BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art elliptical exerciser, which is an example of a cardiovascular exerciser in which the present invention can be advantageously employed.
FIGS. 2
a-2e illustrate an adjustable foot-supporting platform in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2
f illustrates an adjustable foot-supporting platform in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 3
a-3d illustrate an adjustable foot-supporting platform in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 4
a-4b illustrate an adjustable foot-supporting platform in accordance with further embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a foot-supporting platform in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an adjustable foot-supporting platform in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a striding exerciser with which the present invention can be employed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical prior art “elliptical” exercise machine 10. Exerciser 10 includes a frame, designated generally as 12. Frame member 14 extends upwardly to support a handrail structure 16 and a control console 18. The control console typically includes one or more display devices to inform the operator of revolutions, speed, distance, and/or time. The control console also includes an operator control for exercise resistance. Exerciser 10 further includes right and left pedal assemblies 20, 22 with respective foot support platforms 21, 23. The pedal assemblies are operatively connected at the respective rear ends thereof to a crank assembly 30. The pedal assemblies 20 and 22 are further operatively connected at the forward ends thereof to a pedal guide mechanism comprising left and right bearing assemblies 40, only one of which is visible in FIG. 1. The apparatus is operated by a user standing on the left and right foot support platforms 21, 23, facing the control console 18, and moving the pedal assemblies and the crank assembly 30 with a pedaling motion to thereby rotate the rear ends of the pedal assemblies 20, 22 about the crank assembly 30. The bearing assemblies 40 are constructed and arranged to permit the forward ends of the pedal assemblies 20, 22 to both translate and pivot with respect to the bearing assembly 40 as the rear ends of the pedal assemblies rotate about the crank assembly 30 so that the user's feet will travel in a generally elliptical path of motion.
As shown in FIG. 1, typical foot support platforms of prior art elliptical exercisers are simply flat platforms that may have raised peripheral walls to help locate the user's feet. FIGS. 2a-2e show an improved foot platform assembly 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In these figures and in each of the subsequently described embodiments, only one platform is illustrated, it being understood that complementarily configured platforms are provided on each side of the exerciser. Foot platform assembly 100 comprises front, center and rear portions designated as 102, 104 and 106, respectively. The platform assembly is articulated at hinges 108 and 110. The forward portion 102 and the rear portion 106 can each be adjusted up or down relative to center portion 104. FIG. 2a illustrates the foot platform assembly in a “flat” configuration, wherein all of the portions are substantially coplanar. In this configuration, the foot platform assembly provides a flat supporting surface as is common with conventional elliptical exercisers.
FIG. 2
b illustrates the adjustable platform assembly 100 in a “heel up” configuration, wherein rear portion 106 is raised relative to portions 102 and 104, which are substantially coplanar. This configuration provides heel support for exercising with a “glute push”.
FIG. 2
c illustrates adjustable platform assembly 100 in a “toe up” configuration, wherein forward portion 102 is inclined relative to substantially coplanar portions 104 and 106. This configuration has the user exerting greater pressure on the toes, thereby placing greater emphasis on the calf muscles.
FIG. 2
d illustrates adjustable platform assembly 100 in a “downward arc” configuration, wherein forward portion 102 and rear portion 106 are both angled slightly downwardly from center portion 104. This configuration promotes a natural “heel-to-toe” motion of the foot during the exercise stride.
Platform assembly 100 may be manually adjusted to a desired configuration or may be mechanized for remote or automatic adjustment. FIG. 2e is a side elevation view of the adjustable platform assembly 100 showing one arrangement by which the assembly may be mechanized. A pair of motors 112, 114 are mounted under the platform assembly. Motor 112 drives a lead screw 116, which is coupled to the forward portion 102 of the platform assembly. In similar fashion, motor 114 drives lead screw 118, which is coupled to rear portion 106. Motors 112 and 114 may be controlled by the user of the exercise apparatus with buttons on the console of the machine. Buttons may be provided for selecting each of the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2d. Alternatively, buttons may be provided to actuate each of the motors in either direction so that the user can independently adjust the positions of forward portion 102 and rear portion 106 with respect to center portion 104 for emphasis of desired muscles and/or for the user's comfort.
A similar embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2f. Here, however, portions 102′ and 106′ of platform assembly 100′ move up and down linearly with respect to center portion 104′.
An electronic program may automatically adjust the platform configuration. The program may provide the user with a visual display and or a voice description of the current platform configuration. The program may also supply visual and or voice training and encouragement related to each platform configuration.
