Patent Application
20060287161
The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment or exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to elliptical or elliptical-type exercise machines having one or more breakaway components configured to enable the elliptical exercise machine to achieve a compact configuration useful for one or more purposes, such as to reduce the space occupied by the elliptical exercise machine and to provide an advantageous configuration for storing and/or transporting the elliptical exercise machine.
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 or pivot axis, 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° in order to simulate a proper and natural alternating stride motion.
An individual may utilize an elliptical or elliptical-type 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 or elliptical-type machine may further comprise mechanisms or systems for increasing the resistance of the motion, and/or for varying the vertical elevation or height of the closed path. 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.
A typical closed path may comprise a generally horizontal outline having a longitudinal axis therethrough. Depending upon the exercise machine, a closed path may comprise many different configurations, each differing in size and/or path geometry. As such, a particular measurement of interest to individuals with respect to an elliptical or elliptical-type exercise machine is “stride length.” A stride length is essentially a measurement of the distance separating the two furthest points along the longitudinal axis of the closed path. Therefore, upon actuation of the exercise machine, a single stride may be referred to as travel by the reciprocating foot support, and therefore the foot of a user, along the closed path from a first endpoint on the along the longitudinal axis of the closed path to the a distal endpoint, also on the longitudinal axis. The stride and resulting stride length provided by an exercise machine, although simulated and possibly modified, is comparable to a single stride achieved during natural and/or modified gait of an individual. Obviously, the strides, and particularly the stride lengths, between different individuals may vary, perhaps considerably. Indeed, a person of small stature will most likely have a much shorter stride length than a person of large stature, and thus will be more comfortable on an exercise machine configured to accommodate his or her particular size and resulting stride length.
Being subject to function over form, elliptical exercise machines, by design, are large in size and tend to occupy a large amount of vertical and horizontal space during operation. In some instances, elliptical exercise machines may occupy a substantial amount of horizontal space, commonly referred to as a footprint, measuring several feet in width and often at least three times this in length. This being said, exercise machines, while very useful, do not provide a particularly attractive presence. Indeed, they can be rather unsightly in their appearance, as well as requiring a significant amount of space for operation. While their appearance and presence is not an issue in most commercial settings, such as athletic fitness or sports centers, spas, resorts, etc., the same is not true when the exercise machine is intended for residential use. Therefore, exercise machines are designed to occupy as little space as possible. Still further, and particularly with respect to those intended for residential use, exercise machines are designed to comprise some type of folding mechanism that allows the exercise machine to fold upon itself in one or more ways in order to reduce the occupied space when the exercise machine is not in use. Such folding capabilities are also advantageous when packaging and/or transporting exercise machines.
Although many design endeavors to reduce the footprint of exercise machines, such as treadmills, have successfully been implemented, these same endeavors have not been favorably amenable to elliptical or elliptical-type exercise machines. This may largely be due to the bulky and weighty drive assembly and associated components common on most elliptical exercise machines. Because of the size and weight of the drive assembly, most attempts to provide elliptical exercise machines with some type of folding mechanism have resulted in only the folding of the handles and the vertical support member extending upward from the support frame to the user interface in a downward manner towards the drive assembly. One problem with this type of folding arrangement is that, although the vertical space being occupied by the elliptical exercise machine is reduced, the horizontal space being occupied, or the footprint, remains unchanged.
As such, there is a need for an elliptical or elliptical-type exercise machine that provides all of the beneficial operational functions of prior related elliptical exercise machines while in operation, but that also is capable of substantially reducing the space being occupied by the elliptical exercise machine, namely the horizontal space or the footprint.
In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing an exercise machine having a centrally located pivot joint in the base support structure that enables the elliptical exercise machine to fold into an upright, compact configuration.
As broadly embodied and described herein, the present invention features an elliptical exercise machine comprising: (a) a base support structure having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivot joint comprising a pivot mechanism configured to pivotally connect the front and rear portions, the pivot mechanism being configured to facilitate a breakaway of the base support and an upward rotation of the rear portion with respect to the front portion, thereby enabling the elliptical exercise machine to fold into a compact configuration; (b) an upright support structure extending upward with respect to the base support structure; (c) a drive assembly operably supported about the rear portion of the base support structure and comprising a drive component configured to rotate about a pivot axis; and (d) a reciprocating foot support operable with the drive assembly and configured to travel about a closed path upon rotation of the drive component and operation of the elliptical exercise machine.
