Patent Grant
6878099
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to cooling systems for exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention relates an exercise machine, such as a treadmill, having at least one fan for cooling a user. Even more particularly, one feature of the present invention relates to such an exercise machine with a ducted fan for cooling a user with a generally non-recirculating air flow drawn from one side of a display console and directed to another side of the display console.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many people walk, run and ride bicycles as part of a fitness regimen to improve cardiovascular endurance and to burn calories. While many engage in these activities outdoors, some people prefer to exercise indoors. For instance, during harsh winters in colder climates, people will exercise indoors to avoid frigid temperatures. Similarly, in hotter climates, people will exercise indoors to avoid excessive heat and humidity during the summer months.
To obtain the desired cardiovascular workout, some people will walk or run on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle, for instance. While the fitness machine industry has vastly improved these types of machines, exercising on the machines still has some downsides. For instance, users often become hot while running without a cooling breeze, which is naturally provided when running outdoors. The sensed temperature by the user depends upon a number of factors; however, providing a breeze with a fan can somewhat alleviate the sensation of overheating.
Prior treadmills have incorporated fans, many of which were mounted in the base of the treadmills. The air current provided by the fans was directed upwardly toward the user through louvers or other directional devices. The air stream would often expand as it moved from the fan toward the user. The expansion would decrease the rate of airflow and lower the sensed airflow at the head and upper body of the user. This was disadvantageous and required a larger airflow to achieve the desired cooling effect due to the distance between the fan and the head and upper body of the user. The requirement for a larger airflow resulted in larger fans and more associated noise.
While most of the prior treadmills incorporated base-mounted fans, fans also have been positioned in the display console region. These fans, however, did not extend through the console in a manner that allowed a focused airflow to be drawn from one side of the console and to be delivered to a second side of the console. Either the fan was provided separate from the console, which led to recirculation and inefficiencies in the cooling system, or the fan was provided in the console without desired ducting. By providing ducting, the airflow through the console can be separated from the heated mechanical and electrical components housed in the console. In addition, such a ducted approach provides an improved airflow and air condition in that the airflow is better focused and the air contained in the airflow is cooler.
Fans also have driven either by the motor that drove the running surface or by pulleys connected to the running surface, depending upon whether the treadmill had a drive motor or not. In either event, the fan was continuously operated when the treadmill was moving. Furthermore, the fan speed was increased with an increase in treadmill speed and the fan speed was decreased with a decrease in treadmill speed. Such a marriage between the running surface and the fan lessened the control that a user could exert over the fans. A user could not simply turn off the fan if the cooling airflow was not desired.
Moreover, many exercise machines are used in commercial settings, such as members-only gyms. In such settings, the number of electrical outlets available for such machines may be limited. Accordingly, providing a separate fan from an exercise machine may reduce the number of machines or multiply the number of outlets necessary.
Accordingly, an improved cooling arrangement for exercise machines is desired. The improved arrangement preferably elevates the cooling fans to an area of the exercise machine that is closer to the head and upper body of a user. In addition, the fans preferably are separately controllable relative to the force input (e.g., running surface, pedals, etc.) of the exercise machine. The separate control allows a user to exercise with or without operation of the fans. In one arrangement, the user also can select the amount of cooling effect provided by the fans. Moreover, the fan preferably is electrically integrated into the exercise machine. Furthermore, the fan preferably is positioned in or along an air duct that extends between two sides of a display console or the like.
One aspect of the present invention involves a treadmill comprising a frame assembly. The frame assembly supports an endless belt. A drive motor is positioned at one end of the endless belt. The drive motor is adapted to provide motive energy to the endless belt. The drive motor is disposed within a chamber defined by a motor housing. A display console is connected to the frame assembly. The display console is positioned vertically higher than the drive motor. The display console comprises a front surface that faces toward a user positioned on the endless belt and an opening that extends through the front surface. Ducting extends rearward from the front surface and a fan is supported within the ducting.
Another aspect of the present invention involves a treadmill comprising a frame assembly. An endless belt is supported by the frame assembly. A drive motor is positioned at one end of the endless belt. The the drive motor is adapted to provide motive energy to the endless belt. The drive motor is disposed within a chamber defined by a motor housing. A display console is connected to the frame assembly. The display console is positioned vertically higher than the drive motor. A substantially sealed rubber duct extends through at least a portion of the display console and a fan is positioned within the duct.
