U.S. patent application number 15/068037 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for open handgrip for an exercise machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is True Fitness Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert John Hawthorne, Thomas L. Mueller.
Application Number | 20160263426 15/068037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56879874 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160263426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mueller; Thomas L. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2016 |
Open Handgrip for an Exercise Machine
Abstract
A handgrip which has two terminating ends that does not connect
with the other components to form a closed loop but instead form an
open loop in the form of a "C", inverted "C", "U", or inverted "U"
depending on the side of the exercise machine the grip is to be
used on and the manner of viewing it. This is commonly referred to
as an open structure as this provides for a handgrip which does not
fully circumscribe an area. It only partially circumscribes an area
and creates a structure with two terminating ends on each
handle.
Inventors: |
Mueller; Thomas L.; (St.
Charles, MO) ; Hawthorne; Robert John; (Troy,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
True Fitness Technology, Inc. |
O'Fallon |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56879874 |
Appl. No.: |
15/068037 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62131484 |
Mar 11, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 24/0087
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 22/00 20060101 A63B022/00; A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06; A63B 24/00 20060101 A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A handgrip for an exercise machine comprising: a first vertical
extension, said first vertical extension being an end portion of a
moveable arm on an exercise machine, said first vertical extension
having a terminating end which does not connect to any other
components of said handgrip; a lower horizontal extension, said
lower horizontal extension extending outward, downward, and
backward from a point between ends of said first vertical
extension, an angle of connection of said lower horizontal
extension to said first vertical extension being less than 90
degrees; a lower curved portion, said lower curved portion
extending said lower horizontal extension into a second vertical
extension extending upward from said lower horizontal extension;
and an upper curved portion, said upper curved portion extending
said second vertical extension into a second horizontal extension,
said second horizontal extension extending inward from said second
vertical extension and having a terminating end which does not
connect to any other components of said handgrip.
2. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein said lower horizontal extension,
said lower curved portion, said second vertical extension, said
upper curved portion, and said second horizontal extension are
generally in a "C" shape.
3. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein said terminating end of said
first vertical extension has an endcap placed thereon.
4. The handgrip of claim 3 wherein said endcap is flared.
5. The handgrip of claim 3 wherein said endcap includes a control
panel for said exercise machine.
6. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein said first vertical extension,
said lower horizontal extension, said lower curved portion, said
second vertical extension, said upper curved portion, and said
second horizontal extension are in the form of rigid tubes.
7. The handgrip of claim 6 wherein said rigid tubes have a circular
or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
8. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein said handgrip is at least
partially covered with a texture material.
9. A handgrip for an exercise machine comprising: an outward curved
portion, said outward curved portion being an end portion of a
moveable arm on an exercise machine which bends outward and
backward from said moveable arm; a lower horizontal extension, said
lower horizontal extension extending outward and upward from said
outward curved portion, said lower horizontal extension terminating
in two curved sections which extend upward and then inward from
said lower horizontal extension; a second horizontal extension
extending inward from said two curved sections and having a
terminating end which does not connect to any other components of
said handgrip; and an angle protrusion, extending inward and upward
from said lower horizontal extension, said angle protrusion having
a terminating end which does not connect to any other components of
said handgrip; wherein said angle protrusion extends from said
lower horizontal extension at an angle less than 90 degrees.
10. The handgrip of claim 9 wherein said lower horizontal
extension, both said curved portions, and said second horizontal
extension are generally in a "C" shape.
11. The handgrip of claim 9 wherein said terminating end of said
second horizontal extension has an endcap placed thereon.
12. The handgrip of claim 11 wherein said endcap is flared.
13. The handgrip of claim 11 wherein said endcap includes a control
panel for said exercise machine.
14. The handgrip of claim 9 wherein said outward curved portion,
said lower horizontal extension, both said curved portions, and
said second horizontal extension are in the form of rigid
tubes.
15. The handgrip of claim 14 wherein said rigid tubes have a
circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
16. The handgrip of claim 9 wherein said handgrip is at least
partially covered with a texture material.
