Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-1-
CROSS TRAINING EXERCISE DEVICE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more specifically to
a
stationary exercise device for simulating a range of stepping motions,
including skiing,
walking, jogging, running and climbing.
Background of the Invention
The benefits of regular aerobic exercise has been well established and
accepted. Because of inclement weather, time constraints and for other
reasons, it is
not possible to always walk, jog or run outdoors or swim in a pool. As such,
various
types of exercise equipment have been developed for aerobic exercise. For
example,
cross country skiing exercise devices simulate the gliding motion of cross
country
sltiing. Such machines provide a good range of motion for the muscles of the
legs.
Treadmills are also utilized by many people for walking, jogging or even
running.
One drawback of most treadmills is that during jogging or running, significant
jarnng
of the hip, knee, ankle and other joints of the body may occur. Another type
of
exercise device simulates stair climbing. Such devices can be composed of foot
levers
that are pivotally mounted to a frame at their forward ends and have foot
receiving
pads at their rearward ends. The user pushes his/her feet down against the
foot levers
to simulate stair climbing. Resistance to the downward movement of the foot
levers
is provided by springs, fluid shock absorbers and/or other elements.
The aforementioned devices exercise different muscles of the user's legs and
other parts of the body. Thus, to exercise all of these muscles, three
separate exercise
apparatus are needed. This not only may be cost prohibitive, but also many
people do
not have enough physical space for all of this equipment. Further, if only one
of the
CA 02253175 2003-09-26
.;.f5(~:~ ;)55 .1 Z..n''y,~#a~.:,.<:~.~'1'S-;C~~v'S~v::] 4w)
~~:.~~:,~.~:.~\v',>. '~J,' _2 5,25.yv~'' ~..<S:.~~ yCu.,4~~ ~..2.4E')' S.fSv3
;',<2~ ..5;'" f.~':'.'r
<~ ..
. s). .,:E;: ; s'f E .'-s S' :5; .~:''.' S.~.,.;v,;f~'v '.i.> :.%,.'is'
i'x.;~..5...#~ j.'c% 5::~ ~u:r E.:u4~Syx.''~.~:~x's:~~f'
.- ,...:. i/,...~<.., ~.'~~>, .'#.~...:....'x~.<;,~' ,.....~.e.4 '5..;..~ .
.;..~ ~ w,: ;
~~~~.r.~'S~~:,,::'S. ~..~cGi _~k~'''is,'.k.~~ ~#:L4:#.::.#.~'.~f ~ < i#.~-
~.:~~.,:~~' ~5.4u;::~ S.3j':_t.3f.~.e~'~#.'~..kS:.'%i #.:~..'a~.' ~:e:
'i.~~5.;~..u.~.t.~
:: s. , ; f:' ::.~:~~~5.''e'fa';j' ~.3,~: ~i.» 's3,> k'~~ ~.:~:'~.
~#:~'~..~f.~#.:i::: ::~ . ~'"~ E~ E.,3~,.~'a: ~~',:Lzi%y ss'~3~~'t3~.~.
. , :,1..3~.,.... ~. ~ ~_ .. .. .a:
'r;:-s ~.: : ~'rrf;' . y:
,j?3''''fF:~3.f' ~'~ 3~F-~s? ;.4<i:~ 'w~. 2~.'s#~ t:. ~ ~1-~I 3v.~'. ~ ,. ..3~
~ ;~a:~ #3.:x.:3~,.,;.; c..'..'f.: .:~.3:'..~'r..,.w.~. <,.z~:.z.3cl.~
#:~~~.~k<~~~f#.~.>~r,'., .W3..,;c.k,. ~fi.f ~3~~E". :.~:5~:.# ~-', k~k ~Y
.~i~z'S~~ft.'~'S#E ~~3i:i .'~~i.C3.~~i~~::'.~' s~~ 5:.''.,Si2f.~.'.of.:
~.~S,iE.~~:~~'.. ~.
;:.K)f;%.f. - 5 x>; ~~ E i~ T.S~,.,; ... f .,.,-v",r >..;i
~..~,As>~-~t3 it~:v ~:sC~~3c':~ ;i~;'::<# :vS.:,. Lk~ ~i3'.: ,;k~:..>,_.#~.~
1.:,...;<:c#~'.. ,r~,.~ :3.. .....?i.~~ .. ~~x~i:,:C,~..~.
',~'~,'i3'5~:. ft~i~.' i:.'C'SSS~:i~:.~. . f'S.,~s. ~.'t )s~.'#.c3~~.~u: t,~.~
~if.;.iF'~ft:f:'S.e i'3.'S~i;i~ '~.':.3.~~4~k.~~''.
.i ., : 5:"~'%:'17 f r-r';: ;;=~t ~-s :xyi:<~ :-. fW:,q;~i~~%, of ~.;
-S.f t.t:~',.:~~.< ~ . '~,.~,.. ~ ~'s: ;i;'f'3,. x.~o._;,~~..s'.'s~
ia.:4,s.f~'..: '.~#: t..w~H~.':H ,~c~.# : 's..s~:...
'v~:',~~i;%~.;~:: ::f~~SE..'.'; ~:~~.~:~:znyy;:nfivs S~i%~.#.~3:~E:7..
t:~~~3.e;~~.':~:.#..,f.
<3. ~#~i.~'f~.::5:: :'.'%~'~...~~.~S;~t.:G.'~5.: if.~ a... :7:hj:f.~~°-
l~~,Svi;. 4#~:. p,~ ~v t, t4#~';
~.r5'.~'i.S4u ;. $ -'y"x y'.-SS . ;
,~> y.' : ~.:C " ~~ S~ % W, ~#~ : a ,~ ~!~':::~, 5.~:#.fS,S. ..
S..n.;.,...#S.F G:.iS.S.I :.
... rv#-,~~ ;.:;~:~ .~:.r~:~.i.< .<.E... ..~~~-.,-.~. ~...~.,~.; .f'.,..
1.~~.I3:~<.5:~x,w
:-f::;~;.fi:~,:~~~ ~~~~xy.< 3~'..;
F: ~a:3<;~ :#~l:~'yisi#'~. i.'.x: rL,..~. ~~ ~f.<f~ z,~ #; i~#~ s >-%s_::~> 1~
:~fi a. ~b.#~~:~:;
%'~ ~ f,.~x~~c> s'' .)'...E' .~~:f- ....:..f.~ r;i~.#;~#. t.:~<.: .s~:~~vi,~
s;;a<S_~ :.t: L ~:~; ~ . ~:.#~. ~f3## ~;z:,~~~'si#r.,v~
.~3;: ta,.% '..'~~3 ~ tz~'.''2#.~. 3 .:i?ti: .i".:: ~Sf3 ~;~'>~ :~,.t~..a:
'~~.? :~.,:4s'. .~~s.' ~~;c: ,:~:.~ fs~ ~.;.~:::1 . ;3.~t,<~ :~'s3. ;,::p
#~~1. s.~ v;.f~:~,'>swt~, C1~'f~.i.~;:'s:: y;:'s~:.~~'~ ~t~'.i#.~'s~:'i' fsi3
t.~.''..s:: <'i.~~~%fN:
:. y_5..,....1.: ~...:~ .: ::,T:- ' '3C :: "5:' ~ "y:~fCy ~)
>:~ f~ ~~; .':?:'~s,:~':'3 : ?~' ,~i,~s:~s;s>x:~.#,. ~..'~~:: '~ .E..fE~.rs~
'.;#,~ i:3t2~'sC~,..,.3,.. t:. ~.~~v ~ ,~. ~:~~,5 i~~~ .<.~ .,
~;IH;'is~~~c.is:':.?~ ~c:;:i~~?xt3c:;,.~~;~#.~s ?;.'cf.~~ m~ ~'.~s.,:~ :.~~
:.~As:. ..'..'~.. :.<1.,.~:t3~ ~:4tc '~~9f:;;:'~..I';'S~ t#zt~r~ ;~~f#:..,
f s:r~v~ y'S':.:-;rc~ ~ .'.-,.;: <~~,-;; ~ ,;?'i r.:S'r~~'<::. ii :'-~ ~ S
ff'F
s:"c~a'vE 't#%f.3~~#~ .~5'~.tl: ;.,.:.,3x.s, ~)~ stxoE~:..f. .u;! :~%.E3.fs
,v~%f# :.~~i.: i:E....:'e.F.-.w uE.S ~~. #.~ i~: ~'t':i;., fS.r',s4; ~'-.-f.
v,.,,. s.;sf. r.,~:ix~: 'K::,'s"'y':),5; tZ#~~.:"<.''..?;s~' <:3.~~~Li
,' ;:;~ : :'c',ris :=r;' : i~r-5~. ~3~~: ':f :f ;S ;:;.:,'....> v., ?,ryf.
