BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to elliptical exercise machines.
2. The Relevant Technology
Exercise machines having alternating reciprocating foot supports configured to traverse or travel about a closed path to simulate a striding, running, walking, and/or a climbing motion for the individual using the machine are well known in the art, and are commonly referred to as elliptical exercise machines or elliptical cross-trainers. In general, an elliptical or elliptical-type exercise machine comprises a pair of reciprocating foot supports designed to receive and support the feet of a user. Each reciprocating foot support has at least one end supported for rotational motion about a pivot point, with the other end supported in a manner configured to cause the reciprocating foot support to travel or traverse a closed path, such as a reciprocating elliptical or oblong path or other similar geometric outline. Therefore, upon operation of the exercise machine, each reciprocating foot support is caused to travel or traverse the closed path, thereby simulating a striding motion of the user for exercise purposes. The reciprocating foot supports are configured to be out of phase with one another by 180 degrees in order to simulate a proper and natural alternating stride motion.
An individual may utilize an elliptical exercise machine by placing his or her feet onto the reciprocating foot supports. The individual may then actuate the exercise machine for any desired length of time to cause the reciprocating foot supports to repeatedly travel their respective closed paths, which action effectively results in a series of strides achieved by the individual to obtain exercise, with a low-impact advantage. An elliptical exercise machine may further comprise mechanisms or systems for increasing the resistance of the motion. In addition, the reciprocating motion of the feet to achieve a series of strides may be complemented by a reciprocating movement of the arms, whether assisted by the exercise machine via a suitably configured mechanism or system, or unassisted.
Although elliptical exercise machines may comprise mechanisms or systems for increasing the resistance of motion, there is no practical way to readily adjust the level of exercise on a given machine. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism to readily vary the level of exercise on an elliptical exercise machine.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support.
Each bracket has a forward position and a rearward position, wherein each position yields a different elliptical path for each foot support and thereby a different foot motion for the user. In some embodiments, the user adjusts each bracket and thereby changes the elliptical path by either grabbing a knob affixed to each bracket. In other embodiments, the user merely adjusts each bracket and thereby changes the elliptical by grabbing and moving a foot pad that is situated on each foot support.
The frame further comprises a base support structure and an upright support structure. Further, in certain embodiments, the base support structure has two sides and has a guide rail on each side, and the second end of each link arm has a roller rotatably attached to it such that the second end of each link arm can engage the respective guide rail of the base support structure.
In certain embodiments of the elliptical exercise machine of the present invention, each bracket has a first section and a second section, the first section of the each bracket being pivotally connected to each respective foot support and the second section of the each bracket being pivotally connected to each respective link arm such that the each bracket movably connects each respective link arm to each respective foot support.
In other embodiments of the elliptical exercise machine of the present invention, where each bracket pivotally connects each link arm with each foot support, the first bracket comprises a first movable section and a first clamp pivotally linked together by a first bracket plate, and the second bracket comprises a second movable section and a second clamp pivotally linked together by a second bracket plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention. They 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 illustrates a perspective view of a front mechanism elliptical exercise machine according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged, cut-away rear view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4B illustrates another side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a front mechanism elliptical exercise machine according to the present invention;
FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 5;
FIG. 6B illustrates another side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged, cut-away perspective view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a front mechanism elliptical exercise machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9B illustrates another side view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 8; and
FIG. 10 shows an enlarged, cut-away perspective view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, it is presented for purposes of illustration only and to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims. The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.
The present invention describes and features an exercise machine, and particularly an elliptical or elliptical-type exercise machine that provides a mechanism to vary the level of exercise. Further, the disclosed mechanism is very simple to use. With reference to the accompanying drawings, advantages of the present invention will be apparent in light of the detailed description set forth below. These advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, other than those specifically recited herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other advantages may be realized, upon practicing the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a front mount or front mechanical-type elliptical exercise machine 100 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The elliptical exercise machine 100 comprises a frame 10, a drive assembly 30, first and second swing arms 40 and 42, first and second foot supports 50 and 52, first and second link arms 60 and 62, and first and second double brackets 70 and 72. The frame 10 comprises an upright support structure 12 and a base support structure 20, which has first and second support feet 26 and 28. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive assembly 30 is enclosed in a housing 31 that is situated on part of each of the base support structure 20 and the upright support structure 12.