17. A handgrip for an exercise machine comprising: an outward
curved portion, said outward curved portion being an end portion of
a moveable arm on an exercise machine which bends outward and
backward from said moveable arm; a lower horizontal extension, said
lower horizontal extension extending outward and upward from said
outward curved portion, said lower horizontal extension terminating
in two curved sections which extend upward and then inward from
said lower horizontal extension; a second horizontal extension
extending inward from said two curved sections and having a
terminating end which does not connect to any other components of
said handgrip; and an angle protrusion, extending inward and upward
from said lower horizontal extension, said angle protrusion into a
vertical riser extending upward from said angle protrusion; wherein
said vertical riser comprises a terminating end which does not
connect to any other components of said handgrip; and wherein said
angle protrusion extends from said lower horizontal extension at an
angle less than 90 degrees.
18. The handgrip of claim 17 wherein said lower horizontal
extension, both said curved portions, and said second horizontal
extension are generally in a "C" shape.
19. The handgrip of claim 17 wherein said terminating end of said
second horizontal extension has an endcap placed thereon.
20. The handgrip of claim 19 wherein said endcap is flared.
21. The handgrip of claim 19 wherein said endcap includes a control
panel for said exercise machine.
22. The handgrip of claim 17 wherein said outward curved portion,
said lower horizontal extension, both said curved portions, and
said second horizontal extension are in the form of rigid
tubes.
23. The handgrip of claim 22 wherein said rigid tubes have a
circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
24. The handgrip of claim 17 wherein said handgrip is at least
partially covered with a texture material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No.: 62/131,484, filed Mar. 11, 2015, the
entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of arms and handgrips
for cardiovascular exercise machines. In particular, to handgrips
which include mounted controls and an open grip design.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The benefits of regular aerobic exercise for individuals of
any age is well documented in fitness science. Aerobic exercise can
dramatically improve cardiac stamina and function, as well as
leading to weight loss, increased metabolism and other benefits. In
order to allow people to perform aerobic exercises without having
to go outside or to large sports complexes, fitness machines have
been developed to allow a user to perform aerobic exercises in
fitness centers or a small area of their home.
[0006] Exercise machines that are designed to be used when the user
is standing upright are commonly categorized into three major
groups. The first of these is treadmills, where a user walks or
runs on an endless conveyor belt. Treadmills are generally the most
common form of cardio exercise device as they are simple to
understand and operate and they provide for a very natural exercise
motion. The second classification is a stair stepper. Stair
steppers are designed to provide the user with a significantly
vertical movement simulating climbing stairs. This can be performed
through the use of a specially shaped treadbelt, or through the use
of vertically actuated footpads. The third type of device is an
elliptical exerciser.
[0007] The elliptical exerciser (also known as an "elliptical
machine", "elliptical cross-trainer", or "glider") have become very
popular due to their ease of use and their provision of relatively
low-impact aerobic exercise. Generally in these types of machines,
a user performs a motion using their legs which forces their feet
to move in a generally elliptical, racetrack, oval, or elongated
circular motion about each other. This motion is designed to
simulate the motion of the feet when jogging, walking, or climbing
but the rotational motion is "low-impact" compared to jogging or
climbing where the feet regularly impact a surface.
[0008] In an elliptical machine, the user's feet do not leave the
footpads of the machine in most cases and the footpads smoothly
travel through a defined path reducing or eliminating impacts from
the user's feet striking the surface. In many respects, the motion
could be considered more akin to a pedaling motion than a walking
motion, but because the exercise is performed standing up, and with
an elongated elliptical motion as opposed to a circular pedaling
motion, the motion feels more like a striding walk, ski, or
"glide".
[0009] Regardless of the type of cardiovascular machine used, these
machines traditionally function to exercise the user's
cardiovascular system through exertion of the skeletal muscles of
the lower body, but do not exercise the upper body to any
significant extent. Recently, however, cardiovascular machines of
this type have begun to adopt moveable arms and handgrips whose
motion is interlinked with the motion of the user's feet. Pushing
and pulling on these arms often goes hand in hand with the user
having to move their feet on the machine providing an upper body
exercise. This type of full body exercise is particularly valuable
on elliptical machines, stair steppers, and unpowered treadmills
where the motion of the user's feet usually serves to provide the
motion to the user. Essentially, in these machines, the user's
motion serves to drive the machine. This is different than in
powered treadmills where a motor turns the belt and the user is
forced to walk or run to avoid being pushed off.