An additional aspect of the present invention involves a treadmill comprising a frame assembly. An endless belt is supported by the frame assembly. A drive motor is positioned at one end of the endless belt. The drive motor is adapted to provide motive energy to the endless belt. The drive motor is disposed within a chamber defined by a motor housing. A display console is connected to the frame assembly. The display console is positioned vertically higher than the drive motor. A generally vertical longitudinal plane extends through the display. A first fan is positioned on one side of the plane and a second fan is disposed on a second side of the plane. Each of the fans is in fluid communication with a respective sealed ducting extending through the display console.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers will be consistently used to indicate corresponding elements in different figures. In addition, the first digit of each reference number may indicate the figure in which the element first appears, particularly in the latter portion of the disclosure.
With reference now to
The treadmill 20 generally comprises a frame assembly 22. The frame assembly 22 can have any suitable configuration. In one arrangement, the frame assembly 22 is formed by a number of tubular members that are secured together by, for instance, welding, brackets and/or fasteners. The frame assembly 22 generally defines a base structure of the treadmill 20.
A support surface 24 is connected to the frame assembly 22. The support surface 24 can be secured to the frame assembly 22 in any suitable manner. The support surface generally defines a planar surface upon which a user is supported when mounting the treadmill 20, when dismounting the treadmill 20 and when exercising on the treadmill 20.
An endless belt 26 extends over the support surface 24. The endless belt 26 is tensioned and driven by a belt drive assembly (not shown). Any suitable belt drive assembly can be used. The belt drive assembly preferably is a motor driven assembly, which comprises a motor 29 (shown schematically in
The frame assembly 22 can be supported in any suitable manner relative to a floor or other surface. In the illustrated arrangement, the frame assembly 22 is supported by a pair of rollers 30 at a forward end and by a pair of leveling feet 32 at a rearward end. The illustrated arrangement advantageously results in the rollers 30 being placed beneath a majority of the machine weight. In other arrangements, any number of leveling feet or rollers can be used. In yet other arrangements, the frame assembly 22 itself can be constructed with integral components that are supported by the floor or other surface.
In the illustrated arrangement, a support standard 34 extends upward and rearward from a forward side of the motor housing 28. The illustrated standard 34 is connected to the frame assembly 22 at a forward side with treaded fasteners. Other connections also can be used. The standard 34 extends to a console 36 in the illustrated arrangement. As such, in the illustrated arrangement, the standard 34 extends upward and bends rearward to place the console 36 at a location generally rearward of the motor housing 28.
Advantageously, the illustrated standard 34 is a hollow member. Forming the standard 34 of a hollow tubular member decreases the overall weight of the treadmill 20. In addition, the hollow standard 34 can act as a wiring conduit such that wires can pass through the standard 34 between the console 36 and the motor housing 28. In another arrangement, the hollow standard 34 can be used as an air conduit to provide airflow to either the console 36 or to a user of the treadmill 20.
As illustrated in
With reference now to
The illustrated handrails 40 preferably are connected at a forward end by a cross-member 42. The cross member 42 can be integrally formed with the handrails 40 in some arrangements. The cross member 42 is exposed at an upper portion of the console 36 in the illustrated arrangement. As such, the cross member 42 defines a grab bar that can be gripped by a user during operation of the treadmill or during data input prior to using the treadmill, for instance. Preferably, this cross member 42 is disposed at about shoulder level or slightly below shoulder level for about 95 percent of the male population. In some arrangements, the cross member 42 can be disposed at about shoulder level or slightly below shoulder level for about 95 percent of the female population. Other heights also can be used depending upon the target user population.
The illustrated railing assembly 38 also comprises at least one handgrip 44 that extends inward from the handrails 40. Preferably, the handgrip 44 extends between the handrails 40 at a location between the user and the console 36. In some arrangements, the handgrip 44 can comprise sensors 46 to detect user pulse rates and the like. The illustrated handgrip 44 is positioned such that a user can easily grasp the handgrip 44 during operation of the treadmill. In one arrangement, the handgrip is at or above the waist level for about 95 percent of the female population. In another arrangement, the handgrip can be at or above the waist level for about 95 percent of the male population. Other heights can be used and the handgrip could be adjustable in height in some applications.
With reference now to
The two pieces 50, 52 can be attached together in any suitable manner. To ease disassembly for maintenance and the like, the two pieces 50, 52 preferably are attached using removable fasteners or mechanical interlocking components. Any such attachment arrangements can be used.
