US20070117683A1 - Exercising apparatus with varying length arms - Google Patents
Exercising apparatus with varying length arms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070117683A1 US20070117683A1 US11/285,230 US28523005A US2007117683A1 US 20070117683 A1 US20070117683 A1 US 20070117683A1 US 28523005 A US28523005 A US 28523005A US 2007117683 A1 US2007117683 A1 US 2007117683A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- exercise apparatus
- drive mechanism
- connection point
- arm member
- reciprocating
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/0005—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms with particular movement of the arms provided by handles moving otherwise than pivoting about a horizontal axis parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/001—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
- A63B2022/0676—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement with crank and handles being on the same side of the exercising apparatus with respect to the frontal body-plane of the user, e.g. crank and handles are in front of the user
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/22—Resisting devices with rotary bodies
- A63B21/225—Resisting devices with rotary bodies with flywheels
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0015—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to stationary exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to front end and upright elliptical trainers that coordinate the elliptical foot motion normally associated with walking and running with a back and forth hand motion. In other words, the present invention permits a user to exercise both their upper body and lower body in a coordinated fashion. Of course, this invention may be applied to other types of exercise equipment.
- elliptical trainers are exercise machines where a user's feet travel in diametrically opposed elliptical paths that roughly simulates the natural path the user's feet would follow while running or walking. Elliptical trainers provide the advantage of permitting a user to exercise their lower body without the jarring effects normally associated with running and walking.
- elliptical trainers provide resistance to the motion of the user via a drive mechanism.
- Elliptical trainers are generally classified into three general categories according to where the drive mechanism is located in relation to a user actuating the exercise apparatus. For example, back end or rear elliptical trainers have their drive mechanism positioned in back of the user. Conversely, front end and upright elliptical trainers have the drive mechanism positioned in front of the user. The front end and upright elliptical trainers provide the advantage of appearing to occupy less room than comparable rear elliptical trainers. Additionally, front end and upright elliptical trainers may be easier to store and move.
- the front end and upright elliptical trainers also provide an added measure of safety because many of the moving parts of the elliptical trainer are placed within the view of a user and thus, the user is more aware of the moving parts. Consequently, the user of a front end or upright elliptical trainer is better able to prevent children or pets from becoming entangled in or harmed by the moving parts of the elliptical trainer.
- the inputs of the drive mechanism of an elliptical trainer travel in a circular path.
- Two reciprocating members which each include a footpad, are connected to the drive mechanism at diametrically opposed positions on the circular path and on opposite sides of the drive mechanism.
- the reciprocating members are used to convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into the elliptical path that is followed by the footpads.
- the drive mechanism also conserves the momentum of the user's movements. Specifically, as a person runs or walks, their body has a certain momentum.
- the drive mechanism of an elliptical trainer may use a flywheel to imitate the effects of a person's running or walking momentum to provide a more natural exercise experience.
- the handles are directly linked to the elliptical motion of the feet, causing the user's hands to follow an elliptical path.
- elliptical hand motion may feel uncomfortable and unnatural to many users. Additionally, users tend to move their feet further than their hands so that the elliptical hand motion is too long and thus, may cause muscle strain.
- the apparatus and system of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by currently available exercise equipment.
- the present invention provides an exercise apparatus that coordinates the exercise of the lower body with the upper body.
- the exercise apparatus of the present invention better imitates the natural motion of both the upper body and lower body while walking and running.
- an exercise apparatus is provided.
- the exercise apparatus of the present invention is an elliptical trainer.
- the elliptical trainer includes a frame shaped to stably rest on a surface such as the floor of a building.
- the elliptical trainer also includes a drive mechanism known in the art that is mounted to the frame.
- the drive mechanism provides resistance to the movement of the user and conserves the momentum generated by the movement of the user.
- the drive mechanism may comprise a belt, a flywheel, a crank, an axle, a frictional element, a motor or any other component known in the art that may be used in a drive mechanism for an exercise machine.
- the reciprocating members include footpads that travel in an elliptical path.
- Each footpad is shaped to receive and grip a user's shoe or foot to prevent the user from slipping off of the reciprocating member as it moves about an elliptical path.
- the footpad is disposed at an angle so that the heel kick that normally accompanies walking or running is accommodated by the foot pad as it travels about the elliptical path.
- the reciprocating members include a reciprocating support that helps the reciprocating member convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into the elliptical motion of the footpad. As the reciprocating member is actuated by a user, the reciprocating support moves back and forth on a track of the frame of the exercise apparatus.
- the reciprocating support moves back and forth on a track, a potential pinch point is created.
- the reciprocating support is positioned in front of the footpad. By positioning the reciprocating support between the drive mechanism and the footpad, a user can better monitor this pinch point and prevent related accidents from occurring.
- the exercise apparatus of the invention includes arm members that are directly connected to the drive mechanism. Specifically, the arm members are attached to the crank so that they are diametrically opposed about the circular output path of the drive mechanism.
- the arm members include handles and are designed to convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into a back and forth motion of the handles.
- Each arm member includes a first portion having a fixed length. In other words, the length of the first portion does not change as the exercise apparatus is actuated.
- the first portion includes the handle of the arm member and is pivotally attached to the frame at a first connection point.
- each arm member also includes a second portion having an effective variable length.
- An effective variable length is the length of the arm member that actually varies as the exercise apparatus is actuated or a component of the arm that permits the arm to act as if its length actually varies.
- the second portion of the arm members may include telescoping parts that slide within each other so that the length of the second portion actually varies as the exercise apparatus is actuated.