[0010] These upper body exercise systems have traditionally used
arm members which are independently moveable against the resistance
of a spring or friction plate in a swinging motion to provide for
an upper body workout in conjunction with the cardiovascular and
lower body workout while still providing a fairly natural movement.
However, more modern versions operate the arms in conjunction with
the movement of the feet where movement of both the upper and lower
body is interlinked and serves to drive the same ultimate
components of the machine. Thus, the two parts of the body work
together to drive the machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The following is a summary of the invention in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention.
This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements
of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The
sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the
invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed
description that is presented later.
[0012] Because of the above and other reasons known to those of
ordinary skill in the art, provided herein are systems and methods
for a handgrip for an exercise machine comprising: a first vertical
extension, the first vertical extension being an end portion of a
moveable arm on an exercise machine, the first vertical extension
having a terminating end which does not connect to any other
components of the handgrip; a lower horizontal extension, the lower
horizontal extension extending outward, downward, and backward from
a point between ends of the first vertical extension, an angle of
connection of the lower horizontal extension to the first vertical
extension being less than 90 degrees; a lower curved portion, the
lower curved portion extending the lower horizontal extension into
a second vertical extension extending upward from the lower
horizontal extension; and an upper curved portion, the upper curved
portion extending the second vertical extension into a second
horizontal extension, the second horizontal extension extending
inward from the second vertical extension and having a terminating
end which does not connect to any other components of the
handgrip.
[0013] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the lower horizontal
extension, the lower curved portion, the second vertical extension,
the upper curved portion, and the second horizontal extension are
generally in a "C" shape.
[0014] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the terminating end of
the first vertical extension has an endcap placed thereon which may
be flared and may include a control panel for the exercise
machine.
[0015] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the first vertical
extension, the lower horizontal extension, the lower curved
portion, the second vertical extension, the upper curved portion,
and the second horizontal extension are in the form of rigid tubes
which may have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
[0016] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the handgrip is at least
partially covered with a texture material.
[0017] There is also described herein a handgrip for an exercise
machine comprising: an outward curved portion, the outward curved
portion being an end portion of a moveable arm on an exercise
machine which bends outward and backward from the moveable arm; a
lower horizontal extension, the lower horizontal extension
extending outward and upward from the outward curved portion; the
lower horizontal extension terminating in two curved sections which
extend upward and then inward from the lower horizontal extension;
a second horizontal extension extending inward from the two curved
sections and having a terminating end which does not connect to any
other components of the handgrip; and an angle protrusion,
extending inward and upward from the lower horizontal extension,
the angle protrusion having a terminating end which does not
connect to any other components of the handgrip; wherein the angle
protrusion extends from the lower horizontal extension at an angle
less than 90 degrees.
[0018] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the lower horizontal
extension, both the curved portions, and the second horizontal
extension are generally in a "C" shape.
[0019] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the terminating end of
the second horizontal extension has an endcap placed thereon which
may be flared and which may include a control panel for the
exercise machine.
[0020] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the outward curved
portion, the lower horizontal extension, both the curved portions,
and the second horizontal extension are in the form of rigid tubes
which may have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
[0021] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the handgrip is at least
partially covered with a texture material.
[0022] There is also described herein, a handgrip for an exercise
machine comprising: an outward curved portion, the outward curved
portion being an end portion of a moveable arm on an exercise
machine which bends outward and backward from the moveable arm; a
lower horizontal extension, the lower horizontal extension
extending outward and upward from the outward curved portion; the
lower horizontal extension terminating in two curved sections which
extend upward and then inward from the lower horizontal extension;
a second horizontal extension extending inward from the two curved
sections and having a terminating end which does not connect to any
other components of the handgrip; and an angle protrusion,
extending inward and upward from the lower horizontal extension,
the angle protrusion into a vertical riser extending upward from
the angle protrusion; wherein the vertical riser comprises a
terminating end which does not connect to any other components of
the handgrip; and wherein the angle protrusion extends from the
lower horizontal extension at an angle less than 90 degrees.
