Patent Application
20120065029
The present invention relates to eccentric arm type devices.
Exercise cycles have been popular for many years. Such cycles enable the user to exercise in a manner similar to that when riding a bicycle while conveniently remaining at home or in a gym. Basic exercise cycles allow only for aerobic and leg conditioning and do not provide a substantial benefit to the arms and upper torso. However, certain exercise cycles also provide for motion of a handlebar or handlever assembly to provide exercise for the arms and upper torso of the user.
Perhaps the most popular of these so-called “dual-action” cycles is the Schwinn® Airdyne® exercise bicycle, which provides for the traditional pedaling motion with the user's feet, and also provides handlebars which move back and forth out of phase with each other. Other dual-action exercise cycles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,030 (Hooper), U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,742 (Cones), U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,244 (Ross), U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,789 (Brilando), U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,790 (Szymski), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,988 (Szymski).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,102 (Lo) describes a dual-action cycle comprising handle bar swing levers that are linked to the wheel axel through respective swing arms which may be re-positioned to move in phase with each other. The swing arms are secured to the wheel axel through “key-ways” formed on each end of the axel. The re-positioning is achieved by providing a wheel axel which has two key-ways on one end, wherein the first key way is aligned with the key-way on the other end of the axel, and the second key way is off-set 180 degrees. Although the cycle described by Lo does provides for both reciprocating and tandem motion of the swing levers, the configuration is complex, requiring additional parts such as rollers to slide up and down an elongated plate which must be fixed to the swing lever. The use of such additional movable parts reduces longevity of the device and the configuration is too complex for many consumers. Furthermore, the configuration is not amenable to many pre-existing dual-action cycles as after-market modification without considerable alteration of pre-existing parts (e.g. drilling to install bolts) and without substantial disassembly of the cycle (e.g. the entire wheel assembly to install the axel). Among other deficiencies, the device Lo is also lacking in that it does not also allow for tandem motion of the feet.
The present invention provides a selectable-angle eccentric arm which may be mounted to a rotatable shaft (e.g. drive shaft) at a plurality of angles around the axis of rotation (e.g. offset by 180°).
In one embodiment, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises eccentric arm body, a shaft mount, and an engageable/disengagable locking member (shaft lock) for fixing the eccentric arm at one of a plurality of angles (e.g. angles offset by 180°) around the axis of rotation. Optionally, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises a foot pedal or means for linkage to a foot pedal (e.g. peg with a keyway for acceptance of a foot pedal crank arm with a key).
In one embodiment, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises eccentric arm body, a shaft mount, a shaft lock, and drive bar linkage means for linking the eccentric arm body with a drive bar (e.g. a peg for a peghole on a drive bar). Optionally, the shaft lock is a drive shaft pin. Optionally, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises a foot pedal or means for linkage to a foot pedal (e.g. peg with a keyway for acceptance of a foot pedal crank arm with a key).
In one embodiment, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises eccentric arm body, a shaft mount, and a shaft lock, wherein the shaft lock comprise a drive shaft pin. Optionally, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises means for biasing the drive shaft pin with a drive shaft (e.g. a spring).
The invention also provides a drive mechanism comprising at least two eccentric arms mounted to a rotatable shaft (e.g. drive shaft), wherein at least one of the eccentric arms is a selectable angle eccentric arm, e.g. as described above (a ‘dual arm selectable angle drive mechanism’). Optionally, the selectable angle eccentric arm configured to be mounted and fixed to the rotatable shaft in at least two angles around the axis of rotation which are offset 180° from one another. Optionally, the dual arm selectable angle drive mechanism provides a first configuration in which two eccentric arms are offset 180° from one another and a second configuration in which the two eccentric arms are not offset (i.e. mounted at the same angle).
