Adaptive motion exercise device

An exercise device includes first and second crank arms configured to rotate 180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another about a first axis; a track; first and second foot links, first and second footpads carried by the first and second foot links between the first link portion and the second link portion and first and second front arms. Each of the first and second foot links has a first link portion that moves along the track while pivoting. Each of the first and second front arms has a first arm portion pivotally coupled to one of the foot links and a second arm portion pivotally coupled one of the crank arms. In one embodiment, a disc rotates in response to movement of the first foot link along the track, wherein a magnet facing the disc forms an eddy brake.

BACKGROUND

Some exercise devices allow those persons exercising to change or adapt the shape of the path of motion by altering the application of force to foot pads. However, such exercise devices may be complex, require a high number of parts, be costly and be structurally challenging, and result in cantilevering large loads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates an adaptive motion exercise device20according to an example embodiment. Exercise device20enables a person exercising to adjust, while exercising, the shape of the path along which his or her feet travel while applying force to the exercise device. Such adjustments occur automatically solely in response to different horizontal and vertical forces being applied during exercise.

Exercise device20comprises frame22, crank arms24R,24L (collectively referred to as crank arms24), front arms26R,26L (collectively referred to as front arms26), foot links30R,30L (collectively referred to as foot links30), footpads34R,34L (collectively returned to patch34), track38, vertical resistance source42, input-output panel43and controller44. Frame22comprises one or more structures that serve as a base, foundation or support for the remaining elements or components of exercise device20. Frame22includes a front or forward end46and a back or rearward end48. Exercise device20is arranged such that a person exercising generally faces forwardly towards end46.

Crank arms24comprise one or more members rotationally supported by frame22so as to rotate about a horizontal axis50while being rotationally or pivotally coupled to front arms26at pivot joints52. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. As shown byFIG. 1, pivot joints52rotate about axis50180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another. Crank arms24facilitate vertical displacement of footpads34.

Front arms26comprise arms or linkages having a first portion56pivotally or coupled to crank arms24at pivot joints52and a second portion58coupled to foot links34at pivot joints60. As will be described in more detail hereafter, front arms26enable a person exercising to vary the relative horizontal and vertical displacement of footpads34by merely changing or adjusting the direction and duration of force being applied to footpads34(and swing arms in those exercise devices having swing arms).

Foot links30comprise structures or members configured to movably support the weight of a person exercising as the person's feet move through selectively adjustable paths having different shapes. Each of foot links30includes a forward portion64rotationally coupled to one of front arms26and a rearward portion66configured to move along track38. In the example illustrated, each rearward portion66includes a roller70that rolls along track38. In other embodiments, other low friction or movement facilitating interfaces may be provided to facilitate movement of foot links30along track38.

Footpads34comprise structures supported by foot links30configured to support and receive the feet of a person exercising and to further facilitate the transmission of force to foot links30. In one embodiment, footpads34may include a toe clip. In other embodiments, foot pads34may be omitted, wherein force is directly transmitted to foot links30.

In the example illustrated, foot pads34are elongated, offering a person to choose from amongst multiple different locations along foot links30to place his or her feet. As a result, a person may effectively change his or her vertical step height without any other mechanical changes. In the example illustrated, each foot pad34has a length of at least 10 inches and nominally about 25 inches. In other embodiments, foot pads34may have other lengths and configurations.

Track38comprises one or more structures configured to support foot links30. In one embodiment, track38is additionally configured to guide and direct forward and rearward movement of foot links30. In the example illustrated, track38comprises a single structure guiding and directing both foot links30. In another embodiment, track38may comprise two separate tracks guiding foot links30. Track38is located at the rear of frame and is straight or linear. In other embodiments, track38may alternatively be curved or be inclined at other angles than the particular angle illustrated.

In some embodiments, the incline of track38may be selectively adjustable. For example, exercise device20may include a track height adjuster74configured to raise and lower track38. In one embodiment, track38may pivot about a pivot joint or hinge75, whereas an upper end is supported by height adjuster74or by an alternative support78. In one embodiment, track height adjuster74may be a manually powered adjuster wherein the track38is lifted or lowered and retained in place by a pin or other retention mechanism or wherein a manually powered screw is used to raise and lower track38. In another embodiment, a powered actuator, such as a solenoid or hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder assembly, is used to raise or lower and retain track38. In one embodiment, the powered actuator may raise or lower the track38in response to control signals from controller44based upon commands entered by the person exercising using panel43or based upon an exercise program or regimen being carried out under the direction of the controller44.

Vertical resistance source42comprises a mechanism configured to provide an adjustable source of resistance against vertical displacement of foot links30. In particular, vertical resistance source42resists rotation of crank arms24about axis50. In the example illustrated, vertical resistance source42comprises a disc75and a magnetic member76. Disc75comprises a nonferrous (aluminum or copper) disc coupled to crank arms24so as to rotate with crank arms24. Magnetic member76comprises a member facing disc74and configured to apply a selectively adjustable magnetic field to disc75so as to form an Eddy brake. In one embodiment, member76applies a magnetic field strength under the direction or control of controller44. In another embodiment, source42may provide a fixed resistance or may comprise other resistance sources such as a frictional resistance or a hysteresis brake.

