Hypotrochoid assembly for generating vibrations in an exercise machine and method for using same

An inner assembly and an outer assembly of a hypotrochoid apparatus with a spindle located inside the inner assembly where a spindle proximate end and a spindle distal end each employ at least one mechanical interface. An eccentric hub provides a central throughbore for receiving a spindle, where the spindle is rotatably engaged with the eccentric hub and the inner bore which enhances vibration when the spindle is rotating and the eccentric hub is engaged.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to hypotrochoid assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hypotrochoid assemblies and methods for creating vibrations in an exercise machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Health problems related to or induced by obesity, or being overweight, are a matter of serious national concern. The epidemic of obesity results in tens of billions of dollars of additional healthcare expense every year, and research suggests that it will remain on the rise.

Many experts believe that the primary mechanism involved in maintaining a healthy bodyweight, or treating obesity, is regular physical exercise. It is clear that numerous avenues for physical exercise already exist. However, they are underutilized and have not resolved the problem of obesity. This lack of utilization likely stems from a combination of factors, such as lack of clarity and connection for the average person with regard to what exercise must be performed, and how much time the person needs to invest in exercising to achieve the desired goal. A defined protocol that results in a known outcome does not exist. Every person's results are different, even when a group of people perform the same exercise together for the same length of time. Studies have shown that the predominant reason given by people for not exercising is lack of time to invest in exercising.

One way to reduce the time necessary to achieve a fitness goal is to work multiple sections of the body at one time. A vibration assembly or multiple assemblies can be attached to an exercise machine, such as bicycles and elliptical machines, to create vibrations that engage the core muscles of a user while the user is engaged in a cardio work out. These vibration assemblies, however, cause the exercise equipment to vibrate and/or rattle, which loosens the hardware holding the equipment together, causing the equipment to disassemble and fall apart.

There remains a need for a vibration assembly that engages the core muscles of a user of exercise equipment without causing the equipment to disassemble and fall apart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

The present disclosure relates to a hypotrochoid assembly for generating vibrations in an exercise apparatus and method for using same which does not cause the exercise apparatus to disassemble and fall apart.

In one aspect of this disclosure that may be combined with any other aspect of this disclosure, a hypotrochoid apparatus for creating vibrations in an exercise machine can comprise an inner assembly and an outer assembly. The inner assembly can comprise a spindle, eccentric hub, bearings, keys, retaining rings, and external involute gear. The spindle can be located inside the eccentric hub. The spindle has a proximate end and a spindle distal end, wherein said spindle proximate end and said spindle distal end each comprise at least one mechanical interface and are not located inside the eccentric hub. A groove can be milled around an outer circumference of the spindle for engaging an inner retainer ring, and a key, such as a woodruff key though this disclosure is not intended to be limited to woodruff type keys, positioned parallel to the longitudinal length of the spindle to secure the external involute gear. A first sealed bearing can be mounted on the spindle proximate end. Both sealed bearings allow the spindle to rotate within the eccentric hub and support the load generated by the user. Both sealed bearings are in abutment with an inner surface of the eccentric hub. A first angular contact ball bearing comprises a distal side and a proximate side and centrally mounted around the outer surface of the eccentric hub, and a second angular contact ball bearing comprises a distal side and a proximate side being centrally mounted around the outer surface of the eccentric hub, wherein the proximate side of the first angular contact ball bearing abuts the distal side of the second angular contact ball bearing. In one aspect of this disclosure that may be combined with any other aspect of this disclosure, the outer assembly can comprise an outer hollow housing being cylindrically shaped and having a proximate end and a distal end, a first retaining ring being positioned inside the outer hollow housing at the proximate end of the outer hollow housing.

In one aspect of this disclosure that may be combined with any other aspect of this disclosure the outer assembly can comprise a clutch assembly comprising a central throughbore for receiving the inner assembly, wherein the clutch assembly is positioned at the distal end of the outer hollow housing.

In one aspect of this disclosure that may be combined with any other aspect of this disclosure, the hypotrochoid apparatus can comprise a ring shaped shim comprising a central opening, an inner surface, and an outer surface for closing a gap between the first retaining ring and the proximate end of the outer hollow housing after the inner assembly is concentrically coupled within the outer hollow housing, wherein the inner surface of the shim is abutted against the first retaining ring.

In one aspect of this disclosure that may be combined with any other aspect of this disclosure, the hypotrochoid apparatus can comprise a second retaining ring positioned inside the proximate end of the outer hollow housing and abutted against the outer surface of the shim.

