U.S. patent application number 14/957950 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for adjustable stride length in an exercise machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to William T. Dalebout.
Application Number | 20160158595 14/957950 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56092444 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160158595 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dalebout; William T. |
June 9, 2016 |
Adjustable Stride Length in an Exercise Machine
Abstract
An exercise machine includes a frame, and a first foot pedal and
a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged to
travel along reciprocating paths. A pedal resistance mechanism
integrated into the exercise machine is in resistive communication
with the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal, and a first
arm support and a second arm support are pivotally attached to the
frame. The first arm support is mechanically linked to the first
foot pedal, and the second arm support is mechanically linked to
the second foot pedal, and a first stride adjustment link is
slideably connected to the first arm support at a first connection
assembly, and a second stride adjustment link is slideably
connected to the second arm support at a second connection
assembly.
Inventors: |
Dalebout; William T.; (North
Logan, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56092444 |
Appl. No.: |
14/957950 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62087895 |
Dec 5, 2014 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0015 20130101;
A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2022/0682 20130101; A63B 21/225
20130101; A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 21/012
20130101; A63B 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04; A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a first foot pedal and
a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged to
travel along reciprocating paths; a pedal resistance mechanism
integrated into the exercise machine and in resistive communication
with the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal; a first arm
support and a second arm support are pivotally attached to the
frame; the first arm support is mechanically linked to the first
foot pedal, and the second arm support is mechanically linked to
the second foot pedal; and a first stride adjustment link is
slideably connected to the first arm support at a first connection
assembly, and a second stride adjustment link is slideably
connected to the second arm support at a second connection
assembly.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first stride
adjustment link includes a first slideable connector disposed
within a first opening of the first connection assembly, and the
second stride adjustment link includes a second slideable connector
disposed within a second opening of the second connection assembly,
wherein slideable movement of the first slideable connector and the
second slideable connector modifies a reciprocating length of the
reciprocating paths.
3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the first stride
adjustment link comprising a first sliding end attached to the
first slideable connector, and the second stride adjustment link
comprising a second sliding end attached to the second slideable
connector.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the first connection
assembly comprises a first actuator to cause the first slideable
connector to slide along a first length of the first opening of the
first connection assembly, and the second connection assembly
comprises a second actuator to cause the second slideable connector
to slide along a second length of the second opening of the second
connection assembly.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first actuator and
the second actuator are mechanical actuators.
6. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first actuator
comprises a first rotary dial that causes the first slideable
connector to slide within the first connection assembly, and the
second actuator comprises a second rotary dial that causes the
second slideable connector to slide within the second connection
assembly.
7. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first actuator
comprises a first screw mechanism arranged to move the first
slideable connector and the second actuator comprises a second
screw mechanism arranged to move the second slideable
connector.
8. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the first screw
mechanism and the second screw mechanism include a push rod
connected to a thread form on a first end and connected to the
first slideable connector or the second slideable connector on a
second end.
9. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the first screw
mechanism and the second screw mechanism include a piston head
connected to a thread form and configured to compress gas in a
chamber as the first actuator or the second actuator is
actuated.
10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein each of the first
stride adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link
comprise a first end attached to their respective arm support and a
second end attached to a track that supports their foot pedal.
11. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein each of the first
stride adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link
comprise a joint that connects the first end to the second end.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, 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.
13. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a first foot pedal
and a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged
to travel along reciprocating paths; a pedal resistance mechanism
integrated into the exercise machine and in resistive communication
with the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal; a first arm
support and a second arm support are pivotally attached to the
frame; the first arm support is mechanically linked to the first
foot pedal, and the second arm support is mechanically linked to
the second foot pedal; a first stride adjustment link is slideably
connected to the first arm support at a first connection assembly,
and a second stride adjustment link is slideably connected to the
second arm support at a second connection assembly; the first
stride adjustment link includes a first slideable connector
disposed within a first opening of the first connection assembly,
and the second stride adjustment link includes a second slideable
connector disposed within a second opening of the second connection
assembly, wherein slideable movement of the first slideable
connector and the second slideable connector modifies a
reciprocating length of the reciprocating paths; the first stride
adjustment link comprising a first sliding end attached to the
first slideable connector, and the second stride adjustment link
comprising a second sliding end attached to the second slideable
connector; and the first connection assembly comprises a first
actuator to cause the first slideable connector to slide along a
first length of the first opening of the first connection assembly,
and the second connection assembly comprises a second actuator to
cause the second slideable connector to slide along a second length
of the second opening of the second connection assembly.
14. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first actuator
and the second actuator are mechanical actuators.
15. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first actuator
comprises a first rotary dial that causes the first slideable
connector to slide within the first connection assembly, and the
second actuator comprises a second rotary dial that causes the
second slideable connector to slide within the second connection
assembly.
16. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first actuator
comprises a first screw mechanism arranged to move the first
slideable connector and the second actuator comprises a second
screw mechanism arranged to move the second slideable
connector.
17. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein each of the first
stride adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link
comprise a first end attached to their respective arm support and a
second end attached to a track that supports their foot pedal.
18. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein each of the first
stride adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link
comprise a joint that connects the first end to the second end.
19. The exercise machine of claim 13, 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.
20. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a first foot pedal
and a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged
to travel along reciprocating paths; a pedal resistance mechanism
integrated into the exercise machine and in resistive communication
with the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal; a first arm
support and a second arm support are pivotally attached to the
frame; the first arm support is mechanically linked to the first
foot pedal, and the second arm support is mechanically linked to
the second foot pedal; a first stride adjustment link is slideably
connected to the first arm support at a first connection assembly,
and a second stride adjustment link is slideably connected to the
second arm support at a second connection assembly; the first
stride adjustment link includes a first slideable connector
disposed within a first opening of the first connection assembly,
and the second stride adjustment link includes a second slideable
connector disposed within a second opening of the second connection
assembly, wherein slideable movement of the first slideable
connector and the second slideable connector modifies a
reciprocating length of the reciprocating paths; the first stride
adjustment link comprising a first sliding end attached to the
first slideable connector, and the second stride adjustment link
comprising a second sliding end attached to the second slideable
connector; the first connection assembly comprises a first actuator
to cause the first slideable connector to slide along a first
length of the first opening of the first connection assembly, and
the second connection assembly comprises a second actuator to cause
the second slideable connector to slide along a second length of
the second opening of the second connection assembly; the first
actuator comprises a first rotary dial that causes the first
slideable connector to slide within the first connection assembly,
and the second actuator comprises a second rotary dial that causes
the second slideable connector to slide within the second
connection assembly; each of the first stride adjustment link and
the second stride adjustment link comprise a first end attached to
their respective arm support and a second end attached to a track
that supports their foot pedal; each of the first stride adjustment
link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a joint that
connects the first end to the second end; and 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.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/087,895 titled "Adjustable Stride Length in an Exercise
Machine" and filed on 5 Dec. 2014, which 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 bikes to name a
few.
[0004] One type of elliptical exercise machine is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,758,473 issued to Andrew P. Lull. In this reference, a
variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of
linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected
with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride
path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot
engagement member travel path that adapts to the change in stride
length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A
user's exertion level may have several components impacting the
stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso
power, and (in versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports
or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may include
a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride
features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in
a stepping motion. Another type of elliptical exercise machine is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,754 issued to Paul William
Eschenbach and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0248706 issued to
Rodgers E. Roberts, Jr. Each of these references is herein
incorporated by reference for all that they contain.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine
comprises a frame.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, a foot pedal and a second
foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel
along reciprocating paths.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
comprises a pedal resistance mechanism integrated into the exercise
machine and in resistive communication with the first foot pedal
and the second foot pedal.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
comprises a first arm support and a second arm support are
pivotally attached to the frame.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support is
mechanically linked to the first foot pedal, and the second arm
support is mechanically linked to the second foot pedal.
[0010] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
comprises a first stride adjustment link is slideably connected to
the first arm support at a first connection assembly.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
comprises a second stride adjustment link is slideably connected to
the second arm support at a second connection assembly.
[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the first stride adjustment
link includes a first slideable connector disposed within a first
opening of the first connection assembly.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention, the second stride adjustment
link includes a second slideable connector disposed within a second
opening of the second connection assembly.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, slideable movement of the
first slideable connector and the second slideable connector
modifies a reciprocating length of the reciprocating paths.