The invention also provides a device comprising the drive mechanism. In one embodiment, the device is a human-powered device. Optionally, the human-powered device is an exercise device or a vehicle. Optionally, the human-powered device is a cycle (e.g. exercise cycle or vehicular cycle) comprising pedals. Optionally, the cycle is an upright cycle or a recumbent cycle. Optionally, device is an exercise cycle and the rotatable shaft is linked to acceleration-resistance and/or momentum-carrying means (e.g. fly wheel). Optionally, the cycle is a single-action (e.g. operated by hands only or feet only) or dual-action cycle (e.g. operated using hands and feet). Optionally, the dual-action cycle is direct drive, dual-action cycle.
The invention also provides a device (e.g. exercise device) comprising:
In one embodiment, the device further comprises first and second hand levers pivotally mounted to the frame for oscillating movement; and first and second drive bars linking the first and second hand levers to the respective first and second eccentric arms, whereby movement of the hand levers about said pivot mount cranks the eccentric arms and induces rotation of the drive shaft. Optionally, the hand levers are pivotally linked to the drive bars (e.g. by peg/peghole). Optionally, the hand levers are class 1 levers, as described herein. Optionally, the device is a direct drive dual action cycle, wherein the eccentric arms are linked to pedals, and wherein the pedals orbit the drive shaft out of phase when the eccentric arms are offset and orbit the drive shaft in tandem when the eccentric arms are not offset.
In one embodiment, the eccentric arms of the device comprise pedals. Optionally, the pedals comprise foot straps.
In one embodiment, the drive shaft of the device is linked to acceleration resistance means and/or momentum carrying means such as a flywheel. Optionally, the drive shaft is indirectly linked to acceleration resistance means (e.g. by mounting a sprocket on the drive shaft). Optionally, the eccentric arms comprise pedals and/or foot straps.
In one embodiment, the selectable angle eccentric arm of the device comprises a shaft mount configured such that the eccentric arm is rotatably carried by the drive shaft, wherein the first eccentric arm is free to rotate about the drive shaft when the drive shaft lock is disengaged.
In one embodiment, the drive shaft lock of the device is a drive shaft pin. Optionally, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises means for biasing the drive shaft pin with a drive shaft (e.g. a spring).
Any of the embodiments and/or optional features described herein can be provided independently or in combination with one or more other embodiments and/or optional features described herein (except where such a combination conflicts with the express teachings of the embodiment).
As used here, the following definitions and abbreviations apply.
“Axial length of rotatable shaft” means a portion of a rotatable comprising the axis of rotation.
“Cross-section” as used herein with respect to a rotatable shaft or an eccentric arm, means a cross section which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft.
“Examplary” (or “e.g.” or “by example”) means a non-limiting example.
“Human-powered device” means a device comprising a drive mechanism in which a rotatable shaft is rotated using human muscle power.
One arm of the invention provides a device comprising a drive mechanism which is supported by a frame. The frame can be any frame that carries or is capable of carrying a rotatable shaft (e.g. drive shaft) comprising an eccentric arm. Generally, the frame of a human-powered device of the present invention will also support the other components of a drive mechanism taught herein. Non limiting examples include, for example, as depicted in
With the teachings provided herein, the skilled artisan can provide frames of any design that support and configure components of a drive mechanism.
The rotatable shaft can be any rotatable shaft that comprises (or is capable of having mounted to it) an eccentric arm extending radially therefrom. A number of such shafts are known in the art. The rotatable shaft can rotatably carried by a frame (i.e. such that the rotatable shaft can rotate on the frame).
In one embodiment, the rotatable shaft is a drive shaft (e.g. drive shaft of a human-powered device).
In one embodiment, the rotatable shaft is a cam shaft, and the eccentric arm is a cam.
A drive shaft will typically be adapted for linkage to perform work (e.g. turn a bicycle wheel or momentum-carrying or resistance wheel). Such linkage adaptations include, for example, the use of indirect linkages such as sprockets, wheels, and other means for linkage to perform work. However, the present invention also contemplates devices in which resistance is directly mounted to the drive shaft.
The rotatable shaft may be configured to accept the eccentric arm (e.g. a shaft lock of the eccentric arm) at a plurality of angles around the axis of rotation (e.g. offset by 180°).