[0023] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the lower horizontal
extension, both the curved portions, and the second horizontal
extension are generally in a "C" shape.
[0024] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the terminating end of
the second horizontal extension has an endcap placed thereon which
may be flared and which may include a control panel for the
exercise machine.
[0025] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the outward curved
portion, the lower horizontal extension, both the curved portions,
and the second horizontal extension are in the form of rigid tubes
which may have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.
[0026] In an embodiment of this handgrip, the handgrip is at least
partially covered with a texture material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an elliptical exercise machine
with moveable arms.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
open handgrip for an arm on a user's left side.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an alternative perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 show a perspective view of a second embodiment of an
open handgrip for an arm on a user's left side.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows an alternative perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of the handgrip of FIG. 4 in
both left and right side versions.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an
open handgrip for an arm on a user's left side.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows an alternative perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 7.
[0035] FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of the handgrip of FIG. 7 in
both left and right side versions.
[0036] FIG. 10 show an embodiment of left and right hand button
pads.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0037] The following detailed description and disclosure
illustrates by way of example and not by way of limitation. This
description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and
use the disclosed structures and methods, and describes several
embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the
disclosed structures and methods. As various changes could be made
in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the
disclosures, it is intended that all matter contained in the
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0038] Although the machines, devices, and methods described below
are discussed primarily in terms of their use with a particular
layout of an elliptical exercise motion machine where a rotational
crankshaft is on the back of the machine and the machine provides
moving pendulum arms, one of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that the principles, methods, and objects discussed
herein could be adapted, without undue experimentation, to be
useable on any elliptical motion or other exercise machine which
generates its motion through the use of any mechanisms.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a user driven (as opposed to
motor driven) cardiovascular exercise machine (109) in the form of
an elliptical exerciser. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the user (101)
is utilizing his feet and legs to power the footskates (103), onto
which his feet are positioned, through the elliptical motion.
However, the user (101) is also provided with a number of different
exercise arms and handgrips (105) and (107). The first of these are
stationary arms (107) and these are primarily used to provide the
user with a balance point and support if they do not wish to
exercise their upper body. The second set are moveable arms (105).
The moveable arms (105) are much larger than the stationary arms
(107) and are designed to move in a motion that is interlinked with
the motion of the feet, thus serving as a second drive point for
the exercise machine (109). These moveable arms (105) provide for a
secondary exercise on the machine (109) by allowing the user to
exert force with the arms against the resistance afforded by the
machine (109) and the user's (101) own mass.
[0040] The use of moveable arms (105) in exercise machines (109) is
relatively common and increasingly popular, but moveable arms (105)
often have a number of concerns. In the first instance, moveable
arms (105) often need to be quite large so as to accommodate a
variety of different sized users and, as a result, the moveable
arms (105) often stick up quite high to provide sufficient and
comfortable rotation. This means that the range of motion of the
moveable arms (105) is often quite large and there is concern that
components of the moveable arms (105) can hit a user (101), hit a
bystander, or get in the way of the user (101) while
exercising.
[0041] A second concern with moveable arms (105) is that the
moveable arms (105) often need to provide a variety of handgrip
positions in order to provide for a comfortable hand position for
the user. Often, the most comfortable position will vary depending
on the type of motion, or intensity of exercise, the machine (109)
is providing. For example, a more vertical handgrip may be
desirable for a machine (109) providing a motion more akin to cross
country skiing as ski poles are generally gripped vertically.
However, a machine (109) providing a more vertical climbing motion
will often provide grips that are more horizontal in order to
simulate the rungs on a ladder. For machines (109) that can provide
for a variety of different motions, such as the one depicted in
FIG. 1, this can mean there is a need to provide for a moveable arm
(105) with a structure to provide for a large number of potentially
different grip locations.
