Positional lock for foot pedals of an elliptical exercise machine

An elliptical exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal attached to a frame to travel along reciprocating paths. A resistance mechanism is also integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first and second foot pedals along the reciprocating paths. A locking mechanism is arranged to secure the first and second foot pedals in place and prevent them from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode. The locking mechanism is in communication with a locking input mechanism and is arranged to switch between the secured mode and an operational mode that allows the first and second foot pedals to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves one's cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and providing other benefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise generally involves low intensity physical exertion over a long duration of time. Typically, the human body can adequately supply enough oxygen to meet the body's demands at the intensity levels involved with aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include running, jogging, swimming, and cycling among other types of aerobic exercise. In contrast, anaerobic exercise often involves high intensity exercises over a short duration of time. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include strength training and short distance running.

Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in a gym or their home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise machine to have an aerobic workout indoors. One such type of aerobic exercise machine is an elliptical, which often includes foot supports that move in reciprocating directions when moved by the feet of a user. Often, the foot supports will be mechanically linked to arm levers that can be held by the user during the workout. The arm levers and foot supports move together and collectively provide resistance against the user's motion during the user's workout. Other popular exercise machines that allow a user to perform aerobic exercises indoors include treadmills, rowing machines, stepper machines, and stationary bikes to name a few.

One type of elliptical exercise machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,610 issued to Yao-jen Chang. In this reference, a safety device for use with an elliptical exercise machine includes a holder frame, a movable member, a locking member, and an operating member. The holder frame is fixedly mounted in the elliptical exercise machine at a predetermined selected location. The movable member is movably mounted in the elliptical exercise machine. The locking member is movably mounted in the holder frame in order to selectively lock the movable member from moving. The operating member is operable to move the locking member. A user can lock the movable member of the elliptical exercise machine after each exercise. When the user uses the elliptical exercise machine again and steps on the pedals of the elliptical exercise machine before starting to exercise, the user will not accidentally fall from the elliptical exercise machine due to an unexpected displacement of the center of gravity. Other types of elliptical exercise machines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,901 issued to Sulevi Saarinen and WIPO Patent Publication No. WO/2008/138124 to Robert Dickie. Each of these references is herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, an elliptical exercise machine includes a frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a resistance mechanism integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a locking or securing mechanism arranged to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in place and prevent them from moving when the locking or securing mechanism is in a secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism is located proximate a console of the elliptical exercise machine.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism is arranged to switch between the secured mode and an operational mode where the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are released to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is mechanically linked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism is integrated into the resistance mechanism such that in response to the user input to be in a secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts a resistance sufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in position.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance mechanism is in communication with a resistance input mechanism that is in communication with the resistance mechanism to apply an amount of resistance to the travel of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance input mechanism is independent of the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism is arranged to exert a magnetic resistance sufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in position.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism includes a feature that is arranged to move into and interlock with a mechanical linkage that mechanically connects the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism includes a feature that is arranged to move into and interlock with a flywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine a default mode of the locking or securing mechanism is the secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, may further include that the locking input mechanism is a button.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a storage memory medium and a processor wherein the storage memory medium comprises programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor, control when the locking mechanism is in the secured mode or in the operational mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the programmed instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the locking mechanism to switch to the secured mode in response to a predetermined period of non-use.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine comprises a second locking mechanism that provides a secondary lock arranged to prevent the first foot pedal and the second foot pedals from traveling.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking input mechanism located proximate the console is located near the console, on the console, in an arm guard, on handgrips, on an upper portion of the frame of the elliptical exercise machine, or combinations thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may include a frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a resistance mechanism integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a locking mechanism arranged to prevent the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is in communication with a locking input mechanism that is integrated into the elliptical exercise machine located at a remote location from the resistance mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism include a storage memory medium and a processor wherein the storage memory medium comprises programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor, switch the locking mechanism between the secured mode and an operational mode where the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are released to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is integrated into the resistance mechanism such that in response to the user input to be in a secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts a resistance sufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedals in position.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance mechanism is in communication with a resistance input mechanism in communication with the resistance mechanism to apply an amount of resistance to the travel of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal where the resistance input mechanism is independent of the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include programmed instructions that cause the locking mechanism to switch to a secured mode in response to a predetermined period of non-use.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may include a frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to the frame to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a resistance mechanism integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine may further include a locking mechanism arranged to prevent the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is in communication with a locking input mechanism that is integrated into the elliptical exercise machine and located in a control module to control mechanisms of the elliptical exercise machine.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a storage memory medium and a processor wherein the storage memory medium comprises programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor, are arranged to switch the locking mechanism between the secured mode and an operational mode where the first foot pedals and the second foot pedal are released to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the programmed instructions are further cause the locking mechanism to switch to a secured mode in response to a predetermined period of non-use.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is integrated into the resistance mechanism such that in response to the user input to be in a secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts a resistance sufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal in position.