A rotatable shaft can comprise a portion specifically configured to interface an eccentric arm (e.g. through a shaft lock of the eccentric arm). Optionally, the portion is configured to accept a shaft lock of an eccentric arm at a plurality of alternative angles around the rotatable shaft. Non limiting examples are portions that comprise keyways, passageways (e.g. throughhole or port) or cavities (e.g. with D2 symmetry) for acceptance of a shaft lock.
In one embodiment, the portion specifically configured to interface an eccentric arm comprises a substantially circular cross section as in a cylinder. Optionally, such a portion comprises means for interacting with a drive shaft lock. (e.g. with a passageway(s) for acceptance of a shaft pin), for example, as depicted in
Optionally, the portion (e.g. portion which interacts with a selectable angle eccentric arm) comprises a protrusion with a non-circular cross section (e.g. non-circular prism shaped portion). Optionally, the non-circular cross section comprises D2 symmetry (e.g. rectangle or square for mounting an eccentric arm), for example, as depicted in
As used herein, the term “D2 symmetry” embraces structures which are perfectly D2 symmetrical and also embraces structures which functionally exhibit D2 symmetry. The skilled artisan will recognize that structures with perfect D2 symmetry are not required to practice the invention. For example, in one embodiment, a pair of interacting structures (e.g. rotatable shaft protrusion and shaft mount or shaft lock) with “D2 symmetry” include any protrusion/cavity combination in which the non-circular cavity of eccentric arm can be mounted and rotatable fixed on the non-circular portion of the rotatable shaft in two positioned which are 180° rotatable to each other.
One or more crank arms (e.g. pedal crank arms) may be mounted or otherwise linked to the rotatable shaft (e.g. drive shaft) in order to apply torque to and rotate the rotatable shaft. Optionally, one or more crank arms are fixed to the rotatable shaft (e.g. as shown in
According to the present invention, an eccentric arm extends radially (or is configured to extend radially) from a rotatable shaft and is used to convey a substantially linear force and/or motion (e.g. pedaling of foot pedal crank arm, piston action, or drive bar action) to or from rotational force and/or motion of the rotatable shaft.
Generally, an eccentric arm is configured for mounting to a rotatable shaft, and comprises a body extending radially from the rotatable shaft or axis thereof, and is linked or comprises a means (e.g. peg) for linking to a component (e.g. drive bar and/or foot pedal) which undergoes cyclical or reciprocating (e.g. back and forth) movement.
Any type of eccentric arm known in the art is useful according to the present invention. Optionally, the eccentric arm is a crank arm such as a foot pedal crank arm (e.g. attached to a drive shaft). Optionally, the eccentric arm is an eccentric disk. Optionally, the eccentric arm is a cam (e.g. attached to camshaft).
In one embodiment, a drive mechanism comprises a pair (or more) of eccentric arms mounted to a rotatable shaft, wherein at least one of the eccentric arms is a selectable angle eccentric arm. Optionally, the eccentric arms are crank arms such as foot pedal crank arms. Optionally, one of the eccentric arm is a standard (non-selectable angle) eccentric arm. Such standard eccentric arms are known in the art and can comprise, for example, only a single key for mounting on a drive shaft with a single keyway at only a single angle.
In one embodiment, an eccentric arm (e.g. selectable-angle eccentric arm) comprises a means for linking to a drive bar (e.g. a peg) and the eccentric arm further comprises (or is configured for attachment to, e.g. by comprising a peg with a keyway) a pedal crank arm. The angular position of the pedal can be substantially equal to that of the eccentric arm or may be offset from means for linking to a drive bar (e.g. as shown in
According to the present invention, an eccentric arm is provided which may be mounted to a rotatable shaft (e.g. drive shaft) at a plurality of angles around the axis of rotation (e.g. offset by 180°). A selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises a shaft mount and a shaft lock, wherein the shaft lock is configured to engage and disengage the rotatable shaft when the eccentric arm is positioned at a plurality of angles rotatable to each other (e.g. offset by 180°).
