear portion 30B of the reciprocal-movement
mechanism 30. The angle-adjusting chassis 20 comprises the frame
201, the guider 202, the driving assembly 203, and the moving piece
204. FIG. 3A shows the reciprocal-movement mechanism 30, the frame
201 and the guider 202 of the elliptical trainer 1 at a first
position, and FIG. 3B shows the reciprocal-movement mechanism 30,
the frame 201, and the guider 202 of the elliptical trainer 1 at a
second position. The angle-adjusting chassis 20 is configured to
change at least one of a moving path of the reciprocal-movement
mechanism 30, the first position, and the second position.
[0038] In one embodiment, the frame 201 is pivotably movable
relative to the supporting surface based on a pivot point near the
front portion of the frame 201 and near the supporting surface. In
one embodiment, the guider 202 is pivotably movable relative to the
supporting surface based on a pivot point near the rear portion of
the guider and near the supporting surface. In one embodiment, at
least the front portion of the frame 201 and the rear portion of
the guider 202 provide ground support for supporting the exercise
device when the exercise device rests on the supporting
surface.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the driving assembly 203
comprises a motor 2031, a screw 2032, and an internally-thread tube
2033 according to this embodiment. The motor 2031 can drive the
screw 2032 to rotate and to make the internally-thread tube 2033
moving in the direction away from the motor 2031, so as to push the
moving piece 204. When the driving assembly 203 pushes the moving
piece 204, the moving piece 204 rotates clockwise around the pivot
2045, resulting in the wheel 2046 being moved forward, the frame
201 rotating counterclockwise around its front end 201A, and the
guider 202 rotating clockwise around its rear end 202B. As a
result, a first angle .theta.1 (first incline frame angle) is
present between the frame 201 and the supporting surface (e.g., the
ground), and a second .theta.2 is present between the guider 202
and the supporting surface. The reciprocal-movement mechanism 30 is
at the second position, as shown in FIG. 3B. Referring to FIGS. 3A
and 3B, the driving assembly 203 drives the moving piece 204 that
cause the rear portion of the frame 201 to rise or fall between a
first level (FIG. 3A) and a second level (FIG. 3B), wherein a
movement of the rear portion of the frame causes an incline angle
of the guider to vary between a first guider incline angle
(.theta..sub.G1) and a second guider incline angle
(.theta..sub.G2).
[0040] The above-mentioned operation can be reversible. The motor
2031 can drive the screw 2032 to rotate and to make the
internally-thread tube 2033 moving in the direction toward the
motor 2031, and hence cause reciprocal-movement mechanism 30, the
frame 201 and the guider 202 back to the first position as shown in
FIG. 3A.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows more detail of the elliptical trainer 1. The
reciprocal-movement mechanism 30 may comprise, but is not limited
to, a flywheel 309 providing a damping effect, a driving wheel 308
for driving the flywheel 309, two cranks 307 respectively arranged
at a side of the driving wheel 308 for driving the driving wheel
308, two driving arms 311 with each arm 311 comprising two ends, in
which one end couples with the crank 307 and the other couples with
a wheel 313 disposed on the guider 202. In addition, two handle
members 306 movably coupled to the angle-adjusting chassis 20, each
of the two handle members 306 having at least one upper end 302 for
enabling a user operating by hand. In particular, two handles 302
respectively couples with a swing arm 306, which couples with a
linkage arm 310, and one end of the linkage arm 310 couples with a
first member 312, e.g., pedal 312. Further, the reciprocal-movement
mechanism 30 may further comprise a bracket 305. A stationary stick
304 couples with the bracket 305, and a control panel and two
stationary handles 303 couple with the stationary stick 304. The
guider 202 comprises two guide rails 2024 enabling movements of two
first members 312 of the reciprocal-movement mechanism along the
guide rails 2024, wherein a rear portion of each of the two first
members 312 is slidably coupled with a corresponding guide rail of
the two guider rails 2024. Each of the two pedals 312 is pivotally
or adjustably coupled with a corresponding linkage arm 310 of the
two linkages arms 310.