One aspect of this disclosure may be combined with any other aspect of this disclosure, the inner assembly can be concentrically coupled within the outer assembly, and the at least one mechanical interface is coupled to a crank arm.

Any measurements or quantifying data contained in the FIGURES is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Any measurements and/or quantifying data contained in the illustrations is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to be interpreted as providing concrete measurements/quantifying data necessary to understand the scope of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the present disclosure for the purposes of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to readily understand how to make and use the technology of the present disclosure.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term “includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing subsequent claims, embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the invention given that the essential features of the invention as claimed are included in such an embodiment.

Accordingly, the detailed discussion herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the metes and bounds of the patent protection afforded the present disclosure in which the scope of patent protection is intended to be defined by any claims and equivalents thereof. Therefore, embodiments not specifically addressed herein, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, should be and are considered to be implicitly disclosed by the illustrative embodiments any claims described herein and therefore fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which a person skilled in the relevant art would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein, as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art based on the contextual use of such term, differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art should prevail.

Further, it should be understood that, any steps of subsequent claimed methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such method are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. That is, the claimed method steps are considered capable of being carried out in any sequential combination or permutation order while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.1-81, a hypotrochoid apparatus10generates vibrations when supplied mechanical power. A drive-shaft or spindle contained within a rotating eccentric hub can be used. Rotation of the eccentric hub can be driven by the drive-shaft or spindle via single-planet epicyclic gearing. A rotor clutch assembly92can be included to control the single ring gear18and to engage and disengage vibration.

Turning toFIG.1, at least one embodiment of the hypotrochoid apparatus10is illustrated for exemplary purposes. The hypotrochoid apparatus10comprises an inner assembly12. The inner assembly12comprises a housing14(see other Figures), single planetary gear16, single ring gear18, spindle20, key22positioned parallel to the longitudinal length of the spindle20, and a clutch plate24affixed to the outside of the inner assembly and sealing the housing14. Placing the single planetary gear16inside the single ring gear18creates an external involute gear19. The key22can be a woodruff type key. The housing14comprises a hollow interior. The hypotrochoid apparatus10also comprises an outer assembly26comprising an eccentric hub28, clutch pin30, and outer housing32. A crank arm34can be engaged to the spindle20and control the rotation of the hypotrochoid apparatus10. An example of at least one possible path of travel36of the crank arm34can be seen inFIG.1.

Turning toFIG.2, an example of a planetary gear assembly38illustrated. The single planetary gear16comprises a central throughbore (seeFIGS.6and8) to accept the spindle20. The single planetary gear16comprises teeth and spaces between the teeth along the outer surface40of the single planetary gear16and is nested inside a central throughbore (SeeFIGS.9and11) of the single ring gear18. The single ring gear18comprises teeth and spaces between the teeth on the inner rim42of the single ring gear18. The teeth of the single planetary gear16engage the teeth spaces on the inner rim42and the teeth spaces on the outer surface40engage the teeth on the inner rim42. The single planetary gear16is smaller than the size of the central throughbore of the single ring gear, causing a gap44on the opposite side of when at least some teeth of the inner rim42are engaged to at least some of the upper teeth spaces. The teeth and teeth spaces can be varied in dimension and distance to produce a desired vibration pattern.

The hypotrochoid apparatus can be comprised of multiple machine elements which function to support, drive, and control an eccentric hub28. Fundamentally, the eccentric hub28produces mechanical perturbations in a spindle20at a frequency directly proportional to its own angular velocity about a fixed axis. The amplitude of this perturbation is inherent to the eccentric hub's28designed eccentricity.

Turning toFIGS.3A and3B, an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the hypotrochoid apparatus10is illustrated. An outer bearing or first angular contact ball bearing46,47supports the eccentric hub28and a second angular contact ball bearing48,57allows the driveshaft to spin freely within the eccentric hub28about a moving axis.FIG.3Bprovides an exemplary embodiment of the inner assembly12fully assembled. The inner assembly12may also be known as a bottom bracket in the industry. InFIG.3A, the inner assembly12as well as the hydrotrochoid apparatus10is shown disassembled.FIG.3Bis oriented as a mirror image ofFIG.3A, to illustrate the other side of the elements illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B.