... ;.~~? ~,.t '~:i~~:,;I.. ;'i~ .:~'~~ '~i.3i' ~'<3~.::.3~ ,3;3.'~
~b'vs';.'#~,~, :,~xc.~ ,.~ ;.~;~: 'c:;#~ ~...3~ .:s.:~L.1 ..,..;..~
,::,y-~ -~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ =' . ,i_. ;: . .~ - : :n.y;'<,.
~~i.' ~~f 4~;ci "";3.: ::.::...,~~s:. ~ : #1w. ~:#S':;s3; ~~5 C~; i# 'E.' ~3;,
A c...-sf# i.:'~ i~'<lr'.'sw~ s,3,- ~;:#'w. ~-30.~ :i:3f,~'t...,.
~';'.<?'x';.:t3<'sf.".: ~'.~'~~'.. i-~.Fs''~:~~~:~s.s'.'~
'~. #.'. t..:\i.'..s"-.5~,' ~~,~;;vei,'v f33 ~..;. .w.js,>.'5~.~
:.t~#:t'W#.~~i%:. .'S~a:~../~'.::5 .~. ~-~.i~~.'~x~f_, ~-t3S.:~.f~.. 'S.:f'y
~43 ~4>
v:.z;." .-#.,;. :, i-' ,: y..r:. ~> y' :- »::
;'i::#~s'ESf3i'~:';:s~ i33 ~3 .e.,ty:.. .'#;. :~",3;#.a.' Lyz:;.3~u5 a
,:w.i3~"~'<'.'.''s'~.#t ~3's ;.3: i~;tis ~bc#';>'..;, ..,.3~,: ~ ~i:~~w ~-
~F',~
y ..
. -, 5 ,. ,: y~ . ~' 5,; > fi;-r
'q:f;i: w! -;' :~:fw~ ';>.': s. ~ c 5.~~:\#.:'i.
itya-'~'~' , ' a', '~ ~~,E'." 'i.'~~k'i~ ., x..c<. sst.. !.w., ...
'.i:~ilF.i.. <~.;#. '.~:; : :,~;i'~' ..~3~:~f # .,~c3,sC't , , ..., :.~:a' ,.
~ ..
. . ....,..C~i~,a <, s. .tF:..r:~~.. ~ ~ ~ ,.
,: i'->. ~:~s; :; ".s"" ..v ,is: ~. s5 ~. - s,.,.
c :5. ": , t#':' ~f3 - :3,>;',t
~' .. iE'fs. ~.3;~...., a~ A3 ~;i:~ t:;-: :,~~#c~~Y3.3s~~ ~, 3E. ~~..:~'.'~:>
st.:'. Q~:.:... .s... .:#.ts ',:~~u.- ~..s.:.~ c ,. ,,. '.
~:;';~ ,'y, :> ..: y.y-' ,'y :-~ r - . ~ :.. .,;;.,.~ f s; f:~ 's';-~ -sifi'
;~~ .'k
::,t"~-> ~>.<# ,~o' ~Y
.y,..,.:~ ~:':5':''~ 'r SS <.' 'f Z. 5>s' . S
~.;..:sL. '~.'.3t~~t c~~.f.t E. x:.s~s <~~.t3:3~' >.E ;~'.:~i.ft:,.: a,~..~;3'
~E s~~#~ :-:..~~~-vL~' L~_,.',:~~.:,,L. 3'~ # E . :.~L~t t> k3.~~#.'''~,t..~
CA 02253175 2003-09-26
'7:.
5y. > $ x'~5>(S':n::> !,(y ;('r~> :..~rs: > w; -. . .f7". v;~ ;. ~r;>.
L,iS.iu ~.,s.s:L.~.#.fs:~~ f/~~-~.,~.... ,.~,~~:.:.G..~V #..~~s,.;i.4C: SS>!
~.~;S~a.S.;Ui~3'y ~#:".s ~\. ~s,~.f:~~~1'..~ L f.,~#w3~~.~...'..~ ,..,-i ,~t,.
. ~ if:
,r.'t:'.:>~ #~~V~ ..",c.> - SF' ~ ;''.T:i4 ';5~.~'. ,.;;t, :# ~' ~7 ~-~~ -
'~..S:x~.:..;'Sy
;3a.S~~~ it~~::~#w~.~s :s~:. ..~:,. .~i:?,~~. ~~3~77'k~k~"~~5'~.. ~.
'::#t.'s'sl i.3~' ~r#~.' ,..;...s. ,.,«S_~ >t;.....F3~:.: .i#:.~.: ~.:.t.a.. ,
.:
,'t '<~i~~#.3i# "~~5:: S~'~# S iEi...''. . ~5 t.~; e,' ~S:c;#."3 n~# ~ ~f S
3~S .:~~#..
~>.t'.v .~Y'. ';~;:5::':. f3~~~' '''~: ' ,,
t-,..;-.; L n. .s,a , ;'-L ' '~~ ..,~5..~i; Si5> ~.'t: ~.:.:.C~.v:.- ~t i~.:'~
~-! i#.
~..<I: ~3":G.3t'"i~:~.3v;;..;,-,.s., ;. ,#P..~_., ,.: ~e1<. ~..# ,.:,c-',F,:.
#F..x :F.,~-.t..i#., ...~
,<v , ,; LS-... ~r;..w ~ i : ~~~ r7~.. ;y ' ~~C t~ : ~ . ~iL~#;'7:~L.3
E;..:~..;
#'s.'s~,~ 'i#. .,; >:~~~,: ,;n,.~3..~.3~t< ;.~3:', ~t.3<,,:#'s..~ s.:Ia:,'~ ,
~ ~~~w. ~..3.,st ~3~~:v. ~, ~~.~:i.F..' ~"<3~~S ~3L.&.. 'w
::> " ;s<.> ;7".; -. 7..s 5, . ~-;t..k .: F :'G:' r~f - ;7'S~%r,-"
:; :),f ~S: ::. ...y ~ .S :~ /.. r '?:Sv> -. ~, ~ ..>. ,~5:' F FS;~ ~FrS s
..FS,L3.F.. 5 #...F..F~.~#..S..c.. -j.3
G:;;:, .xs ". :.f:.., .# , s.: I~, ~~~3~' ' ::~~'.'iL;. .~ .3~'
.~..>.~..#..~~.. .. , ,~:~~ s_, , .~,.;~ .;# ~ .. ,
-. ~S--~:. ,i 4 ~~ wy a ;' 7. !:j. ' ~' Y : ~> S.f':7'~' ' r>.::> t:fr.
:vi,l:,,-.r'j'
i#.~ f3 '~~~~. t#Ck7?~v.v51.F4.4 ..7~~~r'-s~7V's~.~. ,i~ 4~'.~ ~$CS.,~..1'.~~
4~i~'~~-~~j.~;.3~, ~.~#v, ~:~~.i:f-~'4...>.'7 #~L.~ :.t'.. '.<3. ~~t..:
'.Z. "~ ; >-;:.. . ,
,, .; , , v..F,-, . .. , .
::~f#iE.f#' ..'.i';s7F.,<..,. ~;;,.'~'~~'t~:c;ii Lr~ ,.t~:' :~'<3c.'~t~
,?:;i~.i~ .,. .3x~.' 's#'>:'L#'~;t: :~'#<#?:' '.':S~ ;7~~s:,'~.I ;.'~'
. $.. .. ' L; :. : .54; , rxy, . .;:,f- Y -,.:, - ;G~::,r
,:.3::~ 'c.f::: ~af:~"t:;~.>r,% ,i% ~3.~~; ~,.'3z~ ~: ~ ':, a :aL~f~ff~, ,
..3;~~ ~.i.'s;~ ~,. ~'ss:,'~'~E3~';L.._; ~'%j~ ,.~,L: 1.,.-"..,
s~~3. 4~~%3:3~x.: ;.~:>~~43..3 f'F~ ~. :.> ~3#'':~.::,.~3~~: .~#.S'<.'I~-:'s;
~.'3; ~~.~i.. L?~.....s~-.. .iii ~.i#v: .x,'~e'tJ'c''c-~',~. ~vs''.;u;> i.3~~
~S'i~;~.'? :'~:>~S?'v-t'~ 2'.:
., ~~:: ;3t3sG ~#.~135:x; '..~'#L3d '~~3:.~~"L%~:' ~ki#.: s~#' <#'a3.:,.