[0042] The user steps on the pedals 312 with his or her hands
holding the stationary handles 303 or the handles 302. Therefore,
when the user exerts forces on the handles 302 and pedals 312, the
flywheel 309 is driven by the driving wheel 308 via the swing arms
306, the linkage arms 310, the driving arms 311, and the cranks
307, and the wheel 313 reciprocates on the guider 202, and the
pedals 312 makes an elliptical or elliptical-like circle,
respectively. The user can control the driving assembly 203, e.g.,
motor, via the control panel 301, so as to control the first angle
.theta.1 and the second angle .theta.2 (the incline angle of the
guider). The degree or slope of the first angle .theta.1, the
second angle .theta.2, and the incline angle of the guider can be
varied. In addition, the swing arm 306 and the handle 302 could
slightly tilt when the frame 201 is risen. The reciprocal-movement
mechanism 30 provides elliptical or elliptical-like moving paths
between the first position and the second position and enables an
operation by foot movements of the user.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, an angle-adjusting chassis 50 is
disclosed according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the angle-adjusting chassis 50
comprises a frame 501, a guider 502, a driving assembly 503, and a
moving piece 504. Preferably, the front end 501A of the frame 501
has a wheel or pivot contacting with a supporting surface, and the
rear end 502B of the guider 502 has a wheel or pivot contacting
with the supporting surface. The supporting surface is preferably,
but is not limited to, the ground. In an embodiment, the front
portion of the frame 501 is configured to be supported by the
supporting surface or ground. In an embodiment, the rear portion of
the guider 502 is configured to be supported by the supporting
surface or ground.
[0044] The rear portion 501R of the frame 501 couples with the
front portion 502F of the guider 502; the connection can be the
horizontally connected or connected above or below the guider 502.
In this context, the term "the rear portion 501R of the frame 501"
refers to the rear end 501B of the frame 501 and the portion near
the rear end 501B, and the term "the front portion 502F of the
guider 502" refers to the front end 502A of the guider 502 and the
portion near the front end 502A.
[0045] In this embodiment, the rear end 501B of the frame 501 is
pivotably mounted below the front end 502A of the guider 502. In an
embodiment, the rear end 501B of the frame 501 is pivotally
attached to and below the front end 502A of the guider 502. In
another embodiment, the rear end 501B of the frame 501 pivotably
couples with the front end 502A of the guider 502.
[0046] In this embodiment, the moving piece 504 pivotably couples
with the frame 501, and the driving assembly 503 couples with the
frame 501 for driving the moving piece 504 that cause the rear
portion of the frame 501 to rise or fall between a first level and
a second level, wherein a movement of the rear portion of the frame
causes an incline angle of the guider to vary between a first
guider incline angle and a second guider incline angle. In this
embodiment, the driving assembly 503 may comprise, but is not
limited to, a motor 5031, a screw 5032, and an internally-thread
tube 5033.
[0047] For instance, the moving piece 504 may comprise a saddle
part 5041 and a linkage part 5042. In this embodiment, the saddle
part 5041 is, but is not limited to, a U-shaped configuration
comprising two arms respectively fixed on the frame 501. An upper
end of the linkage part 5042 pivotably couples with the saddle part
5041 via a pivot 5043, and a lower end of the linkage part 5042
pivotably couples with the internally-thread tube 5033 via a pivot
5044. In addition, the lower end of the linkage part 5042 may
comprise at least a wheel for in contact with the supporting
surface or the ground. In one embodiment, at least the front
portion of the frame 501 and the rear portion of the guider 502
provide ground support for supporting the exercise device when the
exercise device rests on the supporting surface.
[0048] In addition, at least a pad 505 is arranged under the front
end 501A of the frame 501, for stabilizing the front end 501A of
the frame 501, and/or adjusting the distance between the frame 501
and the supporting surface.
[0049] In one embodiment, the frame 501 is pivotably movable
relative to the supporting surface based on a pivot point near the
front portion of the frame 501 and near the supporting surface. In
one embodiment, the guider 502 is pivotably movable relative to the
supporting surface based on a pivot point near the rear portion of
the guider and near the supporting surface.