While the above-described embodiment depicts the individual portions of the foot platform with flat surfaces, each portion of the foot platform assembly could have an arced, angled or shaped surface to fit a particular feel or emphasis. In other embodiments, the center may be adjustable up and down as well. Another embodiment may have the toe portion vertically adjustable to keep it more flat while the heel portion tilts up for an angled push.
FIGS. 3
a-3d illustrate an adjustable platform assembly 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 200 comprises a main portion 202 having a flat foot-supporting surface and hinged portions 204, 206 and 208. Each of these hinged portions may be individually flipped over onto main portion 202 to provide various exercise configurations. The top surface of each hinged portion may be shaped, such as a convex arc or declined.
FIG. 3
b shows adjustable platform assembly 200 with the forward portion 204 flipped over onto the main portion 202. The user places his or her toes or ball of the foot on portion 204 so that the heel of the foot is suspended. This forces the foot, ankle and lower leg muscles to be more involved while striding on the elliptical exerciser.
FIG. 3
c shows adjustable platform assembly 200 with the rear portion 208 flipped over onto the main portion 202. This configuration raises the heel of the user for a more effective “glute/hamstring push”.
FIG. 3
d shows adjustable platform assembly 200 with the center hinged portion 206 flipped over onto the main portion 202. This provides a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2d to provide a more natural “heel to toe” motion during the exercise stride. The surface of folding portion 206 may be longitudinally convex so that there are no sharp corners presented to the user's instep.
FIG. 4
a is a side elevation view of an adjustable platform 300. This platform has a convex surface 302 and a flat surface 304. Platform 300 swivels about a transverse axis 306 so that the user can select to use either surface 302 or 304. A locking pin 310 allows the platform to be secured in the selected position. However, if desired, the platform may be unsecured so that it will rotate with the user's foot during the exercise stride in the manner of a bicycle pedal.
FIG. 4
b illustrates an adjustable platform 350 similar to the one previously discussed. In this case, however, platform 350 swivels about a longitudinal axis 356.
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a foot-supporting platform 400. Platform 400 has a primary portion 402 and a secondary portion 404 offset to the outside of the primary portion. Only the toes and ball of the foot contact secondary portion 404, leaving the heel suspended. As mentioned previously, this exercises the arch of the foot, the ankle and the lower leg more than when the entire sole of the foot is supported. The primary portion 402 may be flat or convex. The secondary portion 404 may be angled slightly upward to the outside so that the user's foot is less likely to slip off towards the outside of the platform. This embodiment allows the user to easily move back and forth between the primary and secondary portions during the course of an exercise routine. Alternatively, the toe-supporting secondary portion may be configured to include a heel portion positioned below the level of the toe support so that the user's foot will be supported if the user tires or slips.
FIG. 6 illustrates an adjustable foot-supporting platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Platform 500 is pivotally attached to pedal assembly member 510 so that it can swivel about a substantially vertical axis. Swiveling the platform outwards places emphasis on the outer thigh muscles when exercising. Conversely, swiveling the platform inwards places emphasis on the inner thigh muscles. The vertical axis may be placed at the rear or other positions along the pedal. A spring or other means for resisting movement of the pedal away from its straight position may be provided.
The invention has thus far been described in the context of a typical “elliptical” exerciser. Other variations of exercisers in the elliptical category include striders and hikers where the foot of the user strides front to back or in an arc. FIG. 7 illustrates a striding exerciser 600 incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. Exerciser 600 includes a pair of movable members 602 that are pivotally suspended from the frame of the machine. A foot-supporting platform 604 is mounted on each of the movable members. The mechanical linkage of the exerciser is arranged so that the platforms 604 move forward and rearward with a reciprocating striding motion while exercising. Each of platforms 604 comprises a primary portion 606 that supports the entire foot of the user and a slightly elevated secondary portion 608 that supports only the toes and ball of the user's foot. As previously explained, exercising with the toes and balls of the feet on the secondary portions exercises the arch of the foot, the ankle and the lower leg more than when the entire sole of the foot is supported on the primary portion. Arranging the primary and secondary portions as shown allows the user to easily move back and forth between the primary and secondary portions during the course of an exercise routine. It will be recognized that exerciser 600 could also be configured with any of the previously described adjustable foot-supporting platform assemblies in lieu of platforms 604.
It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080020905