In one embodiment, the shaft mount is any member that engages a rotatable shaft to inhibit perpendicular movement of the eccentric arm relative to the axis of rotation (i.e. retraction of the eccentric arm from the shaft), for example, to allow the eccentric arm to “hang” freely on a horizontal rotatable shaft. For example, the shaft mount is optionally a cavity for acceptance of the rotatable shaft (e.g. cavity 2 in
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is a member which interacts with (e.g. contracts) the eccentric arm and the rotatable shaft when engaged and inhibits independent (e.g. free) rotation of the eccentric arm about the rotatable shaft (i.e. without also rotating the rotatable shaft). For example, a shaft lock is optionally any protrusion (e.g. drive shaft pin) that contacts a protrusion or cavity of drive shaft to inhibit rotation of the eccentric arm about the rotatable shaft. Generally, a shaft lock will contact the rotatable shaft at a location radially offset from the axis of rotation, e.g. in order to inhibit free rotation of the eccentric on the rotatable shaft (e.g. at passageways 32 in
In one embodiment, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises a shaft mount having a cavity for acceptance of a rotatable shaft (e.g. an axial length thereof). When the rotatable shaft is provided horizontally (e.g. as depicted in
In one embodiment (e.g. as set forth directly above), the shaft lock is an independent member (e.g. drive shaft pin) which interacts with (e.g. contacts) both the eccentric arm and the rotatable shaft when engaged (e.g. pin 6 depicted in
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is a protrusion of or a cavity in the selectable angle eccentric arm (e.g. of or in the mount), for example, as depicted in
In one embodiment, the selectable-angle eccentric arm is specifically configured to be mounted on a rotatable shaft having either a protrusion (e.g.
The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that, in some embodiments, the selection of an appropriate shaft lock is based, at least in part, on the selection of rotatable shaft or vice versa. With the teachings provided herein, the skilled artisan can now select functional combinations of a shaft lock and rotatable shaft.
In one embodiment, the shaft mount comprises a cavity for acceptance of a rotatable shaft, for example, as depicted in
Although the invention contemplates a selectable-angle eccentric arm comprising a cavity formed as a cutout in a solid member (e.g. as depicted in
In one embodiment, the shaft mount comprises a key or keyway for alternate mounting to a plurality of keyways or keys placed about a rotatable shaft (e.g. offset by 180°).
In embodiment the selectable-angle eccentric arm is of the shaft pin (i.e. the shaft lock is a shaft pin) and comprises:
Optionally, the passageway connects the first face to a second face of the eccentric arm body (e.g. a sidewall of cavity 2 and the external face connected by passageway 5 in
Optionally, the shaft mount comprises a cavity for acceptance of an axial length of a rotatable shaft, optionally wherein the cavity is cylindrical (e.g. cavity 2 in
Optionally, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprising drive bar linkage means (e.g. a peg).
Optionally, the selectable-angle eccentric arm comprises a foot pedal or means for mounting a foot pedal (e.g. peg 3 with keyway 4 in
A selectable-angle eccentric arm of the present invention comprises a shaft lock for engaging the rotatable shaft to rotatably fix the eccentric am to the rotatable shaft. The shaft lock is not limited to any particular configuration, as long as it allows the user to secure the eccentric arm to the rotatable shaft at one or more of the plurality of angles. With the teachings provided herein, the skilled artisan can design shaft locks that allow such operation.
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is configured to engage and disengage the rotatable shaft when the eccentric arm is at any of a plurality of angles (e.g. offset by 180°).
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is any member that prevents rotation of the eccentric arm about a rotatable shaft when the shaft lock is engaged with the rotatable shaft.
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is any member that prevents rotation of the eccentric arm about a rotatable shaft when the shaft lock is engaged with the rotatable shaft and allows rotation of the eccentric arm about the rotatable shaft when disengaged.
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is any member that: a) prevents rotation of the eccentric arm about a rotatable shaft when the shaft lock is engaged with the rotatable shaft and b) either: unmounts the eccentric arm or allows unmounting of eccentric arm from the rotatable shaft upon disengagement.