Any of the aspects of the invention detailed above may be combined with any other aspect of the invention detailed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An elliptical exercise machine may include foot pedals that are mechanically linked together. Such foot pedals are often mechanically linked to arm supports that move with the foot pedals of the elliptical. Thus, when any of either the foot pedals or either of the arm supports move, each of the foot pedals and each of the arm supports will move. As a result, when a user moves any of these components, each of the components will move together. For example, a user may place a foot on one of the pedals to move the other foot pedal and the arm supports. When the user puts his entire weight on the foot pedal, which generally occurs when a user is getting on or off of the elliptical machine, the user's weight will be loaded to the single foot pedal. As a result, the loaded foot pedal will move about a crank arm to a lowest azimuthal position about a rotational axis of the crank assembly. Consequently, the other foot pedal will move to the highest azimuthal position about the rotational axis of the crank assembly when the foot pedals are connected together through the crank assembly. Likewise, the arm supports will also move based on the movement of the foot pedals. A user often gets on or off of the elliptical by first placing all of his or her weight onto a single foot pedal. As a result, the position of the foot pedals and arm supports will change as described above.

The principles described in the present disclosure lock the foot pedals in place so that the foot pedals do not move as the user mounts or dismounts the elliptical. By keeping the position of the foot pedals fixed in place during the mounting and dismounting of the elliptical machine, the user has additional stability when mounting and dismounting the elliptical exercise machine. The locking mechanism is located within a convenient arm's reach for the user without the user having to bend down to secure or release the foot pedals. For example, a button, a lever, a touch pad, or another user input mechanism to control the locking mechanism can be incorporated into a control module of the elliptical machine that the user can reach while standing in an upright position on the elliptical machine.