~'";e:;~' i,~' ~','-%s;''~wi ~~'s'":~_~: ~'3't,. .,,.~e~' 0..;.7,.,ILL'.f ;:..
i-'... ...~v:::,r '> ...s~ a~s:; ;: :.f., 4;.5>.,~ y",
~.I:~ ,#..L:~.i~, :~a.~": ~~~::~.. . ,;"s ~:#:c'< f$; ~~~f:: ~~.;r:~~~#~~~::
~..t; tt#.:~~ ~;:#s:~-~~;~~~~ #:a:F ~:~~ ..E:, ,.~#r:.~
-' ;.s.;. ; ,: i,:',s<F:- ~: tar C :5.-r:
r
y ,.';:::x~ e':'l-1 '2i','>y>''>, iWfr:x ':.f~ ~Y','.~ ~S~,~i
~.vs~~',~~,~<' LzL ::,~:~~ ;<i~;~s ~~~,LL,i ~.L: f,;;~;..'z<.a:'~,.t:,~t
~~,>,~71 ~zL..i.,"L..:':~ :~," ,'~#u::.~_ .;.a.~ ..."., .~~:'
.. ,..: . .. y. #' ~ ::,r.> ;;> :~ : ,:~. ; y:: .:'f>;~;:;' w s>~-'3-;s~
h~?z''..~t.t.; $:~ i:5 s"s~ ~,.s~ ;;3f.3: ;.'sl:~::'~, ~;~#."...t:~:?.;,
',:~3%;~;~.~. "'~t,. ::~.s.: :%~~ .7~....~ ~.#.~';w. ;~~.,#.,t<
:'at ~;2.3~'s;:,'';'et;'~'~s~.G:-f~~y' .s~.s.' ~.eS~,i",
.-y" j: . ; . 5;..v .~ .t . ~,.5~? S >;:x::. ;:r'S:~ :-:.2:'.; fi>'~ i~t
., r>-,. =5..,. '.i. r..,,.._. .,~3;5~ > r:'.c ~5~l:ar..
.',::~~.: :..."t~ ~.S~.f~, 5~.:.i~ L,3. '~.;~i.~;,..i~',:~,ti i<:,~v~e. ':k;~"-
~..~. ~,.~ff>. ~'~.'C#.~-#.3.',..' A,#. a .;~. ~, Sx. ~G~~~,... iw,>.~t~5.
,.,.,.L~
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-3-
ends of the foot links are pivotally pinned to the flywheels at a selective
location from
the frame pivot axis. The flywheel serves not only as the coupling means
between the
rearward ends of the foot links and the frame pivot axis, but also as a
momentum
storing device to simulate the momentum of the body during various stepping
motions.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, resistance may be
applied to the rotation of the flywheels, to make the stepping motion harder
or easier
to achieve. This resistance may be coordinated with the workout level desired
by the
user, for instance, a desired heart rate range for optimum caloric
expenditure. A heart
rate monitor or other sensor may be utilized to sense the desired physical
parameter to
be optimized during exercise.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, the rearward end of the
foot
links are connected to the pivot axis by a connection system that allows
relative
pivoting motion between the pivot axis and foot links about two axes, both
orthogonal (transverse) to the length of the foot links. As such, the forward
ends of
the foot links are free to move or shift relative to the rearward ends of the
foot links in
the sideways direction, i.e., traverse to the length ofthe foot links.
In another aspect of the present invention, the forward ends of the foot links
may be supported by rollers mounted on the frame. The rollers may be adapted
to be
raised and lowered relative to the frame thereby to alter the inclination of
the foot
links, and thus, the types of foot motion experienced by the user.
In still further aspects of the present invention, the inclination of the foot
links
may be altered by other techniques thereby to selectively change the types of
foot
motion experienced by the user. For instance, the forward end of the frame may
be
raised and lowered relative to the floor. Alternatively, the rearward pivot
axis may be
raised and lowered relative to the floor. Still alternatively, a pair of
downwardly
depending pivot arms may be used to support the forward ends of the foot
links. In
this regard, the upper end of one of the pivot arms is pinned to the forward
end of a
foot link at one location and the upper end of the second pivot arm is
connectable to
the forward end of the foot link at various locations therealong. The lower
ends of
both of the arms are coupled together to a roller that rides on the frame just
above the
floor as the foot links moves fore and aft during operation of the apparatus.
By
adjusting the location of the upper end of the movable arm along the foot
link, the
elevation of the forward end of the foot link may be altered relative to the
frame.
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-4-
Brief Descr~tion of the Drawings
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention
will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by
reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction
with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus of the present
invention looking from the rear toward the front of the apparatus;
FIGURE 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a front view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 5 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 6 is side elevational view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1, wherein a
hood has been installed over the rear portion of the apparatus, this
perspective view
looks from the rear of the apparatus towards the front;
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7, but looking from the front of the
apparatus towards the rear;
FIGURE 9 is a view similar to FIGURE 8, but with the front and rear hoods
removed;
FIGURE 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the forward
portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 9;
FIGURE 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, rear perspective view of the
apparatus shown in FIGURE 9, with one of the flywheels removed;
FIGURE 12 is a view similar to FIGURE 11, but from the opposite side of the
apparatus and with the near flywheel removed;
FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention
shown in schematic illustrating the paths of the user's foot at different
angles of
inclination of the guide for the foot links;
FIGURE 14 is a schematic drawing of the system utilized in the present
invention for altering the workout level while utilizing the present
apparatus; and,
FIGURE 15 is a side elevational view of a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
FIGURE 16 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a further preferred
embodiment of the present invention; and
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-5-
FIGURES 17-24 are side elevational views of further preferred embodiments
of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Refernng initially to FIGURES 1-9, the apparatus 18 of the present invention
includes a floor engaging frame 20 incorporating a forward post 22 extending
initially
upwardly and then diagonally forwardly. A pair of flywheels 24a and 24b are
located
at the rear of the frame 20 for rotation about a horizontal, transverse axis
26. The
flywheels 24a and 24b may be covered by a rear hood 28. The rearward ends of
foot
links 30a and 30b are pivotally attached to corresponding flywheels 24a and
24b to
travel about a circular path around axis 26 as the flywheels rotate. Rollers
32a
and 32b are rotatably mounted to the forward ends of foot links 30a and 30b to
ride
along corresponding tubular tracks 34a and 34b of a guide 36. The forward ends
of
the foot links 30a and 30b reciprocate back and forth along tracks 34a and 34b
as the
rearward ends of the foot links rotate about axis 26 causing the foot pedals
or pads 27
carried by the foot links to travel along various elliptical paths, as
described more fully
below.
A lift mechanism 38, mounted on the post 22, is operable to selectively change
the inclination of the guide 36 thereby to alter the stepping motion of the
user of the
apparatus of the present invention. At a low angle of inclination, the
apparatus
provides a cross country skiing motion and as the angle of inclination
progressively
rises, the motion changes from walking to running to climbing. A forward hood
39
substantially encases the lift mechanisms.
In addition, as most clearly shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, the present
invention employs a braking system 40 for imparting a desired level of
resistance to
the rotation of flywheels 24a and 24b, and thus, the level of effort required
of the user
of apparatus 18. The following description describes the foregoing and other
aspects
of the present invention in greater detail.
Frame 20 is illustrated as including a longitudinal central member 42
terminating at front and rear relatively shorter transverse members 44 and 46.
Ideally,
but not essentially, the frame 20 is composed of rectangular tubular members,
which
are relatively light in weight but provide substantial strength. End caps 48
are
engaged within the open ends of the transverse members 44 and 46 to close off
the
ends of these members.
The post structure 22 includes a lower, substantially vertical section 52 and
an
upper section 54 that extends diagonally upwardly and forwardly from the lower
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-6-
section. Ideally, but not essentially, the post lower and upper sections 52
and 54 may
also be composed of rectangular tubular material. An end cap 48 also engages
within
the upper end of the post upper section 54 to close offthe opening therein.
A continuous, closed form handle bar 56 is mounted on the upper portion of
post upper section 54 for grasping by an individual while utilizing the
present
apparatus 18. The handle bar includes an upper transverse section 58 which is
securely attached to the upper end of the post upper section 54 by a clamp 60
engaging around the handle bar upper section and securable to the post upper
section
by a pair of fasteners 62. The handle bar also includes side sections 62a and
62b each
composed of an upper diagonally disposed section, an intermediate,
substantially
vertical section and lower diagonally disposed sections 68a and 68b extending
downwardly and flaring outwardly from the intermediate side sections. The
handle
bar 56 also includes a transverse lower section 70 having a central portion
clamped to
post upper section 54 by a clamp 60, which is held in place by a pair of
fasteners 62.