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is a member which can move independently of (e.g. without moving) the eccentric arm (e.g. drive shaft pin 6 of
In one embodiment, a shaft lock comprises an elongated member (“drive shaft pin”) that may be inserted through both the eccentric arm and the rotatable shaft such that the eccentric arm is rotatably secured to the rotatable shaft, for example, the elongated member 6, as shown in
In such a drive shaft pin configuration, the drive shaft comprise means for engaging the shaft pin when the second eccentric arm is oriented about the rotatable shaft at the first angle and means for engaging the shaft pin the first eccentric arm is oriented about the rotatable shaft at a second angle, wherein the second angle is offset from the first angle. Such means for engaging the shaft pin can be a passageway (e.g. passageways 32 in
In another embodiment, a shaft lock of a selectable angle eccentric arm comprises a cavity with a non-circular cross section (e.g. cavity 25 of
Optionally, the non-cylindrical cavity of the shaft lock is disengaged from the snug fit non-cylindrical portion of the rotatable shaft by pulling outwardly on the eccentric arm, where the eccentric arm may then be rotated and re-engaged at, for example, 180° offset. Alternatively, the non-cylindrical cavity of the shaft lock is disengaged from the snug fit non-cylindrical portion of the rotatable shaft by pushing outwardly on the eccentric arm, where the eccentric arm may then be rotated and re-engaged at, for example, 180° offset.
Optionally, the inner portion of the rotatable shaft (e.g. portion 38 in
Optionally, the non-circular cross section (sometimes referred to as ‘non-cylindrical’) shaft lock is optionally biased (e.g. by spring) to a position where the non-cylindrical cavity interfaces the non-cylindrical portion of the rotatable shaft, thereby securing the eccentric arm at a fixed angle. The user may unlock the eccentric arm from the secured position by moving the eccentric arm to a position where the cavity surrounds a portion of the rotatable shaft that may rotate inside the cavity. Upon rotation of the rotatable shaft to a second angle relative to the eccentric arm, the user may release the eccentric arm and allow the spring to move the eccentric arm back into securing position where the non-cylindrical cavity surrounds the non-cylindrical portion of the rotatable shaft.
In another embodiment, a shaft lock comprise a friction pad or friction plate that is pressed against the drive shaft or component thereof. Such a configuration is similar to how a clutch plate works. Optionally, the friction pad or friction plate is biased for engaging the drive shaft.
In another embodiment, a shaft lock comprises a key or keyway which may be secured to a keyway or key, respectively, present on the rotatable shaft.
A device of the present invention (e.g. a human-powered dual action cycle) optionally comprises a drive bar for linking an eccentric arm to an oscillating lever (e.g. hand lever). Examples of drive bars or drive bars are well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, any drive bar may be used, as long as back and forth movement of the oscillating lever causes rotation of the rotatable shaft by applying torque on the rotatable shaft through the eccentric arm.
In another embodiment, a drive bar is linked to a lever (e.g hand lever) by a pivot joint, for example, as depicted in
In one embodiment, the drive bar is long enough to separate the eccentric arm and the lever by a sufficient distance such that the eccentric arm and the lever do not cross paths (from a side view), for example, as shown in
In another embodiment, a drive bar is linked to a lever (e.g hand lever) by a member which slides about the lever as the lever oscillates. Optionally, the slide comprises rollers which roll about the lever.
A device of the present invention (e.g. a human-powered dual action cycle) may comprise a lever which oscillates back and forth to apply torque and rotate the rotatable shaft by linkage through the drive bar and eccentric arm. Examples of such levers are well known in the art.
Optionally, one or more levers will be pivotally attached to the frame to provide a fulcrum, and comprise a user interface or applied-force portion (e.g. hand-gripped portion) and a linkage to a drive bar (e.g. peg or peghole) to provide the load-bearing portion, as is known in the art.
Any type of lever may be used according the present invention. For example, the lever may be a class 1, 2, or 3 lever.
In one embodiment, a device comprises a class 1 lever. Class 1 levers comprise a fulcrum (e.g. frame-attached pivot) is located between the applied force (e.g. hand grip) and the load (drive bar linkage). In such a configuration, the force applied by the user (applied force) will generally oppose the force applied to the load.