- the second portion of the arm members may include a slot in which an engagement member moves back and forth to permit the second portion of the arm member to act as if it actually varies in length.
- the engagement member may be attached to the drive mechanism so that as the crank of the drive mechanism rotates, the engagement member slides within the slot causing the first portion of the arm member to travel in a back and forth path.
- FIG. 1 is a partially cut away side view of an exercise apparatus of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of another exercise apparatus of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative exercise apparatus of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of still another alternative exercise apparatus of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of yet another alternative exercise apparatus of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of yet a further alternative exercise apparatus of the invention.
- FIG. 1 a partially cut away side view illustrates an exercise apparatus 100 of the invention.
- the exercise apparatus 100 is an upright elliptical trainer that includes a frame 102 shaped to be stably supported by a floor 104 .
- a drive mechanism 110 is mounted to the frame 102 and provides both resistance to the movement of the user and conserves the momentum generated by the movement of the user.
- the drive mechanism 110 includes a crank 112 connected to an axle 114 that is rotatably attached to the frame 102 .
- a flywheel 116 is connected to the crank 112 by a belt 118 to help conserve the momentum imparted to the drive mechanism 110 by the user.
- a frictional element 120 of the drive mechanism 110 is used to provide resistance to the movement of the user.
- the frictional element 120 is a device 122 that engages the belt 118 .
- the tension and thus, the friction between the belt 118 and the device 122 increases or decreases. The user can adjust the degree of friction encountered by moving the device 122 within the slot 124 .
- the drive mechanism 110 may also include a generator 126 that converts a portion of the movement of the user into electrical power.
- the electrical power generated is used to power a control console 128 .
- the control consol 128 may be one that is well known in the art that may be used to monitor and provide feedback to the user during use of the exercise apparatus 100 .
- the exercise apparatus 100 of the invention also includes a first arm member 130 and a second arm member 132 that are connected to the drive mechanism 110 .
- an “arm member” is a structure whose portions do not pivot position relative to each other when in use.
- currently available elliptical trainers have complicated linkages whose links pivot position relative to other links of the linkages while in use.
- the arm members 130 , 132 coordinate the exercise of a user's upper body with the exercise of their lower body.
- Each arm member 130 , 132 includes a first portion 134 having a fixed length 136 and a second portion 138 having an effective variable length 140 .
- the arm members 130 , 132 are pivotally attached to the frame 102 at a first connection point 142 which is disposed intermediate the first portion 134 and the second portion 138 .
- the first portion 134 includes a handle 144 to be gripped by the user as the exercise apparatus 100 is actuated. Because the first portion 134 is pivotally attached to the frame 102 at the first connection point 142 , the handles 144 travel in a back and forth path 146 , such as a convex arc.
- the second portion 138 is directly connected to the crank 112 of the drive mechanism 110 at a second connection point 152 .
- the second connection point 152 travels in a circular path 148 as crank 112 revolves around the axle 114 .
- at least a part of the second portion 138 travels in a circular path 148 .
- the second connection points 152 of the arm members 130 , 132 are positioned so that they are diametrically opposed to each other about the circular path 148 and on opposite sides of the crank 112 such that the arm members 130 , 132 are out of phase with each other.
- the second portions 138 of the arm members 130 , 132 include telescoping parts 154 .
- the second portions 138 include a male extension 156 that slides within a female bearing surface 158 as a distance 160 between the first connection point 142 and the second connection point 152 changes.
- the male extension 156 of the second portion 138 is attached to and extends from the first portion 134 .
- the female bearing surface 158 is pivotally attached to the crank 112 of the drive mechanism 110 at the second connection point 152 and is disposed remotely from the first connection point 142 . Because the second portion 138 has an effective variable length 140 , the arm members 130 , 132 are able to convert the circular motion 148 of the second portion 138 into the back and forth motion 146 of the handles 144 along an arc as the drive mechanism 110 is actuated.
- a first reciprocating member 170 and a second reciprocating member 172 are indirectly connected to the drive mechanism 110 .
- each reciprocating member 170 , 172 is rotatably attached to a respective arm member 130 , 132 at a third connection point 174 .
- the third connection point 174 follows an elliptical path 175 so that a part of each reciprocating member 170 , 172 follows the third connection point 174 about the elliptical path 175 .
- the horizontal movement of the third connection point 174 is greater than the horizontal movement of the second connection point 152 while the vertical movement is the same for both the third connection point 174 and the second connection point.
- the arm members 130 , 132 magnify the horizontal travel of the drive mechanism 110 so that the drive mechanism 110 may be smaller while providing the reciprocating members 170 , 172 the horizontal travel necessary for a user to exercise his or her lower body comfortably.
- the first connection point 142 is pivotally fixed to the frame and the third connection point 174 is disposed further from the first connection point 142 than the second connection point 152 .
- the movement of the third connection point 174 about the first connection point 142 is greater than the movement of the second connection point 152 about the first connection point 142 .
- Each reciprocating member 170 , 172 includes a footpad 176 that travels in a second elliptical path 178 .
- the footpads 176 are shaped to receive and grip a user's shoe or foot to prevent the user from slipping off of the reciprocating members 170 , 172 as the footpads 176 move about the second elliptical path 178 .
- the footpads 176 may be covered by an elastomer to improve the traction between a user's shoe and the footpad 176 .
- the footpads 176 are positioned on the reciprocating members 170 , 172 such that as each footpad 176 moves to its most rearward position, the heel of a user is lifted above the toes. This positioning of the footpads 176 helps replicate a more natural heel kick that normally accompanies walking and running.