[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the first stride adjustment
link comprises a first sliding end attached to the first slideable
connector.
[0016] In one aspect of the invention, the second stride adjustment
link comprises a second sliding end attached to the second
slideable connector.
[0017] In one aspect of the invention, the first connection
assembly comprises a first actuator to cause the first slideable
connector to slide along a first length of the first opening of the
first connection assembly.
[0018] In one aspect of the invention, the second connection
assembly comprises a second actuator to cause the second slideable
connector to slide along a second length of the second opening of
the second connection assembly.
[0019] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator and the
second actuator are mechanical actuators.
[0020] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises
a first rotary dial that causes the first slideable connector to
slide within the first connection assembly.
[0021] In one aspect of the invention, the second actuator
comprises a second rotary dial that causes the second slideable
connector to slide within the second connection assembly.
[0022] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises
a first screw mechanism arranged to move the first slideable
connector.
[0023] In one aspect of the invention, the second actuator
comprises a second screw mechanism arranged to move the second
slideable connector.
[0024] In one aspect of the invention, the first screw mechanism
and the second screw mechanism include a push rod connected to a
thread form on a first end and connected the first slideable
connector or the second slideable connector on a second end.
[0025] In one aspect of the invention, the first screw mechanism
and the second screw mechanism include a piston head connected to a
thread form and configured to compress a chamber of gas as the
first actuator or the second actuator is actuated.
[0026] In one aspect of the invention, each of the first stride
adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a
first end attached to their respective arm support and a second end
attached to a track that supports the foot pedals.
[0027] In one aspect of the invention, each of the first stride
adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a
joint that connects the first end to the second end.
[0028] 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.
[0029] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine
comprises a frame.
[0030] In one aspect of the invention, a foot pedal and a second
foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel
along reciprocating paths.
[0031] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
comprises a pedal resistance mechanism integrated into the exercise
machine and in resistive communication with the first foot pedal
and the second foot pedal. In one aspect of the invention, the
exercise machine comprises a first arm support and a second arm
support are pivotally attached to the frame.
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support is
mechanically linked to the first foot pedal, and the second arm
support is mechanically linked to the second foot pedal.
[0033] In one aspect of the invention, a first stride adjustment
link is slideably connected to the first arm support at a first
connection assembly, and a second stride adjustment link is
slideably connected to the second arm support at a second
connection assembly.
[0034] In one aspect of the invention, the first stride adjustment
link includes a first slideable connector disposed within a first
opening of the first connection assembly, and the second stride
adjustment link includes a second slideable connector disposed
within a second opening of the second connection assembly, wherein
slideable movement of the first slideable connector and the second
slideable connector modifies a reciprocating length of the
reciprocating paths.
[0035] In one aspect of the invention, the first stride adjustment
link comprises a first sliding end attached to the first slideable
connector, and the second stride adjustment link comprising a
second sliding end attached to the second slideable connector.
[0036] In one aspect of the invention, the first connection
assembly comprises a first actuator to cause the first slideable
connector to slide along a first length of the first opening of the
first connection assembly, and the second connection assembly
comprises a second actuator to cause the second slideable connector
to slide along a second length of the second opening of the second
connection assembly.
[0037] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator and the
second actuator are mechanical actuators.
[0038] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises
a first rotary dial that causes the first slideable connector to
slide within the first connection assembly, and the second actuator
comprises a second rotary dial that causes the second slideable
connector to slide within the second connection assembly.
[0039] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises
a first screw mechanism arranged to move the first slideable
connector and the second actuator comprises a second screw
mechanism arranged to move the second slideable connector.
[0040] In one aspect of the invention, each of the first stride
adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a
first end attached to their respective arm support and a second end
attached to a track that supports the foot pedals.
[0041] In one aspect of the invention, each of the first stride
adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a
joint that connects the first end to the second end.
[0042] 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.
[0043] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine
comprises a frame.
[0044] In one aspect of the invention, a foot pedal and a second
foot pedal movably attached to the frame and arranged to travel
along reciprocating paths.
[0045] In one aspect of the invention, the exercise machine
comprises a pedal resistance mechanism integrated into the exercise
machine and in resistive communication with the first foot pedal
and the second foot pedal. In one aspect of the invention, a first
arm support and a second arm support are pivotally attached to the
frame.