In one embodiment, a device comprises a class 2 lever. Class 2 levers comprise the load situated between the fulcrum and the force.
In one embodiment, a device comprises a class 3 lever. Class 3 levers comprise the applied-force between the fulcrum and the load.
Surprisingly, devices of the present invention with a selectable-angle eccentric arm and class 1 levers provide superior properties, for example, compared to the class 2 lever seen in the device described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,102 (Lo). Devices of the present invention comprising class 1 levers have one or more of the following superior properties:
Dual action exercise devices such as those shown in
The use of any type of lever may create a safety concern, for example, due to the shearing action against the frame caused by the back and forth movement lever, and the movement of pinch points (e.g. linkage to the eccentric arm). Moving pinch points and shearing action are of special concern when a user is switching between modes by unlocking the eccentric arm from the drive shaft and selecting a new angle for the eccentric arm. Surprisingly, however, the use of a class 1 lever in a device of the present invention reduces the risk of injury to the user. This is achieved, in part, because the class 1 lever places the drive bar linkage on the other side of the fulcrum (e.g. near the lower end of the device), where it is substantially less likely to injure the user, for example, while switching between modes (e.g. tandem and out-of-phase motion). This risk reduction is not seen, for example, with the use of a class 2 lever, which places the linkage portion at mid height, where there is substantially more risk of injuring the user while switching between modes.
Surprisingly, the use of a class 1 lever in a device according to the present invention allows greater control of net torque when in tandem mode. Traditional dual-action cycles provide merely for out of phase (alternating) back and forth movement of the hand levers where, during exercise, torque on the frame from one lever always opposes the torque from the other lever, resulting in a net torque of zero. However, the levers of a device of the present invention may be operated in tandem (e.g. rowing mode), where the torques from the levers are additive. Surprisingly, the net force applied to the levers of a device in tandem mode may even be sufficient to lift one end of the device frame off the ground or “pop a wheelie.” This may cause injury damage by toppling over or at hinder acceleration. Surprisingly, however, the use of a class 1 allows greater control over the net torque applied by the levers and can be designed with greater freedom to inhibit unwanted lift of the frame.
Surprisingly, the use of a class 1 lever in a device according to the present invention allows greater control of the lever arch length (e.g. at the hand hold) and/or leverage on the load (at the drive bar linkage). It is especially useful to have greater control of such properties in devices of the present invention having levers which may be operated in tandem mode. It is even more especially useful to have greater control of such properties in devices of the present invention having both levers and pedal which may be operated in tandem mode.
In one embodiment, a human-powered device (e.g. dual action cycle) comprises a member to resist rotation of the ratable shaft or acceleration of rotation which is linked to the rotatable shaft of the eccentric arm. Examples of acceleration resistance members are well known in the art.
In one embodiment, an acceleration-resistance member is a member with inertia that gains momentum from rotation of the rotatable shaft (momentum carrying wheel or other means). Examples include flywheels and the like, for example flywheel 27 of
In one embodiment, an acceleration-resistance member which resists rotation of the rotatable shaft, but does not gain momentum. Examples include friction pads, resistance pins, and the like (e.g. as shown if
An acceleration-resistance member may directly attached or linked to the rotatable shaft itself or may be indirectly linked to the rotatable shaft, for example, through sprockets and chains.
According to the present invention, a rotatable shaft is rotated or “driven” by applying torque on the rotatable shaft. The drive mechanism may be configured in any manner that applies torque the rotatable shaft upon a force input from a user or movable part (e.g. user force from pedaling or oscillating a lever).
In one embodiment, the rotatable shaft is rotated by a single force input or drive mechanism (“single action device”), for example, by a pair of levers (e.g. hand levers) that oscillate back and forth.
In another embodiment, the rotatable shaft is rotated by a multiple force inputs or drive mechanisms (“multiple action device”), for example, by levers (e.g. hand levers) that oscillate back and forth and pedaling action of the feet. Optionally, the multiple action device is a dual action device (e.g. a dual action cycle). Examples of dual action devices are shown in
The torque applied to the rotatable shaft may be indirect or direct with respect to an applied force.