- Each reciprocating member 170 , 172 also includes a reciprocating support 180 .
- the reciprocating support 180 is a roller 182 moving back and forth on a track 184 of the frame 102 of the exercise apparatus 100 .
- the reciprocating support 180 is positioned forward of the footpad 176 so that a user can better monitor the potential pinch point between the reciprocating support 180 and the track 184 of the frame 102 .
- injury may be prevented by placing the reciprocating support 180 forward of the footpad 176 so that a user may visually monitor the pinch point during use of the exercise apparatus 100 .
- the reciprocating support 180 forward of the footpad 176 , the second elliptical path 178 is flatter and thus, the movement of the footpads 176 are better able to imitate the natural movement of a user's foot while running or walking.
- FIG. 2 a side view illustrates another exercise apparatus 200 that is similar to the exercise apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in many ways. For brevity, only the differences between the exercise apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and the exercise apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 are discussed in detail.
- the exercise apparatus 200 includes a first arm member 202 and a second arm member 204 .
- Each arm member 202 , 204 includes a first portion 206 having a fixed length 208 and a second portion 210 having an effective variable length 212 .
- the arm members 202 , 204 are pivotally attached to a frame 214 of the exercise apparatus 200 at a first connection point 216 disposed intermediate the first portion 206 and the second portion 210 .
- the first portion 206 includes a handle 218 whose orientation may be adjusted relative to the second portion 210 and travels in a back and forth path 220 .
- the back and forth path 220 may be reoriented to be a convex arcuate path 222 , a concave arcuate path 224 , or a substantially vertical path 226 . This permits a user to exercise different muscles of his or her upper body while using the exercise apparatus 200 .
- the handle 218 may be oriented to better imitate the natural movement of the arm while running or walking.
- the handle 218 may be adjusted relative to the second portion 210 by loosening the fasteners 227 while not in use. Once the fasteners 227 are loosened, the handle 218 is moved to the desired orientation. Finally, the fasteners 227 are retightened to fix the handle 218 into the desired orientation for use. Thus, the position of the handle 218 may be pivotally adjusted relative to the second portion 210 , but while in use by a user, the first portion 206 does not pivot position relative to second portion 210 . Of course, the handle 218 may be adjusted using other methods that would be readily apparent to those of skill in the art from the description contained herein.
- the second portions 210 of the arm members 202 , 204 include a male extension 228 extending from the first portions 206 , a female bearing surface 230 that slides over the male extension 228 , and a linkage 232 attached to the female bearing surface 230 .
- the linkage 232 is offset from the female bearing surface 230 so that the male extension 228 slides parallel to the linkage 232 through the female bearing surface 230 .
- the linkage 232 is pivotally attached to a crank 234 of a drive mechanism 236 at a second connection point 238 and to a respective first reciprocating member 240 or second reciprocating member 242 .
- a side view shows an alternative configuration of the invention in exercise apparatus 300 .
- the exercise apparatus 300 includes a smaller frame 302 than the frames 102 , 214 of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- a drive mechanism 304 is attached to the frame 302 and includes a flywheel 308 rotatably attached to the frame 302 and a frictional element 310 .
- the frictional element 310 of this embodiment may be a pad that can be moved into engagement with the flywheel 308 or any other device known in the art to partially resist the actuation of the exercise apparatus 300 by the user.
- the exercise apparatus 300 includes a first arm member 312 and a second arm member 314 .
- Each arm member 312 , 314 includes a first portion 316 and a second portion 318 having an effective variable length 320 .
- each arm member 312 , 314 is pivotally attached to a frame 302 of the exercise apparatus 300 at a first connection point 322 and to the drive mechanism 304 at a second connection point 324 .
- the second portions 318 of the arm members 312 , 314 each include a slot 326 .
- the exercise apparatus 300 includes an engagement member 330 that pivotally attaches the second portion 318 to the drive mechanism 304 at the second connection point 324 and slides within the slot 326 .
- the effective variable length 320 of the second portion 318 changes as the engagement member 330 and the second connection point 324 moves back and forth within the slot 326 .
- the arm members 312 , 314 are pivotally attached to a respective first reciprocating member 332 and a second reciprocating member 334 .
- the reciprocating members 332 , 334 each include a footpad 336 and a reciprocating support 338 disposed in front of the footpad 336 .
- the reciprocating support 338 is a roller 340 that contacts and moves over a surface 342 , such as the surface of a floor.
- the frame 302 may be smaller. Furthermore, the reciprocating members 332 , 334 may be rotated up to a substantially vertical position for storage. Thus, exercise apparatus 300 may require less space when not in use.
- FIG. 4 a side view illustrates another alternative exercise apparatus 400 that is similar to the exercise apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 in many ways. For brevity, only the differences between the exercise apparatus 400 of FIG. 4 and the exercise apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 are discussed in detail.
- the exercise apparatus 400 includes a first arm member 402 and a second arm member 404 .
- Each arm member 402 , 404 includes a first portion 406 having a handle 407 and a second portion 408 having an effective variable length 410 .
- Each arm member 402 , 404 is pivotally attached to a frame 412 of the exercise apparatus 400 at a first connection point 414 . More specifically, the first connection point 414 rotatably attaches the first portion 406 to the frame 412 .
- the second portion 408 includes a female bearing surface 416 disposed adjacent to the first connection point 414 and extending from the first portion 406 .
- the second portion 408 also includes a male extension 418 that slides within the female bearing surface 416 .
- the male extension 418 is pivotally attached to a drive mechanism 420 of the exercise apparatus 400 at a second connection point 422 and to a respective reciprocating member 424 , 426 at third connection points 428 .