Input-output panel43, schematically shown, comprises a control panel supported by frame22and configured to provide output to the person exercising while allowing the person exercising to input or enter selections or commands. In one embodiment, panel43comprises a display or monitor and one or more input devices such as switches, touch pads, a touch screen, keyboards, key pads, dials, a microphone with speech recognition software and the like.

Controller44(schematically shown) comprises one or more processors or processing devices configured to generate control signals directing the operation of vertical resistance source42and height adjuster (if provided) based upon command or selections from the person exercising and sensed exercise metrics such as sensed movement and timed duration of exercise. For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller44may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.

In operation, a person exercising may alter the shape of the path on the fly, while exercising, by simply altering the application of force by his or her feet to foot pads34. If the person exercising desires a more horizontally shaped or elongated oval path, he or she strides out longer horizontally. This results in foot links30(and foot pads34) swinging back and forth about pivot joint52while pivot joint52rotates around axis50. Crank arms24makes full and continual revolutions in any given direction for the path shape and feel to function properly so the machine has a fixed vertical stride form but the user can change how much of that they are experiencing by one of multiple available positions on the relatively long foot link30. An alternative to long foot pads for this purpose is foot pads that are movable to different positions on the foot link Alternatively, at the other extreme, if the person exercising desires a more vertically shaped or elongated oval path for foot pads34(and his or her stride), he or she simply takes horizontally shorter strides. Paths between the two noted extremes may be achieved by applying mixtures of horizontal and vertical forces to foot pads34and changing user position on the foot links. Although not shown, device20may additionally include a source of inertia (a flywheel) to allow crank arms24to rotate in a smooth, controllable fashion and provide the flow or follow through between left and right strides.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate exercise device120, another embodiment of exercise device20. Exercise device120is similar to exercise device20except that exercise device120includes tracks138in place of tracks38and additionally includes biases124and horizontal resistance sources126. In addition, vertical resistance source42includes an intermediate speed increasing disc77and belt79between crank arms24and disc75to increase the speed of the disc for inertia and resistance. Those remaining components of exercise device120which correspond to exercise device20are numbered similarly.

Tracks138comprise one or more structures configured to support foot links30. In the example illustrated, tracks138are additionally configured to guide and direct forward and rearward movement of foot links30. In the example illustrated, tracks38comprise two separate tracks guiding foot links30. Each of tracks138is located at the rear of frame, is curved and inclined. In the example illustrated, each of tracks138is tubular, wherein the roller170of each of foot links30is circumferentially grooved to wrap about the tubular or cylindrical shape of the associated track138. In other embodiments, tracks138may alternatively comprise grooves or flat surfaces. In other embodiments, tracks may have inclines at other angles than the particular angle illustrated, may constitute a single track for both foot links30and may be linear.

Biases124comprise members operably coupled between front arms26and foot links30so as to resiliently bias foot links30towards front arms26, applying an vertical upward force to foot links30. In the example illustrated, biases124comprise tension springs having one end portion pivotally attached to an associated one of front arms26and another end portion pivotally attached to an associated one of foot links30forward of foot pads34adjacent a front of the associated foot pad34. In other embodiments, biases124may comprise other types of springs or may be omitted.

Horizontal resistance source126comprises a mechanism configured provide an adjustable source of resistance against horizontal displacement of foot links30. Horizontal resistance source126resists movement of foot links30along tracks138. In the example illustrated, horizontal resistance source126comprises a resistance device141associated with each foot link30. As shown byFIG. 2A, each horizontal resistance source comprises a disc175and a magnetic member176. Disc175comprises a nonferrous (aluminum or copper) metal disc coupled to the associated roller170and carried by the associated foot link30so as to rotate with the roller170as it rolls along track138. Magnetic member176comprises a member facing disc175and configured to apply a selectively adjustable magnetic field to disc175so as to form an eddy brake. In one embodiment, member176applies a magnetic field strength under the direction or control of controller44. In other embodiments, resistance source126may be omitted, wherein the resistance is fixed.

Exercise devise120operates in a similar fashion to exercise device20except that exercise device120applies a resistance to horizontal movement of foot pads34and applies forces assisting with movement up the incline or ramp provided by tracks138.

FIG. 3illustrates exercise device220, another embodiment of exercise device20. Exercise device220is similar to exercise device120except that exercise device120includes horizontal resistance source226in place of horizontal resistance source126. Horizontal resistance source226, like source126, comprises a mechanism configured provide an adjustable source of resistance against horizontal displacement of foot links30. Horizontal resistance source126resists movement of foot links30along tracks138. In the example illustrated, horizontal resistance source226comprises pulleys241,242, flexible line or loop245, disc275and a magnetic member276.