Moreover, in the illustrated arrangement, the console 36 is advantageously connected to the railing assembly 38 by capturing a portion of the railing assembly 38 between the two pieces 50, 52. More specifically, the illustrated cross member 42 is captured between the two pieces 50, 52 within a channel defined by pegs, fastener anchors or the like. Such an arrangement increases the support for the display while reducing the number of pieces used in assembling the exercise machine. Hence manufacturing and maintenance costs can be reduced.
In the illustrated arrangement, the console 36 preferably is slightly concave on the face directed toward the user. As such, the console 36 advantageously comprises a center section 54 and a pair of side wing portions 56 with the center section 54 being recessed away from the user. The side wing portions 56 are provided on separate sides of a generally longitudinally extending center plane CP. The side wings 56 preferably are angled relative to the center section 54 such that an included angle of between about 5° and about 25° is defined between the center section 54 and the side wings 56 In one arrangement, the included angle is between about 10° and about 15°. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the included angle is about 10°.
In addition, the illustrated console face is angled relative to a generally vertical transverse plane V in the illustrated arrangement. In one arrangement, this angle is between about 15° and about 45°. In another arrangement, this angle is between about 20° and about 40°. In one particularly advantageous arrangement, this angle is about 30°. In some arrangements, the console 36 generally is disposed between the waist level of about 95 percent of the female population and the head level of about 95 percent of the male population. Other heights also can be used depending upon the application.
With reference now to
With continued reference to FIG. 1 and with additional reference to
It should be noted that while the adjective smaller is used with respect to the illustrated accessory holders 70, this term should not suggest that these accessory holders 70 must be smaller than another accessory holder. Any relative sizing of the accessory holders can be used as desired.
The illustrated console 36 preferably also comprises one or more information display arrangements 76. The information display arrangements 76 can take any suitable configuration. For instance, in some arrangements, the information display arrangement 76 can include light bars (e.g., LED lamps in a line). In other arrangements, the information display arrangement 76 can include a display screen (e.g., a liquid crystal panel or the like). The information display arrangement can be used to form a portion of a user interface. The user interface allows a user to input information and to receive information. Many such interfaces are well known.
With reference now to
In the illustrated arrangement, two fan assemblies 82 are provided, with one fan assembly 82 being mounted in each of the side wing portions 56. As described above, the illustrated console 36 is advantageously angled such that the height and the angles result in a straight airflow vector AF toward a user's upper body and/or head region. Other consoles designs (e.g., differing heights and/or angles) can be used and the fans can be angled relative to the console accordingly. The illustrated arrangement, however, has been designed for a unique appearance while maintaining a suitable relationship between the fans and the user.
The fan assembly 82 generally comprises a blower or fan 84 that preferably is electrically connected to a power source of the exercise machine through a controller circuit as disclosed with reference to
The fan 84 can be any suitable type of fan (e.g., tube axial fan, centrifugal fan, vane axial fan). In the illustrated arrangement, a tube axial fan is used. With reference to
The ducting 86 advantageously extends between a user surface 88 of the console 36 (i.e., a surface that faces the user during operation) and another surface that does not face the user during operation. In one advantageous arrangement, the ducting 86 extends straight through the console 36 between the user surface 88 and a back surface 90. In another arrangement, the ducting 86 is bent such that the ducting 86 extends between the user surface and a side surface of the console 36. Preferably, an inlet to the fan assembly 82 and an outlet to the fan assembly are positioned to reduce recirculation of air from the outlet to the inlet. In the illustrated arrangement, such a recirculating restriction is achieved by positioning the inlet 92 on the back surface 90 and the outlet 94 on the user surface 88.
Preferably, both the inlet 92 and the outlet 94 are covered by respective grills 96, 98. In some arrangements, the outlet 94 can be covered by a flow directing assembly or component, such as louvers or the like. By properly angling the surfaces of the console 36 about the outlet 94, the angling of the airflow is simply achieved. In some arrangements, a nozzle or gimbal arrangement can be used to further enhance directional control. In the illustrated arrangement, the angle of the ducting and the restriction defined by the ducting 86 are used to direct a focused stream of air toward an upper portion of a user's body when positioned for use on the illustrated treadmill.
With reference now to
The electronics panel 106 preferably comprises connectors used to supply power and used to transfer information between the display electronics assembly 100 and a controller of the treadmill 20. Suitable electrical conduits (e.g., wires and connectors) can be used to place the electronics panel 106 in electrical communication with the controller. In some arrangements, infrared or other arrangements (e.g., not hard-wired connections) can be used.