For example, if the locking mechanism includes a pin that moves into or out of a receptacle formed in a flywheel of the elliptical, the user does not have to bend down to reach the pin at the flywheel after the user is standing of the foot pedals ready to exercise when the user controls the locking mechanism through the user input mechanism. Likewise, the user will not have to reach down to the flywheel to move the pin into a position to secure the flywheel in place before dismounting when the user controls the locking mechanism through the user input mechanism. The principles described herein enable the user to secure or release the position of the foot pedals while the user is standing on the foot pedals in an upright position because the user can control the locking mechanism at a location that is remote from the resistance mechanism of the elliptical but may be within a convenient reach of the user's arms while the user stands on the foot pedals. Thus, the user can first step onto the elliptical and send a command to unlock the position of the foot pedals before beginning to exercise without having the reach down to manually unlock the flywheel. Further, the user can also stop exercising and send a command to secure the position of the foot pedals before the user dismounts through the user input mechanism. The user has the ability to send such commands in a stable upright position and does not have to rely on another person to secure or release the foot pedals.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “located at a remote location from the resistance mechanism” refers to a location of any appropriate component or assembly that is either not in the vicinity of the resistance mechanism or a component that does not directly make physical contact the components of the resistance mechanism. Such a component may make indirect contact with the resistance mechanism by making physical contact with part of mechanical linkage that moves with the resistance mechanism. An example of a remote location includes a location on a control module, an arm support, a cross bar, or another feature that is within a convenient arm's reach of a user that is standing in an upright position on the elliptical's foot pedals when the resistance mechanism is located on a flywheel that is positioned near or under the user's knees. Further examples of the remote location include sensors that are incorporated into the control module, the foot pedals, the tracks, other parts of the mechanical linkage, other parts of the elliptical exercise machine, or combinations thereof. Such sensors may include cameras, load cells, accelerometers, distance sensors, other types of sensors, or combinations thereof. Such sensors may be used to determine a condition of the elliptical exercise machine and/or the user. For example, the sensors may determine whether the user is getting on or off the elliptical exercise machine, whether the user's weight is appropriately distributed across both foot pedals, whether the user is adjusting weight between the foot pedals, whether there has been a predetermined period of inactivity, other conditions, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the remote location is spaced more than one foot (0.3 meters) away from the resistance mechanism.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “resistance mechanism” includes those components that directly and selectively interact to cause an added degree of resistance during the user's workout. For example, a resistance mechanism may include a flywheel when the elliptical exercise machine has components that can adjustably impose resistance to the movement of the flywheel, such as imposing a magnetic force on the flywheel to restrict the flywheel's rotation. The flywheel is included in the resistance mechanism when other components interact with the flywheel to directly resist the flywheel's movement. For example, braking pads, tensioning elements, fan blades, or other components can be used to directly to resist the movement of the flywheel. In such examples, both the flywheel and the components interacting to adjustably resist the movement of the flywheel are included as part of the resistance mechanism.

Particularly, with reference to the figures,FIGS. 1-2depict an example of an elliptical exercise machine10, such as an elliptical machine. The elliptical exercise machine10includes a base12that is attached to a support frame14at a first connection46and a second connection48. A lower portion15of the support frame14includes a housing16that supports a first flywheel18and a second flywheel20. The first flywheel18and the second flywheel20are attached to one another through a crank assembly22. The crank assembly22includes a crank arm24that is attached to a first roller shaft26that is connected to the first flywheel18on a first end and attached to a second roller shaft30that is connected to the second flywheel20at a second end.

The first shaft26is attached to an underside of a first track33that supports a first foot pedal34, and the second shaft30is attached to an underside of a second track35that supports a second foot pedal36. The crank assembly22is shaped such that the first shaft26and the second shaft30follow reciprocating paths. Consequently, the first foot pedal34follows the path of the first shaft26, and the second foot pedal36follows the path of the second shaft30. As a user stands on the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36for a workout, the user's feet will also follow the reciprocating paths of the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36respectively. In some examples, the first foot pedal34is slideably arranged along the length of the first track33. Likewise, the second foot pedal36is slideably arranged along the length of the second track35. Thus, in some examples, the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36are movable in multiple directions. For example, the foot pedals34,36may move down the length of the tracks and/or with the reciprocating paths traveled by the first shaft26and the second shaft30. In some examples, a stopping mechanism is incorporated into the elliptical exercise machine10to stop the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36from sliding along the lengths of the first track33and the second track35respectively.

The first foot pedal34is connected to a first arm support38through a first mechanical linkage40, and the second foot pedal36is connected to a second arm support42through a second mechanical linkage44. The first arm support38is connected to the support frame14at a first pivot connection, and the second arm support42is connected to the support frame14at a second pivot connection. In the example ofFIGS. 1-2, the first mechanical linkage40includes a first bottom section50of the first arm support38being connected to a first far end52of the first track33at a first joint54. Likewise, the second mechanical linkage44includes a second bottom section56of the second arm support42being connected to a second far end58of the second track35at a second joint60.