- the drive mechanism 420 moves the second connection point 422 about a circular path 430 causing the male extension 418 to slide within the female bearing surface 416 .
- the handles 407 pivot about the first connection point 414 in a back and forth path 432 as the second connection point 422 travels in the circular path 430 .
- the arm members 402 , 404 of the invention convert the circular motion 430 of the drive mechanism 420 into the back and forth motion 432 of the handles 407 .
- the third connection points 428 between the arm members 402 , 404 and the reciprocating members 424 , 426 travels in a first elliptical path 434 .
- the reciprocating members 424 , 426 are curved so that as the third connection points 428 travel about a first elliptical path 434 , each footpad 438 of the reciprocating members 424 , 426 moves out of phase with each other about a second elliptical path 436 .
- the footpads 438 are disposed on the reciprocating members 424 , 426 so that as they move about the second elliptical path 436 , the heel kick normally associated walking and running is imitated.
- a side view shows yet another alternative configuration of the invention as exercise apparatus 500 .
- the exercise apparatus 500 is a front end elliptical trainer.
- the exercise apparatus 500 includes a frame 502 shaped to stably support the exercise apparatus 500 on a surface 504 , such as a floor of a building, and a drive mechanism 506 mounted on the frame 502 .
- the exercise apparatus 500 includes a first arm member 510 and a second arm member 512 pivotally connected to the frame 502 at a first connection point 514 and to the drive mechanism 506 at a second connection point 516 .
- Each arm member 510 , 512 includes a first portion 518 and a second portion 520 having an effective variable length 522 that changes as the distance between the first connection point 514 and the second connection point 516 varies when the exercise apparatus 500 is actuated.
- the effective variable length 522 of the second portion 520 changes by permitting a male extension 524 extending from the first portion 518 to slide within a female bearing surface 526 that is disposed adjacent the second connection point 516 and remotely from the first connection point 514 .
- the arm members 510 , 512 are directly and pivotally connected to the drive mechanism 506 and to a respective first reciprocating member 530 and second reciprocating member 532 at the second connection points 516 .
- the reciprocating members 530 , 532 are also directly and pivotally connected to the drive mechanism 506 . Consequently, the arm members 510 , 512 of the exercise apparatus 500 do not include third connection points as have been described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 , 3 , and 4 .
- the reciprocating members 530 , 532 each include a footpad 534 and a reciprocating support 536 disposed behind the footpad 534 . Because the reciprocating support 536 travels in a linear back and forth path 540 , the footpads 534 travel in an elliptical path 542 as the second connection point 516 travels in a circular path 544 about the drive mechanism 506 . Thus, the reciprocating members 530 , 532 convert the circular motion 544 of the drive mechanism 506 into the elliptical motion 542 of the footpads 534 .
- a side view illustrates yet a further alternative exercise apparatus 600 that is similar in many ways to the exercise apparatus 500 of FIG. 5 .
- the exercise apparatus 600 includes a first arm member 602 and a second arm member 604 pivotally connected to a frame 606 of the exercise apparatus 600 at a first connection point 608 .
- each arm member 602 , 604 is directly attached to both a drive mechanism 610 of the exercise apparatus 600 and a respective reciprocating member 612 at a second connection point 614 .
- the arm members 602 , 604 are attached to opposite sides of the drive mechanism 610 at diametrically opposed positions about its circumference so that the arm members 602 , 604 are out of phase with each other.
- Each arm member 602 , 604 includes a first portion 620 having a fixed length 622 and a second portion 624 having an effective variable length 626 that changes as the distance 628 between the first connection point 608 and the second connection point 614 changes as the drive mechanism 610 is actuated.
- the second portion 624 extends between the first connection point 608 and the second connection point 614 .
- the first portion 620 is attached to a female bearing surface 630 of the second portion 624 and includes a handle 632 .
- the second portion 624 includes a male extension 634 that slides within the female bearing surface 630 to change the effective variable length 626 of the second portion 624 as the drive mechanism 610 is actuated.
- the handle 632 travels in a generally concave arcuate back and forth path 636 .
- variable length arm members may be made of metal, plastic, composite, or any other material known in the art.
- the arm members may include telescoping parts or a slot for providing an effective variable length that permits the arm members to be directly connected to the drive mechanism while permitting the handles of the arm members to travel in a back and forth path.
- the exercise apparatus according to the invention better coordinates the exercising of the upper body with the exercise of the lower body to actuate the drive mechanism of the exercise apparatus.
- the arm members feel more natural and comfortable to use, include fewer parts, and are more aesthetically pleasing than the complicated linkages used previously.
- the arm members of the invention have an effective variable length, they may be attached to other parts of an exercise apparatus and effectively convert circular, elliptical, and other closed loop shapes into a desired back and forth motion of the handles.
- the arm members of the invention were connected directly to the reciprocating member and not the drive mechanism, the arm members would be equally effective in converting the motion of any part of the reciprocating members into the desired back and forth motion of the handles.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to stationary exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to front end and upright elliptical trainers that coordinate the elliptical foot motion normally associated with walking and running with a back and forth hand motion. In other words, the present invention permits a user to exercise both their upper body and lower body in a coordinated fashion. Of course, this invention may be applied to other types of exercise equipment.
- Generally, elliptical trainers are exercise machines where a user's feet travel in diametrically opposed elliptical paths that roughly simulates the natural path the user's feet would follow while running or walking. Elliptical trainers provide the advantage of permitting a user to exercise their lower body without the jarring effects normally associated with running and walking.