[0042] Another problem with traditional handgrips, particularly
when they are on moveable arms (105), is that it is often difficult
for a user (101) to let go of the grips during an exercise to
perform other actions. Exercise machines (109) have traditionally
been controlled by a console (111) which is mounted to face the
user (101) at a relatively high position. This allows the user
(101) to reach the console (111) before, during, and after
exercising to observe feedback from monitors in the machine (109)
(such as, but not limited to, the distance travelled) as well as to
alter specifics of the exercise being performed (such as, but not
limited to, its intensity or difficulty). The console (111) also
may provide entertainment options, including controls for built in
audio or video content or just a simple rack for holding a book or
magazine.
[0043] As should be apparent from FIG. 1, when a user (101) is
performing a relatively large motion on an exercise machine (109),
which is often desirable from a fitness point of view to work large
muscles, it can be uncomfortable for them to reach out and interact
with the console (111). If one examines the user (101) of FIG. 1,
it should be apparent that it would be difficult for him to reach
out with his left hand at the instant shown and touch the console
(111). Not only can it be uncomfortable, but it can be unbalancing.
As a user (101) will generally not wish to stop and start the
exercise motion every time they wish to adjust the exercise's
difficulty, they are often forced to interact with the console
(111) while trying to keep the exercise motion going. As should be
apparent from the user's position in FIG. 1, this can be highly
unbalancing depending on how quickly they can interact with the
console (111) and how fast the user operating the machine
(109).
[0044] The grips, arms, and methods described herein are discussed
primarily in terms of their use with a particular layout of an
elliptical exercise machine (109), such as that shown in FIG. 1.
While the various arms, grips, and methods are particularly useful
for an exercise machine (109), such as the one depicted do to its
relatively large range of motion, one of ordinary skill in the art
would understand that the principles, methods, and machines
discussed herein could be adapted, without undue experimentation,
to be useable on other elliptical motion machines as well as
treadmills, stair steppers, and a wide variety of other
cardiovascular machines which utilize movable exercise arms.
[0045] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a first embodiment of an exercise arm
(201) including a handgrip (203) which is useable as a part of an
exercise machine (109). The handgrip (203) in FIGS. 2 and 3
provides for onboard controls and an "open" structure which can
provide for improved comfort and a better variety of grip
locations. Both FIGS. 2 and 3 show the embodiment of the arm (201)
for the left side of a user's (101) body and a handgrip (203) that
would traditionally be gripped by the user's (101) left hand. A
mating arm (201) designed to be used on the right side of the
user's body would generally be a mirror image of the arm (201)
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in the same mariner as is illustrated for
the alternative embodiments in FIGS. 6 and 9.
[0046] The structure of the arm (201) is such that it provides an
upright (211) which is effectively the portion which would
generally interconnect the arm (201) at its axis of rotation (113)
to the machine (109). In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the
axis of rotation (113) is located at around waist height of a user
exercising on the machine (109). This is by no means required and
the upright (211) may connect to the exercise device (109) at any
position appropriate for the exercise being performed on the
machine (109). In some embodiments, the axis of rotation (113) may
even be moveable or adjustable. Because of this, the upright (211)
will generally be of indefinite length dependent on the specifics
of the machine (109). However, the length will generally be
determined so as to extend the arm (201) from the axis of rotation
(113) to a position to place the handgrip (203) at a good height to
be grasped by a user (101).
[0047] The upright (211) will generally be a rigid tube, often
constructed of metal or strong plastics. The upright (211) tube
will generally have a circular or elliptical cross section so as to
eliminate sharp corners and provide for a smother surface, but this
is by no means required. In some embodiments, the upright (211) may
be relatively linear, however, in others the upright (211) may
comprise a curve or bend to provide for a desirable shape and
position the handgrip (203) where desired. Generally, the center
longitudinal axis of the upright (211) will be arranged so as to be
within a single plane (e.g. the tube is "planar").
[0048] It should be apparent from FIG. 1 that it is generally
desirable for the upright (211) to be generally planar. Each of the
moveable arms (105) will generally move in a fixed planar arc
generally mirroring the arc of the other arm (105). Further, these
arcs will generally be about perpendicular to the plane of the
user's (109) torso. Most human users (101), when they move their
arms while walking, will move their arms in this type of pattern,
thus, movement of the arms (105) to mimic that pattern is
desirable.