A control module62is connected to a cross bar64that connects a first post66of the support frame14to a second post68of the support frame14. The control module62may include multiple buttons70, a display72, a cooling vent, a speaker, another device, or combinations thereof. The control module62may also include a locking input mechanism74that allows the user to control a locking mechanism75that locks the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36in position. Also, the control module62can include a resistance input mechanism76that allows the user to control how much resistance is applied to the movement of the first foot pedal34, the second foot pedal36, the first arm support38, and the second arm support42. The control module62may also provide the user with an ability to control other mechanisms of the elliptical exercise machine10. For example, the control module62may be used to control a level of a climate control, to control an incline of the first track33and the second track35, to control speaker volume, to select a preprogrammed workout, to control entertainment through the speakers of the display72of the control module62, to monitor a health parameter of the user during a workout, to communicate with a remote trainer or computer, to control other mechanisms, or combinations thereof.

While this example has been described with reference to a locking input mechanism74located on the console, the locking input mechanism74may be located at any appropriate location in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, the locking input mechanism74may be located proximate the console, near the console, on the console, in an arm guard, on handgrips, on an upper portion of a frame of the elliptical exercise machine, or combinations thereof.

The locking mechanism75may be located at any location that can lock the movement of the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36. For example, the locking mechanism75can be located adjacent to the first flywheel18and/or the second flywheel20. The locking mechanism75may include a member that is arranged to move towards and interlock with the flywheels or otherwise prevent the flywheels from rotating. Such a member may include a pin, a screw, a compression member, a hook, a clamp, another type of member, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the locking mechanism75may include a magnetic resistance device that can impose a magnetic resistance strong enough to prevent the movement of the flywheels even when an entire weight of a user is loaded to either the first foot pedal34or the second foot pedal36. Such a magnetic resistance device may also be used to provide magnetic resistance to the flywheels during a workout, but with a greater intensity when commanded to a lock the flywheel in place than when merely applying a resistance force for a workout. For example, a workout resistance level will still allow the flywheels to move. However, a locking resistance level is sufficient to prevent any movement of the flywheels. As a result, the flywheels will remain in their locked positions despite an entire weight of a user being loaded to either the first foot pedal34or the second foot pedal36. In such an example, the magnetic resistance device may automatically apply a maximum level of resistance when the locking input mechanism74indicates that the user wants the foot pedals in a secured mode.

The locking mechanism75may also be adjacent to other locations on the elliptical exercise machine10. For example, the locking mechanism75may be positioned adjacent to and arranged to stop the movement of the components of the crank assembly22, the first track33, the second track35, another component of the elliptical exercise machine10, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, the locking mechanism75is activated to secure the position of the foot pedals into place as a default mode. In such an example, the elliptical exercise machine10may be automatically set to a secured mode after a predetermined period of non-use.

In other examples, the elliptical exercise machine10may incorporate a threshold activation mechanism that senses when a user is about to mount the elliptical exercise machine10. In such an example, the elliptical exercise machine10may sense when a predetermined weight or load is exceeded on the foot pedals. As a result of the predetermined weight or load being exceeded, the locking mechanism75automatically locks the position of the foot pedals in place. In such an example, the foot pedals may travel just a little distance along the reciprocating paths before being stopped. Such a threshold activation mechanism may conserve power when the locking mechanism75incorporates a magnetic resistance device because the magnetic resistance is applied just at the moments when user is actually mounting the elliptical exercise machine10. In such an example, the user may send a command through the control module62to release the foot pedals.

The locking mechanism75may be programmed to operate based on user input to secure and user input to release the foot pedals. In such examples, the user tells the locking mechanism75when to release and when to secure. In alternative examples, the locking mechanism75may activate for just a predetermined period of time that is long enough for the user to get onto or off of the elliptical exercise machine10. For example, the locking mechanism75may lock the foot pedals in place in response to determining that the user is getting onto the elliptical exercise machine10. The locking mechanism75may lock for a predetermined length of time between five seconds to sixty seconds before automatically releasing the foot pedals. In this manner, the user does not have to command the foot pedals to release. The user may have an option to select the predetermined time period.