- Typically, elliptical trainers provide resistance to the motion of the user via a drive mechanism. Elliptical trainers are generally classified into three general categories according to where the drive mechanism is located in relation to a user actuating the exercise apparatus. For example, back end or rear elliptical trainers have their drive mechanism positioned in back of the user. Conversely, front end and upright elliptical trainers have the drive mechanism positioned in front of the user. The front end and upright elliptical trainers provide the advantage of appearing to occupy less room than comparable rear elliptical trainers. Additionally, front end and upright elliptical trainers may be easier to store and move.
- The front end and upright elliptical trainers also provide an added measure of safety because many of the moving parts of the elliptical trainer are placed within the view of a user and thus, the user is more aware of the moving parts. Consequently, the user of a front end or upright elliptical trainer is better able to prevent children or pets from becoming entangled in or harmed by the moving parts of the elliptical trainer.
- However, not all of the moving parts of currently available elliptical trainers are positioned in front of the user. For example, the reciprocating supports of the reciprocating members are disposed beneath or behind the footpad and move back and forth on a track that may pinch the fingers of curious children. Consequently, a need exists for an elliptical trainer that has fewer moving parts positioned outside of the view of the user, in order to prevent accidental injury to curious children and pets that may be caught in pinch points.
- The inputs of the drive mechanism of an elliptical trainer travel in a circular path. Two reciprocating members, which each include a footpad, are connected to the drive mechanism at diametrically opposed positions on the circular path and on opposite sides of the drive mechanism. The reciprocating members are used to convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into the elliptical path that is followed by the footpads. Thus, as a user moves his or her feet about an elliptical path, the drive mechanism rotates and provides resistance to the movement of the user. This resistance helps to strengthen the user.
- The drive mechanism also conserves the momentum of the user's movements. Specifically, as a person runs or walks, their body has a certain momentum. The drive mechanism of an elliptical trainer may use a flywheel to imitate the effects of a person's running or walking momentum to provide a more natural exercise experience.
- Additionally, to provide a more natural exercise experience, various devices have been developed which permit a user to exercise their upper body while using an elliptical trainer. However, because of the circular motion of the drive mechanism, these devices use complicated linkages to convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into a back and forth hand motion. Additionally, these linkages do not coordinate well with the elliptical motion of the footpads. Furthermore, these linkages may have catch points and may not effectively coordinate the exertion of the upper body with the exertion of the lower body of the user to actuate the drive mechanism. These linkages may also be unattractive and costly to manufacture and assemble because of the plurality of parts and time required to assemble each part into the linkages.
- In other currently available elliptical trainers, the handles are directly linked to the elliptical motion of the feet, causing the user's hands to follow an elliptical path. However, elliptical hand motion may feel uncomfortable and unnatural to many users. Additionally, users tend to move their feet further than their hands so that the elliptical hand motion is too long and thus, may cause muscle strain.
- Therefore, a need exists for an elliptical trainer that efficiently and more naturally coordinates a user's back and forth hand movements with his or her foot movements to impel the drive mechanism. A need also exists for an elliptical trainer that provides for back and forth hand movements through mechanisms that are more aesthetically pleasing, include fewer parts, and are less expensive to manufacture.
- The apparatus and system of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by currently available exercise equipment. Thus, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus that coordinates the exercise of the lower body with the upper body. Specifically, the exercise apparatus of the present invention better imitates the natural motion of both the upper body and lower body while walking and running.
- In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an exercise apparatus is provided. In one embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention is an elliptical trainer. The elliptical trainer includes a frame shaped to stably rest on a surface such as the floor of a building.
- The elliptical trainer also includes a drive mechanism known in the art that is mounted to the frame. The drive mechanism provides resistance to the movement of the user and conserves the momentum generated by the movement of the user. The drive mechanism may comprise a belt, a flywheel, a crank, an axle, a frictional element, a motor or any other component known in the art that may be used in a drive mechanism for an exercise machine.
- Two spaced reciprocating members are connected to the drive mechanism so that they move out of phase with each other to actuate the drive mechanism. The reciprocating members include footpads that travel in an elliptical path. Each footpad is shaped to receive and grip a user's shoe or foot to prevent the user from slipping off of the reciprocating member as it moves about an elliptical path. Typically, the footpad is disposed at an angle so that the heel kick that normally accompanies walking or running is accommodated by the foot pad as it travels about the elliptical path.
- Additionally, the reciprocating members include a reciprocating support that helps the reciprocating member convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into the elliptical motion of the footpad. As the reciprocating member is actuated by a user, the reciprocating support moves back and forth on a track of the frame of the exercise apparatus.
- Because the reciprocating support moves back and forth on a track, a potential pinch point is created. Thus, to help prevent accidents and in accordance with the invention, the reciprocating support is positioned in front of the footpad. By positioning the reciprocating support between the drive mechanism and the footpad, a user can better monitor this pinch point and prevent related accidents from occurring.
- To exercise the upper body in a coordinated fashion with the lower body, the exercise apparatus of the invention includes arm members that are directly connected to the drive mechanism. Specifically, the arm members are attached to the crank so that they are diametrically opposed about the circular output path of the drive mechanism. The arm members include handles and are designed to convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into a back and forth motion of the handles.
- Each arm member includes a first portion having a fixed length. In other words, the length of the first portion does not change as the exercise apparatus is actuated. The first portion includes the handle of the arm member and is pivotally attached to the frame at a first connection point.