[0046] In one aspect of the invention, the first arm support is
mechanically linked to the first foot pedal, and the second arm
support is mechanically linked to the second foot pedal.
[0047] In one aspect of the invention, a first stride adjustment
link is slideably connected to the first arm support at a first
connection assembly, and a second stride adjustment link is
slideably connected to the second arm support at a second
connection assembly.
[0048] In one aspect of the invention, the first stride adjustment
link includes a first slideable connector disposed within a first
opening of the first connection assembly, and the second stride
adjustment link includes a second slideable connector disposed
within a second opening of the second connection assembly, wherein
slideable movement of the first slideable connector and the second
slideable connector modifies a reciprocating length of the
reciprocating paths.
[0049] In one aspect of the invention, the first stride adjustment
link comprises a first sliding end attached to the first slideable
connector, and the second stride adjustment link comprising a
second sliding end attached to the second slideable connector.
[0050] In one aspect of the invention, the first connection
assembly comprises a first actuator to cause the first slideable
connector to slide along a first length of the first opening of the
first connection assembly, and the second connection assembly
comprises a second actuator to cause the second slideable connector
to slide along a second length of the second opening of the second
connection assembly.
[0051] In one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises
a first rotary dial that causes the first slideable connector to
slide within the first connection assembly, and the second actuator
comprises a second rotary dial that causes the second slideable
connector to slide within the second connection assembly.
[0052] In one aspect of the invention, each of the first stride
adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a
first end attached to their respective arm support and a second end
attached to a track that supports the foot pedals.
[0053] In one aspect of the invention, each of the first stride
adjustment link and the second stride adjustment link comprise a
joint that connects the first end to the second end.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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
[0056] 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.
[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an
exercise machine in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine of
FIG. 1.
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of an example of an
actuator of an example of a stride adjustment link in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a cut away view of an example of a stride
adjustment link in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a cut away view of an example of a stride
adjustment link in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of an example of an
actuator of a stride adjustment link in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0063] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] 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 will move. As
a result, when a user moves any of these components, each of the
components will move together.
[0065] A user can stand on the foot pedals and move his feet along
a reciprocating path traveled by the foot pedals while moving the
arm supports back and forth. A user gets a 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 the magnetism 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, hydraulic
mechanisms, other mechanisms, or combinations thereof are adjusted
to change the resistance.
[0066] 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.
[0067] Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIGS. 1-2
depict an example of an exercise machine 100, such as an elliptical
exercise machine. The exercise machine 100 includes a base 102 that
is attached to a frame 104. A lower portion 106 of the frame 104
includes a housing 108 that supports a first flywheel 110 and a
second flywheel 112. The first flywheel 110 and the second flywheel
112 are attached to one another through a crank assembly 114. The
crank assembly 114 includes a crank arm that is attached to a first
shaft that is connected to the first flywheel 110 on a first end
and attached to a second shaft 122 that is connected to the second
flywheel 112 at a second end 124.
[0068] The base 102 may be any appropriate base in accordance with
the principles described in the present disclosure. In some
examples, the base 102 is flat and has a center of gravity that is
close to a floor or other type of foundation upon which the
exercise machine 100 resides. The base 102 may be made of a
continuous beam of metal with a curvature such that multiple
portions of the continuous beam are positioned to make connections
with the lower portion of the frame 104. In other examples, cross
bars connect the multiple portions of the base 102. In some
examples, the frame includes just horizontally positioned beams
that are aligned with the floor or the other type of foundation. In
yet other examples, the base 102 may include a vertical support
member that is intended to carry a vertical load.
[0069] The first shaft is attached to an underside of a first track
126 that supports a first foot pedal 128, and the second shaft 122
is attached to an underside of a second track 130 that supports a
second foot pedal 132. The crank assembly 114 is shaped such that
the first shaft and the second shaft 122 follow reciprocating
paths. Consequently, the first foot pedal 128 follows the path of
the first shaft, and the second foot pedal 132 follows the path of
the second shaft 122. As a user stands on the first foot pedal 128
and the second foot pedal 132 for a workout, the user's feet will
also follow the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal 128 and
the second foot pedal 132. In some examples, the first foot pedal
128 is slideable along the length of the first track 126. Likewise,
the second foot pedal 132 is slideable slide along the length of
the second track 130. Thus, in some examples, the first foot pedal
128 and the second foot pedal 132 are configured to move down the
length of the tracks and with the reciprocating paths traveled by
the first shaft and the second shaft 122.