In another example, the elliptical exercise machine10can determine when the user is ready for a workout before releasing the foot pedals. In such an example, the elliptical exercise machine10may include an accelerometer that senses when the user is moving onto or off the elliptical exercise machine10. When the accelerometer determines that the user has stopped moving, the locking mechanism75may release the foot pedals. In another example, load sensors incorporated into the foot pedals may determine when the user's weight is distributed across both foot pedals or when the weight of the user stabilizes between the foot pedals. In yet another example, a camera or distance sensor may be used to determine when the user's feet are on both of the foot pedals.

While this example has been described with reference to specifically using an automatic release based on a predetermined period of time with an automatic detection activation mechanism, such an automatic release mechanism may be used with manually controlled activation mechanisms. Likewise, automatic activation mechanisms may be used with automatic release mechanisms.

The elliptical exercise machine10may include a locking mechanism status indicator to let the user know whether the elliptical exercise machine10is in the secured mode or the operational mode. Such an indicator may include a message on the display72, an light emitting diode incorporated in the control module62, the presence of a predetermined icon in the display72, another type of mechanism, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 3aillustrates a perspective view of an example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the first flywheel18is positioned under the first foot pedal34. The first foot pedal34is connected to the first shaft26of the crank assembly22.

Multiple holes78are formed near the periphery80of the first flywheel18. These holes78are spaced equidistantly from one another and are spaced so that a pin82of the locking mechanism75can protrude into the voids formed by the holes78. Each of the holes78represents an azimuthal position in which the foot pedals can occupy when the elliptical exercise machine10is in a secured mode. Such a pin82may be moved into one of the holes78in response to a command from a remote location, such as the control module62or from either of the first arm support38or the second arm support42.

The pin82may be moved into the holes78with any appropriate mechanism. For example, the pin82may be part of a solenoid assembly84as depicted inFIG. 3b. In the example ofFIG. 3b, the locking mechanism75includes a solenoid housing86, an electrically conductive coil88, and an enclosed portion90of the pin82. When the electrically conductive coil88is electrically energized as a result of a command to secure the position of the first flywheel18, the electromagnetic forces generated by the electrically conductive coil88move the pin82towards and into one of the holes78formed in the first flywheel18. As a result, the first flywheel18is locked in place, which also locks each of the components of the first mechanical linkage40, the second mechanical linkage44, the crank assembly22, the first foot pedal34, the second foot pedal36, the first arm support38, and the second arm support42in position. In some examples where there is an absence of electrical energy being applied to the electrically conductive coil88after the pin82has been extended, the pin82will move back to a retracted position and release the first flywheel18from the locking mechanism75.

FIG. 4illustrates a view of an example of a display72in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the display72presents to the user lock options92. The display may be a touch screen display that presents a lock mode button94and an operational mode button96. The locking mechanism75will be activated in response to the user selecting the lock mode button94. Likewise, the locking mechanism75will be released so that the user can work out with the elliptical exercise machine10in response to the user selecting the operational mode button.

FIG. 5illustrates a view of a locking system100in accordance with the present disclosure. The locking system100may include a combination of hardware and programmed instructions for executing the mechanisms of the locking system100. In this example, the locking system100includes processing resources102that are in communication with memory resources104. Processing resources102include at least one processor and other resources used to process programmed instructions. The memory resources104represent generally any memory capable of storing data such as programmed instructions or data structures used by the locking system100. The programmed instructions shown stored in the memory resources104include an input receiver106, a lock applier108, a lock releaser110, a resistance level determiner112, a resistance applier114, and a non-use duration tracker116.

The memory resources104include a computer readable storage medium that contains computer readable program code to cause tasks to be executed by the processing resources102. The computer readable storage medium may be tangible and/or non-transitory storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be any appropriate storage medium that is not a transmission storage medium. A non-exhaustive list of computer readable storage medium types includes non-volatile memory, volatile memory, random access memory, write only memory, flash memory, electrically erasable program read only memory, magnetic storage media, other types of memory, or combinations thereof.

The input receiver106represents programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources102to detects when input from locking input mechanism74or the resistance input mechanism76is received. The lock applier108represents programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources102to cause the locking mechanism75to activate. The lock applier108may activate the lock in response to a command based on user input or sensory input. Likewise, the lock releaser110represents programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources102to cause the locking mechanism to release the lock so that the user can move the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36.