With respect to the left hand side of the elliptical exercise machine 100, which is identical to the right hand side except that it is offset by 180 degrees, the upper end of the first swing arm 40 is pivotally connected to the upright support structure 12 at a pivot point 36. The lower end of the first swing arm 40 is pivotally connected to the forward end of the first foot support 50 at a pivot point 44. The first foot support 50 is thereby pivotally connected to the first link arm 60 by means of a bracket, the first double bracket 70. The first link arm 60 is thereby rotatably connected to a first crank arm 32 of the drive assembly 30 at a pivot point 33. Note that the forward end of the elliptical exercise machine 100 or part thereof is that toward the end of the machine 100 on which the drive assembly 30 is situated, and the rearward end or part thereof is that toward the opposite end of the machine
As shown in FIG. 1, a first foot pad 54 is situated on the rearward end of the first foot support 50. Also, the double bracket 70 connects the first foot support 50 and the first link arm 60 at a point between their respective ends and at a point more proximate the rearward end of each. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a roller 64 attached to the lower end 61 of the first link arm 60 so that the link arm 60 can ride along a guide rail 24 on the left side of the base support structure 20. This feature also is shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 shows an enlarged, cut-away perspective view of the bottom portion of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 1, illustrating the mechanisms of the double brackets 70 and 72, which are identical except for being out of phase by 180 degrees. The first double bracket 70 comprises an upper half 80 and a lower half 90 that are pivotally connected at a first bracket joint rod 85. The upper half 80 of the double bracket 70 is pivotally connected at its upper end to the first foot support 50 at pivot point 81 and the lower half 90 is pivotally connected at its lower end to the first link arm 60 at pivot point 91. When in use, the first foot support 50 rests or rides on top of the outer portion of the first bracket joint rod 85, while the bottom inner portion of the first bracket joint rod rests or rides on top of the first link arm 60. The inner and outer portions of the bracket joint rods 85 and 86 have concave surfaces to readily mate with the foot supports and link arms (as best shown in FIG. 1).
Extending outward and perpendicular from the first bracket and joint rod 85 is a first knob 87 that enables a user to position the first double bracket 70 either in a forward location or in a rearward location. As shown in FIG. 2, the first double bracket 70 and the second double bracket 72 are positioned in their forward locations. The present invention achieves adjustable foot motion by means of the double brackets 70 and 72 and their respective forward and rearward locations. In the forward location (or position), double bracket 70 causes foot support 50 and thereby foot pad 54 to travel in a more vertical path than when double bracket 70 is in its rearward location, also resulting in a path that is shorter in length. This path that the user's foot follows when the double bracket 70 is in its forward location also results in a more strenuous exercise than when the double bracket 70 is in its rearward location. In this way, the present invention provides a mechanism to readily vary the level of exercise of an elliptical machine. Further, although only a forward and rearward location for each of the double brackets 70 and 72 are disclosed, many positions are contemplated, e.g., locations that are adjustable between a forward and a rearward location.
To change the position of the double bracket 70, the exercise machine 100 should not be in use. The user grabs hold on the knob 87 and imparts pressure in either the forward or rearward direction, depending on the desired new location. Note that there may be a need to simultaneously lift up slightly on the foot support 50 to facilitate moving of knob 87 and double bracket 70. In other embodiments, the double bracket 70 can be spring loaded such that the user can merely lift up on the rearward end 51 of the foot support 50 and the spring loaded bracket will flip to the opposite or different location.
As discussed and as shown in the Figures, the double brackets 70 and 72 are designed to adjust and thereby vary the foot motion of the user of an elliptical machine. As shown, the angle between each half 80 and 90 of double bracket 70 changes not only upon adjustment from the forward location to the rearward location, but also when the elliptical exercise machine 100 is in operation. Further, in the embodiments shown in the Figures, the weight or pressure from the user keeps the double brackets 70 and 72 in their respective forward or rearward locations during operation. Specific mechanisms for maintaining the double brackets 70 and 72 in their desired locations, however, are contemplated.
FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the elliptical exercise machine of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, each double bracket 70 and 72 is positioned in its respective forward locations. Also as shown, the halves (or sections) of double bracket 70 are pivotally connected at pivot joint rod 85, which is centered on common axis 71, which also is shared by knob 87. Similarly, the halves of double bracket 72 are pivotally connected at second pivot joint rod 86, which is centered on common axis 73, which also is shared by knob 88. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, although the respective halves 80, 90 and 82, 92 of the double brackets 70, 72 surround both sides of the respective foot supports 50, 52 and link arms 60, 62, embodiments of the double brackets 70, 72 that are positioned only on one side of the respective foot supports 50, 52 and link arms 60, 62 are contemplated.