[0049] It should be clear from. FIG. 1 that in order to keep the
danger of the arms (105) hitting the user (109) during exercising
to a minimum, particularly if the user (101) is not using them, it
is desirable to keep most of the structure outside the upright
(211) and away from the user (101). However, this need for outward
components is balanced against having to have the user (101) extend
their arms unnaturally far to their sides.
[0050] For purposes of this disclosure, terms such as "inward".
"outward", "upward" and "downward" are used to contemplate relative
positions of components. These terms are used since structures in
the arm (105) on one side of the machine (109) are generally
mirrored to the arm (105) on the opposing side. Thus, it is not
possible to absolutely describe the relationship of the pieces on
any one arm (105) as it would only be specific to the arm (105) for
the specific side with the other side being a mirror image.
Further, structurally, the two arms (105) could generally be
interchangeable. While doing so would likely render the machine
(109) unusable for the standard user, there may be situations where
a left arm is placed on the right and vice versa. Thus, this
disclosure uses language of relative positioning for improved
clarity.
[0051] As used herein "inward" means that assuming the upright
(211) moves in a plane generally perpendicular to the torso of the
user (101) which is positioned generally to one side of the user
(101). Thus, something extending "inward" will extend out from the
plane in a direction toward the opposing side of the machine (109)
(across the user's torso). Similarly, the term "outward" is
opposite to "inward" and means an extension out from the plane in a
direction away from the opposing arm (105). The term "upward" as
used herein means generally the vertical direction from the axis
(113) to the highest point of the arm (105). "Downward" would mean
the opposite of "upward." Finally, "forward" will generally be the
direction that a user (101) exercising on the machine (109) will
push the arm (105) and "backward" or "rearward" will generally mean
the direction the user (101) will pull the arm (105). Further, the
use of any one term is not exclusive to the possibility that a
component could not extend in other directions. Thus, a component
indicated to extend inward, would extend inward but may also extend
forward, backward, or neither. Further, a component indicated to
extend inward could also extend upward, downward or neither.
[0052] In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the upright
(211) has a lower horizontal extension (231) and terminates in a
first vertical extension (213). The lower horizontal extension
(231) is positioned at the base of the first vertical extension
(213) at the top of the upright (211). As should be apparent from
FIGS. 2 and 3, the first vertical extension (213) is effectively
simply the end portion of the upright (211), however the first
vertical extension (213) is called out separately here to show that
it is part of handgrip (203) and is generally positioned so as to
allow the top of the upright (211) to be grasped by a user
(101).
[0053] The grasping of the first vertical extension (213) will
generally be accomplished by the user (101) in a traditional
vertical "mug-type" grip where the user will wrap their fingers
around the first vertical extension (213). The grasping would
traditionally have them wrap their thumb in an opposing direction
around the first vertical extension (213). In the depicted
embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 which show a left hand grip, the
fingers would thus go to the left of the first vertical extension
(213) and their thumb would go to the right.
[0054] However, as is shown in the depicted embodiment, the first
vertical extension (213) has a terminating end (215) and does not
connect with the other components to form a closed loop. This is
commonly referred to herein as a "open" structure as this provides
for a handgrip (203) which does not circumscribe an area. It only
partially circumscribes an area and creates a structure with two
terminating ends on each handle (105). Because of this structure,
the user (101) need not wrap their thumb around the first vertical
portion (213), but may instead place it on top of the terminating
end (215).
[0055] The terminating end (215) of FIGS. 2 and 3 is covered by an
end cap (217) which in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is flared in a
trumpet or horn shape. This provides that the end (215) is actually
wider than the cross section of the first vertical extension (213)
and then smoothly tapers down to a portion (227) which covers the
end of the first vertical extension (213). This end (215) is
generally also not in a plane perpendicular to the length of the
first vertical section (213) (not co-planar with the cross
sectional area). This provides that the area (219) of the end (215)
is generally greater than the cross sectional area of the upright
(211). While it is not required, this shape of end cap (217)
provides for a smooth grasping surface without sharp corners which
can be more comfortable for the user's (101) hands. It also
provides for a more natural stop as the end cap (217) flares and
inhibits the user (101) from sliding their hands (particularly
their wrapped fingers) over the end (215) of the first vertical
extension (213).