The resistance level determiner112represents programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources102to determine the level of resistance that is currently applied to the resistance mechanism118. The resistance applier114represents programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources102to apply additional resistance or release resistance based on user input through the resistance input mechanism76.

The non-use duration tracker116represents programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources102to determine if the elliptical exercise machine10has been unused for a period that exceeds a predetermined time threshold of inactivity. If such a predetermined time threshold has been reached, the lock applier108may cause the locking mechanism to secure the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36in place.

Further, the memory resources104may be part of an installation package. In response to installing the installation package, the programmed instructions of the memory resources104may be downloaded from the installation package's source, such as a portable medium, a server, a remote network location, another location, or combinations thereof. Portable memory media that are compatible with the principles described herein include DVDs, CDs, flash memory, portable disks, magnetic disks, optical disks, other forms of portable memory, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the programmed instructions are already installed in the elliptical exercise machine10. Here, the memory resources104can include integrated memory such as a hard drive, a solid state hard drive, or the like.

In some examples, the processing resources102and the memory resources104are located within the same physical component, such as the elliptical exercise machine10, a server, or a network component. The memory resources104may be part of the physical component's main memory, caches, registers, non-volatile memory, or elsewhere in the physical component's memory hierarchy. Alternatively, the memory resources104may be in communication with the processing resources102over a network. Further, the data structures, such as the libraries or other repositories, may be accessed from a network location over a network connection while the programmed instructions are located locally.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of an activation method120for activating a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the activation method120includes receiving122commands to secure the positions of the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36and increasing124the resistance setting of the resistance mechanism118to a maximum. In such an example, the locking mechanism75is integrated with the resistance mechanism118. As such, the locking mechanism75may use the components of the resistance mechanism118to secure the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36in place. In examples where the resistance mechanism118includes increasing a magnetic field to resist the movement of a flywheel, the locking mechanism75may cause the resistance mechanism118to increase its resistance to a maximum level or at least to a level that is sufficient to prevent movement of the flywheel even when a user's entire weight is loaded to either of the first foot pedal34or the second foot pedal36.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of a releasing method126for releasing a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the releasing method126includes receiving128a command to release the foot pedals from the locking mechanism75and determining130whether there was a pervious set resistance level. If there was no previously set resistance level, then the releasing method126includes adjusting132the resistance level to a default level. In some examples, the default level may be a zero resistance level. If there was a previously set resistance level, the releasing method126includes returning134the resistance to the previously set resistance level.

FIG. 8illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the locking mechanism75includes a spring loaded pin136that is positioned to have a free end138inserted into a recess140formed in a flywheel142. The recess140does not extend through the entire thickness144of the flywheel142.

FIG. 9illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, a first pad146and a second pad148are positioned adjacent to the flywheel142. In response to an appropriate command, the first pad146and/or second pad148move toward the flywheel142and apply a compressive load to the flywheel142that is sufficient to prevent the flywheel's movement. In such an example, the compressive load to the flywheel142through the first and second pads146,148may prevent the flywheel142from rotating due to friction. In some examples, the pads are felt pads. However, any appropriate material may be used on the pads to create friction and apply the compressive load to the flywheel142.

In some examples, the outer surface of the flywheel142and/or first and second pads146,148may include features that increase the frictional interaction between the two features. For example, the outer surface of the flywheel142and/or first and second pads146,148may be knurled. In other examples, the flywheel and/or pads may include coatings, spray coatings, grooves, rough surface finish, or other types of mechanism that increase potential surface finish.

FIG. 10illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the flywheel142is shaped with recessed areas150that interlock with a face152of a movable plate154that moves into and interlocks with the flywheel142based on a command to secure the foot pedals34,36in place.