FIG. 4A shows a side view of the elliptical exercise machine 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4A, the double brackets 70 and 72 are positioned in their respective forward locations. FIG. 4B shows a side view of the elliptical exercise machine 100 of FIG. 1 with the double brackets 70 and 72 positioned in their respective rearward locations. Compared to FIG. 4A, where the double brackets 70 and 72 are in their respective forward locations, the foot pads 54 and 56 of FIG. 4B are in relatively lower and more rearward positions that those of FIG. 4A. In this way, when the double brackets 70 and 72 are positioned in their rearward locations, the elliptical path is less vertical and shorter in length than when the double brackets are in their forward locations. Changing the elliptical path in this manner changes the level of exercise. That is, a more vertical elliptical path resulting from the double brackets 70 and 72 positioned in their forward locations causes the user to undergo a more strenuous level of exercise than when the double brackets are in their rearward locations. Arrows are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B to depict the direction the user moves the respective knobs 85 and 85 to position the double brackets 70 and 72 in their respective forward (FIG. 4A) and rearward (FIG. 4B) locations. Thus, by changing the locations of the double brackets 70 and 72, the user can readily vary the foot motion and thereby adjust the level of exercise on the elliptical exercise machine 100.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a front mount or front mechanical-type elliptical exercise machine 200 according to an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the elliptical exercise machine 200 is the same as the exercise machine 100 except that the foot supports 150 and 152 of machine 200 are pivotally connected to its link arms 160 and 162 by means of respective single brackets 170 and 172, as opposed to the double brackets 70 and 72 of exercise machine 100. To change the locations of the single brackets 170 and 172, the user can merely lift up on a foot pad 154 and 156, and the brackets 170 and 172 will flip to the opposite or different location. Further, as with exercise machine 100, the left hand side of exercise machine 200 is identical to the right hand side except that it is offset by 180 degrees.
FIG. 6A shows a side view of the elliptical exercise machine 200 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6A, the single brackets 170 and 172 are positioned in their respective forward locations. FIG. 6B shows a side view of the elliptical exercise machine 200 of FIG. 5 with the single brackets 170 and 172 positioned in their respective rearward locations. Compared to FIG. 6A, where the single brackets 170 and 172 are in their respective forward locations, the foot pads 154 and 156 of FIG. 6B are in relatively lower and more rearward positions that those of FIG. 6A. In this way, when the single brackets 170 and 172 are positioned in their rearward locations, the elliptical path is less vertical and shorter in length than when the double brackets are in their forward locations. Changing the elliptical path in this manner changes the level of exercise. That is, a more vertical elliptical path resulting from the double brackets 170 and 172 positioned in their forward locations causes the user to undergo a more strenuous level of exercise than when the double brackets are in their rearward locations. Arrows are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B to depict the direction the user moves the respective foot pads 154 and 156 to position the single brackets 170 and 172 in their respective forward (FIG. 6A) and rearward (FIG. 6B) locations. Thus, by changing the locations of the single brackets 170 and 172, the user can readily vary the foot motion and thereby adjust the level of exercise on the elliptical exercise machine 200.
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged, cut-away perspective view of the elliptical exercise machine 200 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the first single bracket 170 pivotally connects the first foot support 150 and the first link arm 160, and comprises a first upper section 210, a first lower section 220, and a first bracket plate 201 joining the two sections (or halves) 210 and 220. The first upper section 210 comprises a first outer tube 210A and a first inner tube 210B that are connected to each other and to the first bracket plate 201 by means of a first upper section axle 211 and a first upper section bolt 213. The first lower section 220 comprises two concentric tubes 220A and 220B that are connected to each other by bushings (not shown and to keep the concentric tubes in place) and to the first bracket plate 201 by means of a first lower section axle 221 and a first upper section bolt 223.
