Patent Grant
11673019
The present disclosure relates generally to physical fitness and personal training and more specifically to an exercise machine.
Various types of exercise machines exist to aid the user in performing physical exercise for example, for maintaining physical fitness. Elliptical machines, for example, have been developed to help a user perform cardiovascular exercise and/or strength training as part of a fitness program. Many existing elliptical machines are bulky (e.g., having a larger footprint) than other exercise machines that can aid the user with cardiovascular exercise, such as a stationary bicycle. Additionally, and despite being generally bulky, many existing elliptical machines are not sufficiently or easily adjustable to a particular user. Designers and manufacturers of elliptical exercise machines continue to seek improvements thereto.
The present disclosure pertains to a stationary exercise machine, such as an elliptical exercise machine. The exercise machine is adjustable to vary an exercise characteristic of the exercise machine depending on user preference, while still having a compact footprint. For example, the exercise machine may be adjusted to a fit a particular user. In some embodiments, the exercise machine may be adjusted to vary the exercise movement provided to the user.
An exercise machine according to some embodiments includes a frame, a crankshaft rotatably coupled to the frame, and a reciprocating member supporting a pedal such that the pedal is constrained to move in a closed loop path. The reciprocating member is operatively coupled to the crankshaft such that movement of the pedal in the closed loop path causes rotation of the crankshaft. The exercise machine further includes a rail pivotally coupled to the frame and movably supporting the reciprocating member, the reciprocating member configured to translate along the rail when the pedal moves in the closed loop path, and a lift mechanism operatively coupled to the rail for adjusting an incline angle of the rail. The lift mechanism may include a lever link having a first end operatively coupled to the rail and an opposite second end operatively coupled to a linear actuator, the lever link being pivotally coupled to the frame at a location between the first and second ends of the lever link. In some embodiments, the first end of the reciprocating member is slidably supported on the rail and a second end of the reciprocating member is configured to rotate about the crankshaft when the pedals move along the closed loop path. In some embodiments, the reciprocating member is coupled to the crankshaft via a crank arm. In some embodiments, the frame includes a base for contact with a support surface and an upright support extending from the base. In some embodiments, the rail is pivotally coupled to the base and, optionally, the lever link is pivotally coupled to the upright support. In some embodiments, the linear actuator is coupled to the upright support at a location above a pivot point (or fulcrum) of the lever link. In some embodiments, the linear actuator is coupled to the frame at a location below a fulcrum of the lever link. In some embodiments, the linear actuator is coupled to frame such that an extension of the linear actuator increases the incline angle of the rail. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a link arm coupling the first end of the lever link to the rail. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a resistance mechanism operatively coupled to the crankshaft to resist rotation of the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes a flywheel rotatably supported by the frame. In some embodiments, the flywheel is supported by the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the flywheel is supported on the crankshaft by one or more two-way bearings. In some embodiments, the crankshaft is operatively coupled to the flywheel to cause the flywheel to rotate responsive to but asynchronously with the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the pedal is pivotally coupled to the reciprocating member.
In some embodiments, the exercise machine includes a transmission assembly operatively coupled between the crankshaft and the flywheel to cause rotation of the flywheel at an output rotational speed greater than an input rotational speed to the transmission assembly. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly includes a two-stage belt-drive assembly. In some embodiments, the exercise machine includes a plurality of transmission members pivotally supported on the frame, wherein rotation of the crankshaft causes at least one of the transmission members to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft. In some such embodiments, the least one of the transmission members that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft is coaxially positioned to the flywheel. In some embodiments, the one or more of the transmission members are rotatably supported on a transmission shaft spaced apart from the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the lever arm is coupled to the frame at a location between the crankshaft and the transmission shaft.
In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a reciprocating handle link pivotally coupled to the frame and operatively associated with the crankshaft to drive rotation of the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the reciprocating handle link is coupled to the reciprocating member thereby operatively associating the handle link with the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the reciprocating handle link is coupled to the reciprocating member via a reciprocating foot link. In some embodiments, the reciprocating foot link is pivotally coupled to the reciprocating member at a location between a first end and a second end of the reciprocating foot link.
An exercise machine according to some embodiments includes a frame, a crankshaft rotatably supported on the frame, and a flywheel rotatably supported on the crankshaft and configured to rotate responsive to rotation of the crankshaft but at a different rotational speed than the crankshaft. The exercise machine further includes a reciprocating member supporting a pedal, the reciprocating member having a first end movably supported by the frame and constrained to move in a reciprocating back and forth motion responsive to movement of the pedal, and the reciprocating member having an opposite second end operatively coupled to the crankshaft to cause rotation of the crankshaft responsive to the reciprocating back and forth motion of the first end. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a crank arm coupling the second end of the reciprocating member to the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a handle link configured to be driven by a user's hand, and wherein the handle link is operatively coupled to the crankshaft for driving rotation of the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a foot link pivotally coupled to the handle link and the reciprocating member. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a rail pivotally coupled to the frame and movably supporting the reciprocating member, and a lift mechanism operatively engaged with the rail to vary an incline angle of the rail. In some embodiments, the frame includes a base for contact with a support surface and an upright support extending from the base. In some such embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a rail pivotally coupled to the base and slidably supporting the first end of the reciprocating member, and a lever link pivotally coupled to the upright support and operatively associated with the rail to pivot the rail relative to the base. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a transmission assembly operatively coupled between the crankshaft and the flywheel to drive rotation of the flywheel at an output rotational speed greater than an input rotational speed to the transmission assembly. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly is a two-stage belt-drive assembly.
An exercise machine according to some embodiments includes a frame, a crankshaft rotatably coupled to the frame, a reciprocating member movably supported by the frame such that a first end of the reciprocating member rotates the crankshaft responsive to movement of the reciprocating member, a rail pivotally coupled to the frame and movably supporting a second end of the reciprocating member such that the second end of the reciprocating member translates along the rail when the first end rotates the crankshaft, and a lift mechanism that selectively adjusts an incline angle of the rail, the lift mechanism including a lever link having a first end operatively coupled to the rail and an second end coupled to a free end of an extendible rod, wherein the lever link is pivotally coupled to the frame at a fulcrum, and wherein a distance between the fulcrum and the first end is greater than a distance between the fulcrum and the second end such that movement of the free end of the extendible rod by a first travel distance causes the second end of the lever link to move a second travel distance greater than the first travel distance. In some embodiments, the lever link is pivotally coupled to an upright support of the frame. In some embodiments, the free end of the rod is oriented towards a base of the exercise machine such that extension of the rod causes an increase in the incline angle of the rail. In some embodiments, the free end of the rod is oriented away from a base of the exercise machine such that extension of the rod causes a decrease in the incline angle of the rail. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a flywheel associated with a brake mechanism, wherein the flywheel is coupled to the frame at a location below the fulcrum. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a transmission assembly that transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the flywheel, wherein the transmission assembly includes at least one disk rotatably coupled to the frame at a location above the fulcrum. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further includes a pedal pivotally coupled to the reciprocating member such that the pedal is constrained to move in a closed loop path.