[0050] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an exercise device 2 according to a
second embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device 2
comprises the above-mentioned angle-adjusting chassis 50 and a
reciprocal-movement mechanism 30. The reciprocal-movement mechanism
30 can be operated by a user, e.g., operable for simulating stair
climbing, walking, or running. The reciprocal-movement mechanism 30
has a front portion 30A and a rear portion 30B. The frame 501
couples with the front portion 30A of the reciprocal-movement
mechanism 30. The guider 502 movably couples with the rear portion
30B of the reciprocal-movement mechanism 30. The angle-adjusting
chassis 50 comprises the frame 501, the guider 502, the driving
assembly 503, and the moving piece 504. FIG. 6A shows the frame 501
and the guider 502 of the elliptical trainer 2 at a first position,
and FIG. 6B shows the frame 501 and the guider 502 of the
elliptical trainer 2 at a second position. The angle-adjusting
chassis 50 is configured to change at least one of a moving path of
the reciprocal-movement mechanism 30, the first position, and the
second position.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the driving assembly 503
comprises a motor 5031, a screw 5032, and an internally-thread tube
5033 according to this embodiment. The motor 5031 can drive the
screw 5032 to rotate and to make the internally-thread tube 5033
moving in the direction toward the motor 2031, so as to draw the
moving piece 504. When the driving assembly 503 draws the moving
piece 504, the moving piece 504 rotates clockwise around the pivot
5043, resulting in the wheel 5045 being moved forward, the frame
501 rotating counterclockwise around its front end 501A, and the
guider 502 rotating clockwise around its rear end 502B. As a
result, a first angle .theta.1 is present between the frame 501 and
the supporting surface (e.g., the ground), and a second .theta.2 is
present between the guider 502 and the supporting surface. The
frame 501 and the guider 502 are at the second position, as shown
in FIG. 6B. Referring to FIGS. 6A and B, the driving assembly 203
drives the moving piece 204 that cause the rear portion of the
frame 201 to rise or fall between a first level (FIG. 6A) and a
second level (FIG. 6B), wherein a movement of the rear portion of
the frame causes an incline angle of the guider to vary between a
first guider incline angle (.theta..sub.G1) and a second guider
incline angle (.theta..sub.G2).
[0052] The above-mentioned operation can be reversible. The motor
5031 can drive the screw 5032 to rotate and to make the
internally-thread tube 5033 moving in the direction away from the
motor 5031, and hence cause the frame 501 and the guider 502 back
to the first position as shown in FIG. 6A.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows more detail of the exercise device 2. The
reciprocal-movement mechanism 30 may comprise, but is not limited
to, a flywheel 309 providing a damping effect, a driving wheel 308
for driving the flywheel 309, two cranks 307 respectively arranged
at a side of the driving wheel 308 for driving the driving wheel
308, two driving arms 311 with each driving arm 311 comprising two
ends, in which one end couples with the crank 307 and the other
couples with a wheel 313 disposed on the guider 202. In addition,
two handle members 306 movably coupled to the angle-adjusting
chassis 20, each of the two handle members 306 having at least one
upper end 302 for enabling a user operating by hand. In particular,
two handles 302 respectively couples with a swing arm 306, which
couples with a linkage arm 310, and one end of the linkage arm 310
couples with a first member 312, e.g., pedal 312. Further, the
reciprocal-movement mechanism 30 may further comprise a bracket
305. A stationary stick 304 couples with the bracket 305, and a
control panel and two stationary handles 303 couple with the
stationary stick 304. The operation of the exercise device 2 is the
same as the exercise device 1 and hence omitted. The guider 502
comprises two guide rails 5024 enabling movements of two first
members 312 of the reciprocal-movement mechanism along the guide
rails 5024, wherein a rear portion of each of the two first members
312 is slidably coupled with a corresponding guide rail of the two
guider rails 5024. Each of the two pedals 312 is pivotally or
adjustably coupled with a corresponding linkage arm 310 of the two
linkages arms 310.