FIG. 11illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the locking input mechanism74is in wireless communication with the locking mechanism75which is positioned adjacent to the resistance mechanism118. In this embodiment, the user can control whether the elliptical exercise machine10is in a secured mode or an operational mode from a remote location on the first arm support38. Using a wireless communication interface between the locking input mechanism74and the locking mechanism75simplifies manufacturing because wires do not have to be routed through or on the moving components of the elliptical exercise machine10. Both the locking input mechanism74and the locking mechanism75may be equipped with wireless transceivers156that can communicate with each other.

In some examples, the wireless transceivers156may communicate with equipment that is not incorporated into the elliptical exercise machine10. In such examples, the user can operate the locking mechanism75with another wireless device, such as a phone, a laptop, an electronic tablet, a network component, another type of wireless device, or combinations thereof. This enables the user to control the locking mechanism75from areas that are some distance from the elliptical exercise machine10, such as in another room, in a different building, or another location. Further, the wireless transceivers156may enable the user to check the status of the locking mechanism75from such locations as well.

FIG. 12illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the locking input mechanism74includes a push button disposed within the support frame14. A hydraulic or pneumatic line157runs from the locking input mechanism74to the locking mechanism75. In the example ofFIG. 12, the locking mechanism75includes a pair of compression pads158that are arranged to move into and put the flywheel142into a sufficient amount of compression to prevent the rotation of the flywheel142and therefore the movement of the first foot pedal34and the second foot pedal36.

In some examples, the resistance mechanism76may operate as a secondary lock. In such an example, if the locking mechanism75fails, the resistance mechanism76may lock foot pedals34,36in place. In yet other examples, the other types of locking mechanisms may be used as secondary locks to back up a primary locking mechanism. The secondary locks may activate when the primary lock activates, when commanded by a user, or when a primary lock fails.

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective cut away view of an alternative example of a locking mechanism75in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, a portion of the support frame14is removed to reveal a slot160formed the pivot connection.FIG. 14illustrates a push rod162that can be supported by the cut away portion of the support frame14. The push rod162can be pushed deep enough into the support frame14such that a distal end164of the push rod moves into the slot160and locks the position of the pivot connection with respect to the support frame14. When the distal end164is inserted into the slot160, the push rod162may be rotated about its central axis166such that a flange168formed in the distal end164locks the distal end164in the slot160. The push rod162can release the pivot connection by rotating the push rod162to the orientation that it entered the slot160and either pulling the push rod out162of the slot or allowing a spring170or another mechanism to move the distal end164of the push rod162away from the slot160.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide a user with the advantage of positionally locking the foot pedals in place while the user is mounting or dismounting the elliptical exercise machine. While in a secured mode, the foot pedals do not move or shift while the user puts his or her entire weight onto a single foot pedal. As a result, the user is in control of his center of gravity, and the user is more easily able to mount the machine.

The location of the locking input mechanism provides an additional element of convenience because the user can control the locking mechanism, which is often below his knees, while standing on the foot pedals in an upright position. The user does not have to bend down or squat to control the locking mechanism.

The examples described above include embodiments where the foot pedals can be locked in any orientation. Thus, the user does not have to make positional adjustments to get the foot pedals to be locked in place.

Also, some of the above described embodiments include instrumentation that allows the exercise machines to secure and release the position of the foot pedals automatically based on sensed conditions. Such sensed conditions may include, but are not limited to, a duration of inactivity, a weight loaded to a foot pedal, whether a person is mounting or dismounting the exercise machine, whether a child is playing on the exercise machine, other conditions, or combinations thereof. Further, such conditions can be determined based on timers, accelerometers, load cells, distance sensors, cameras, other types of sensors, or combinations thereof.

The principles described in the present disclosure can be applied to multiple types of elliptical exercise machines. For example, these principles can be applied to elliptical exercise machines with multiple flywheels, a single flywheel, foot pedals that travel along paths defined by a crank assembly, foot pedals that travel along paths defined by a linear track, other types of elliptical exercise machines, or combinations thereof. Further, the locking mechanism can lock any appropriate type of component of the elliptical exercise machine that is mechanically linked to the foot pedals such that if the component is locked in place then the foot pedals will also be locked in place.