When the hypotoichoid apparatus is employed on an exercise machine, e.g., a stationary bicycle, it produces mechanical vibration during cycling. The mechanical vibration produces significant increases in muscle activation of the major lower limb muscles. During vibration, there is an increase in motor unit recruitment resulting in faster muscle activation. Vibration during cycling induces a greater training stimulus of the high-threshold fast twitch motor units. This equates with central nervous system activation lowering blood sugar levels, reducing triglycerides, increasing HDL cholesterol and lowering blood pressure resulting in weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease.

Additionally, mechanical vibration during cycling produces significant increases in the physiological demands (oxygen consumption and heart rate) confirmed by an increased exertion perceived by the subjects. Cycling at the same cadence with vibration seems to allow higher energy expenditure. Also, an increased neuromuscular recruitment has been confirmed with other studies using electromyography (EMG).

HORMESIS—Hormetic stress, or hormesis, is a beneficial type of stress. It is a small dose of stress that in large doses would be dangerous. It's the kind of stress from which a user can bounce back from and grow stronger as a result of having experienced it. A user's physical fitness can improve through short bursts of occasional stress, whether it's physical, chemical, mental or emotional. Hormesis encompasses the notion that low levels of stress stimulate or upregulate existing cellular and molecular pathways that improve the capacity of cells and organisms to withstand greater stress. This notion underlies much of what is known about how exercise conditions the body and induces long-term adaptations. During exercise, the body is exposed to various forms of stress, including thermal, metabolic, hypoxic, oxidative, and mechanical stress. These stressors activate biochemical messengers, which in turn activate various signaling pathways that regulate gene expression and adaptive responses.

To drive rotation of the eccentric hub28, power from the spindle20is transmitted through a single-planet epicyclic or planetary gear assembly38comprising the single planetary gear16and the single ring gear18, whose center-to-center distance coincides with the aforementioned eccentricity. This drives the single planetary gear16, affixed to the spindle20, to rotate around the circumference of the stationary single ring gear18. An equal and opposite force drives the eccentric hub28to rotate in the opposing direction, thereby producing vibrations. The resultant path of travel36(seeFIG.1) produced by the rotation of the spindle20and eccentric hub28can be characterized as a hypotrochoid. The planetary gear assembly38with a small difference in number of teeth can be used produce high frequency vibrations.

Generally, a hypotrochoid apparatus comprises an inner assembly12coupled to an outer assembly26. The inner assembly12comprises, a spindle20, and at least one sealed ball bearing cartridge48,57. The spindle20is rotatably housed inside the inner assembly12and can rotate freely. The free rotation of the spindle20can be created by employing at least one ball bearing assembly, e.g., first angular contact ball bearing46,47or inner bearing or second angular contact ball bearing48,57, such as a sealed ball bearing cartridge. The spindle20comprises proximal end54and a distal end52, and the distal end52can be modified to comprise at least one groove56that runs around an outer circumference of the spindle20for engaging an inner retainer ring64, and a key22positioned parallel to the longitudinal length of the spindle20. The inner assembly can also comprise an eccentric hub28.

The eccentric hub28drives the vibration of the hypotrochoid apparatus10by producing vibration at the spindle20, and comprises an eccentric inner throughbore80, an outer surface, an inner surface, a distal end76and a proximal end78, and inner threading83on the inner surface of the distal end76and the proximal end78. The eccentric inner throughbore80can be eccentric from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm, or any measurement therebetween, including fractional increments of the measurement, from the outer surface of the eccentric hub28. As an example, the eccentric inner throughbore80can be eccentric from 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.925 mm, 0.950 mm, 0.975 mm. 0.990 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.10 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm. The spindle20can be engaged with, and housed within, the eccentric inner throughbore80, and coupled to the eccentric inner throughbore80by utilizing a first seal housing112at the distal end of the inner housing and a second seal housing114at the proximal end of the inner housing. The first seal housing112and the second seal housing114can each comprise means for engaging the threads on the inner surface of the eccentric hub28.

The inner assembly12can also comprise a first angular contact ball bearing46,47and a second angular contact ball bearing48,57. The first angular contact ball bearing46,47, and second angular contact ball bearing48,57can be used to support the weight of the user on the exercise equipment. The first angular contact ball bearing46,47can comprise a distal side and a proximate side, and be centrally mounted around the outer surface of the eccentric hub28. The second angular contact ball bearing48,57can comprise a distal side and a proximate side, and be centrally mounted around the outer surface of the eccentric hub28. The first angular contact ball bearing46and the first angular contact ball bearing47can abut each other, wherein the proximate side of the first angular contact ball bearing46abuts the distal side of the first angular contact ball bearing47.