An exercise machine according to some embodiments includes a frame with a base configured to support the exercise machine on a support surface and a mast extending upwardly from the base. A crankshaft is rotatably coupled to the frame to rotate about a first rotation axis. A reciprocating member supports a pedal such that the pedal is constrained to move in a closed loop path. The reciprocating member is operatively coupled to the crankshaft such that movement of the pedal in the closed loop path causes rotation of the crankshaft about the first rotation axis. A rail is pivotally coupled to the frame and movably supporting the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member is configured to translate along the rail when the pedal moves in the closed loop path. A lift mechanism is suspended from the mast from a location above the first rotation axis and operatively coupled to the rail for adjusting an incline of the rail.
In some embodiments, the exercise machine may also include a cantilever fixed to the mast at a location above the first rotation axis and extending rearward toward the rail. The lift mechanism may be suspended from the mast via the cantilever.
In some embodiments, the mast may include a first upright support extending from a front end of the base, a second upright support having a first end fixed to the base at a location aft of the first upright support and a second end fixed to the first upright support, and a third upright support connecting an intermediate location of the second upright support to the first upright support. An upper portion of the first upright support and the third support may be inclined toward a rear side of the exercise machine.
In some embodiments, the base is about 52 inches or less. In some embodiments, the rail is adjustable to at least 20 degrees of incline.
In some embodiments, a first end of the reciprocating member is slidably supported on the rail and a second end of the reciprocating member is configured to rotate about the crankshaft when the pedals move along the closed loop path. The pedal may be cantilevered from the reciprocating member.
In some embodiments, the reciprocating member is coupled to the crankshaft via a crank arm. A resistance mechanism may be operatively coupled to the crankshaft to resist rotation of the crankshaft. The resistance mechanism may include a flywheel rotatably supported by the frame. The flywheel may be rotatably supported on the mast. The flywheel may be rotatably supported on the mast at a vertical location below the crankshaft. The crankshaft may be rotatably coupled to the mast at the intermediate location of the second upright support. The crankshaft and the flywheel may rotate at different rotational speeds.
In some embodiments, the exercise machine may also include a console supported by the frame. The console may include a processor, a memory, and a display. The processor may be in communication with one or more user input devices for controlling an operation of the exercise machine. One or more user input devices may include one or more buttons located on a movable handle of the exercise machine. The one or more user input devices may be configured to receive user input for varying at least one of the incline of the rail, a resistance level, and information displayed on the display. Information displayed on the display may include a video, where the processor is configured to vary a playback rate of the video based on a rate of rotation of the crankshaft.
In some embodiments, the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to store exercise performance data in the memory, adjust an exercise program stored in the memory based on the exercise performance data to generated an adapted exercise program, and provide instructions, via the console, for adjusting at least one of the incline of the rail and the resistance level in accordance with the adapted exercise program, or automatically adjust at least one of the incline of the rail and the resistance level in accordance with the adapted exercise program.
In some embodiments, the lift mechanism includes a first end portion including a motor, the first end portion pivotally joined to the cantilever, and a driven portion pivotally joined to the rail. The motor may be configured to move the driven portion toward and away from the first end portion to raise and lower the rail, respectively.
In some embodiments, the exercise machine includes a transmission assembly that transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the flywheel while changing the rotational speed thereof. The transmission assembly may include a single-stage belt-drive assembly. The transmission assembly may include a rotating disk fixed to the crankshaft to rotate in synchrony with the crankshaft and where the rotating disk and the flywheel are located on opposite sides of the mast.
In some embodiments, the lift mechanism is positioned between the rotating disk and the flywheel such that the driven portion moves in a plane parallel to and between respective planes of the rotating disk and the flywheel.
This summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary.
The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the exercise machine described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the exercise machine.
Embodiments according to the present disclosure include a stationary exercise machine, such as an elliptical machine, and components thereof. The stationary exercise machine according to the present disclosure may include components or assemblies that allow the machine to be more compact (e.g., occupy a smaller footprint) than existing exercise machines of a similar type, while, in some cases, providing adjustability (e.g., incline adjustments) comparable to or greater than existing exercise machines of the type. An exercise machine according to the present disclosure may include a frame, a crankshaft rotatably supported by the frame, and at least one reciprocating linkage configured for the application of a force by the user when using the machine and which transmits the movement or force of the user to the crankshaft. The reciprocating linkage may be operatively coupled to the crankshaft for driving the rotation of the crankshaft.
The reciprocating linkage may be supported by the frame in an adjustable manner. For example, the reciprocating linkage may be movably (e.g., slidably) supported on a rail, which is movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the frame to enable the user to vary the angle of the rail to the frame and/or ground, and consequently vary a characteristic of the exercise provided by the machine (e.g., a characteristic, such as an inclination of the closed loop path traversed by pedals of the machine). To that end, the exercise machine may include a lift mechanism operatively associated with the rail for varying the angle of inclination of the rail with respect to the frame and/or ground. By varying the angle of inclination of the rail, the user may be able to customize the exercise experience provided by the machine, for example to customize the machine for users of different sizes or stature and/or allow a user to selectively target or active different muscle groups. For example, in the case of an elliptical machine, the pedals of which traverse a substantially elliptical path, adjusting the incline of the rail may result in changing the angle of inclination of the elliptical path (e.g., an angle of inclination, with respect to the ground, of the major axis of the elliptical path). This may enable the user to customize the exercise experience between a more horizontal walking or running motion and a more vertical stair stepping motion. Alternatively or additionally, adjusting the incline of the rail may result in changing other characteristics of the elliptical path such as changing the eccentricity of the elliptical path and/or the length of an axis such as the major axis, which can be perceived by the user as a change in the length of the stride provided by the machine.