Advantageously, the display electronics assembly 100 can be fitted to and removed from the console 36 by simply removing a fastening assembly and unplugging any wires that connect the display electronics assembly 100 to the controller. In the illustrated arrangement, the display electronics assembly 100 is secured in position using standoffs 114 and threaded fasteners 116. Other mechanical connection arrangements can be used. The illustrated arrangement, however, advantageously simplifies replacement of a faulty display assembly 100 and eases maintenance.
With reference now to
As shown in
Advantageously, a voltage key 1314 configures the application of power from the power source 1310 to the board mounted step down transformer 1304 to provide isolation and to lower incoming line voltage. For example, the voltage key 1314 preferably configures the wiring through primary windings of the transformer 1304 differently depending upon whether the power source 1310 comprises 110 or 220 volts, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 15. According to one embodiment, the transformer 1304 is of sufficiently light weight that its mounting will not cause the PCB 1302 to deflect, potentially causing open or short circuit conditions because of brittle or broken traces. Moreover, the transformer 1304 includes characteristics voiding the need for special isolation chambers, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields, or the like. For example, according to one embodiment, the transformer 1304 meets regulations required for devices used in residential buildings, such as, for example, a Class B transformer such as those commercially available from MCI Transformer Corporation of Willits, Calif., or the like. Because a transformer meeting the foregoing recitations is preferred, the transformer 1304 may have tolerance levels near or below that specified for driving the one or more fans 1308 of the personal cooling system of the exercise machine.
In the illustrated arrangement, the output of the transformer 1304 is supplied to the integrated circuit 1306 and a rectifier/EMI shield 1316. The integrated circuit 1306 advantageously comprises one or more of a microprocessor, EEPROM, logic gates, ROM, RAM, flash memory, dedicated controllers, combinations of the same, or the like. The integrated circuit 1306 receives inputs from the user and various components of the board 1300. The integrated circuit 1306 also generates outputs to drive the one or more fans 1308 of the personal cooling system. The integrated circuit 1306 also can activate or change the color of one or more diagnostic indicators or fan speed indicators, as will be discussed with reference to
As shown in
As shown in
As disclosed, the unregulated DC voltage output from the rectifier/EMI shield 1316 also can be used to power the one or more fans 1308. Before powering the fans 1308, the unregulated voltage passes through resetable overcurrent protection 1324. In one arrangement, the protection 1324 includes one or more resetable fuses, such as, for example, one or more polyswitches, which generally protect the circuit from the fans 1308 drawing more current than can be tolerated by the transformer 1304.
In one arrangement, the fans 1308 comprise DC brushless motor fans, such as those commercially available from Delta Electronics. However, AC motor fans, other brush or brushless fans, squirrel cage fans, combinations of the same, or the like can be used to move air to the user.
The integrated circuit 1306 also accepts a clock input 1330, internal or external resets 1332, and a speed select 1534 indicating a user-selected speed setting of the fans 1308. According to one embodiment, the clock input 1330 comprises a 4 MHz clock signal. The reset 1332 include a power up internal reset used to reset the integrated circuit 1306 when power is first applied to the board 1300, a manual reset available to the user by, for example, console 36, the information display arrangements 76, a maintenance switch or button on the PCB 1302 itself, combinations of the same or the like.
The speed select 1334 may advantageously be user selected by, for example, one or more switches, buttons, knobs, touch screen, keyboards, or other input mechanism from the console 36 or information display arrangements 76. For example, the integrated circuit 1306 may receive one or more bits of data indicating the desired speed of the fans of the personal cooling system. For example, one embodiment may include the speed-indicating truth table of Table 1.
Based on the foregoing disclosure, the fan controller board 1300 advantageously powers the fans 1308 through use of the integrated circuit 1306. Such use provides for future adaptability in that a change to, for example, the fans 1308, may affect only a need for revised software instructions or logic in the microprocessor 1306. Moreover, the voltage key, which allows the control circuit to be powered by varied power supplies, provides ease of adaptability in differing power supply systems.
After the jumpstart, the integrated circuit 1306 reduces the duty cycle to correspond with the user selected fan speed. For example, according to one embodiment, a “LOW” speed setting corresponds to around a forty percent (40%) duty cycle, while a “HIGH” speed setting corresponds to around an eighty percent (80%) duty cycle. According to another embodiment, the “LOW” speed setting can range between about 30% and about 50% duty cycle and the “HIGH” speed setting corresponds can range between about 70% and about 90% duty cycle. In addition, the “FULL” duty cycle used to jumpstart the fans can correspond to about a one hundred percent (100%) duty cycle. However, a lower percentage duty cycle can be used to jumpstart the fans. The duty cycle also may vary based on the fan design specifications and manufacturer, may include one, two, or more speed settings, settings for each fan, combinations of the same or the like.