[0056] Upon the area (219) there will commonly be placed a control
panel (291A) or (291B). The control panel (291A) or (291B) is
essentially a small button pad duplicating some of the controls
available on the console (111) and will often comprise a touch
screen or button surface which allows for buttons or other
activation objects to be placed thereon. An embodiment of two
button pads (291A) and (291B) are shown in FIG. 10. As should be
apparent, placing control panel (291A) or (291B) on the area (219)
allows for a user (101) to activate the buttons (293) on the panel
(291A) or (291B) with their thumb in a very natural position as the
thumb will, commonly be desired to rest on area (219). The buttons
(293) will generally be a form of simplified controls and may
include items to alter the exercise's difficulty (e.g. speed or
incline) as shown in panel (291A), buttons to stop the machine
(109) in an emergency, buttons to alter a user's stride length as
shown in panel (291B), or buttons to control comfort features such
as audio volume.
[0057] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the panel (291A) would be used
on the left arm (105) depicted in FIG. 2 and the panel (291B) would
be used on the right arm (105). The advantage of positioning
buttons on the area (219) is that it is a very natural position to
place the thumb and it allows the user to operate major functions
of the exercise machine (109) while still gripping the vertical
extension portion (213) and without having to release the handgrip
(203) and risk losing their balance.
[0058] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower horizontal
extension (231) extends outward and backward from the upright (211)
as shown in FIG. 2. The lower horizontal extension (231) will also
generally not extend from the upright (211) in a perpendicular
fashion, but will angle downward so the angle A is less than 90
degrees. While this is not required, the connection point where
angle A is formed, if it is an acute angle, effectively forms a
pinch point (233) for the thumb if the hand is wrapped over the
lower horizontal extension (231) and the thumb is tucked into the
corner (233).
[0059] The pinch point (233) means that the user (101) is generally
discouraged from grasping the lower horizontal extension (231) in
the manner of grasping a bike handlebar right at the corner (233).
Instead, because of the pinch point (233), the user (101) will
generally rotate their thumb and have their thumb wrap around the
upright (211) right around the transition point to the first
vertical extension (213). This is a more natural position of the
hand, and inhibits the user from grasping the lower horizontal
extension (231) too hard, which can result in them putting too much
weight on it and not getting a full exercise benefit.
[0060] As one continues around the lower horizontal extension
(231), it converts into a lower curved portion (241), a second
vertical extension (251), an upper curved portion (261), and then a
second horizontal extension (271). As can be seen, these are
arranged to form a generally "C" shape for the left handgrip (203)
of FIG. 2. It would be an inverted "C" shape for the right. This
arrangement provides for two additional natural gripping locations
in the form of the second vertical extension (251) and the upper
horizontal section (271). It should also be recognized that certain
users would want to grasp the curved portions (241) and (261).
[0061] The primary advantage of having natural handgrip positions
on the second vertical extension (251) and the upper horizontal
section (271) is that these positions allow a user (101) that is
larger (e.g. wider and/or taller) to grip the handgrip (203) at a
position further from their body either outward or upward,
depending on the type of grip desired and different from that which
can be obtained from the first vertical extension (213) or lower
horizontal extension (231). In order to enhance the feel, the
handgrip (203) may be coated with a textured or rubberized surface
as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0062] It should be apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the structure
of the handgrip (203) is open. That is, there are two ends (215)
and (275) formed in the handgrip (203). In FIGS. 2 and 3, the end
cap (217) is located on the end (215) of the first vertical
extension (213) and the end (275) is simply closed and covered with
the texture material as shown in FIG. 3. This is, however, not
required, and in an alternative embodiment the end (275) of the
upper horizontal extension (271) could additionally or
alternatively include an end cap (217).