Pulleys241,242comprise rotational line guides rotationally supported by frame22at spaced apart locations along tracks138. Pulleys241,242movably support loop245for reciprocal movement along tracks138. Loop245comprises a continuous line, such as a wire, belt, cable or rope. In other embodiments, other rotational guides and loops may be utilized such as a sprockets and a chain. As shown byFIG. 3, loop245is coupled or attached to each of foot links30such that as foot links30reciprocate back and forth along tracks138, lengths of loop245between pulleys241,242also reciprocate back and forth.

Disc275comprises a nonferrous (aluminum or copper) disc coupled to pulley241so as to rotate with pulley241as pulley241alternately rotates in opposite directions. In some embodiments, disc275may be omitted where pulley241is formed from a ferro material and functions as disc275. Magnetic member276comprises a member facing disc275and configured to apply a selectively adjustable magnetic field to disc275so as to form an eddy brake. In one embodiment, member276applies a magnetic field strength under the direction or control of controller44(member276being wired or wirelessly connected to controller44). In other embodiments, a similar eddy brake may additionally or alternatively be formed using a disc275coupled to pulley242and member276facing disc275. In yet other embodiments, resistance source226may be omitted, wherein the resistance is fixed. In other examples, the horizontal resistance is fixed at a set rate.

Exercise devise220operates in a similar fashion to exercise device20except that exercise device220utilizes a single eddy brake for providing horizontal resistance to movement of both foot links30because left and right are linked through loop245

FIG. 4illustrates exercise device320, another embodiment of exercise device20. Exercise device320is similar to exercise device20, except that exercise device320includes tracks338and swing arm assemblies324. Although not illustrated, exercise device320includes either horizontal resistance source126or horizontal resistance source226along tracks338. In embodiments where resistance source226is used, links375and rocker arm377may be omitted.

Tracks338comprise one or more structures configured to support foot links30. In the example illustrated, tracks138are additionally configured to guide and direct forward and rearward movement of foot links30. In the example illustrated, tracks338comprise two separate tracks guiding foot links30. Each of tracks338is located at the rear of frame, is linear and inclined. In the example illustrated, each of tracks138provides a groove or channel339, wherein the rollers370of each of foot links30is received within the channel339and rolls along the channel. In other embodiments, tracks338may alternatively comprise tubular or flat surfaces. In other embodiments, tracks may have inclines at other angles than the particular angle illustrated, may constitute a single track for both foot links30and/or may be curved.

Swing arm assemblies324comprise mechanisms configured to exercise a person's upper body and arms by facilitating the application of force by the upper body to foot links30. Swing arm assemblies324comprise swing arms374, connecting links375, rocker arm377and rocker arm links379. Swing arms374comprise elongate members rotationally supported by frame22at or proximate to forward end46for pivotal movement about horizontal axis381. Each swing arm374includes an upper portion383above axis381serving as a hand grip and a lower portion385below axis381and pivotally connected to link375. Swing arms374swing to and fro about axis381. Although axis381is illustrated as being offset from axis50of disc77, in other embodiments, axis381may be collinear with axis50provided it is not operably attached to the rotation of the cranks on axis50. In other words, swing arms374and cranks24may employ the same shaft making axis50and axis381, wherein swing arms374and crank arms24are not connected to each other.

Links375comprise members operably coupled between swing arms374and foot links30. Links375have a first end pivotally connected to swing arm374and a second end pivotally connected to foot link30. In the example illustrated, links375are pivotally connected to foot link30proximate a center point of the associated foot pad34. Links375transmit force from swing arms324to foot links30while also permitting foot links30to be vertically displaced without fore and aft movement (or with minimal fore and aft movement) of swing arms374.

Rocker arm377and rocker arm links379cooperate to force alternating fore and aft reciprocation of swing arms374about axis381. Rocker arm377comprises a member pivotally supported by frame22for pivotal movement about axis385extending in the x-axis direction). Rocker arm links379comprise members pivotally connected to rocker arm377at a first end (for rotation about an axis extending in the x-axis direction) and pivotally connected to an associated swing arm374by a hinge387at a second end offset from axis381(for rotation about an axis extending in the z-axis direction). In operation, as one swing arm374moves forwardly, the other of swing arms374moves rearwardly. In other embodiments, rocker arm377and links379may have other configurations. In other embodiments, rocker arm377and links379may be omitted.

Exercise devise320operates in a similar fashion to exercise device20except that exercise device320applies a resistance to horizontal movement of foot pads34(through the use of horizontal resistance source126or226shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, respectively) and allows the person exercising to additionally exercise his or her upper body using swing arms374.

FIG. 4illustrates the various axes about which the interconnected components rotate or pivot. In the example illustrated, crank arms24rotate about a first axis400. Connecting links375are pivotally coupled to foot links30L and30R about a second axis402and a third axis404. Front arms26L and26R are pivotally connected directly to the first and second foot links30L and30R about a fourth axis406and fifth axis408, respectively, provided by pivot joints60. Front arms26L and26R are pivotally connected to crank arms24L and24R about a sixth axis410and a seventh axis412, respectively.