[0070] The first foot pedal 128 is connected to a first arm support
134 through a first mechanical linkage 136, and the second foot
pedal 132 is connected to a second arm support 138 through a second
mechanical linkage 140. The first arm support 134 is connected to
the frame 104 at a first arm pivot connection 142, and the second
arm support 138 is connected to the frame 104 at a second arm pivot
connection 144. In the example of FIGS. 1-2, the first mechanical
linkage 136 includes a first bottom section of the first arm
support 134 being connected to a first far end of the first track
126 at a first joint. Likewise, the second mechanical linkage 140
includes a second bottom section of the second arm support 138
being connected to a second far end of the second track 130 at a
second joint.
[0071] A console 158 is connected to a portion of the frame 104.
The console 158 may include multiple buttons, a display, a cooling
vent, a speaker, another device, or combinations thereof. The
console 158 can include a resistance input mechanism that allows
the user to control how much resistance is applied to the movement
of the first foot pedal 128, the second foot pedal 132, the first
arm support 134, and the second arm support 138. The console 158
may also provide the user with an ability to control other
functions of the exercise machine 100. For example, the console 158
may be used to control a level of a climate control, to control an
incline angle between the frame 104 and the base 102, to control
speaker volume, to select a preprogrammed workout, to control
entertainment through the speakers of the display of the console
158, 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.
[0072] In some examples, the first and second foot pedals 128, 132
are movably attached to the first and second tracks 126, 130
respectively so that the foot pedals can slide along the length of
the tracks 126, 130. In such examples, the rotary position of the
crank assembly 114 can be locked so that the foot pedals 128, 132
do not travel in circular paths while sliding along the length of
the tracks 126, 130. Such an exercise can mimic cross country
skiing. In such an example, a resistance mechanism can be
incorporated into the tracks 126, 130 to add resistance to the
sliding motion of the foot pedals 128, 132. Such a resistance
mechanism may be positioned on the underside of the tracks 126,
130. In some situations, the foot pedals 128, 132 are locked with
respect to the tracks 126, 130 such that the user cannot slide the
foot pedals 128, 132 along the tracks' lengths. In such situations,
the crank assembly 114 may be free to rotate such that the foot
pedals 128, 132 can move along reciprocating paths that include
circular motion.
[0073] The exercise machine 100 includes a first stride adjustment
link 166 that is slideably connected to the first arm support 134
at a first connection assembly 168, and a second stride adjustment
link 170 that is slideably connected to the second arm support 138
at a second connection assembly 172. The first and second
connection assemblies 168, 172 may include a housing that is either
attached or integrally formed into the first and second arm
supports 134, 138. The first connection assembly 168 includes a
first opening 175 configured to receive a first attachment rod 174
to which a first connection end of the first stride adjustment link
166 can attach. Likewise, the second connection assembly 172
includes a second opening 200 configured to receive a second
attachment rod 202 to which a second connection end of the second
stride adjustment link 170 can attach. The first and second
attachment rods can be moved along the lengths of the first and
second openings 175, 202 respectfully. The other ends of the stride
adjustment links 166, 170 can be attached to the first and second
tracks 126, 130 respectfully proximate the first and second foot
pedals 128, 132. However, in other examples, the other ends of the
stride adjustment links 166, 170 can be attached to portions of the
crank assembly 114 or other portions of the exercise machine 100
that travel along the reciprocating path.
[0074] The position of the first attachment rod 174 within the
first opening 175 of the first connection assembly 168 may be
controlled by the first actuator. Likewise, the position of the
second attachment rod 202 within the second opening 200 of the
second connection assembly 172 may be controlled by the second
actuator. In some examples where the position of the attachment
rods 174, 202 moves upward, the first and second attachment links
restrict the amount of movement that the tracks 126, 130 and/or the
first and second foot pedals 128, 132 can move. In such examples,
the reciprocating paths may shrink. Thus, the stride length of the
user using the exercise machine 100 accordingly shrinks as well.