In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating foot support is configured to releasably engage the drive component, thereby allowing the rear portion to fold upward and the reciprocating foot support also to be folded upward and out of the way.
The present invention also features an exercise machine comprising: (a) a rear base support configured to support the exercise machine about a surface; (b) a drive assembly supported about the rear base support; (c) a reciprocating foot support releasably coupled to the drive assembly; and (d) a front base support also configured to support the exercise machine about the surface, wherein the front base support is pivotally coupled to the rear base support via a pivot mechanism, and wherein the rear base support is configured to pivot upward away from the surface to enable the exercise machine to fold into an upright compact configuration. In this particular embodiment, an upright support and swing arms are not required, but may be included.
The present invention further features a method for transitioning an elliptical exercise machine from an operational state to a folded, compact configuration, the method comprising: (a) facilitating the construction of an elliptical exercise machine comprising: (i) a base support structure having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivot joint comprising a pivot mechanism configured to pivotally connect the front and rear portions; (ii) an upright support structure extending upward with respect to the base support structure; (iii) a drive assembly operably supported about the rear portion of the base support structure and comprising a drive component configured to rotate about a pivot axis; (iv) a reciprocating foot support releasably coupled to the drive assembly and configured to travel about a closed path upon rotation of the drive component and operation of the elliptical exercise machine; (b) facilitating the release of the reciprocating foot support from the drive component; and (d) facilitating a breakaway of the base support at the pivot joint and an upward rotation of the rear portion with respect to the front portion to fold the elliptical exercise machine into the compact configuration.
The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, 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 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 having one or more breakaway components that facilitate the folding of the elliptical exercise machine into a compact configuration, and more particularly an upright compact configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, the elliptical exercise machine may comprise a pivoting joint, or breakaway joint, located in its support frame. The breakaway joint may be complemented by, and the elliptical exercise machine may further comprise, breakaway reciprocating foot supports that further facilitate the folding of the elliptical exercise machine into a compact configuration.
At the outset, although many of the principles, exercise machines, systems, devices, assemblies, mechanisms, and methods described herein are discussed primarily in terms of their use with those types of elliptical exercise machines having a rear mount drive component or crank that utilizes swing arms, one ordinarily skilled in the art will understand that such principles, exercise machines, systems, devices, assemblies, mechanisms, and methods are adaptable, without undue experimentation, to be useable on an elliptical exercise machine or other similar type of exercise machine having a front mount configuration, wherein the closed path is generated by a front mount drive component, such as on a front mechanical-type exercise machine, or through any other manner, and are similarly adaptable for use on those types of exercise machines having stationary or fixed hand grips or handlebars.
The present invention provides several significant advantages over many prior related elliptical exercise machines, some of which are recited here and throughout the following more detailed description. First, by providing releasable or detachable reciprocating foot supports, the elliptical exercise machine may comprise a pivot joint located approximately centrally, or thereabout, and away from either of its ends. Second, by providing an approximately centrally located pivot joint that is away from either end, the elliptical exercise machine is capable of folding into a more compact configuration than prior related machines. Third, the present invention allows the elliptical exercise machine to stored in an upright position, rather than a prone position. This may allow the elliptical exercise machine to fit into tighter storage spaces than would otherwise be possible. Each of the above-recited advantages will be apparent in light of the detailed description set forth below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other advantages may be realized, other than those specifically recited herein, upon practicing the present invention.
With reference to
The reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44, as well as the other components of the exercise machine, such as the drive assembly, are supported about a resting surface by a base support structure 70. The base support structure 70 is configured to provide both structural and translational support to the components of the exercise machine 10, and also to interface with the ground or other suitable surface. The base support structure 70 generally defines the size of the foot print of the exercise machine 10.