- To convert the circular motion of the drive mechanism into the back and forth motion of the handles, each arm member also includes a second portion having an effective variable length. An effective variable length is the length of the arm member that actually varies as the exercise apparatus is actuated or a component of the arm that permits the arm to act as if its length actually varies. For example, the second portion of the arm members may include telescoping parts that slide within each other so that the length of the second portion actually varies as the exercise apparatus is actuated.
- Alternatively, the second portion of the arm members may include a slot in which an engagement member moves back and forth to permit the second portion of the arm member to act as if it actually varies in length. Thus, the engagement member may be attached to the drive mechanism so that as the crank of the drive mechanism rotates, the engagement member slides within the slot causing the first portion of the arm member to travel in a back and forth path.
- These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
- In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a partially cut away side view of an exercise apparatus of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of another exercise apparatus of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative exercise apparatus of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of still another alternative exercise apparatus of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of yet another alternative exercise apparatus of the invention; and -
FIG. 6 is a side view of yet a further alternative exercise apparatus of the invention. - The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the exercise apparatus of the present invention, as represented in
FIGS. 1 through 6 , is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a partially cut away side view illustrates anexercise apparatus 100 of the invention. As shown, theexercise apparatus 100 is an upright elliptical trainer that includes aframe 102 shaped to be stably supported by afloor 104. - A
drive mechanism 110 is mounted to theframe 102 and provides both resistance to the movement of the user and conserves the momentum generated by the movement of the user. In this embodiment, thedrive mechanism 110 includes a crank 112 connected to anaxle 114 that is rotatably attached to theframe 102. Aflywheel 116 is connected to the crank 112 by abelt 118 to help conserve the momentum imparted to thedrive mechanism 110 by the user. - Additionally, a
frictional element 120 of thedrive mechanism 110 is used to provide resistance to the movement of the user. As shown, thefrictional element 120 is adevice 122 that engages thebelt 118. As thedevice 122 is moved within aslot 124, the tension and thus, the friction between thebelt 118 and thedevice 122 increases or decreases. The user can adjust the degree of friction encountered by moving thedevice 122 within theslot 124. - The
drive mechanism 110 may also include agenerator 126 that converts a portion of the movement of the user into electrical power. The electrical power generated is used to power acontrol console 128. Thecontrol consol 128 may be one that is well known in the art that may be used to monitor and provide feedback to the user during use of theexercise apparatus 100. - The
exercise apparatus 100 of the invention also includes afirst arm member 130 and asecond arm member 132 that are connected to thedrive mechanism 110. As used herein, an “arm member” is a structure whose portions do not pivot position relative to each other when in use. In contrast, currently available elliptical trainers have complicated linkages whose links pivot position relative to other links of the linkages while in use. - The
arm members arm member first portion 134 having a fixedlength 136 and asecond portion 138 having an effective variable length 140. - The
arm members frame 102 at afirst connection point 142 which is disposed intermediate thefirst portion 134 and thesecond portion 138. Thefirst portion 134 includes ahandle 144 to be gripped by the user as theexercise apparatus 100 is actuated. Because thefirst portion 134 is pivotally attached to theframe 102 at thefirst connection point 142, thehandles 144 travel in a back and forthpath 146, such as a convex arc. - As shown, the
second portion 138 is directly connected to the crank 112 of thedrive mechanism 110 at asecond connection point 152. Thesecond connection point 152 travels in acircular path 148 as crank 112 revolves around theaxle 114. Thus, at least a part of thesecond portion 138 travels in acircular path 148. Additionally, the second connection points 152 of thearm members circular path 148 and on opposite sides of thecrank 112 such that thearm members - For the
second portions 138 of thearm members first connection point 142 and thesecond connection point 152, thesecond portions 138 includetelescoping parts 154. Specifically, thesecond portions 138 include amale extension 156 that slides within afemale bearing surface 158 as a distance 160 between thefirst connection point 142 and thesecond connection point 152 changes. Themale extension 156 of thesecond portion 138 is attached to and extends from thefirst portion 134. - The
female bearing surface 158 is pivotally attached to the crank 112 of thedrive mechanism 110 at thesecond connection point 152 and is disposed remotely from thefirst connection point 142. Because thesecond portion 138 has an effective variable length 140, thearm members circular motion 148 of thesecond portion 138 into the back and forthmotion 146 of thehandles 144 along an arc as thedrive mechanism 110 is actuated. - A
first reciprocating member 170 and asecond reciprocating member 172 are indirectly connected to thedrive mechanism 110. As shown, each reciprocatingmember respective arm member third connection point 174. As thecrank 112 of thedrive mechanism 110 moves about thecircular path 148, thethird connection point 174 follows anelliptical path 175 so that a part of each reciprocatingmember third connection point 174 about theelliptical path 175. - Because the
reciprocating members respective arm member third connection point 174, the horizontal movement of thethird connection point 174 is greater than the horizontal movement of thesecond connection point 152 while the vertical movement is the same for both thethird connection point 174 and the second connection point. In other words, thearm members drive mechanism 110 so that thedrive mechanism 110 may be smaller while providing thereciprocating members first connection point 142 is pivotally fixed to the frame and thethird connection point 174 is disposed further from thefirst connection point 142 than thesecond connection point 152. Thus, the movement of thethird connection point 174 about thefirst connection point 142 is greater than the movement of thesecond connection point 152 about thefirst connection point 142. - Each reciprocating