Although not shown, the handle bar 56 may be in part or in whole covered by a
gripping material or surface, such as tape, foamed synthetic rubber, etc.
A display panel 74 is mounted on the post bar upper section 54 at a location
between the upper and lower transverse sections 58 and 70 of the handle bar
56. The
display panel includes a central display screen 76 and several smaller screens
78 as
well as a keypad composed of a number of depressible "buttons" 80, as
discussed in
greater detail below.
The flywheels 24a and 24b are mounted on the outboard, opposite ends of a
drive shaft 84 rotatably extending transversely through the upper end of a
rear post 86
extending upwardly from a rear portion of the frame central member 42. A
bearing
assembly 88 is employed to anti-frictionally mount the drive shaft 84 on the
rear
post 86. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flywheels 24a
and 24b are keyed or otherwise attached to the drive shaft 84 so that the
flywheels
rotate in unison with the drive shaft. It will be appreciated that the center
of the drive
shaft 84 corresponds with the location of transverse axis 26. A belt drive
sheave 90 is
also mounted on drive shaft 84 between flywheel 24a and the adjacent side of
rear
post 86.
The rear post 86 may be fixedly attached to frame longitudinal member 42 by
any expedient manner, such as by welding or bolting. In accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a corner type brace 92 is employed at the
juncture of the forward lower section of rear post 86 with the upper surface
of
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
_'7_
longitudinal member 42 to provide reinforcement therebetween. Of course, other
types of bracing or reinforcement may be utilized.
The flywheels 24a and 24b are illustrated as incorporating spokes 94 that
radiate outwardly from a central hub 95 to intersect a circumferential rim 96.
The
flywheels 24a and 24b may be of other constructions, for instance, in the form
of a
substantially solid disk, without departing from the spirit or scope of the
present
invention.
The rear hood 28 encloses the flywheels 24a and 24b, the brake system 40 and
the rear portions of the foot links 30a and 30b. The hood 28 rests on frame
rear
transverse member 46 as well as on a pair of auxiliary longitudinal members 97
extending forwardly from the transverse member 46 to intersect the outward
ends of
auxiliary intermediate transverse members 98. The upper surfaces of the hood
support members 97 and 98 coincide with the upper surfaces of frame member 42
and 46. Also, a plurality of attachment brackets 99 are mounted on the upper
surfaces of the auxiliary support members 97 and 98 as well as frame members
42
and 46. Threaded openings are formed in the brackets 99 to receive fasteners
used to
attach the hood 28 thereto. As most clearly illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12,
ideally in cross section the heights of hood support members 97 and 98 are
shorter
than the cross-sectional height of frame members 42 and 46 so as not to bear
on the
underlying floor.
The foot links 30a and 30b as illustrated are composed of elongate tubular
members but can be of other types of construction, for example, solid rods.
The rear
ends of the foot links 30a and 30b pivotally pinned to outer perimeter
portions of
flywheels 24a and 24b by fasteners 100 that extend through collars 102 formed
at the
rear ends of the foot links to engage within apertures 104 formed in perimeter
portions of the flywheels. As most clearly shown in FIGURE 12, the aperture
104 is
located at the juncture between flywheel spoke 94 and the outer rim 96. This
portion
of the flywheel has been enlarged to form a boss 106. The foot links 30a and
30b
extend outwardly of the front side of hood 28 through vertical openings 108
formed
in the front wall of the hood.
As also shown in FIGURE 12, a second boss 110 is formed on the
diametrically opposite spoke to the spoke on which boss 106 is located, but at
a
location closer to axis 26 than the location boss 106. The collars 102 at the
rear ends
of the foot links may be attached to the flywheels at bosses 110 instead of
bosses 106,
thereby reducing the diameter of the circumferential paths traveled by the
rear ends of
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-$-
the foot links during rotation of the flywheel, and thus, correspondingly
shortening the
length of the elliptical path circumscribed by the foot pedals 27. It will be
appreciated
that attaching the collars 102 to bosses 110 results in a shorter stroke of
the foot
links, and thus, a shorter stride taken by the exerciser in comparison to the
stride
required when the collars are attached to the flywheels at bosses 106.
Concave rollers 32a and 32b are rotatably joined to the forward ends of the
foot links 30a and 30b by cross shafts 114. The concave curvature of the
rollers
coincide with the diameter of the tracks 34a and 34b of the guide 36. As such,
the
rollers 32a and 32b maintain the forward ends of the foot links securely
engaged with
the guide 36 during use of the present apparatus. Foot receiving pedals 27 are
mounted on the upper surfaces of the foot links 30 to receive and retain the
user's
foot. The pedals 27 are illustrated as formed with a plurality of transverse
ridges that
not only enhance the structural integrity of the foot pads, but also serve an
anti-skid
fimction between the bottom of the user's shoe or foot and the foot pedals.
Although
not shown, the foot pedals may be designed to be positionable along the length
of the
foot links to accommodate user's of different heights and in particular
different leg
lengths or in seams.
The guide 36 is illustrated as generally U-shaped with its rearward, free ends
pivotally pinned to an intermediate location along the length of frame central
member 42. The free ends of the guide 36 may be pivotally attached to the
central
frame member 42 by any convenient method, including by being journaled over
the
outer ends of a cross tube 118. The guide is composed of parallel, tubular
tracks 34a
and 34b disposed in alignment with the foot links 30a and 30b. The forward
ends of
the tracks 34a and 34b are joined together by an arcuate portion 119 that
crosses the
post 22 forwardly thereof.
The forward portion of the guide 36 is supported by lift mechanism 38, which
is most clearly shown in FIGURES 9 and 10. The lift mechanism 38 includes a
crossbar 120 supported by the lower end of a generally U-shaped, vertically
movable
carnage 122. Roller tube sections 124 are engaged over the outer ends of the
crossbar 120 to directly underlie and bear against the bottoms of tracks 34a
and 34b.
The carriage 122 is restrained to travel vertically along the height of a
central guide
bar 126 which is securely fastened to the forward face of the post lower
section 54 by
any appropriate method, such as by fasteners 128. In cross section, the guide
bar 126
is generally T-shaped, having a central web portion that bears against the
post lower
section 52 and transversely extending flange portions that are spaced
forwardly of the
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
_9_
post lower section. A pair of generally Z-shaped retention brackets 130 retain
the
carriage 122 in engagement with the guide bar 126. The retention brackets each
include a first transverse flange section mounted to the back flange surface
of the
carriage, an intermediate web section extending along the outer side edges of
the
guide bar flanges and a second transverse flange section disposed within the
gap
formed by the front surface of the post lower section 52 and the opposite
surface of
the guide bar flange. It will be appreciated that by this construction the
carriage 122
is allowed to vertically travel relative to the guide bar 126 but is retained
in
engagement with the guide bar.
The carriage 122 is raised and lowered by an electrically powered lift
actuator 136. The lift actuator 136 includes an upper screw section 138 is
rotatably
powered by an electric motor 140 operably connected to the upper end of the
screw
section. The top of the screw section is rotatably engaged with a retaining
socket
assembly 142 which is pinned to a U-shaped bracket 144 secured to the forward
face
of post 22 near the juncture of the post lower section 52 and upper section
54. A
cross pin 146 extends through aligned openings formed in the flanges of the
bracket 144 and aligned diametrically opposed apertures formed in the socket
142.
The socket 142 allows the screw 138 to rotate relative to the socket while
remaining
in vertical engagement with the collar.
The lower portion of the screw section 138 threadably engages within a lower
tubular casing 147 having its bottom end portion fixedly attached to crossbar
120. It
will be appreciated that motor 140 may be operable to rotate the screw section
138 in
one direction to lower the carriage 122 or in the opposite direction to raise
the
carriage, as desired. As the carriage is lowered or raised, the angle of
inclination of
the guide 36 is changed which in turn changes the stepping motion experienced
by the
user of apparatus 18. The engagement of the screw section 138 into the casing
120,
and thus the angle of inclination of the guide 36, is readily discernible by
standard
techniques, for instance by using a rotating potentiometer 147, FIGURE 14.