Because the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal is generated by the integrated circuit 1306, the entire board 1300 is advantageously very modular in design. For example, were a design change made to the personal cooling system such that a different fan is used in the system, such as, for example, a squirrel cage fan or a fan by a different manufacturer, an entire redesign of the control circuit is not needed. Rather, a straightforward update to the software and/or logic of the integrated circuit 1306 can accomplish the change, such as, for example, an update associating new duty cycles of the PWM drive signal with the user selected speed settings. In one embodiment, such an update will account for the inrush current of the newly used fans, a desired cooling effect determined by a user or the like.
After reducing the duty cycle, the integrated circuit 1306 at block 1412 waits for the inrush current associated with powering on the first fan to dissipate to a point where another inrush current for jumpstarting another fan, added to the current being used by any already running fans, still does not exceed the tolerances of the transformer 1304. According to one embodiment, the wait takes into account the greatest current draw, for example, the duty cycle of around 80%, and waits approximately 2.5 s, however, the delay can vary to meet any number of operational or other desired parameters. Thereafter, in steps 1414-1418, the integrated circuit 1306 jumpstarts the next fan and reduces its duty cycle to the steady state.
Although the powering on process 1400 is disclosed with reference to its preferred embodiment, the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. Rather, a wide number of alternatives can be used for powering on the fans 1308 without exceeding the tolerances of the board 1300. For example, the integrated circuit 1306 may interleave the powering on the of the fans, power the fans up as soon as there is sufficient current, use delays specifically associated with each user selected speed setting of each fan, combinations of the same, or the like. Two such examples illustrating potential steps of exemplary duty cycles being powered on are shown in Table 2.
As disclosed in the foregoing, use of the integrated circuit 1306 advantageously allows for a wide variety of more complex to more straightforward embodiments of powering on the fans 1308, in a way that does not exceed the tolerances of components of the board 1300.
Similar to plug 1508, a 110 volt plug 1510 includes, according to one embodiment, similar wire of a distinguishing color. The wire is also sturdily connected to contact leads within the plug 1510 and configures the transformer 1304 such that the magnetic flux through at least one portion of the primary windings contradicts the magnetic flux through other portions of the primary windings, thereby causing a load on the secondary windings to receive the same or similar voltage to that when using the 220 volt power source 1310 and the 220 volt plug 1508. Similar to plug 1508, the wire of the plug 1510 is looped such that one or more fingers can hook through the wire and pull the plug 1510 from the electrically mating receptacle 1506.
According to one embodiment, the console 36 can include information display arrangements 76 providing feedback to the user of the status of the fans 1308. For example, according to one embodiment, the information display arrangements 76 can include one or more fan speed indicators, such as one or more animated fans or rotating fan blades. For example, when the fan blades are stationary, the fans are “OFF.” Alternatively, when the fan blades are rotating the fans are moving. In an embodiment where the user can select between “HIGH,” and “LOW,” the animated fan blades may rotate at two or more different user-discernable speeds corresponding to the user selected fan setting. These animation rotation speeds advantageously can be much slower than the rotating speed of the fans 1308 to ensure the user can discern the different settings.
Although the foregoing invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein. For example, the foregoing toggled or soft start, or its embodiments, may be employed in virtually any circuit which drives a load that can pull near or more current than is appropriate for circuit components. For example, the soft start can be used to power on a person cooling system employing a large chassis-mounted transformer. Moreover, the fans may be voltage-controlled as opposed to the foregoing control using PWM. Also, the user may adjust the fan speed through buttons, turnable knobs, or the like. Also, AC fans may be used in the personal cooling system.
With reference now to
Although the present invention has been described in terms of a certain embodiment, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of this invention. For instance, a single switch can be used to perform each of the steps of the sequence described above. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.
Additionally, all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/399,336 filed Jul. 26, 2002, entitled “Cooling System for Exercise Machine,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/299,648, filed concurrently herewith, entitled “Control Circuit Using Toggled Activation To Reduce Inrush Currents” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/299,625, filed concurrently herewith, entitled “Maintenance Facilitating Exercise Machine Console,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5102380 | Jacobson et al. | Apr 1992 | A |
| 5665032 | Chen | Sep 1997 | A |
| 5897460 | McBride et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
| 6450923 | Vatti | Sep 2002 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20040018917 A1 | Jan 2004 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60399336 | Jul 2002 | US |