Staying with the same example, as the position of the attachment
rods 174, 202 moves downward, the first and second attachment links
increase the amount movement available to the tracks 126, 130
and/or the first and second foot pedals 128, 132. In such examples,
the length of the reciprocating paths may increase. Thus, the
stride length of the user using the exercise machine 100
accordingly enlarges as well. As a result, a user may adjust the
stride length of the exercise machine 100 according to the user's
height and/or other preferences. In other examples, the user may
adjust the stride length to target specific muscle groups or train
for specific types of events where training with a specific stride
length can be advantageous.
[0075] Any appropriate type of input mechanism may be used to
control the first and/or second actuators. For example, a rotary
dial 180 may be positioned on the first and/or second connection
assemblies 168, 172. Such a rotary dial 180 may be rotated in a
first direction to cause the stride length to increase. Likewise,
such a rotary dial 180 may be rotated in a second direction to
cause the stride length to decrease. Other mechanical types of
input mechanism may be used. For example, linear dials, levers,
sliders, push buttons, other types of mechanical inputs mechanisms,
or combinations thereof may be used in accordance with the
principles described in the present disclosure. Further,
electronic-type input mechanisms may also be used. For example, a
touch screen or another type of electronic-type input mechanism may
be incorporated.
[0076] While the examples above has been described with reference
to each of the stride adjustment links having independent input
mechanisms attached to their corresponding the connection
assemblies, some examples include a single input mechanism that may
be used to control both the first and second stride adjustment
links. For example, just one of the stride adjustment links may
incorporate an actuator that includes an input mechanism. Such an
input mechanism may be in communication with both the local
actuator as well as the actuator associated with the other stride
adjustment link. In some examples, an electronic signal may be
transmitted to both of the stride adjustment links in response to
the input mechanism receiving input from the user. Such a signal
may cause both of the actuators to move at the same rate and/or
distance. As a result, the user does not have to determine whether
each of the stride adjustment links is set at the same stride
lengths.
[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of an example of an
actuator of an example of a stride adjustment link in accordance
with the present disclosure. In this example, the actuator includes
a rotary dial 180 as the input mechanism. Such a rotary dial 180
include a knob 300 positioned in the center of the input mechanism.
Numeral characters 302 surround the rotary dial 180 and represent
the stride length in inches at which the exercise machine 100 is
currently set. In other examples, the numeral indicators 302 may
represent another unit of length. In yet other examples, other
symbols, besides numeral indicators 302, are used to represent the
stride length.
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates a cut away view of a stride adjustment
link in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example,
the actuator 400 includes a screw mechanism with a thread form 402
that is connected to a rotary dial input mechanism 404. As the
rotary dial input mechanism 404 is rotated in a first direction,
the thread form 402 rotates in a corresponding direction causing a
carrier 406 to move in a downward direction. The carrier 406 is
connected to a push rod 408 that is attached to the attachment rod
410. Thus, as the carrier 406 moves in the downward direction, the
attachment rod 410 will likewise move in the downward direction. In
some examples, as the attachment rod 410 moves in the downward
direction, the stride length adjustment link will move causing the
stride length to decrease.
[0079] Staying with the same example, as the rotary dial input
mechanism 404 is rotated in a second direction, the thread form 402
rotates in a corresponding direction causing the carrier 406 to
move in an upward direction. The carrier 406 is connected to a push
rod 408 that is attached to the attachment rod 410. Thus, as the
carrier 406 moves in the upward direction, the attachment rod 410
will also move in the upward direction. In some examples, as the
attachment rod 410 moves in the upward direction, the stride length
adjustment link will move causing the stride length to
increase.
[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates a cut away view of a stride adjustment
link in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example,
the actuator 400 includes the screw mechanism with the thread form
402 that is connected to the rotary dial input mechanism 404. As
the rotary dial input mechanism 404 is rotated in a first
direction, the thread form 402 rotates in a corresponding direction
causing a carrier 406 to move in a downward direction. The carrier
406 is connected to a piston head 500, which moves downward with
the carrier 406. The piston head 500, an internal surface of the
housing of the connection assembly, and a body that carries the
attachment rod collectively form a gas chamber that has a
characteristic such that when the piston head 500 moves downward
that gas in the gas chamber compresses. In such an example, the
force from the compressed gas may cause the body carrying the
piston to also move downward, thus changing the position of the
stride length adjustment link.