[0054] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an exercise device 3 according to a
third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is
similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the two first
linkage part 2041 are arranged inside of the frame 201. In
addition, an upper end of the first linkage part 2041 pivotably
couples with the internally-thread tube via a pivot 2044. The
detail of the other configuration and operation is similar to the
first embodiment and hence omitted.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8B, the exercise device 3 may comprise a
housing 314 disposed on the frame 201 to cover the driving wheel
308, the flywheel 309, and other components. The housing 314 can
also be used in the first and second embodiments.
[0056] FIGS. 9A-9D show the detail of the pad 205/505. The first
embodiment is used to illustrate the pad 205, while the mechanism
can be applied to other embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, each
pad comprises a surface 2054 and a curved junction 2052. The
surface is in contact with the supporting surface or ground. An
extended mechanism of the frame 201 comprises an arced junction
2012 capable of fitting the curved junction 2052. The curved
junction 2052 is in contact with the arced junction 2012 of the
frame 201. When the frame 201 is risen or lowered, the curved
junction 2052 can rotate, so that the surface 2052 of the pad 205
can always fit with the supporting surface or the ground, and hence
the stability is increased.
[0057] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide
exercise devices in which the frame and the guider respectively
rotate about an end, so as to alter the and control a level of the
rear portion of the frame to be between a first level and a second
level, and thus change the moving path of the reciprocal-movement
mechanism. The frame and guider of conventional trainers are
overlapped with each other. By contrast the dimension of the frame
is significantly reduced and the frame not overlaps with the
guider; and therefore the material cost can be saved. Further, the
frame of conventional trainers needs to be horizontally arranged
and attached to the ground, while the frame of the present
invention has a novel design without those limitations. In
addition, because the pivot point of the angle-adjustment chassis
is near to the center of the elliptical trainer, the response time
of the angle adjustment of this invention is faster than that of
the prior art.
[0058] The intent accompanying this disclosure is to have each/all
embodiments construed in conjunction with the knowledge of one
skilled in the art to cover all modifications, variations,
combinations, permutations, omissions, substitutions, alternatives,
and equivalents of the embodiments, to the extent not mutually
exclusive, as may fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention. Corresponding or related structure and methods disclosed
or referenced herein, and/or in any and all co-pending, abandoned
or patented application(s) by any of the named inventor(s) or
assignee(s) of this application and invention, are incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties, wherein such incorporation
includes corresponding or related structure (and modifications
thereof) which may be, in whole or in part, (i) operable and/or
constructed with, (ii) modified by one skilled in the art to be
operable and/or constructed with, and/or (iii)
implemented/made/used with or in combination with, any part(s) of
the present invention according to this disclosure, that of the
application and references cited therein, and the knowledge and
judgment of one skilled in the art.
[0059] Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could,"
"might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or
otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally
intended to convey that embodiments include, and in other
interpretations do not include, certain features, elements and/or
steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to
imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required
for one or more embodiments, or interpretations thereof, or that
one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding,
with or without user input or prompting, whether these features,
elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any
particular embodiment.
[0060] All of the contents of the preceding documents are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Although the
disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated embodiments, it is
to be understood that these embodiments have been presented by way
of example rather than limitation. For example, any of the
particulars or features set out or referenced herein, or other
features, including method steps and techniques, may be used with
any other structure(s) and process described or referenced herein,
in whole or in part, in any combination or permutation as a
non-equivalent, separate, non-interchangeable aspect of this
invention. Corresponding or related structure and methods
specifically contemplated and disclosed herein as part of this
invention, to the extent not mutually inconsistent as will be
apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of
one skilled in the art, including, modifications thereto, which may
be, in whole or in part, (i) operable and/or constructed with, (ii)
modified by one skilled in the art to be operable and/or
constructed with, and/or (iii) implemented/made/used with or in
combination with, any parts of the present invention according to
this disclosure, include: (I) any one or more parts of the above
disclosed or referenced structure and methods and/or (II) subject
matter of any one or more of the inventive concepts set forth
herein and parts thereof, in any permutation and/or combination,
include the subject matter of any one or more of the mentioned
features and aspects, in any permutation and/or combination.
[0061] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications may be made without departing from the scope
of the present invention, which is intended to be limited solely by
the appended claims.
* * * * *