In some embodiments, an adjustment assembly (e.g., lift mechanism) that utilizes mechanical advantage can be implemented to provide comparable or greater range of adjustments, in some cases for an equivalent or smaller stroke of actuation, and in some case in a more compact form factor than existing exercise machines of the type. For example, a lift mechanism according to the present disclosure may include a lever link pivoted, at an intermediate location along its length, off the frame (e.g., an upward extending portion of the frame). One end of the lever link may be operatively engaged with an actuator (e.g., a linear actuator or an extendible or length-adjustable rod) for pivoting the lever link about its fulcrum, and the opposite end of the lever link may be operatively engaged with the rail for adjusting the incline angle of the rail. Such an arrangement, as compared to directly lifting the front of the rail to change its incline, may obtain a significant increase, in some cases two-fold or greater, in the incline adjustment range without a significant increase in power input (e.g., in some cases not exceeding 10%) or increase in the stroke of the linear actuator. A number of other advantages may be gained, such as reducing off-axis loading and torque on the linear actuator and reducing the form factor of the lift assembly, and the exercise machine altogether. In some embodiments, the distance between the fulcrum and the end coupled to the rail may be greater than a distance between the fulcrum and the end coupled to the actuator (e.g., the free end of an extendible rod) such that a given amount of extension by the actuator (e.g., a travel distance by the free end of the extendible rod) results in a larger amount of travel distance at the end coupled to the rail which may further enhance the mechanical advantage and/or other benefits or advantage that may be provided by the adjustment assembly.
In other embodiments, the adjustment assembly (e.g., lift mechanism) may be connected to apply the lifting force (e.g., for raising and lowering the rail) directly to the rail without an intermediate lever link. In some such embodiments, a linear actuator may be suspended from the rear side of the upright frame. One end (e.g., the motor end) of the linear actuator may be pivotally coupled to the upright frame, for example at a vertical location above the rotating shaft(s) of the exercise machine. The opposite (e.g., extendible) end of the linear actuator may be pivotally coupled to the rail whereby retraction of the linear actuator raises the rail increasing the incline angle of the elliptical path, and extension of the linear actuator lowers the rail decreasing the incline angle of the elliptical path. This arrangement may enable a suitable incline adjustment to be achieved while maintaining a compact form factor (e.g., a relatively smaller footprint than existing incline-adjustable elliptical machines). In some embodiments, the compact form factor is further achieved by supporting the one or more rotatable components, such as the crankshaft, flywheel and associated flywheel shaft, and the one or more transmission disks that transfer rotation from the crankshaft to the flywheel, also on the upright frame. In this manner, the footprint of the elliptical machine is reduced. In some examples, the frame of the exercise machine may have a length 558 (see e.g.,
The exercise machine 100 may include at least one, and typically a plurality of movable components supported by the frame 110. For example, the exercise machine 100 may include at least one, and typically a pair (i.e., a left and a right) of reciprocating assemblies 200 that are driven by the user during exercise. The reciprocating assemblies may be operatively coupled to a crankshaft 301 to cause the crankshaft 301 to rotate when a reciprocating assembly 200 is driven by the user. The reciprocating assemblies 200 may include one or more (e.g., left and right) reciprocating linkages 201. The reciprocating linkages 201 may include components configured to support and/or be driven by a lower extremity of the user (e.g., the user's feet) and may thus be referred to as lower linkages 204. In some examples, the reciprocating linkages 201 may additionally or alternatively include components configured to support and/or be driven by an upper extremity of the user (e.g., the user's hands) and may thus be referred to as upper linkages 206. In some examples, a lower linkage 204 may be connected to the respective upper linkage 206 such that movement of one of the two linkages (e.g., the upper linkage 206 or the lower linkage 204), for example when driven by the user, causes the other one of the two linkages (e.g., the lower linkage 204 or the upper linkage 206) to move.
Referring to
The distal end 224 of the reciprocating member 220 is operatively coupled to a crankshaft 301, in this example via a crank arm 250. A first end 252 of the crank arm 250 is pivotally coupled to the distal end 224 and the opposite, second end 254 of the crank arm 250 is rigidly coupled to the crankshaft 301 such that the crank arm 301 rotates synchronously with the crankshaft 301. While the crank arm 250 is illustrated here as a generally straight rigid link or bar of a given length, the crank arm 250 may be provided by any rigid body, such as a radially-extending portion of a disk or other, which operatively connects the distal end 224 of the reciprocating member 220 to the crankshaft 301, providing a load path for transmitting the force from the reciprocating member 220 to the crankshaft 301. The crankshaft 301 may be coupled to a resistance mechanism 300 such that rotation of the crankshaft 301 about its axis (i.e., crank axis C) is resisted by the resistance mechanism 300, e.g., as described further below.
As previously described, in some examples, the lower linkage 204 may be operatively connected with a reciprocating upper linkage 206 configured to support and/or be driven by a hand of the user. In the present example, the upper linkage 206 is coupled to the lower linkage 204 via a foot link 210. The foot link 210 may be implemented as an elongate rigid member, in some case a substantially straight bar, which has a first or proximal end 212, a second distal end 214 opposite the first end 212, and a length defined therebetween. The foot link 210 may be coupled at its distal end 214 to the upper linkage 206. The foot link 210 may be coupled to the reciprocating member 220 at or near the proximal end 212 or any suitable location between the proximal and distal ends 212, 214, respectively, of the foot link 210. The foot link 210 may be pivotally coupled to the reciprocating member 220 at a pivot joint 216 such that the reciprocating member 220 and the foot link 210 can both pivot relative to one another and about the pivot axis P. In some embodiments, the foot link 210 may also be coupled to the pedal 240 and may support the pedal 240 at one or multiple locations. In some embodiments, the foot link 210 may extend distally of its connection with the reciprocating member 220, e.g., to support the pedal assembly 240 and/or components associated therewith. In the present example, the pedal 240 is pivotally coupled to the foot link 210 such that it is pivotable relative to the foot link 210 and the reciprocating member 220 about the same pivot axis P, and a rear portion of the pedal 240 is supported at the distal end of the foot link 210.