The forward hood 39 substantially encases the lift mechanism 38. The
hood 39 extends forwardly from the side walls of the post lower and upper
sections 52 and 54 to enclose the carnage 122, guide bar 126, lift actuator
136 and
other components of the lift mechanism. Only the free ends of the cross bar
120 and
associated roller tube sections 124 protrude outwardly from vertical slots 148
formed
in the side walls of the hood 39. A plurality of fasteners 149 are provided to
detachably attach the hood 39 to the side walls of the post 22.
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-10-
The present invention includes a system for selectively applying the braking
or
retarding force on the rotation of the flywheels through a eddy current brake
system 40. The brake system 40 includes a larger drive sheave 90, noted above,
that
drives a smaller driven sheave 150 through a V-belt 152. The driven sheave 150
is
mounted on the free end of a rotatable stub shaft 154 that extends outwardly
from a
pivot arm 156 pivotally mounted to the rear side of rear post 86 by a U-shaped
bracket 158 and a pivot pin 160 extending through aligned openings formed in
the
bracket as well as aligned openings formed in the side walls of the pivot arm
156. An
extension spring 161 extends between the bottom of arm 156 at the free end
thereof
and the top of frame member 42 to maintain sufficient tension on belt 152 to
avoid
slippage between the belt and the sheaves 90 and 150. The relative sizes of
sheaves 90 and 150 are such as to achieve a step of speed at about six to ten
times
and ideally about eight times. In other words, the driven shaft 154 rotates
about six
to ten times faster than the drive shaft 84.
A solid metallic disk 162 is mounted on stub shaft 154 inboard of driven
sheave 150 to also rotate with the driven sheave. Ideally, an annular face
plate 164 of
highly electrically conductive material, e.g., copper, is mounted on the face
of the
solid disk 162 adjacent the driven pulley 150. A pair of magnet assemblies 168
are
mounted closely adjacent the face of the solid disk 162 opposite the annular
plate 164.
The assemblies 168 each include a central core in the form of a bar magnet 170
surrounded by a coil assembly 172. The assemblies 168 are mounted on a keeper
bar 174 by fasteners 176 extending through aligned holes formed in the keeper
bar
and the magnet cores. As illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12, the magnet
assemblies 168 are positioned along the outer perimeter portion of the disk
162 in
alignment with the annular plate 164. The location of the magnet assemblies
may be
adjusted relative to the adjacent face of the disk 162 so as to be positioned
as closely
as possible to the disk without actually touching or interfering with the
rotation of the
disk. This positioning of the magnet assemblies 168 is accomplished by
adjusting the
position of the keeper bar 174 relative to a support plate 178 mounted on the
rearward, free end of pivot arm 156. A pair of horizontal slots, not shown,
are
formed in the support plate 178 through which extend threaded fasteners 179
that
then engage within tapped holes formed in the forward edge of the keeper bar
174.
As noted above, the significant difference in size between the diameters of
drive sheave 90 and driven sheave 150 results in a substantial step up in
rotational
speed of the disk 62 relative to the rotational speed of the flywheels 24a and
24b. The
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-11-
rotational speed of the disk 62 is thereby su~cient to produce relatively high
levels of
braking torque through the eddy current brake assembly 40.
As discussed more fully below, it is desirable to monitor the speed of the
flywheels 24a and 24b so as to measure the distance traveled by the user of
the
present apparatus and also to control the level of workout experienced by the
user.
Any standard method of measuring the speed of the flywheels may be utilized.
For
instance, an optical or magnetic strobe wheel may be mounted on disk 162,
drive
sheave 90 or other rotating member of the present apparatus. The rotational
speed of
the strobe wheel may be monitored by an optical or magnetic sensor 180
(FIGURE 14) to generate an electrical signal related to such rotational speed.
To use the present invention, the user stands on the foot pads 27 while
gripping the handle bar 56 for stability. The user imparts a downward stepping
action
on one foot pads thereby causing the flywheels 24a and 24b to rotate about
axis 26.
As a result, the rear ends of the foot links rotate about the axis 26 and
simultaneously
the forward ends of the foot links ride up and down the tracks 34a and 34b.
The
forward end of the foot link moves downwardly along its track as the point of
attachment of the foot link to the flywheel moves from a location
substantially closest
to the post 22 (maximum extended position of the foot link) to a location
substantially
fi~rthest from the post, i.e., the maximum retracted position ofthe foot link.
From this
point of the maximum retracted position of the foot link, further rotation of
the
flywheel causes the foot link to travel back upwardly and forwardly along the
track 34a back to the maximum extended position of the foot link. These two
positions are shown in FIGURE 13. FIGURE 13 also illustrates the corresponding
path of travel of the center of the foot pads 27, and thus, the path of travel
of the
user's feet. As shown in FIGURE 13, this path of travel is basically in the
shape of a
forwardly and upwardly tilted ellipse.
FIGURE 13 shows the path of travel of the foot pad 27 at three different
angular orientations of guide 36 corresponding to different elevations of the
lift
mechanism 38. In the smallest angular orientation shown in FIGURE 13
(approximately 10° above the horizontal), the corresponding foot pad
travel path 181
is illustrated. This generally corresponds to a gliding or cross-country
skiing motion.
The guide 36 is shown at a second orientation at a steeper angle
(approximately 20°)
from the horizontal, with the corresponding path of travel, of the foot pedal
116
depicted by elliptical path 182. This path of travel generally corresponds to
a walking
motion. FIGURE 13 also illustrates a third even steeper angular orientation of
the
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-12-
guide 36, approximately 30° from the horizontal. The corresponding
elliptical path of
travel of the foot pad 27 is illustrated by 183 in FIGURE 13. This path of
travel
corresponds to a climbing motion. It will be appreciated that by adjusting the
angle of
the guide 36, different types of motion are attainable through the present
invention.
Thus, the present invention may be utilized to emulate different types of
physical
activity, from skiing to walking to running to climbing. Heretofore to achieve
these
different motions, different exercise equipment would have been needed.
Applicants note that in each of the foregoing different paths of travel of the
foot pad, and thus also the user's feet, a common relationship occurs. When
the rear
end of a foot link travels forwardly from a rearmost position, for instance,
as shown in
FIGURE 13, the heel portion of the user's foot initially rises at a faster
rate than the
toe portion of the user's foot. Correspondingly, when the rearward end of the
foot
link travels rearwardly from a foremost position, the heel portion of the
user's foot
initially lowers at a faster rate than the toe portion. This same relationship
is true
when the forward ends of the foot links travel from a position at the lower
end of the
guide 36 to a position at the upper end of the guide 36. In other words, when
the
forward end of a foot link travels from a lower, rearmost point along guide 36
forwardly and upwardly along the guide, the heel portion of the user's foot
initially
rises at a faster rate than the toe portion. Correspondingly, when the forward
end of
the foot link travels downwardly and rearwardly from an upper, forwardmost
location
along the guide 36, the heel portion of the user's foot initially lowers at a
faster rate
than the toe portion. This generally corresponds with the relative motion of
the user's
heel and toe during cross country skiing, walking, running and climbing or
other
stepping motions.
Applicants' system 184 for controlling and coordinating the angle of
inclination of the guide 36 and the resistance applied to the rotation of the
flywheels 24a and 24b to achieve a desired workout level is illustrated
schematically in
FIGURE 14. As shown in FIGURE 14, a physical workout parameter, e.g., user's
heart rate, is monitored by a sensor 186. An electrical signal, typically
analog in
nature, related to the user's heart rate is generated. Various types of heart
rate
monitors are available, including chest worn monitors, ear lobe monitors and
finger
monitors. The output from the monitor 186 is routed through an analog to
digital
interface 188, through controller 190 and to a central processing unit (CPU)
192,
ideally located within display panel 74. In addition to, or in lieu of, the
user's heart
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-13-
rate, other physical parameters of the exerciser may be utilized, including
respiratory
rate, age, weight, sex, etc.
Continuing to refer to FIGURE 14, the exercise control system 184 of the
present invention includes an alternating current power inlet 194 connectable
to a
standard amperage AC 110 volt power supply. The power inlet 194 is routed to a
transformer 196 and then on to the brake system 40 and the display panel 74.
The lift
mechanism 38 utilizes AC power, and thus, is not connected to the transformer
196.