The first angular contact ball bearing46,47and the second angular contact ball bearing48,57can be locked in place on the outer surface of the eccentric hub28. A first lock washer49can be engaged with the distal side of the first angular contact ball bearing46,47and a second lock washer51can be engaged with the proximate side of the second angular contact ball bearing48,57. Further, a first lock nut53can be engaged with the first lock washer49and a second lock nut55can be engaged with the second lock washer51, to secure the first angular contact ball bearing46,47and the second angular contact ball bearing48,57in place.

The inner assembly12can also comprise a portion of the planetary gear assembly38. The planetary gear assembly38can comprise a single planetary gear16that can be attached directly to the spindle20. The single planetary gear16can comprise a key way70for engaging the key22located on the outer surface of the spindle20. The single planetary gear16can comprise ring teeth74surrounding the outer circumference the single planetary gear16, and a central opening72for allowing the spindle to pass through the center of the single planetary gear16.

The outer assembly26can comprise an outer housing32being cylindrically shaped and having a proximate end and a distal end, a first retaining ring105being positioned inside the outer housing32at the proximate end of the outer housing32. The outer housing32can be used to retain the inner assembly12and comprises a hollow interior. The outer assembly26can also comprise a rotor clutch assembly92. The rotor clutch assembly92can be a machined disc or a gear bearing adapter, comprising a central throughbore for receiving the inner assembly, wherein the rotor clutch assembly92is positioned at the distal end of the outer hollow housing. The rotor clutch assembly92can be attached to the outer housing32using fasteners, such as screws. The rotor clutch assembly can be in mechanical communication with the clutch system129.

The outer assembly26comprises the other portion of the planetary gear train, where the other portion of the planetary gear assembly38comprises a single ring gear19comprising ring teeth74surrounding an inner circumference of the single ring gear18for meshing with the teeth66surrounding the outer circumference of the single planetary gear16of the inner assembly12. The single ring gear18can be coupled to an outer edge of the central opening68of the single planetary gear16.

The inner assembly12can be inserted into the outer assembly26through the throughbore of the outer assembly26, and a ring shaped shim98comprising a central opening100, an inner surface102, and an outer surface104can be placed on the proximate end of the inner assembly12to close a gap between the first retaining ring105and the proximate end of the outer hollow housing after the inner assembly12is concentrically coupled within the outer hollow housing, wherein the inner surface102of the ring shaped shim98is abutted against the first retaining ring105.

A second retaining ring106can be positioned inside the proximate end of the housing14and abutted against the outer surface104of the ring shaped shim98, and a cover end60can be placed over the proximate end of the housing14to enclose the inner assembly12in the outer assembly26. The hypotrochoid apparatus10comprises the inner assembly12concentrically coupled within the outer assembly26.

The hypotrochoid apparatus10can comprise a spindle20having mechanical interfaces21(seeFIGS.51and52) located at each end of the spindle20, and a crank arm34can be coupled to each mechanical interface21.

Turning toFIG.4, a side plan cross section view of one embodiment of the inner assembly12is illustrated. The spindle20comprises a distal end52and a proximal end54and at least one groove56is seated inside the housing cavity58of the housing14.

Turning toFIG.5, a perspective view of at least one embodiment of the housing14is illustrated. The proximal end54of the spindle20extends out of the cover end60through a cover end opening62.

Turning toFIGS.6-8, at least one embodiment of the single planetary gear16is illustrated in different views. The single planetary gear16comprises teeth66along the outer surface. The single planetary gear16comprises a central opening68and a key way70for accepting the key22.

Turning toFIGS.9-11, at least one embodiment of the single ring gear18is illustrated. The single ring gear18comprises a central opening72and ring teeth74on the inner surface of the single ring gear18.

Turning toFIGS.12-15, at least one embodiment of the eccentric hub28is illustrated. The eccentric hub28comprises a distal end76and a proximal end78and can produce mechanical perturbations or vibrations in a spindle20. The frequency and amplitude of these perturbations are determined by the eccentric hub28angular velocity and geometric eccentricity, respectively. An outer bearing or first angular contact ball bearing46(seeFIGS.3A and3B) support the eccentric hub28about a fixed axis and an inner bearing or second angular contact ball bearing48(seeFIGS.3A and3B) or at least one sealed bearing cartridge allows the spindle20to spin freely within the eccentric inner throughbore80of the eccentric hub28about a moving axis. The rotation of the eccentric hub28can be achieved by transmitting power from the spindle20via epicyclic gearing or a planetary gear assembly38comprising a single planetary gear16and a single ring gear18. The center-to-center distance of the gearing can be designed to coincide with the aforementioned eccentricity. The single planetary gear16, affixed to the spindle20, rotates along the inner circumference of a single ring gear18when supplied mechanical power. Simultaneously, a reactionary force produced about the center of the single planetary gear16drives the eccentric hub28to rotate in the opposite direction of the spindle20.