In some examples, the reciprocating member 220 (e.g., its proximal end 222) may be movably, in this case slidably, supported on the frame 110. For example, as shown in
The rail 130 may be movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the frame to allow the relative position (e.g., incline) of the rail 130 to be changed. For example, the rail 130 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 110, and more specifically to the base 112, via any suitable pivot joint, referred to herein as rail pivot 134, that constrains all degrees of freedom except for one rotational degree of freedom of the rail 130. As shown in
The exercise machine 100 may include a pedal assembly (or simply pedal) 240 associated with each of the lower linkages 204. The pedal assembly 240 may be supported by the reciprocating member 220, the foot link 210, or both. The pedal assembly 240 may include a footplate 242, which in use supports the user's foot. The footplate 242 may be fixed to (e.g., rigidly attached or integrally formed) with a pedal shroud 247, which may include one or more walls extending from the footplate 242 to restrict movement of the user's foot in one or more direction (e.g., the forward and lateral directions). The footplate 242 may be coupled to the supporting structure (e.g., the reciprocating member 220 and/or the foot link 210) via a pedal mount 244. In some examples, the pedal 240 may be pivotally coupled to its supporting structure (e.g., the reciprocating member 220 and/or the foot link 210). In such examples, the pedal mount 244 may include a pivot joint that restricts all degrees of freedom except for one rotational degree of freedom to allow pivotal movement of the pedal 240 about the pedal pivot axis P. Such arrangement may enable pivotal movement of the pedal 240 during use of the machine 100 and/or pivotal adjustment to the pedal 240 prior to use, for example to change the incline of the pedal 240, such as from a neutral or relatively flat position to a heels-up position or other. In some such examples, the pedal assembly 240 may be associated with a pedal adjustment mechanism 246 that enables the user to change the angle of the pedal with respect to the supporting structure (e.g., the reciprocating member 220, the foot link 210, or both). For example, as shown e.g., in
The exercise machine 100 may also include an upper reciprocating linkage 206 configured to be driven by a user's hand. The upper reciprocating linkage 206 may be operatively associated with the crankshaft 301 for transferring the force applied by the user to the crankshaft 301. In some embodiments, the upper reciprocating linkage 206 may be operatively coupled to the crankshaft 301 solely via its connection to the lower reciprocating linkage 204. As shown e.g., in
The distal end 264 of the handle link 260 may be operatively associated with the crankshaft 301, in this example indirectly, via the connection between the upper linkage 206 to the lower linkage 204, which may be directly connected to the crankshaft 301. In other examples, the upper linkage 206 may be differently connected to the crankshaft 301 such as via a direct connection between the upper linkage 206 and the crankshaft 301. As shown e.g., in
Returning back to
In accordance with the present disclosure, the pedals 240 may be supported on the frame 110 of the exercise machine in a manner which enables the user to vary a characteristic of the exercise provided by the machine 100, such as by varying a characteristic of the closed loop path E traversed by the pedals. Referring back to
In some examples, the lift mechanism 400 may include a lever link 410, a link arm 420, and a length-adjustable link, shown here as linear actuator 430. The lever link 410 may be implemented using a rigid member (e.g., bar) having a first of proximal end 412 and a second or distal end 414. The lever link 410 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 110, more specifically to the upright portion of the frame 114, at a location between the first and second ends 412, 414, respectively, of the lever link 410, which defines the pivot location or fulcrum F of the lever link 410. The link arm 420 may couple the first end 412 of the lever link 410 to the rail 130, and the length-adjustable link (e.g., linear actuator 430) may couple the opposite, second end 414 of the lever link 410 to the frame 110. The linear actuator 430 may be any suitable linear actuator including a combination of a motor 432 operably arranged to extend a rod 434. The motor 432 can be any suitable motor, such as an electric rotary motor. The rod 434 may be implemented using any suitable telescoping member, which is in operative arrangement with the motor 432 to convert, e.g., a rotary input of the motor 432 to linear output at (e.g., extension and retraction of) the free end of the rod 434. The linear actuator 430 may utilize electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuation, or any combination thereof. For example, instead of an electrically driven rod-type actuator, the actuation may be provided by a hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic cylinder.
In some examples, the actuator 430 may be coupled to the frame 110 at a location above the fulcrum F such that extension of the linear actuator 430 applies a force (against gravity) to lift the front end 136 of the rail 130 and thus increase the incline of the rail 130, as shown in
Referring now also to
The lever link 410 may be pivotally coupled, at its distal end 414, to the free end 435 of the rod 434 of the actuator 430 using any suitable pivot joint, such as a lug and clevis joint. In this example, the distal ends of the bars 410-1 and 410-2 act as the opposite sides of the clevis, while the free end 435 of the rod 434 acts as the lug, with a pin 437 pivotally connecting the two. In other examples, a different arrangement may be used such by reversing the location of the lug and clevis or using a different suitable pivot joint. The lever link 410 may be pivotally coupled to the link arm 420, e.g., similarly using a lug and clevis joint, with the lever link 410 again providing the clevis part of the joint. In other words, the proximal ends of the bars 410-1 and 410-2 may act as the opposite sides of the clevis, while the cooperating end of the link arm 420 may provide the lug of the pivot joint.
As shown e.g., in
As previously described, the crankshaft 301 may be operatively associated with a resistance mechanism 300 to resist the rotation of the crankshaft 301. In some examples, the crankshaft 301 may be associated with a rotatable resistance mechanism such as a magnetically-resisted flywheel 310. In other examples, the flywheel 310 may be frictionally resisted or employ another suitable type of resistance mechanism that can resist, in some cases selectively variably, the rotation of the flywheel 310. In yet further examples, other types of resistance mechanisms may be used in place or in combination with a flywheel, such as air-based resistance (e.g., a fan) or hydraulically resisted wheel. In some examples, the resistance mechanism may provide variable resistance based upon the reciprocation frequency of the pedal (e.g., the user's cadence). In some examples, the resistance mechanism may include a fan, alone or in combination of a flywheel, which in the case of the latter may optionally be arranged on the same shaft. Any other suitable resistance mechanism may be used.
As shown for example in
In some examples, the flywheel 310 may be supported by the crankshaft 301 (e.g., coaxially positioned therewith) without the crankshaft 301 directly driving/rotating the flywheel 310. The flywheel 310 may be coupled to the crankshaft 301 via one or more two-way bearings such that rotation of the crankshaft 301 is not directly transmitted to the flywheel 310. Instead, rotation from the crankshaft 301 may be transmitted to the flywheel 310 via a transmission assembly 350. The transmission assembly 350 may be configured to providing a desired gearing ratio, for example to increase the rotational speed from the input (e.g., the crankshaft 301) to the output (e.g., the flywheel 310). The transmission assembly may have a single stage or multiple stages, for example, two stages as shown in
Referring to the example in
As previously described, the crankshaft 301 may be driven by one or more crank arms, for example left and right 250-L and 250-R, each of which is fixed to the respective end of the crankshaft 301 via a respective crank fitting 336-L and 336-R. The crankshaft 301 may be rotatably supported on the frame 110 via one or more two-way bearings 332, which may be used to coaxially rotatably couple the crankshaft 301 to a first tube 151 fixed to the frame 110. One or more additional two-way bearings 334 may be used to rotatably support the flywheel 310 on the crankshaft 301 in a manner that allows the flywheel 310 to rotate independently of the crankshaft 301. Such arrangement may allow the flywheel 310 to be positioned on a common shaft with a geared input (or driven) shaft, which may enable the exercise machine 100 to have a more compact form factor.