As previously discussed, the lift mechanism 38 incorporates a sensing
system 147 to sense the extension and retraction of the lift mechanism, and
thus, the
angle of inclination of the guide 36. This information is routed through the
analog to
digital interface 188, through controller 190 and to the CPU 192. The
rotational
speed of the flywheels 24a and 24b is also monitored by a sensor 180, as
discussed
above, with this information is transmitted to the CPU through the analog to
digital
interface 188 and controller 190. Thus, during use of the apparatus 18 of the
present
invention, the CPU is apprised of the heart rate or other physical parameter
of the
exerciser being sensed by sensor 186, the angle of inclination of the guide 36
and the
speed of the flywheels 24a and 24b. This information, or related information,
may be
displayed to the exerciser through display 76.
Further, through the present invention, a desired workout level may be
maintained through the control system 184. For instance, certain parameters
may be
inputted through the keypad 80 by the exerciser, such as age, height, sex, to
achieve a
desired heart rate range during exercise. Alternatively, the desired heart
rate range
may be directly entered by the exerciser. Other parameters may or may not be
inputted by the exerciser, such as the desired speed of the flywheels
corresponding to
cycles per minute of the foot links and/or inclination of the guide 36. With
this
information, the control system of the present invention will adjust the
braking
system 40 and/or lift mechanism 38 to achieve the desired workout level.
It is to be understood that various courses or workout regimes may be
preprogrammed into the CPU 192 or designed by the user to reflect various
parameters, including a desired cardiovascular range, type of stepping action,
etc.
The control system 184 thereupon will control the brake system 40 as well as
the lift
mechanism 38 to correspond to the desired workout regime.
A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGURE 15. The apparatus 18' shown in FIGURE 15 is constructed similarly to
apparatus 18 shown in the prior figures. Accordingly, those components of
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-14-
apparatus 18' that are the same as, or similar to, those components of
apparatus 18
bear the same part number, but with the addition of the prime (" ' ")
designation.
Apparatus 18' includes a single flywheel 24' rotatably mounted at the rear of
frame 20'. A pair of crank arms 200a and 200b extend transversely in
diametrically
opposite directions from the ends of a drive shaft 84' to pivotally connect to
the rear
ends of foot links 201 a and 201b. The crank arms 200a and 200b are fixedly
attached
to the drive shaft 84'. It will be appreciated that the crank arms 200a and
ZOOb
support the rear ends of the foot links 201a and 201b during fore and aft
motion
thereof. In this regard, the lengths of the crank arms can be altered to
change the
"stroke" of the foot links to accommodate uses of dii~erent leg/inseam
lengths.
The forward ends of the foot links 201a and 201b are pivotally pinned to the
lower ends of rocker or swing arms 200a and 200b at pivot joints 202. The
swing
arms are preferably tubular in construction and dog-leg in shape, having their
upper
ends pinned to post 22' at axis 204 near the intersection of lower section 52'
and
upper section 54' of the post. Each of the swing arms includes a tubular upper
section 206 and a tubular lower section 208. The upper end portion of the
lower
section 208 slidably engages within the lower end portion of a corresponding
upper
section 206, thereby to selectively alter the length of the swing arms. The
swing arm
upper and lower sections may be maintained in engagement with each other by
any
convenient means, such as by a cross pin 210 extending through diametrically
aligned
openings formed in the swing arm upper section and one of the sets of
diametrically
aligned openings formed in the lower sections.
Although not illustrated, an extension spring or other device may be located
with the interior of the swing arm upper and lower sections to bias the upper
and
lower sections into engagement with each other. Alternatively, the engagement
of the
swing arm upper and lower sections may be "automatically" controlled by
incorporating a linear actuator or other powered device into the construction
of the
swing arms.
The swing arms 200a and 200b support the forward ends of the foot
links ZOla and 201b to travel along an arcuate path 212 defined by the pivot
axis 204
of the upper ends of the swing arms about post 22' and the radial length
between such
axis 204 and the pivot point 202 defining the connection point of the forward
end of
the foot link and the lower end of its corresponding swing arm. It will be
appreciated
that the path 212 may be altered as the relative engagement between the swing
arm
upper section 206 and lower section 208 is changed. This results in a change
in the
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-15-
stepping motion experienced by the user, which stepping motion may be altered
in a
manner similar to that achieved by varying the angle of inclination of guide
36,
discussed above. As such, the apparatus 18' is capable or providing the same
advantages as provided by the apparatus 18, noted above.
A band brake system 220 is provided to selectively impart rotational
resistance
on the flywheel 24'. The band brake system includes a brake band 222 that
extends
around the outer rim of the flywheel 24' and also about a small diameter
takeup
roller 224 that is rotatably attached to the outer/free end of a linear
actuator 226. The
opposite end of the linear actuator is pivotally pinned to a mounting bracket
226
attached to frame 42'. It will be appreciated that the linear actuator may be
mechanically, electrically or otherwise selectively controlled by the user to
impart a
desired frictional load on the flywheel 24'. Also, other known methods may be
used
to impart a desired level of rotational resistance on the flywheel 24'. For
instance, a
caliper brake (not shown) can be employed to engage against the outer rim
portion of
the flywheel itself or on a disk (not shown) that rotates with the flywheel.
A still further preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in
FIGURE 16. Mufti-pivoting connections between the foot links 30a' and 30b' to
flywheels 24a and 24b are provided. A rail pivot block 230 is pivotally pinned
to each
flywheel 24a and 24b at apertures 104 by a threaded fastener 232 and mating
nut 234.
The rail pivot blocks 230 move in a plane approximately parallel to the plane
of the
corresponding flywheel. Foot links 30a' and 30b' are hollow at the rear ends
for
receiving the rail pivot blocks 230. A block mounting pin 231 extends through
opposing holes on the top and bottom of the rear end of foot links 30a' and
30b' and
snugly through a hole in the pivot block for attaching the pivot block 230 to
the rear
end of the foot links. Slots 236 extend longitudinally from the rear ends of
foot
links 30a and 30b allow access to the fasteners 232 and 234.
Ideally, the rail pivot blocks 230 are generally rectangular in shape and
sized
to fit between the upper and lower flange walls of the hollow foot links.
However,
the internal width of the flange portions of the foot links is wider than the
thickness of
the rail pivot blocks 230 to allow angular displacement of the foot links
relative to
pivot block about mounting pin 231, which acts as the pivot point. This
construction
provides a foot link connection between the flywheels 24a and 24b and guides
36 that
compensate for possible inconsistencies in the alignment of the flywheels 24a
and 24b
as well as the guide 36, especially in the direction transverse to the length
of the foot
links 30a and 30b. It can be appreciated to one of ordinary skill that varying
the
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-16-
thickness of rail pivot blocks 230 and the position of the block mounting pins
231
allow a designer to fine tune the construction depending on expected
tolerances that
may occur in the alignment of the other components of the present invention.
A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGURE 17. The apparatus 18c shown in FIGURE 17 is constructed similarly to
the
apparatus 18 and 18' shown in the prior figures. Accordingly, those components
of
apparatus 18c that are the same as, or similar to, those components of
apparatus 18
and 18' bear the same number, but with the addition of the "c" suffix
designation.
Apparatus 18c includes a pair of foot links 30ac and 30bc supported at their
forward and rear ends to provide elliptical foot motions similar to that
achieved by
apparatus 18 and 18', for instance, as shown in FIGURE 13. In this regard, the
rear
ends of the foot links 30ac and 30bc are pinned to flywheels 24ac and 24bc in
the
manner described above and shown in FIGURE 16. The forward ends of the foot
links 30ac and 30bc are supported by rollers 32ac and 32bc (not shown) which
are
axled to the sides of guide 36c. The guide 36c is in turn supported by a
powered lift
mechanism 38c which is similar in construction and operation to the lift
mechanism 38
described above. As in lift mechanism 38, the lift mechanism 38c includes a
crossbar
supported by and vertically carned by a carriage 122c which is restrained to
travel
vertically along the height of a central guide bar 126c which in turn is
securely
fastened to the forward face of the post lower section SZc.
In a manner similar to that described above and illustrated in FIGURES 9
and 10, the carriage 122c is raised and lowered by an electrically powered
actuator 136c, which includes an upper screw section 138c rotatably powered by
an
electric motor 140c. The upper end of the screw section is rotatably engaged
within a
retaining socket assembly 142c which is pinned to a U-shaped bracket 144c
secured
to the forward face of post lower section 52c. A cross-pin 146c extends
through
aligned openings formed in the side flanges of the bracket 144c and aligned
diametrically opposed apertures formed in the socket 142c. The socket allows
the
screw of the lift actuator to rotate relative to the socket while remaining in
vertical
engagement with the collar. As in lift mechanism 38, in lift mechanism 38c
shown in
FIGURE 17, roller tube sections 124c are mounted on the outer end of the
crossbar
carried by the carriage to directly underlie and bear against the bottoms of
the sides of
guide 36c. By this construction guide 36c is raised and lowered about cross
tube 118c by operation of the motor 140c.