Advantageously, the base support structure 70 of the present invention is configured to pivot or breakaway, thus allowing the elliptical exercise machine 10 to be folded into a compact configuration and then back again as desired. Specifically, the base support structure 70 is configured with some type of pivoting means that pivotally couples together at least two components of the base support structure 70 and that allows at least a portion of the base support structure to fold about at least another portion of the base support structure 70 for the purpose of compacting the elliptical exercise machine (e.g., for storage purposes) (see
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
As indicated, the elliptical exercise machine 10 comprises a pivoting mechanism or assembly configured to facilitate the pivoting of the front and rear portions with respect to one another. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown, the elliptical exercise machine 10 comprises a pivoting mechanism or assembly 170 located along the longitudinal length and between the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal support beam 74. In the embodiment shown, the pivoting mechanism 170 is located a distance from a midpoint of the longitudinal support beam 74, thus accommodating the drive assembly 112, including the housing or enclosure 114 enclosing all or a portion of the components of the drive assembly. The pivoting mechanism 170 is configured to permit the rear portion 64 to breakaway and pivot in an upward direction off of the ground or floor surface and with respect to the front portion 66, which remains in contact with the ground, thus facilitating and enabling the breakaway of the base support structure 70 and the repositioning of the drive assembly 112 for one or more purposes, such as folding the elliptical exercise machine 10 into a compact configuration, as shown in
As shown, the exemplary elliptical exercise machine 10 is a rear mechanical-type machine with the rear portion 64 of the base support structure 70 being configured to support the drive assembly 112. With the drive assembly 112 supported about the rear portion 64, upward rotation of the rear portion 64 about the front portion 66 functions to cause the drive assembly 112, and its several components, to also be pivoted upward and inward toward the upright support 86, thus compacting the elliptical exercise machine 10.
In light of the upward and inward rotation of the rear portion 66, and resultantly the drive assembly 112, the base support structure 70, as well as its various component parts, particularly the front and rear portions 64 and 66, as well as the pivot mechanism 170, are configured to comprise the necessary size and strength to support the drive assembly 112 in a vertical or substantially vertical position, as well as in any number of interim positions. Such will be obvious to one skilled in the art.
Moreover, the base support structure 70 may be any suitable design, such as any suitable frame-like structure or other configuration. In addition, the base support structure 70 may comprise a plurality of different components configured to operatively couple together to form the base support structure 70. Essentially, the base support structure 70 may comprise any suitable design configured to perform and operate as intended, and therefore, the I-beam configuration discussed herein and shown in the drawings is not meant to be limiting in any way.
To assist the user in actuating the breakaway function of the elliptical exercise machine and pivoting or rotating the rear portion 64 upward, the present invention may feature one or more handles formed with the frame or other support members of the elliptical exercise machine. As shown in
The upright support 86 of the exemplary elliptical exercise machine 10 may comprise any shape or configuration. In one particular embodiment, the upright support 86 comprises a curved segment 88, which comprises an outward oriented curve that curves away from the drive assembly 112. The curved segment 88 may be configured to receive the drive assembly 112, or the enclosure or housing enclosing or encasing the various components of the drive assembly 112 (shown as enclosure 114), in a nesting relationship when the rear portion 66 of the support base structure 70, and therefore the drive assembly 112, is pivoted upward to fold the elliptical exercise machine 10 into a more compact configuration as taught herein (see
With reference to
The lower ends of the first and second swing arms 102 and 122 are pivotally coupled to the second ends 22 and 52 of the first and second reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44, respectively, using any known coupling means. The first and second reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 and the first and second swing arms 102 and 122 are configured to pivot about pivot points 110 and 130, respectively, during operation of the exercise machine 10. The swing arms 102 and 122 function to guide the first and second reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44, respectively, in a pendulous reciprocating motion along an arcuate closed path upon operation of the exercise machine 10. Travel about this arcuate closed path provides a substantially horizontal forward-rearward component of motion that effectively simulates a user's stride. Due to the coupling configuration of the reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 at each of their respective second ends, the closed path traveled by the foot pads 30 and 60 is generally elliptical in nature, with the majority of the path comprising a horizontal component, although a vertical component is also present.