The rotation of the first driven member (e.g., first input disk 352) may be transmitted, e.g., via the first belt 356, to the first follower member (e.g., first output disk 354). In the present example, the first follower member (e.g., first follower disk 354) has a smaller diameter than the first driven member (e.g., first input disk 352) and thus the first stage 350-1 gears up (i.e., increases) the rotational speed of the input shaft (i.e., the crankshaft 301). The transmission assembly 350 may further include a second driven member (e.g., second input disk 362) and a second follower member (e.g., second output disk 364) operatively connected, e.g., by a second belt 366, to provide a second stage of the transmission assembly 350. The second driven member (e.g., second input disk 362) may be on a common transmission shaft 358 with the first follower member (e.g., first output disk 354), such that rotation of the first follower member (e.g., first output disk 354) causes synchronous rotation of (or drives) the second driven member (e.g., second input disk 362). The second driven member (e.g., second input disk 362) may be fixed to the transmission shaft 358 via another plate mount 361, which in this case is fixed (e.g., welded) to the transmission shaft 358 and fixed (e.g., bolted) to the second input disk 362. In other examples, the driven disks (e.g., first and second input disks 352 and 362, respectively) may be differently coupled to the respective shaft such as by being directly attached (e.g., bolted) to the shaft. The transmission shaft 358 may be rotatably supported on the frame 110 via one or more two-way bearings 338, which may be used to coaxially rotatably couple the transmission shaft 358 to a second tube 152 fixed to the frame 110. The first and second tubes 151, 152 may be fixed (e.g., rigidly coupled or integrally formed) to the upright frame portion 114 at locations sufficiently spaced apart to avoid interference of the rotatable components.
The rotation of the second driven member (e.g., second input disk 362) may be transmitted, e.g., via the second belt 366, to the second follower member (e.g., second output disk 364). In the present example, the second follower member (e.g., second output disk 364) has a smaller diameter than the second driven member (e.g., second input disk 362) thus further gearing up (i.e., increasing) the rotational speed of the input shaft in the second stage of the transmission assembly 350. The second follower member (e.g., second output disk 364) may be fixed to the flywheel 310 such that rotation of the second follower member (e.g., second output disk 364) causes synchronous rotation of the flywheel 310.
In some embodiments, for example when using belt or chain drives, a tensioner mechanism may be provided to remove slack from a flexible transmission member, such as a belt or chain. For example, an idler 372, which may be implemented pulley, roller, sprocket, other suitable structure and depending on the type of transmission member being used, may be operatively engaged with the flexible transmission member (e.g., the first belt 356). The idler may be supported on a bracket 374, which may be adjustably and/or biasingly coupled to the frame to tension (or biased) the idler 372, in some cases adjustably, toward the flexible transmission member (e.g., first belt 356), which may cause a bend in the flexible transmission member (e.g., first belt 356) towards the inside of the loop. While not shown here, in some examples, an idler may be associated with each of the flexible transmission members of the transmission assembly 350.
In the present illustrated example, a first tube 516 extends from the frame 510, e.g., from a distal end of the frame 510, whereby the first tube 516 is arranged near the front of the base 512, and thus substantially at the front end of the exercise machine 500. The first tube 516 may rise substantially vertically from the base 512, defining a first, lower portion 516-1 thereof, and then curve or bend toward the rear side of the exercise machine 500, defining a second, inclined upper portion 516-2 of the first tube 516. A second tube 518 extends from the base 512, from a location which may be generally longitudinally aligned with the first tube 516 but spaced aft therefrom. The second tube 518, which may be optionally inclined forward toward the first tube 516, has an upper end joined to the first tube 516 to form therewith a substantially A-frame shape. In other embodiments, the first tube 516 may be a substantially straight member extending upward and inclined toward the rear of the exercise machine 500, and being joined the second tube 518 to form a generally triangular frame (or A-frame). In yet other embodiments, the second tube 516 may be implemented by a pair of tubes having their lower ends laterally spread to form a tripod-like structure. Various other suitable arrangements of the rigid members forming the mast may be used to provide a stable upright frame portion that supports certain movable components of the exercise machine. In the present example, the upper end of the second tube 518 is connect to or near a lower end of the inclined, upper portion 516-2 of the first tube 516, and a third tube, as connecting support or brace, 514 extends from and connects the second tube 518 to the upper end of the upper portion 516-2 of the first tube 516. The connecting support 514 has a first, lower end 514-1 fixed to the second tube 518, at a location between its upper and lower ends, and a second, upper end 514-2 fixed to or near the upper end of the first tube 516. In other embodiments, the connecting support 514 may be omitted. In some such embodiments, the upper end of the second tube 518 may connect closer to the upper end 516-2 of the first tube 516. However, by using a connecting brace 514 as shown herein, the mast 515 may have a narrower profile, as seen from the side (see e.g.,
The exercise machine 500 may include at least one, and typically a plurality of movable components supported by the frame 510. For example, the exercise machine 500 includes at least one, and typically a pair of (i.e., a left and a right) reciprocating assemblies 600 that are driven by the user during exercise. Each of the reciprocating assemblies is operatively coupled to a crankshaft 701 (
Referring to
The distal end 624 of the reciprocating member 620 is operatively coupled to the crankshaft 701, in this example via a crank arm 650. A first end 652 of the crank arm 650 is pivotally coupled to the distal end 624 and the opposite, second end 654 of the crank arm 650 is rigidly coupled to the crankshaft 701 such that the crank arm 650 rotates synchronously with the crankshaft 701. While the crank arm 650 is illustrated here as a generally straight rigid link or bar of a given length, the crank arm 650 may be provided by any rigid body, such as a radially-extending portion of a disk or other, which operatively connects the distal end 624 of the reciprocating member 620 to the crankshaft 701, providing a load path for transmitting the force from the reciprocating member 620 to the crankshaft 701. The crankshaft 701 may be coupled to a resistance mechanism 700 such that rotation of the crankshaft 701 about its axis (i.e., crank axis C) is resisted by the resistance mechanism 700, e.g., as described herein.
In some examples, the lower linkage 604 may be operatively connected with a reciprocating upper linkage 606 configured to grasped by and/or be driven by a hand of the user. In the present example, the upper linkage 606 is coupled to the lower linkage 604 via a foot link 610. The foot link 610 may be implemented as an elongate rigid member, in some case a substantially straight bar, which has a first or proximal end 612, a second distal end 614 opposite the first end 612, and a length defined therebetween. The foot link 610 is coupled at its distal end 614 to the upper linkage 606. The foot link 610 may be coupled to the reciprocating member 620 at or near the proximal end 612 or any suitable location between the proximal and distal ends 612, 614, respectively, of the foot link 610. The foot link 610 may be pivotally coupled to the reciprocating member 620 at a pivot joint 616 such that the reciprocating member 620 and the foot link 610 can both pivot relative to one another and about the pivot axis P. In some embodiments, the foot link 610 may also be coupled to the pedal 640 and may support the pedal 640 at one or multiple locations. In some embodiments, the foot link 610 may extend distally of its connection with the reciprocating member 620, e.g., to support the pedal assembly 640 and/or components associated therewith.