[0081] In accordance with the same example, when the rotary dial
input mechanism is rotated in the second direction, the thread
forms may also rotate in the second direction causing the carrier
406 to move upward. As a result, the piston head 500 also moves in
the upward direction. The upward movement of the piston head may
relieve at least some of the pressure within the gas chamber
resulting in a weaker force pushing the body carrying the
adjustment rod downward. In some examples, a force is continuously
urging the body carrying the attachment rod upward. Such a force
may be applied by a spring, an elastomeric material, another
mechanism, or combinations thereof. In such examples, when the
force urging the body carrying the attachment rod is weakened, the
upward force may overcome the downward force resulting in the body
moving upward. As a result, the attachment rod moves upward causing
the stride adjustment link to also move upward and modify the
stride length.
[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of an example of an
actuator of a stride adjustment link in accordance with the present
disclosure. In this example, the input mechanism 600 includes a
display 602, an increase button 604, and a decrease button 606. In
such an example, the user can instruct the exercise machine 100 to
change the stride length by pressing either the increase button 604
or the decrease button 606. In response to the user pressing either
the increase button 604 or the decrease button 606, an electronic
signal may be generated to cause the actuator to move the stride
adjustment link. In such an example, the signals may be sent to a
single stride adjustment link or the signals may be sent to both
stride adjustment links. In yet other examples, the signal may be
transmitted to yet other exercise machines with adjustable strides
such that the stride length of the other exercise machines may be
controlled remotely through the input mechanism 600. The display
602 may present the current stride adjustment length of both or
just the corresponding stride.
[0083] While the examples above have been described with reference
to specific types of input mechanisms, any appropriate type of
input mechanism may be used in accordance with the principles
described in the present disclosure. For example, the input
mechanisms may include mechanical input mechanisms, electric input
mechanisms, other type of input mechanisms, or combinations
thereof. Further, while the examples above have been described with
reference to specific types of actuators, any appropriate type of
actuator may be used in accordance with the principles described
herein. For example, such an actuator may include screw type
mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, pneumatic mechanisms, linear
actuators, motors, analog/digital converters, springs, gears,
levers, other types of actuators, or combinations thereof.
[0084] 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.
[0085] While the examples above have been described with specific
reference to an attachment rod connecting the stride adjustment
link to the connection assemblies, any appropriate connector and/or
fastener may be used to make the attachment. For example, a ball
and socket connection may be used. In other examples, the stride
adjustment link may slide within track where a flange of the stride
adjustment link retains the stride adjustment link within the
track. Further, other types of connection mechanisms may be
used.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0086] In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide an
exercise machine that has a convenient mechanism for adjusting the
stride length of the exercise machine. For example, users of
different heights and/or stride lengths may use the same exercise
machine and conveniently adjust the stride. Further, users may
conveniently adjust the stride to target different muscle
groups.
[0087] The stride adjustment mechanisms may include an input
mechanism that is located within a convenient arms reach of a user
standing on the foot pedals of the exercise machine. Thus, the user
can adjust the stride while exercising or at least without having
to get off of the exercise machine. In some instances, a user may
adjust the stride length before getting onto the exercise machine
just to find that the adjusted stride is undesirable. In such
situations, the user can refine the stride adjustment while still
standing on the exercise machine's foot pedals.
[0088] A stride adjustment link may connect the arm support to the
foot pedal independent of other mechanical linkages. The stride
adjustment link may restrict the movement of such mechanical
linkages such that the stride length is set at a certain distance.
In some examples, the input mechanism is a rotary dial where
turning the rotary dial in a first direction causes the stride
length to increase while turning the rotary dial in a second
direction causes the stride length to decrease.
[0089] Any appropriate type of actuator to causes the stride length
to adjust may be used in accordance with the principles described
in the present disclosure. Examples of screw type actuators and
pneumatic actuators are described above. However, other types of
actuator may be used. For example, such actuators may include
linear actuators, motors, digital/analog converters, springs,
gears, and so forth. Likewise, any appropriate type of input
mechanism that is convenient for the user to operate while in a
position to use the exercise machine may be used.
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