In addition, the swing arms 102 and 122 are configured to permit the reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 to pivot or fold upward on the swing arms 102 and 122, where they may be releasably coupled to the upright support 86, or one or more of its component parts. As shown in
The elliptical exercise machine 10 further comprises first and second drive components, shown as first and second cranks or crank arms 140 and 160 rotatably supported about the base support structure 70 using any known means for supporting. It is contemplated that the present invention may be incorporated into an elliptical exercise machine comprising various types of drive components that are capable of rotating about a pivot point in either a concentric or eccentric manner. However, for the purposes of discussion, the exemplary drive components will be described as cranks 140 and 160. The cranks 140 and 160 are preferably in a fixed relationship with respect to one another and are configured to travel along identical repeating circular paths about a common pivot axis. The first and second cranks 140 and 160 are also configured to be out of phase with one another by 180° in order to facilitate an alternating reciprocating motion within the first and second reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 and to simulate the natural alternating strides of a user. Each of the cranks preferably comprise a fixed or non-adjustable size or length.
To enable the base support structure 70 to breakaway and a portion of it to pivot or rotate upward in order to fold the elliptical exercise machine into a more compact configuration, the present invention further features first and second reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 configured to detach from the respective drive components coupled thereto (see
Means for releasably coupling the reciprocating foot supports to the respective drive components may comprise a number of different coupling configurations, some of which are illustrated in the drawings and described herein. Specifically, as shown in
As indicated, each of the first and second reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 are removably coupled to first and second struts 194 and 206, respectively. In the embodiment shown, first ends 18 and 48 of the reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44, respectively, each comprise a clasp, shown as clasps 214 and 218, configured to releasably engage and couple to the rotating collars 198 and 210 of the first and second struts 184 and 206, respectively. The clasps 214 and 218 each comprise a half-circle configuration with a radius that is slightly larger than that of the rotating collars, thus allowing the clasps 214 and 218 to engage with and to mate with the rotating collars. The openings of the half-circle clasps are positioned in a downward facing orientation, or rather in an orientation that is away from a top surface of the reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44, in order to allow the reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44 to be rotated downward to releasably engage the struts, as well as to support any downward or other forces acting thereon, such as those typically applied as a result of a user operating the elliptical exercise machine 10. To attach a reciprocating foot support to a strut of the drive component, the clasp of the reciprocating foot support is aligned with the strut and caused to engage and rest upon the rotating collar of the strut. In this position, the clasp allows the reciprocating foot support and the elliptical exercise machine to function as intended with the clasp and the rotating collar rotating about the shaft of the strut. When it is desired to fold the elliptical exercise machine, the reciprocating foot support is released from the strut simply by lifting up on the reciprocating foot support to disengage the clasp. Once disengaged or released, the reciprocating foot support may be rotated upward and caused to rest against the upright support 86 or a component thereof. This procedure may be performed for each of the reciprocating foot supports 14 and 44, as is shown in
As shown in FIGS. 5-A and 5-B, the reciprocating foot supports may further comprise a locking mechanism configured to temporarily lock the reciprocating foot supports to the drive components, and particularly to the struts of the drive components. For example, as shown in
In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in
The trigger 238 is supported on one end via an anchor 246 extending from the latch base 236, and on another end via a slider 248. The anchor 246 pivotally couples the trigger 238 to the latch base 236. More specifically, the anchor 246 is configured to receive an end of the trigger 238 therein and to facilitate its rotation upon the trigger 238 being actuated to release the reciprocating foot support 14 from the strut. The slider 248 is slidably coupled to the latch base 236 and is configured to allow the latch 240 to displace as the latch 240 is coupled to the slider 248. The trigger 238 further comprises a slot 250 formed therein, which is configured to also facilitate the release and displacement of the latch slide 240. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the slot 250 comprises an L-shape configuration with a horizontal and vertical portion. The slider 248 further comprises a pin 249 contained within the aperture 251. The pin 249 is configured to track along the slot in response to the bi-directional movement of the latch 240.
The latch assembly 234 further comprises a plate 252 coupled or mounted to the clasp 214 at an end proximate the end 18 of the reciprocating foot support 14. The plate 252 comprises a slot 254 formed therein to allow the latch 240 to pass therethrough as it displaces in both directions.