member footpad 176 that travels in a secondelliptical path 178. Thefootpads 176 are shaped to receive and grip a user's shoe or foot to prevent the user from slipping off of thereciprocating members footpads 176 move about the secondelliptical path 178. For example, thefootpads 176 may be covered by an elastomer to improve the traction between a user's shoe and thefootpad 176. - The
footpads 176 are positioned on thereciprocating members footpad 176 moves to its most rearward position, the heel of a user is lifted above the toes. This positioning of thefootpads 176 helps replicate a more natural heel kick that normally accompanies walking and running. - Each reciprocating
member reciprocating support 180. As shown, thereciprocating support 180 is aroller 182 moving back and forth on atrack 184 of theframe 102 of theexercise apparatus 100. Thereciprocating support 180 is positioned forward of thefootpad 176 so that a user can better monitor the potential pinch point between thereciprocating support 180 and thetrack 184 of theframe 102. Thus, injury may be prevented by placing thereciprocating support 180 forward of thefootpad 176 so that a user may visually monitor the pinch point during use of theexercise apparatus 100. Additionally, by positioning thereciprocating support 180 forward of thefootpad 176, the secondelliptical path 178 is flatter and thus, the movement of thefootpads 176 are better able to imitate the natural movement of a user's foot while running or walking. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a side view illustrates anotherexercise apparatus 200 that is similar to theexercise apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1 in many ways. For brevity, only the differences between theexercise apparatus 200 ofFIG. 2 and theexercise apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1 are discussed in detail. As shown, theexercise apparatus 200 includes afirst arm member 202 and asecond arm member 204. Eacharm member first portion 206 having a fixedlength 208 and asecond portion 210 having an effectivevariable length 212. - The
arm members frame 214 of theexercise apparatus 200 at afirst connection point 216 disposed intermediate thefirst portion 206 and thesecond portion 210. Thefirst portion 206 includes ahandle 218 whose orientation may be adjusted relative to thesecond portion 210 and travels in a back and forthpath 220. By adjusting the orientation of thehandle 218, the back and forthpath 220 may be reoriented to be a convexarcuate path 222, a concavearcuate path 224, or a substantiallyvertical path 226. This permits a user to exercise different muscles of his or her upper body while using theexercise apparatus 200. Additionally, thehandle 218 may be oriented to better imitate the natural movement of the arm while running or walking. - The
handle 218 may be adjusted relative to thesecond portion 210 by loosening thefasteners 227 while not in use. Once thefasteners 227 are loosened, thehandle 218 is moved to the desired orientation. Finally, thefasteners 227 are retightened to fix thehandle 218 into the desired orientation for use. Thus, the position of thehandle 218 may be pivotally adjusted relative to thesecond portion 210, but while in use by a user, thefirst portion 206 does not pivot position relative tosecond portion 210. Of course, thehandle 218 may be adjusted using other methods that would be readily apparent to those of skill in the art from the description contained herein. - The
second portions 210 of thearm members male extension 228 extending from thefirst portions 206, afemale bearing surface 230 that slides over themale extension 228, and alinkage 232 attached to thefemale bearing surface 230. Thelinkage 232 is offset from thefemale bearing surface 230 so that themale extension 228 slides parallel to thelinkage 232 through thefemale bearing surface 230. Additionally, thelinkage 232 is pivotally attached to a crank 234 of adrive mechanism 236 at asecond connection point 238 and to a respective first reciprocatingmember 240 orsecond reciprocating member 242. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , a side view shows an alternative configuration of the invention inexercise apparatus 300. As shown, theexercise apparatus 300 includes asmaller frame 302 than theframes FIGS. 1 and 2 . Adrive mechanism 304 is attached to theframe 302 and includes aflywheel 308 rotatably attached to theframe 302 and africtional element 310. Thefrictional element 310 of this embodiment may be a pad that can be moved into engagement with theflywheel 308 or any other device known in the art to partially resist the actuation of theexercise apparatus 300 by the user. - The
exercise apparatus 300 includes afirst arm member 312 and asecond arm member 314. Eacharm member first portion 316 and asecond portion 318 having an effectivevariable length 320. Additionally, eacharm member frame 302 of theexercise apparatus 300 at afirst connection point 322 and to thedrive mechanism 304 at asecond connection point 324. - To provide the effective
variable length 320, thesecond portions 318 of thearm members slot 326. Theexercise apparatus 300 includes anengagement member 330 that pivotally attaches thesecond portion 318 to thedrive mechanism 304 at thesecond connection point 324 and slides within theslot 326. Thus, the effectivevariable length 320 of thesecond portion 318 changes as theengagement member 330 and thesecond connection point 324 moves back and forth within theslot 326. - The
arm members member 332 and asecond reciprocating member 334. Thereciprocating members footpad 336 and areciprocating support 338 disposed in front of thefootpad 336. In this configuration of the invention, thereciprocating support 338 is aroller 340 that contacts and moves over asurface 342, such as the surface of a floor. - Because the reciprocating supports 338 do not contact the
frame 302, theframe 302 may be smaller. Furthermore, thereciprocating members exercise apparatus 300 may require less space when not in use. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , a side view illustrates anotheralternative exercise apparatus 400 that is similar to theexercise apparatus 300 ofFIG. 3 in many ways. For brevity, only the differences between theexercise apparatus 400 ofFIG. 4 and theexercise apparatus 300 ofFIG. 3 are discussed in detail. As shown, theexercise apparatus 400 includes afirst arm member 402 and asecond arm member 404. Eacharm member first portion 406 having ahandle 407 and asecond portion 408 having an effectivevariable length 410. Eacharm member frame 412 of theexercise apparatus 400 at afirst connection point 414. More specifically, thefirst connection point 414 rotatably attaches thefirst portion 406 to theframe 412. - The