In some examples, the reciprocating member 620 (e.g., its proximal end 622) may be movably, in this case slidably, supported on the frame 510. For example, as shown in
The rail 530 may be movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the frame to allow the relative position (e.g., incline) of the rail 530 to be changed. For example, the rail 530 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 510, and more specifically to the base 512, via any suitable pivot joint, referred to herein as rail pivot 534, that constrains all degrees of freedom except for one rotational degree of freedom of the rail 530. As shown in
Each of the lower linkages 604 supports a respective pedal assembly (or simply pedal) 340. The pedal assembly 640 may be supported by the reciprocating member 620, the foot link 610, or both. The pedal assembly 640 may include a footplate 642, which in use supports the user's foot. The footplate 642 may be fixed to (e.g., rigidly attached or integrally formed) with a pedal shroud 647, which may include one or more walls extending upwardly from the footplate 642 to restrict movement of the user's foot in one or more direction (e.g., the forward and lateral directions). The footplate 642 may be coupled to the supporting structure (e.g., the reciprocating member 620 and/or the foot link 610) via a pedal mount 644. In some embodiments, the pedal mount 644 may be configured to cantilever the respective pedal 640 from the foot link 610. Each of the pedals 640 may be rigidly connected to the foot link 610 so as to remain in a fixed position relative thereto. In some embodiments, the pedals 640 may be movably (e.g., pivotally) supported on the lower linkage 604, for example using a similar mounting structure to that of the exercise machine 100, or using another suitable mount which enables the orientation and/or position of the individual pedals in relation to the supporting structure (e.g., the reciprocating member 620 and/or the foot link 610) to be adjusted.
The exercise machine 500 may also include an upper reciprocating linkage 606 configured to be driven by a user's hand. The upper reciprocating linkage 606 may be operatively associated with the crankshaft 701 for transferring the force applied by the user to the crankshaft 701. In some embodiments, the upper reciprocating linkage 606 may be operatively coupled to the crankshaft 701 solely via its connection to the respective lower reciprocating linkage 604. As shown e.g., in
The distal end 664 of the handle link 660 may be operatively associated with the crankshaft 701, in this example indirectly, via the connection between the upper linkage 606 to the lower linkage 604, which may be directly connected to the crankshaft 701. In other examples, the upper linkage 606 may be differently connected to the crankshaft 701 such as via a direct connection between the upper linkage 606 and the crankshaft 701. As shown e.g., in
The movement of the pedals 640 through the elliptical path E may be similar to that as described with respect to the exercise machine 100 as shown for example in
In accordance with the present disclosure, the pedals 640 may be supported on the frame 510 of the exercise machine in a manner which enables the user to vary a characteristic of the exercise provided by the machine 500, such as by varying a characteristic of the closed loop path E traversed by the pedals. Referring to
The angle (incline or decline) of the linear path traversed by the lower linkages 604 may be varied by changing the angle of the rail 530 relative to the base 512 by operation of the lift mechanism 800, and example of which is shown in
In some embodiments, the rod 834 may be configured to move the driven portion 812 (e.g., a nut), along the length of the rod 834. In such embodiments, the rod 834 may include one or more helical threads (not shown) on an external surface 838 of the rod 834. The threads on the external surface 838 may operatively engage with mating threads of the driven portion 812 of the lift mechanism 800, such as a nut 812 including internal threads (not shown) on an aperture 840 formed therein that mate with the threads on the external surface 838 of the rod 834. Rotation of the rod 834, powered by the motor 832, moves the driven portion toward and away from the motor end portion, depending on the direction of rotation, to raise and lower, respectively, the rail 530, which is operatively connected to the driven portion 812 of the lift mechanism 800.
In some embodiments, the lift mechanism 800 is suspended from the mast 515. In the example shown, the mast 515 includes a cantilever 520 that extends from one of the upright supports of the mast 515, such as from the connecting support 514, in a rearward direction (e.g., towards the rail 530). In the example shown, the cantilever 520 declines below horizontal as it extends rearwardly from the connecting support 514. In other examples, the cantilever 520 may extend substantially horizontally from the connecting support 514, or may be inclined upward. A different suitable structure for suspending the lift mechanism may be used in other embodiments.
The lift motor 830 is suspended from the mast 515, from a location above the crankshaft 701 and axis C, whit the motor end of the lift motor 830 coupled to the cantilever 520 and the rod 834 extending downward therefrom, towards the base 512. The motor end of the lift motor 830 may be pivotally coupled to the cantilever 820 using any suitable pivot joint 808. For example, referring to
As shown e.g., in
The bracket 540 may extend at the front end 536 of the rail 530 and may be used to operatively (e.g., pivotally) couple the front end 536 of the rail 530 to the lift mechanism 800 for raising and lowering the rail 530. Any suitable pivot joint (or simply pivot 544) may be used to pivotally connect the rail 530 to the lift mechanism 800. For example, the clevis 542 may be wide enough to accommodate the driven portion 812 between its two sides, and a pin (or set of pins) 814 may be pivotally received through apertures in the sides of the clevis 542 and fixed to the sides of the driven portion 812 to form the pivot 844. In other embodiments, the pin(s) 814 may be fixed to the bracket 540 and pivotally received by the driven portion 812. Other suitable combinations or arrangements may be used in other examples to form the pivot joint 544.
As shown in
As previously described, the crankshaft 701 may be operatively associated with a resistance mechanism 700 to resist the rotation of the crankshaft 701. In some examples, the crankshaft 701 may be associated with a rotatable resistance mechanism such as a magnetically-resisted flywheel 710. In other examples, the flywheel 710 may be frictionally resisted or employ another suitable type of resistance mechanism that can resist, in some cases selectively variably, the rotation of the flywheel 710. In yet further examples, other types of resistance mechanisms may be used in place or in combination with a flywheel, such as air-based resistance (e.g., a fan) or hydraulically resisted wheel. In some examples, the resistance mechanism may provide variable resistance based upon the reciprocation frequency of the pedal (e.g., the user's cadence). In some examples, the resistance mechanism may include a fan, alone or in combination of a flywheel, which in the case of the latter may optionally be arranged on the same shaft. Any other suitable resistance mechanism may be used.