To actuate the locking mechanism, or rather to enable the latch 240 to release or retract from its locked position, the trigger 238 is actuated. This causes pin 249 contained within the aperture 251 in the slider 248 to transition from the vertical portion of the slot 250 to the horizontal portion of the slot 250, thereby allowing the pin 249 and the slider 248 to displace in response to the displacement of the latch 240 caused by the application of a load, namely the lifting of the reciprocating foot support 14 off of the strut. In essence, the trigger 238 functions to release the latch 240 and to allow it to displace under a load.
Other types of locking mechanisms may be employed and are contemplated herein, such as a strap, an elastic member, etc.
It is specifically noted herein that the first and second reciprocating foot supports may comprise any type of mechanism, assembly, etc., configured to releasably couple their respective first ends to the drive components of the elliptical exercise machine. As such, the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and shown in the drawings, such as the inclusion of clasps positioned at the first ends, are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art will recognize other ways of releasably coupling the reciprocating foot supports to the drive components to accomplish the folding of the elliptical exercise machine as intended herein. These alternative ways are contemplated, and are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.
With reference to
Specifically, with reference to
The pivoting mechanism 170 further comprise a stop or limiting system. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the limiting system comprises a stop member 182 located within the channel 176 of the first piece 75 of the longitudinal support beam 74. The stop member 182 comprises a protrusion 184 that is configured to be engage and slide within a corresponding slot 178 formed in a sidewall 180 of the pin support member 174. Being fixed to the first piece 75 of the longitudinal support beam 74, upon rotation of the rear portion of the base support structure 70 to fold the elliptical exercise machine, the protrusion 184 travels within the slot 178. When the protrusion 184 contacts an upper edge of the slot 178, full rotation is reached. As such, the limiting system prohibits further or over rotation of the rear portion 66 of the base support structure 70. In essence, the limiting system, and particularly the protrusion 184 and the slot 178, functions to limit the rotation of the base support structure 70, and particularly the rear portion 66, in the upward direction. The protrusion 184 and the slot 178 may be configured to enable any suitable range of rotation of the rear portion 66 between 0° and 130°. As shown in
With reference to
Upon release of the reciprocating foot supports 314 and 344 from their corresponding drive components (see drive component 460), and upon actuation, the hydraulic actuator 432 exerts opposing forces upon both the first and second pieces 375 and 376, or the front and rear portions 364 and 366, that causes the rear portion 366 to pivot about the pivot pin 488 and to rotate upwards towards a folded position. Stated differently, the hydraulic actuator 432 induces a moment within the rear portion 366 about the pivot pin or pivot point 488, which moment functions to assist the user in lifting the rear portion 366 and folding the elliptical exercise machine into a compact configuration.
The assist mechanism may further be configured to provide assist in folding the elliptical exercise machine into its compact configuration, as well as unfolding the elliptical exercise machine from its compact configuration into its unfolded position ready for operation or use. In other words, the present invention contemplates an assist mechanism that comprises a dual assist function, or a bi-directional assist function. It is also contemplated that the assist mechanism may be configured to comprise a single assist function, wherein the assist mechanism provides one-way directional assistance with either the folding or unfolding of the elliptical exercise machine.
The assist mechanism may comprise other types of actuators, such as a pneumatic actuator. In addition, the assist mechanism may comprise a ratchet system operable with the pivot mechanism.
The hydraulic actuator 432 may be supported on the outside of the second piece 376 of the longitudinal support beam 374 or within the interior tubing of the second piece 376.
With reference again to
Upon completion of an exercise session, or for one or more other purposes, the elliptical exercise machine 10 may be folded into a more compact configuration for easy storage or transport. This is accomplished by releasing or detaching each of the reciprocating foot supports from the drive components and rotating them upward out of the way and temporarily coupling them to the anchors on the upright support. Once the reciprocating foot supports are detached and out of the way, the base support structure is caused to breakaway and the rear portion folded upward with respect to the front portion as discussed herein.
The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.
More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed description or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function is expressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support that structure are expressly recited. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.