[0063] It should be clear from the above that there are a number of
benefits of including two ends (215) and (275) in the handgrip
(203) through the inclusion of an open structure. It is often
comfortable for a user to grasp a tube in the handgrip (203) with
their thumb over an end. Biomechanics of the human hand generally
place the thumb to the inside of the index finger when the fingers
are curled, not below it as is the case when grasping a tube.
Grasping of a tubular grip between its ends at a position where its
end is not within reach of the thumb, the thumb is generally
positioned downward (as opposed to inward) of the index finger.
Having ends (215) and (275) be available for the thumb to go over,
therefore, provides a more natural position as the thumb can go
over the end (215) or (275) with the fingers placed on top of the
tube, or on an appropriate side.
[0064] FIGS. 4-6 provide for a second embodiment of an open
handgrip (403). As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3, the arm (105)
again includes an upright (211) serving to interconnect the
handgrip (230) to the axis of rotation (113). However, in the
embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, the upright (211) terminates in an outward
curved portion (423) which will bend generally outward and backward
of the upright (211). There is no first vertical extension (213)
present and, the lower horizontal extension (431) extends outward
and generally upward. The lower horizontal extension (431)
terminates in two curved sections (441) and (461) which then have a
second horizontal extension (471) present thereon. As should be
apparent, the structure of FIGS. 4-6 does not actually have any
vertical extensions, but is focused on horizontal extensions (431)
and (471) and curved portions (423), (441), and (461). The
embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 is again a "C" type shape (standard for the
left side and inverted for the right as can be seen in FIG. 6).
[0065] Instead of first vertical extension (213), the embodiment of
FIGS. 4-6 provides for an additional grip portion in the faun of
angle protrusion (413) which extends from the lower horizontal
extension (431) upward and inward. This projection (413) is
generally not vertically arranged, but is generally arranged more
vertically (and in opposing direction--inwardly in the FIGS.)
compared to the lower horizontal extension (431). The projection
(413) in FIGS. 4-6 is also positioned more vertically than the
upper horizontal extension (471), but that is by no means required.
As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the end cap (217) in this embodiment (along
with the control panel (291A)) is positioned on the end (475) of
the upper horizontal extension (471). However, this is by no means
required and it may be positioned additionally or alternatively on
the end (415) of the projection (413).
[0066] FIGS. 7-9 provide for a third embodiment of an open handgrip
(703). This embodiment is generally of very similar design to the
second embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, including the same components of
the upright (211), outward curve (423), first horizontal extension
(431), first and second curved portions (441) and (461), the second
horizontal extension (475) and projection (413) in essentially the
same arrangement. However, this embodiment adds a vertical riser
(713) to the end (415) of the projection (413) to produce a more
vertical gripping section (713) and associated terminal end (715).
As should be apparent from FIGS. 7-9, the vertical riser (713) may
be close to co-planar, co-planar, or even co-linear with the
upright (211). If the upright (211) and vertical riser (713) are
co-planar, this essentially places the vertical riser (713) in a
position equivalent to the first vertical extension (213) of the
embodiment of FIGS. 2-3. The embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 is, therefore,
in some respects, a combination of elements of the first two
embodiments which provides a slightly more complicated shape.
[0067] As can be best seen in FIGS. 8-9, the end cap (217) in this
embodiment, like in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, is positioned on
the end (475) of the upper horizontal extension (471) instead of on
the end (715) of the vertical riser (713). However, as in all the
prior embodiments, the end cap (217) can be placed on either or
both of ends (475) and (715).
[0068] In all the above embodiments, the handgrip has two
terminating ends that do not connect with the other components to
form a closed loop but instead form an open loop in the form of a
"C", inverted "C", "U", or inverted "U" depending on the side of
the exercise machine the grip is to be used on and the manner of
viewing it. This is referred to herein as having an open structure
as this provides for a handgrip which does not fully circumscribe
an area. It only partially circumscribes an area and creates a
structure with two terminating ends on each handle.
[0069] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a
limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and
variations of the described embodiments may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other
embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present
disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art.
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