As shown for example in
In some examples, the flywheel 710 may be supported by the crankshaft 701 (e.g., coaxially positioned therewith) without the crankshaft 701 directly driving/rotating the flywheel 710, as described previously with reference to the exercise machine 100. In such examples, the flywheel 710 may be coupled to the crankshaft 701 via one or more two-way bearings such that rotation of the crankshaft 701 is not directly transmitted to the flywheel 710. Instead, rotation from the crankshaft 701 may be transmitted to the flywheel 710 via a transmission assembly 750. The transmission assembly 750 may be configured to providing a desired gearing ratio, for example to increase the rotational speed from the input (e.g., the crankshaft 701) to the output (e.g., the flywheel 710). The transmission assembly may have a single stage as shown in
In other examples, such as the example shown in
The crankshaft 701 may be driven by one or more crank arms, for example left and right crank arms 650-L and 650-R, respectively, each of which may be fixed to the respective end of the crankshaft 701 via a respective crank fitting 736-L and 736-R. The crankshaft 701 may be rotatably supported on the frame 510 via one or more bearings 732, which may be used to rotatably couple the crankshaft 701 to a first tube 551 (
The flywheel 710 is rotatably coupled to the frame 510. The flywheel 710 may be fixedly coupled to an output shaft 758. One or more bearings 738 may be received in a second tube 552 which may be fixed to the mast 515, e.g., below the first tube 551, or otherwise supported on the frame. The output shaft 758 may be rotatably supported on the frame 510 via the one or bearings 738, which may be used to coaxially rotatably couple the transmission shaft 758 to the second tube 552. The second tube 552 may be fixed to the mast 515, such as on the upright frame support 518 (see, e.g.,
The rotation of the first driven member (e.g., input disk 752) may be transmitted, e.g., via the first belt 756, to the first follower member (e.g., output disk 754). The output disk 754 may be mounted on the output shaft 758 with the flywheel 710 such that rotation of the output disk 754 causes the flywheel 710 to rotate synchronously with the output disk 754. In the present example, the first follower member (e.g., output disk 754) has a smaller diameter than the first driven member (e.g., input disk 752) and thus the first stage 750-1 gears up (i.e., increases) the rotational speed of the output shaft 758 relative to the input shaft (i.e., the crankshaft 701) such that the crankshaft 701 is operatively coupled to the flywheel 710 to cause the flywheel 710 to rotate responsive to, but asynchronously with, the crankshaft 701. The smaller relative diameter of the output disk 754 to the diameter of the input disk 752 thus may also increase the rotational speed of the flywheel 710 relative to the speed of the input disk 752. In other examples, disks (e.g., input disk 752 and/or the output disk 754) may be fixed to their respective shafts by plate mounts as previously described with respect to the transmission assembly 350, or they may be differently coupled to the respective shafts such as by being directly attached (e.g., bolted) to the shaft. In other embodiments, a different suitable gearing arrangement may be used.
The input disk 752 and the flywheel 710 may be located on opposite sides of a the mast 515, e.g., on opposite sides of the support 516, 518, and/or 514. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, for example when using belt or chain drives, a tensioner mechanism may be provided to remove slack from a flexible transmission member, such as a belt or chain (e.g., the belt 756). For example, an idler 772, which may be implemented pulley, roller, sprocket, other suitable structure and depending on the type of transmission member being used, may be operatively engaged with the flexible transmission member (e.g., the belt 756). The idler may be supported on a bracket 774, which may be adjustably and/or biasingly coupled to the frame to tension (or biased) the idler 772, in some cases adjustably, toward the flexible transmission member (e.g., first belt 756), which may cause a bend in the flexible transmission member (e.g., first belt 756) towards the inside of the loop. In some examples, an idler may be associated with each of the flexible transmission members of the transmission assembly 750.
An exercise machine according to any embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., machine 100 or machine 500) may include a console 900 for controlling one or more operations of the exercise machine. In some embodiments, the console 900 may be operable to display content and/or facilitate interaction with the user while the user is exercising. The console 900 may be mounted on the frame 510 (e.g., on the mast 515) in a convenient location, such as to position elements of the console 900 (e.g., the display 902, user controls 912, etc.) at a location accessible to the user while exercising with the exercise machine. The console 900 may be integrated into the machine (e.g., at least partially enclosed by the shroud 504). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the console 900, such as the display 902, may be removably mounted to the exercise machine 500. In some embodiments, the console 900 may be mounted on a console support 950, which extends from or is integrated with the upper end of the mast 515. In some embodiments, the console 900 and/or the console support 950 may be configured to adjusting the vertical position, the horizontal position, and/or orientation of the console 900 or a component thereof (e.g., the display) with respect to the rest of the frame 510 (e.g., relative to the mast 515).
The processor(s) 904 may be implemented by any suitable combination of one or more electronic devices (e.g., one or more CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, etc., or combinations thereof) capable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processor(s) 904 may be implemented by a microprocessor, microcomputer, graphics processing unit, or the like. The processor(s) 904 may include one or more processing elements or modules that may or may not be in communication with one another. For example, a first processing element may control a first set of components of the console 900 and a second processing element may control a second set of components of the console 900 where the first and second processing elements may or may not be in communication with each other. The processor(s) 904 may be configured to execute one or more instructions in parallel locally, and/or across a network, such as through cloud computing resources or other networked electronic devices. The processor 904 may control various elements of the exercise machine, including but not limited to the display 902.
The display 902 provides an output mechanism for the console 900, such as to display visual information (e.g., images, videos and other multi-media, graphical user interfaces, notifications, exercise performance data, exercise programs and instructions, and the like) to a user, and in certain instances may also act to receive user input (e.g., via a touch screen or the like), thus also functioning as an input device of the console. The display 902 may be an LCD screen, plasma screen, LED screen, an organic LED screen, or the like. In some examples, more than one display 902 may be used. The display 902 may include or be otherwise associated with an audio playback device (e.g., a speaker or an audio output connector) for providing audio data associated with any visual information provided on the display 902. In some embodiments, the audio data may instead be output via a Bluetooth or other wireless connection.