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-17_
Apparatus 18c operates in a manner very similar to apparatus 18, discussed
above, wherein the user stands on footpads 27c while gripping handlebar 56c
for
stability. The user imparts a downward stepping action on one of the footpads,
thereby causing the flywheels 24ac and 24bc to rotate about axis 26c. As a
result, the
rear ends of the foot links travel about the axis 26c and simultaneously the
forward
ends of the footlinks ride fore and aft on rollers 32ac and 32bc. As in
apparatus 18, in
apparatus 18c the path of travel of the center of the footpads 27c generally
define an
ellipse. The angular orientation of this elliptical path may be tilted
upwardly and
downwardly by operation of the lift mechanism 38c. As a result, the user can
adjust
apparatus 18c to approximate gliding or cross country skiing, jogging, running
and
climbing, all by raising and lowering the elevations of support rollers 32ac
and 32bc.
Next, referring to FIGURE 18, an apparatus 18d is depicted which is
constructed quite similarly to apparatus 18c in FIGURE 17, but with a manual
lift
mechanism 38d rather than a powered lift mechanism 38c. Those components of
FIGURE 18 that are similar to those illustrated in FIGURE 17 or those in other
prior
figures are given the same part number, but with a "d" Sufic designation
rather than a
"c" suffix designation.
In apparatus 18d, the guide 36d is supported relative to post 22d by a cross
pin 402 which extends through cross-holes 404 formed in lower section 52d of
the
post 22d. The cross-pin 402 may be conveniently disengaged from and engaged
into
the cross-holes 404 with one hand, while manually supporting the transverse,
forward
end of guide 36d with the other hand. To this end, a tubular-shaped hand pad
406
may be engaged over the guide end 119d for enhanced grip and comfort.
The levels and types of exercise provided by apparatus 18d is essentially the
same as the prior described embodiments of the present invention, including
that
shown in FIGURE 17. In this regard, the guide 36d may be raised and lowered so
as
to enable the user to achieve dii~erent types of exercise from a gliding or
cross
country skiing motion to a walking motion to a jogging or running motion to a
climbing motion. Thus, the advantages provided by the embodiments of the
present
invention described above are also achieved by apparatus 18d.
Rather than utilizing the cross pin 402 to support guide 36d, a carriage
similar
to carriage 122c of FIGURE 17 might be employed together with a guide bar
similar
to guide bar 126c for guiding the carriage for vertical movement. However,
rather
than employing a powered actuator 136c, a spring loaded plunger pin, not
shown,
could be mounted on the carriage to engage within receiving holes formed in
the
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-18-
guide bar or the lower section of the post. Such plunger pins are articles of
commerce, see for instance, U.S. Patent No.4,770,411. In this manner, the
guide 36d may be manually raised or lowered by grasping handle 406 and the
plunger
pin inserted into a new location, thereby to raise or lower the guide as
desired.
FIGURE 19 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention
constructed similarly to the apparatus 18 shown in the prior figures, but with
a
manually operated lift mechanism 38e. Accordingly, those components of
apparatus 18d shown in FIGURE 19 that are the same as, or similar to, those
components of apparatus 18 bear the same part number, but with the addition of
a "e"
suffix designation.
As shown in FIGURE 19, the foot links 30ad and 30bd are constructed
essentially the same as foot links 30a and 30b, including with rollers 32ae
and 32be
pinned to the forward ends of the foot links. The rollers 32ae and 32be ride
on the
tubular side tracks 34ae and 34be of guide 36e. The guide 36e is raised and
lowered
by a manual lift mechanism 38e composed of a carriage 122e that is slidably
engaged
with a vertical guide bar 126e mounted on the forward face of post lower
section 52e.
A handle 501 extends forwardly and diagonally upwardly from the upper end
portion
of the carnage 122e for manual grasping by the user. Ideally the handle is U-
shaped
having side arms extending diagonally upwardly and forwardly from the carriage
to
intersect with a transverse cross member spanning across the front of carriage
22e. A
tubular shaped handle pad 503 may encase the transverse end portion of handle
501 to
aid in gripping the handle when lowering or raising the carriage 122e.
As in carriage 122, roller tube sections 124e are mounted on the other ends of
a cross bar carned by the carriage to directly underlie and bear against the
bottoms of
the sides of guide 36e. Also, a spring loaded plunger pin, not shown, is
mounted on
the carriage 122e to engage within a series of holes spaced along the height
of guide
bar 126e. Such plunger pins are standard articles of commerce. For instance,
they
are commonly used to support the seat of exercise cycles in desired positions.
See
U. S. Patent 4,770,411 noted above.
By the foregoing construction, the guide 36d may be raised and lowered so as
to enable the user to achieve the same types of exercise as provided by
apparatuses 18, 18', 18c and 18d discussed above.
Next referring to FIGURE 20, an apparatus 18f consisting of a further
preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Those components
of
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-19-
apparatus "18f' that are the same as, or similar to, those components
illustrated in the
prior figures, are given the same part number, but with a "f' suffix
designation.
As in the prior embodiments of the present invention discussed above,
apparatus 18f also utilizes a pair of foot links 30af and 30bf supported at
their
forward and rear ends to provide elliptical foot motion similar to that
achieved by the
apparatuses described above, for instance, as shown in FIGURE 13. In this
regard,
the rear ends of the foot links are pinned to flywheels 24af and 24bf, in the
manner
described and shown with respect to FIGURE 16. The forward ends of the foot
links 30af and 30bf are supported by rollers 32af and 32bf (not shown) which
are
mounted on a cross shaft 601 extending transversely outwardly from post 22f to
support the undersides of the forward ends of the foot links 30af and 30bf. As
in the
prior embodiments of the present invention, foot pads 27f are mounted on the
top
sides of the foot links 30af and 30bf to support the feet of the user.
A manually operated lift mechanism 38f is employed to raise and lower the
support rollers 32f. The lift mechanism is in the form of a lead screw
mechanism
somewhat similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,007,630 for raising
and
lowering the forward end of an exercise treadmill. The lift mechanism 38f
employs a
lead screw 603 which is vertically supported within post 22f by a bushing
assembly 605 mounted at the top of the post 22f. The lead screw 603 is
threadably
engaged with a cap 607 affixed to the upper end of a slide tube 609 sized to
closely
and slidably engage within the post 22f. A cross shaft 601 extends
transversely
outwardly from each side of the slide tube and through slots 611 formed in the
sidewalk of post 22f. The rollers 32af and 32bf, as noted above, are supported
by the
outward ends of the cross shaft 601. A hand crank 613 is mounted on the upper
end
of the lead screw 603 extending above the post 22f. By rotating the hand crank
613,
the support rollers 32af and 32bf may be raised and lowered thereby to achieve
the
same range of exercise motions achieved by the previously described
embodiments of
the present invention.
Still referring to FIGURE 20, a continuous, closed form handle bar 56f is
mounted on the upper portion of post 22f for grasping by an individual
utilizing the
present apparatus 18f. The handle bar 56f includes an upper transverse section
615
which is clamped to the upper rear side of post 22f by a clamp 60f. The handle
bar 56f includes side sections 617 that extend upwardly and forwardly from the
transverse ends of section 615, then extend generally horizontally forwardly
and then
extend downwardly and rearwardly to intersect with the outer ends of
transverse
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-20-
lower section 619. The transverse lower section 619 is clamped to the front
side of
post 22f with a second clamp 60f at an elevation below the elevation of upper
transverse section 615. By this construction of the handle bar 56f, the area
around
hand crank 613 is substantially open so as to not hinder the manual operation
of the
hand crank. The handle bar 56f also includes a pair of transverse members 621
that
span across the side sections 617 to support the display 74f.
FIGURE 21 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention wherein
apparatus 18g is constructed very similarly to apparatus 18f, but with an
electrically
powered lift mechanism 38f. The components of apparatus 18g that are similar
to the
components of the prior embodiments of the present invention are given the
same part
number, but with an "g" suffix designation.
As illustrated in FIGURE 21, the apparatus 18g is constructed almost
identically to that shown in FIGURE 20, but with an electric motor assembly
701
mounted on the upper end of post 22g for operating the lead screw 603g rather
than
having to manually rotate the lead screw in the manner of the apparatus 18f
shown in
FIGURE 20. In a manner known in the art, the motor assembly 701 may be
controlled by push buttons or other interface devices mounted on display panel
74g.