second portion 408 includes afemale bearing surface 416 disposed adjacent to thefirst connection point 414 and extending from thefirst portion 406. Thesecond portion 408 also includes amale extension 418 that slides within thefemale bearing surface 416. Themale extension 418 is pivotally attached to adrive mechanism 420 of theexercise apparatus 400 at asecond connection point 422 and to arespective reciprocating member - As the
exercise apparatus 400 is actuated, thedrive mechanism 420 moves thesecond connection point 422 about acircular path 430 causing themale extension 418 to slide within thefemale bearing surface 416. Because thefirst portion 406 is pivotally attached to the frame, thehandles 407 pivot about thefirst connection point 414 in a back and forthpath 432 as thesecond connection point 422 travels in thecircular path 430. Thus, thearm members circular motion 430 of thedrive mechanism 420 into the back and forthmotion 432 of thehandles 407. - Further, as the
second connection point 422 travels in thecircular path 430, the third connection points 428 between thearm members reciprocating members elliptical path 434. Thereciprocating members elliptical path 434, eachfootpad 438 of thereciprocating members elliptical path 436. Additionally, thefootpads 438 are disposed on thereciprocating members elliptical path 436, the heel kick normally associated walking and running is imitated. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a side view shows yet another alternative configuration of the invention asexercise apparatus 500. As shown, theexercise apparatus 500 is a front end elliptical trainer. Theexercise apparatus 500 includes aframe 502 shaped to stably support theexercise apparatus 500 on asurface 504, such as a floor of a building, and adrive mechanism 506 mounted on theframe 502. - The
exercise apparatus 500 includes afirst arm member 510 and asecond arm member 512 pivotally connected to theframe 502 at afirst connection point 514 and to thedrive mechanism 506 at asecond connection point 516. Eacharm member first portion 518 and asecond portion 520 having an effectivevariable length 522 that changes as the distance between thefirst connection point 514 and thesecond connection point 516 varies when theexercise apparatus 500 is actuated. The effectivevariable length 522 of thesecond portion 520 changes by permitting amale extension 524 extending from thefirst portion 518 to slide within afemale bearing surface 526 that is disposed adjacent thesecond connection point 516 and remotely from thefirst connection point 514. - As shown, the
arm members drive mechanism 506 and to a respective first reciprocatingmember 530 andsecond reciprocating member 532 at the second connection points 516. Thus, thereciprocating members drive mechanism 506. Consequently, thearm members exercise apparatus 500 do not include third connection points as have been described in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1, 2 , 3, and 4. - The
reciprocating members footpad 534 and areciprocating support 536 disposed behind thefootpad 534. Because thereciprocating support 536 travels in a linear back and forthpath 540, thefootpads 534 travel in anelliptical path 542 as thesecond connection point 516 travels in acircular path 544 about thedrive mechanism 506. Thus, thereciprocating members circular motion 544 of thedrive mechanism 506 into theelliptical motion 542 of thefootpads 534. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , a side view illustrates yet a furtheralternative exercise apparatus 600 that is similar in many ways to theexercise apparatus 500 ofFIG. 5 . For brevity, only the differences between theexercise apparatus 600 ofFIG. 6 and theexercise apparatus 500 ofFIG. 5 are discussed in detail. As shown, theexercise apparatus 600 includes afirst arm member 602 and asecond arm member 604 pivotally connected to aframe 606 of theexercise apparatus 600 at afirst connection point 608. Additionally, eacharm member drive mechanism 610 of theexercise apparatus 600 and arespective reciprocating member 612 at asecond connection point 614. Thearm members drive mechanism 610 at diametrically opposed positions about its circumference so that thearm members - Each
arm member first portion 620 having a fixedlength 622 and asecond portion 624 having an effective variable length 626 that changes as the distance 628 between thefirst connection point 608 and thesecond connection point 614 changes as thedrive mechanism 610 is actuated. Thesecond portion 624 extends between thefirst connection point 608 and thesecond connection point 614. - As shown, the
first portion 620 is attached to afemale bearing surface 630 of thesecond portion 624 and includes ahandle 632. Thesecond portion 624 includes amale extension 634 that slides within thefemale bearing surface 630 to change the effective variable length 626 of thesecond portion 624 as thedrive mechanism 610 is actuated. In this configuration, thehandle 632 travels in a generally concave arcuate back and forthpath 636. - In summary, exercise apparatus having variable length arm members according to the invention have been provided. The exercise apparatus may be made of metal, plastic, composite, or any other material known in the art. The arm members may include telescoping parts or a slot for providing an effective variable length that permits the arm members to be directly connected to the drive mechanism while permitting the handles of the arm members to travel in a back and forth path. Thus, the exercise apparatus according to the invention better coordinates the exercising of the upper body with the exercise of the lower body to actuate the drive mechanism of the exercise apparatus. Additionally, the arm members feel more natural and comfortable to use, include fewer parts, and are more aesthetically pleasing than the complicated linkages used previously.
- Because the arm members of the invention have an effective variable length, they may be attached to other parts of an exercise apparatus and effectively convert circular, elliptical, and other closed loop shapes into a desired back and forth motion of the handles. Thus, if the arm members of the invention were connected directly to the reciprocating member and not the drive mechanism, the arm members would be equally effective in converting the motion of any part of the reciprocating members into the desired back and forth motion of the handles.
- The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (22)
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Owner name: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC., UTAH Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ERCANBRACK, GAYLEN W.;DALEBOUT, WILLIAM T.;HOWELL, HENRY J.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017281/0305;SIGNING DATES FROM 20051114 TO 20051116 |
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