The memory components 906 store electronic data that may be utilized by the console 900, such as audio files, video files, document files, programming instructions, media, and the like. The memory components 906 may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components. In some embodiments, memory 906 may store one or more programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof. The program and modules of the memory 906 may include, but are not limited to, an operating system, a network communication module, a system initialization module, and/or a media player. The operating system may include procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. Further, a system initialization module may initialize other modules and data structures stored in the memory 906 for the appropriate operation of the console. In some embodiments, the memory 906 stores, responsive to the processor 904, exercise performance data (e.g., resistance level, cadence, power, user heart rate, etc.) obtained or derived from measurement by one or more sensors on the exercise machine. In some embodiments, the memory 906 may store one or more exercise programs and instructions, which cause the processor 904 to adapt one or more of the exercise programs based on the exercise performance data. The memory 906 may store the adapted exercise program(s) and may subsequently cause the processor 904 to control an operation of the exercise machine in accordance with the adapted exercise program(s). For example, the processor 904 may provide instructions the user, e.g., via the display or other component of the console, for adjusting the configuration of the machine (e.g., the incline of the rail, the resistance level) or the user's performance (e.g., a cadence) in accordance with the adapted exercise program. In some embodiments, the processor 904 may automatically, concurrently with or alternatively to providing instructions, adjust the configuration of the machine (e.g., the incline, the resistance, etc.) in accordance with the adapted exercise program.
The network/communication interface 908, when provided, enables the console 900 to transmit and receive data, to other electronic devices directly and/or via a network. The network/communication interface 908 may include one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless transmitters/receivers). In some embodiments, the network/communication interface may include a network communication module stored in the memory 906, such as an application program interface (API) that interfaces and translates requests across the network between the network interface 908 of the console 900 and other devices on the network. The network communication module may be used for connecting the console 900 to other devices (such as personal computers, laptops, smartphones, and the like) via the network interface 908 in communication with one or more communication networks (wired or wireless), such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, personal area networks, and so on.
The console 900 may also include and/or be operatively associated a power supply 910. The power supply 910 provides power to the console 900. The power supply 910 may include one or more rechargeable batteries, power management circuit(s) and/or other circuitry (e.g., AC/DC inverter, DC/DC converter, or the like) for connecting the console 900 to an external power source. Additionally, the power supply 910 may include one or more types of connectors or components that provide different types of power to the console 900. In some embodiments, the power supply 910 may include a connector (such as a universal serial bus) that provides power to the an external device such as a smart phone, tablet or other user device.
The one or more input/output (I/O) devices 912 allow the console 900 to receive input and provide output (e.g., from and to the user). For example, the input/output devices 912 may include a capacitive touch screen (e.g., a touch screen associated with the display 902), various buttons, knobs, dials, keyboard, stylus, or any other suitable user controls. In some embodiments, inputs may be provided to the console (e.g., to processor 904) also via one or more biometric sensors (e.g., a heart rate sensor, a fingerprint sensor), which may be suitably arranged on the exercise machine, such as by placing them at one or more locations likely to be touched by the user during exercise (e.g., on a handle 668 and/or 670 of the exercise machine). The input/output devices 912 may include an audio input (e.g., a microphone or a microphone jack). In some embodiments, the processor 904 may be configured to receive user inputs (e.g., a voice command) via the audio input. One or more of the input/output devices may be integrated with or otherwise co-located on the console 900. For example, certain buttons, knobs and/or dials, may be co-located with the display 902, which may be a passive or touch sensitive display, on the console 900. In some examples, one or more of the input devices (e.g., button for controlling volume or other functions of the console) may be located elsewhere on the exercise machine, e.g., separately from the display 902. For example, one or more buttons may be located on one or more handles 668, 670 of the exercise machine. As shown in
Operation of an input device 914-1, 914-2, 916-1, 916-2 may control a configuration or operation of a portion of the exercise machine 100, 500. For example an input device 914-1, 914-2, 916-1, 916-2 may include any suitable user control, such as a button for adjusting (e.g., raising and/or lowering) the lift mechanism 400, 800; changing the resistance level of the resistance mechanism 300, 700, or the like. In some examples, an input device 912 (e.g., any of the input devices 914-1, 914-2, 916-1, 916-2) may be in communication, directly or via the processor 904, with a controller (e.g., controller 360, 760) and/or the brake 320, 720 to control an aspect of the exercise machine 100, 500. A user input device 912 may be in direct communication with the controller 360, 760 and/or brake 320, 720, or indirectly, such as via processor 904. For example, user input f may be received via an input device 912, which is then received by the processor 904, which consequently interprets the input and issues a command to the controller 360, 760 and/or brake 320, 720 to reconfigure the exercise machine 100, 500.
In some embodiments, the incline and/or resistance may be adjusted by the processing element 904 based on an exercise sequence or program stored in memory 906. In some examples, the exercise sequence may define a set of time intervals at various incline and/or resistance levels. In some embodiments, the console may additionally or alternatively communicate the exercise sequence to the user, such as in the form of instructions (e.g. audio and/or visual) on the timing of and settings to which a user should adjust the incline and/or resistance. In some embodiments the exercise sequence may be adapted (e.g., by processor 904) over time based on the user's prior performance of the exercise sequence or portion(s) thereof. The console may be configured to enable the user to interact with the exercise program, such as to manually adjust it and/or override it (e.g., for exercising in manual mode). In some embodiments, the console may be configured to present, independent of or concurrently with an exercise program, stored or streamed video content (e.g., scenery which may be recorded or computer generated), the playback of which may be dynamically adapted, in some embodiments, based on the user's movements of the upper and/or lower linkages. For example, the console 900 may present a video of a scene (e.g., a trail in Central Park in New York City, a boardwalk, or a fictional scene) presented from the vantage point of a user advancing through the scene and which may include real, virtual, and/or augmented reality content, on the display 902. As the user exercises, the processor 904 may determine a speed of travel of the user, e.g., based on the rotational speed of the crankshaft and/or the incline of the rail, and may change the playback rate of the video (e.g., speed it up and slow it down) to provide a more realistic experience of the rate at which the user advances through the scenery. In some embodiment, the scenery is configured to match a particular exercise program such as to display a hilled terrain for time intervals performed at relatively higher incline, and generally flat terrain for time intervals performed at relatively lower incline. The processor 904 may facilitate a generally synchronized progression through the scenery and the exercise sequence, e.g., by adjusting the playback to match the user's progression through the exercise sequence. Alternatively, the exercise machine may adjust the machine's configuration (e.g., incline and/or resistance) based on the scenery, such as to increase incline and/or resistance when the scenery presents a path up a hill, and decrease the incline and/or resistance when the scenery presents level ground or downhill terrain. The display 902 may display the interactive environment in a first person view (e.g. as seen by a user) or in a third person view (e.g., a view of the user as seen by an observer). For example, the scene may be displayed from point of view above, behind, and/or to a side of the user. The interactive environment may be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,810,798, titled “Systems and Methods For Generating 360 Degree Mixed Reality Environments,” which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/808,221 filed Mar. 3, 2020, entitled “Compact Elliptical Exercise Machine,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any purpose.
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| Child | 17136947 | US |