The proximate end78of the eccentric hub28comprises at least one groove82for accepting an inner retainer ring64. The distal end76of the eccentric hub comprises threading84and a furrow86that runs perpendicular to the threading84on the outer surface of the distal end76.

Turning toFIGS.16-18, at least one embodiment of the inner assembly hollow88is illustrated. The inner assembly hollow88is cylindrical in shape and comprises a central opening90.

The vibration produced by the planetary gear assembly38can be characterized as a hypotrochoid centered about the fixed axis. The form of the hypotrochoid can be shaped by varying the distance of the output about the fixed axis by attaching a crank arm34or similar mechanical element to the spindle20. The number of vibrations per crank revolution depends on the gear ratio, calculated by the difference in number of teeth normalized into the number of teeth on the single planetary gear16. Gearing with a small difference in numbers of teeth can be used to generate relatively high frequency and low amplitude vibrations.

Turning toFIGS.19-24, at least one embodiment of the rotor clutch assembly is illustrated. Generally, a clutch mechanism can be used to engage and disengage the eccentric hub28and vibration of the spindle20. The single ring gear18can be supported by a four-point rolling bearing96within a stationary Gearbox housing or rotor clutch assembly92. The rotor clutch assembly92can contain a catch feature or coupling97(seeFIG.20). A radially mounted long-nose spring plunger, when extended into the key way70, prevents the single ring gear18from rotating. While locked, power can be coupled to the eccentric hub28to engage vibration. When retracted, the single ring gear18can rotate freely, effectively decoupling power to inhibit vibration.

Turning toFIGS.25-26, a ring shaped shim98is illustrated in different views. The ring shaped shim98comprises a central opening100, an inner surface102, and an outer surface104for closing a gap between the first retaining ring105and the proximate end of the outer housing32after the inner assembly12is concentrically coupled within the outer housing32, wherein the inner surface of the shim is abutted against the inner retaining ring64.

Turning toFIGS.27-30, at least one embodiment of a second retaining ring106is illustrated. The second retaining ring106can be positioned inside the proximate end of the outer hollow housing and abutted against the outer surface104of the ring shaped shim98.

Turning toFIGS.31-35, at least one embodiment of a cover end60is illustrated in multiple views. The cover end60comprises a central opening108, and a plurality of holes110for accepting a fastener. The cover end60is placed over each end of the hypotrochoid apparatus10to protect the inner workings of the hypotrochoid apparatus10.

Turning toFIGS.36-39, at least one embodiment of a first seal housing112and a second seal housing114are illustrated. The first seal housing112and the second seal housing113are identical to each other. The first seal housing112and the second seal housing114can each comprise means for engaging the inner threads83on the inner surface of the eccentric hub28. The first seal housing112and second seal housing each comprise an outer rim116and a centrally located seal housing throughbore118for accepting the spindle20.

Turning toFIGS.40-42, at least one embodiment for a first retaining ring105is shown in different views.

Turning toFIGS.43-45, at least one embodiment for the spindle20is shown in different views. The spindle20comprises a spindle rod120and a spindle sleeve122. The spindle sleeve122can freely rotate about the spindle rod120.

Turning toFIGS.46-49, at least one embodiment of the outer housing32is illustrated in different views. The outer housing32comprises a centrally located outer housing throughbore124. The outer housing also comprises a lip126comprises a plurality of holes110to accept fasteners. The inside surface of the housing may comprise threading, if desired.

Turning toFIG.50, an exemplary embodiment of the inner assembly12is illustrated comprising at least the spindle20and the planetary gear assembly38.

Turning toFIG.51, an exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine is illustrated in an assembled form. The hypotrochoid apparatus10is employed by the exercise machine and the crank arm34is engaged to the spindle20.