In the exercise machine 200 of FIG. 7, the first outer tube 210A is metal and is welded to the first foot support 150, and the first inner tube 210B is plastic and slides or rides on top of the first link arm 160. Also, in the machine 200 of FIG. 7, all of the tubes 210A, 210B, 220A and 220B have circular cross sections. As noted, the left hand side of exercise machine 200 is identical to the right hand side except that it is offset by 180 degrees. Thus, the second single bracket 172, which pivotally connects the second foot support 152 and the second link arm 162, is identical in both structure and operation to the first single bracket 170, except that it is offset by 180 degrees. Accordingly, FIG. 7 also depicts the second single bracket 172, which comprises a second upper section 212, a second lower section 222, a second bracket plate 202, a second outer tube 212A, a second inner tube 212B, a second upper section axle 231, a second upper section bolt 233, two concentric tubes 220A and 220B, bushings (not shown), a first lower section axle 241, and a first upper section bolt 243.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a front mount or front mechanical-type elliptical exercise machine 300 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the elliptical exercise machine 300 is similar to the exercise machine 200 except that the foot supports 250 and 252 of machine 300 are pivotally connected to its link arms 260 and 262 by means of respective single brackets 270 and 272, which are distinct from both double brackets 70 and 72 of exercise machine 100 and from the single brackets 170 and 172 of exercise machine 200. To change the locations of the single brackets 270 and 272, the user can merely lift up on a foot pad 254 and 256, and the brackets 270 and 272 will flip to the opposite or different location. Further, as with exercise machines 100 and 200, the left hand side of exercise machine 300 is identical to the right hand side except that it is offset by 180 degrees.
FIG. 9A shows a side view of the elliptical exercise machine 300 of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9A, the single brackets 270 and 272 are positioned in their respective forward locations. FIG. 9B shows a side view of the elliptical exercise machine 300 of FIG. 8 with the single brackets 270 and 272 positioned in their respective rearward locations. Compared to FIG. 9A, where the single brackets 270 and 272 are in their respective forward locations, the foot pads 254 and 256 of FIG. 9B are in relatively lower and more rearward positions that those of FIG. 9A. In this way, when the single brackets 270 and 272 are positioned in their rearward locations, the elliptical path is less vertical and shorter in length than when the double brackets are in their forward locations. Changing the elliptical path in this manner changes the level of exercise. That is, a more vertical elliptical path resulting from the single brackets 270 and 272 positioned in their forward locations causes the user to undergo a more strenuous level of exercise than when the brackets are in their rearward locations. Arrows are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B to depict the direction the user moves the respective foot pads 254 and 256 to position the single brackets 270 and 272 in their respective forward (FIG. 9A) and rearward (FIG. 9B) locations. Thus, by changing the locations of the single brackets 270 and 272, the user can readily vary the foot motion and thereby adjust the level of exercise on the elliptical exercise machine 300.
FIG. 10 shows an enlarged, cut-away perspective view of the elliptical exercise machine 300 of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 10, the second single bracket 272 pivotally connects the second foot support 252 and the second link arm 262, and comprises a second movable section 310 (a first half) and a second clamp 320 (a second section/half). A second bracket plate 301 joins the second movable section 310 and the second clamp 320. The second movable section 310 comprises a second outer tube 310A and a second inner tube 310B that are connected to each other and to the second bracket plate 301 by means of a second movable section axle 311 and a second movable section bolt 313. The second clamp 320 is affixed to the second link arm 262 as shown and is connected to the second bracket plate 301 by means of a second clamp axle 321 and a second clamp bolt 323.
In the exercise machine 300 of FIG. 10, the second outer tube 320A is metal and is welded to the second foot support 252, and the second inner tube 320B is plastic and rests on plastic pads 333 on the top surface of the second link arm 262 when the second foot pad 256 is positioned at the desired location. Also, in the machine 300 of FIG. 10, tubes 310A and 310B have circular cross sections. Only second single bracket 272 was described with respect to FIG. 10 merely for illustrative purposes. As noted, the left hand side of exercise machine 300 is identical to the right hand side except that it is offset by 180 degrees. Thus, the first single bracket 270, which pivotally connects the first foot support 250 and the second link arm 260, is identical in both structure and operation to the second single bracket 272, except that it is offset by 180 degrees.
As set forth above, the present invention provides an elliptical exercise machine that allows the user to easily and readily adjust the level of exercise. By changing the locations of the respective brackets of the present invention, e.g., 70, 72 or 170, 172 or 270, 272, the user can readily vary the foot motion and thereby adjust the level of exercise on the respective elliptical exercise machine. That is, a more vertical elliptical path causes the user to undergo a more strenuous level of exercise than when the elliptical path is less vertical, and a more vertical path is achieved when a respective bracket is in its forward position, while a less vertical path is achieved when a respective bracket is in its rearward position.
Although multiple embodiments of the invention are described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.
Patent Application
20080280731