A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGURE 22. The apparatus 18h shown in FIGURE 22 is constructed somewhat
similarly to the apparatuses of the prior figures. Accordingly, those
components of
apparatus 18h that are the same as, or similar to, those components of the
prior
embodiments of the present invention are given the same part number, but with
the
addition of the "h" suffix designation.
The apparatus 18h includes a frame 20h similar to the frames of the prior
embodiments of the present invention, but with a rear cross member 46h
extending
transversely beneath the longitudinal central member 42h of the frame.
Ideally, the
rear cross member 46h is of circular exterior shape so as to enable the frame
ZOh to
tilt about the rear cross member during operation of a manual lift system 38h.
A post 22h extends transversely upwardly from the forward end of the frame
longitudinal central member 42h. As in the prior embodiments of the present
invention, apparatus 18h includes a pair of foot links 30ah and 30bh supported
at their
rearward and forward ends to cause the foot receiving pedals carried thereby
to travel
about elliptical paths similar to the elliptical paths of the apparatuses
described above.
To this end, the rearward ends of the foot links are pinned to flywheels 24ah
and 24bh
in a manner described and illustrated previously. The forward ends of the foot
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-21-
links 30ah and 30bh are supported by rollers 32ah and 32bh (not shown) which
are
rotatably ailed on stub shafts 114h extending laterally outwardly from the
sides of
post 22h at an elevation intermediate the height of the post.
The lift mechanism 38h is incorporated into the construction of the post 22h.
Such lift mechanism is similar to that illustrated in FIGURE 20 in that the
lift
mechanism is of a manually operated lead screw type. In this regard, the lift
mechanism includes a lead screw 603h extending downwardly into post 20h and
supported therein by a bushing assembly 605h located at the top of the post.
The lead
screw 603h engages within a threaded cap 607h secured to the upper end of a
slide
tube 609h closely disposed within the interior of the post 22h. The slide tube
extends
outwardly through the bottom of the post and a through hole formed in frame
longitudinal central member 42h. A transverse forward cross member 701 is
secured
to the bottom of slide tube 609h to bear against the floor f. It will be
appreciated that
by manual operation of the crank 613h, the apparatus 18h may be tilted
upwardly and
downwardly relative to the rear cross member 46h. As a result, the user of
apparatus 18h may alter his/her exercise from a gliding or cross country
skiing
motion, to a walking motion, to a running or jogging motion to a climbing
motion, in
a manner similar to the previously described preferred embodiments of the
present
invention.
The apparatus 18h may utilize a handle bar 56h constructed similarly to handle
bars 56f and 56g described and illustrated in FIGURES 20 and 21, above. As
such,
the construction of the handle bar 56h will not be repeated at this juncture.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGURE 23. The apparatus 18i shown in FIGURE 23 is constructed similarly to
the
previously described apparatuses. As such, those components of apparatus 18i
that
are the same as, or similar to, the components of the previously described
apparatuses
bear the same part number, but with the addition of the "i" suffix
designation.
As in FIGURE 22, apparatus 18i shown in FIGURE 23, includes a pair of foot
links 30ai and 30bi carried at their reward and forward ends to cause foot
receiving
pedals 27i carried thereby to travel along elliptical paths similar to the
elliptical paths
of the apparatuses described above. To this end, the rear ends of the foot
links are
pinned to flywheels 24ai and 24bi in a manner described and shown with respect
to
FIGURE 16. The forward ends of the foot links 30ai and 30bi are supported by
the
lower ends of rocker or swing arms 801a and 801b at lower pivot joints 803.
The
swing arms 801a and 801b are pivotally coupled to a cross arm 805 extending
~CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-22-
outwardly from each side of post 22i. The upper ends of the swing arms 801a
and 801b are formed into manually graspable handles 807a and 807b that swing
laterally outwardly from a display panel 74i mounted on the upper end of post
22i.
The swing arms 801a and 801b support the forward ends of the foot links 20ai
and 20bi to travel along arcuate paths defined by the pivot axis corresponding
to cross
arm 805 and the radial length between such axes and the pivot joint 803
connecting
the forward ends of the foot links and the lower ends of the swing arms. As a
result,
the foot pedals 27i define elliptical paths of travel as the rearward ends of
the foot
links travel about axis 26i and the forward ends of the foot links swing in
arcuate
paths defined by swing arms 801a and 801b.
The arcuate path of travel of the foot pedals 27i may be altered by operation
of lift mechanism 38i incorporated into the rear post assembly 86i used to
support the
flywheels 24ai and 24bi. The rear post assembly 86i includes a lower member
811
which is fixedly attached to frame longitudinal member 42i by any expedient
manner,
such as by welding or bolting. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the
present invention, a corner brace 92i is employed at the juncture of the
forward lower
face of post lower section 811 with the upper surface of the longitudinal
member 42i
to provide reinforcement therebetween. Of course, other types of bracing are
reinforcements may be utilized.
The rear post assembly 86i includes an upward telescoping section 813 that
slidably engages within the post lower section 811. The relative engagement
between
the post upper and lower sections 813 and 811 is controlled by a linear
actuator 815
having its lower end pinned to a removable plate 817 disposed flush with, or
raised
upwardly from, the bottom surface of frame longitudinal member 42i. The upper
end
of the linear actuator 815 is pinned to the post upper section 813 by any
convenient
means. For example, a plate 819 or other anchor structure may be provided
within
the interior of the post upper section 813 for coupling to the upper end of
the linear
actuator 81 S. The linear actuator 81 S may be in the form of a pneumatic or
hydraulic
cylinder, an electrically powered lead screw or an electromagnetic coil or
other type
of actuator, all of which are articles of commerce.
Next referring to FIGURE 24, a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. The apparatus 18j illustrated in FIGURE 24 is
constructed
similarly to the apparatuses described above. Accordingly, those components of
apparatus 18j that are the same as, or similar to, those components of those
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-23-
apparatuses described above bear the same part number, but with the addition
of the
"j" suf~c designation.
Apparatus 18j includes a pair of foot links 30aj and 30bj that are supported
to
cause the foot receiving pedals 27j carned thereby to travel about an
elliptical path of
travel similar to the elliptical paths described above, including paths 181,
182 and 183.
To this end, the rearward ends of the foot links 30aj and 30bj are pinned to
flywheels 24aj and 24bj, in the manner described and shown with respect to
FIGURE 16. The forward ends of the foot links 30aj and 30bj are supported by a
forward arms 902 and 904. The lower ends of the arms 902 and 904 are coupled
to a
roller assembly 906 adapted to roll on the top surface of the frame 20j, with
the frame
being wider at its forward location than the width of frame 20 previously
described.
The upper end of arm 902 is pivotally coupled to the forward end of the foot
link at
pivot connection 908. The upper end of the arm 904 is also pivotally coupled
to the
foot links, but a location rearwardly of the pivot connection 908. To this
end, a
pin 910 is provided for engaging through a through hole formed in the upper
end of
arm 904 and through a series of transverse through holes 912 formed in the
foot links.
It would be appreciated that the elevation of the forward end of the foot
links may be
altered by simply changing the position of the upper end of arm 902 lengthwise
along
the foot links 30aj and 30bj.
It will be appreciated that rather than utilizing pins 910 to couple the upper
ends of arms 904 to the foot links, such coupling can be accomplished by
numerous
other methods. For instance, a lead screw assembly or other type of linear
actuator
may be mounted on the foot links for connection to the arm 904. The use of a
linear
actuator would enable the location of the upper end of the arm 904 to be
adjusted
during operation of the apparatus 18j rather than having to dismount the
apparatus
and reposition the arm by removing pin 910 from its current location and
placing the
pin in a new through hole 912.
It will also be appreciated that rather than adjusting the location of the
upper
end of arm 904, the upper end of the arm 902 may be adapted to be connected to
the
foot links at various locations along the length thereof. In this situation,
the upper
end of the arm 904 may be coupled at a singular location by any convenient
means,
for instance, through a pivot connection similar to pivot connection 908.
Regardless of whether the upper ends of arms 902 or 904, or both, are
adapted to be positioned along the length of foot links 30aj and 30bj, it will
be
appreciated that by the foregoing construction, the apparatus 18j may be
adjusted to
CA 02253175 1998-11-10
-24-
enable the user to achieve different types of exercise from a gliding or cross-
country
skiing motion, to a walking motion, to a jogging or running motion to a
climbing
motion. Thus, the advantages provided by the prior described embodiments are
also
achieved by apparatus 18j.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