An “indirect drive” mechanism, as used herein, means a dual action device wherein the torque on the rotatable shaft is transmitted from a force input (e.g. user force from pedaling or oscillating a lever) through a second, intermediate rotatable shaft (e.g. sprocket, gear, or pully wheel), e.g. as depicted in
A “direct drive” mechanism, as used herein, means a dual action device wherein the torque on the rotatable shaft is transmitted from a force input (e.g. user force from pedaling and/or oscillating a lever) without the use of an intermediate rotatable shaft (e.g. sprocket, gear, or pully wheel) to transmit the force. The torque on the rotatable shaft in a direct drive mechanism is provided by two different force inputs (e.g. hand lever force and pedaling force) directly on the same rotatable shaft. Examples of direct drive mechanisms are shown in
A dual direct drive device according to the present invention (e.g.
In some embodiments, a dual action device comprising a selectable angle eccentric arm comprises a drive configuration shown in any of
When the eccentric arm is in use (e.g. mounted on the drive shaft of an exercise cycle), the shaft-locking member 6 is capable of being inserted in two positions, a locked position and an unlocked position.
In order to install the selectable angle eccentric arm on an existing dual action cycle, one of the pre-existing eccentric arms is removed from the drive shaft and a hole is drilled in the driveshaft to accept the shaft-locking member. The pre-existing eccentric arm may be discarded and replaced with the selectable angle eccentric arm. In order to allow the traditional pedaling motion with the user's feet while the arms are moved back and forth out of phase with each other (e.g. similar to that of prior art
Surprisingly, the design of the selectable angle eccentric arm allows the user to switch between traditional movement and rowing movement on-the-fly simply by reaching down with his hand and pulling on end cap 8 which is coupled to the shaft-locking member 6 by a screw lock comprising interacting male/female members 9. Pulling on end cap 8 disengages the shaft-locking member 6 to unlock the drive shaft. Still grasping only the end cap 8, the user may then rotate the adjustable-eccentric arm. At any point during the 180° rotation, the user may release the end cap 8 because, if biasing means 7 is provided, the shaft-locking member 6 will automatically spring into locking position upon reaching the opposite end of the hole drilled in the drive shaft.
The selectable angle eccentric arm described provides one or more of the following improvements over the prior art cycle/row combination machines such as described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,102 (Lo):
One of the eccentric arms 16 is a selectable angle eccentric arm (e.g. as described in Example 1) and comprises a drive shaft lock capable of engaging and disengaging the drive shaft. When the shaft lock is engaged, the eccentric arm is fixed to the drive shaft. When the shaft lock is disengaged, the eccentric arm is not fixed to the drive shaft. For example, as shown in
As shown in
Such a device provides one or more of the following superior properties, for example, over devices such as that described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,102 (Lo).
To change between alternating mode and tendem mode, the shaft lock 36 can be disengaged from the protrusion 37, as depicted in
The selectable angle eccentric arm is similar to that depicted in
In one embodiment, the device comprises a seat 26. Optionally, the device comprises a backrest 30 or other means for stabilizing the user while performing leg presses. Additionally or alternatively, the device further comprises handholds 31 or other means for stabilizing the user while performing knee raises.
The device is depicted as a recumbent bike (where the vertical difference between the seat and the pedals is the same or less (e.g. substantially less) than the horizontal difference between the seat and the pedals). However, in an alternative embodiment, the device is an upright excursive device.
The selectable angle eccentric arm 50 can be configured in any manner. For example, the selectable angle eccentric arm 50 be of the shaft pin type, comprising a passage way 33 that independently aligns with either of passageways 32 of the drive shaft 13 such that a drive shaft pin 33 can be inserted there through (in a similar manner to that shown in
In one embodiment, the shaft lock is of the drive shaft pin type, as described herein.
The citations provided herein are hereby incorporated by reference for the cited subject matter.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61382462 | Sep 2010 | US |