Turning toFIG.52, an exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine is illustrated in an exploded view. The hypotrochoid apparatus10may comprise a belt tensioner system127. Some exercise machines comprise a belt or a chain to drive rotation of a portion of the exercise machine. If the exercise machine is a bicycle, the belt or chain can transfer rotational movement of the pedals to the wheels of the bicycle. The belt tensioner system127can be engaged to a belt to reduce slipping of the belt when the clutch system129is engaged and causing the hypotrochoid apparatus to create vibration. The hypotrochoid apparatus10is inserted into an exercise machine slot128configured to accept the hypotrochoid apparatus10. The rotor clutch assembly92is engaged to the hypotrochoid apparatus10to control the vibration pattern of the hypotrochoid assembly.

Turning toFIG.53, an exploded view of at least one embodiment of the clutch system129is illustrated. The clutch system129comprises a clutch mount cover130, clutch cover132, clutch lever134, clutch pin136, clutch pin link138, clutch pressboard140, a clutch cable mount142, a pivot connection146, and a peg148. The clutch system129will comprise components to include a cable inside the clutch system129with connections at each end. The cable should slide easily inside the clutch system129.

The clutch lever134that operates the clutch on a pivot connection146. The pivot connection146comprises an opening and a peg148placed through the opening to allow the clutch lever to rotate freely about the peg and actuate a clutch pin (seeFIGS.67-70) that engaged the rotor clutch assembly92. The clutch lever134can act as a fulcrum mounting flange and allow the clutch pin136to be actuated as desired.

Turning toFIGS.54-58, at least one exemplary embodiment of the clutch mount cover130is illustrated in different views. The cable mount cover comprises a plurality of holes110for accepting fasteners, and can be affixed to the clutch cable mount142.

Turning toFIGS.59-62, at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch cover132is illustrated in different views. The clutch cover132comprises a plurality of holes110for accepting fasteners and can be affixed to the clutch system129to cover the clutch system129and protect it from damage.

Turning toFIGS.63-66, at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch lever134is illustrated in multiple. Clutch lever134comprises a clutch pin link mounting hole144for affixing the clutch pin (seeFIGS.67-70) to the clutch cable mount142.

Turning toFIGS.67-70, at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch pin136is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch pin136comprises a head150, a fastener hole152, and a rod154. The fastener hole152is located in the head150and allows for the clutch pin136to be engaged to the clutch pin link138(seeFIGS.71-73). The clutch pin136will be fastened to the clutch pin link138using a means that will allow the clutch pin136to rotate as the clutch lever134is actuated and allowing the rod154to always point in the direction of the coupling97of the rotor clutch assembly92. The rod154will enter the coupling97of the rotor clutch assembly92and cause the rotor clutch assembly92to engage or disengage the eccentric hub28, e.g., start and stop vibration.

Turning toFIGS.71-73, at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch pin link138is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch pin link138connects the clutch pin136to the clutch lever134. The clutch pin link138can be “H” shaped and comprise at least four fastener acceptors156. Two of the fastener acceptors156can be used to affix the clutch pin link138to the clutch pin link mounting hole144on the clutch lever134. Two of the fastener acceptors156can be used to affix the clutch pin136to the clutch pin link138by aligning the fastener hole152with the at least two fastener acceptors156and inserting a fastener through the aligned holes and acceptors.

Turning toFIGS.74-76, at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch pressboard140is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch pressboard140comprises a rod opening158for accepting an end of the rod154, and at least two fastener acceptors160for affixing the clutch pressboard140to the clutch cable mount142. The clutch pressboard140can be used to secure the clutch lever134to the clutch cable mount142while allowing the clutch lever134to pivot freely.

Turning toFIGS.77-81, at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch cable mount142is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch cable mount142performs the function as acting as the hub for assembling the clutch system129. The clutch cable mount142is adapted to accept each piece of the clutch assembly, e.g., clutch lever134, clutch pressboard140, clutch mount cover130, and optionally the clutch cover132. The clutch cable mount allows the clutch lever134to rotate and pivot when the clutch lever134is fastened to the clutch cable mount142.

Turning toFIGS.82-86, an embodiment of the belt tensioner assembly127is shown in different views. The belt tensioner assembly127comprises an upper roller162, a lower roller164, an upper spring166, a lower spring168, a tensioner mount170, a upper roller bracket172, and a lower roller bracket174. The lower roller164can be rotatably engaged to an end of the lower roller bracket174and can put an upward pressure or tension on a lower portion of a looped belt. The upper roller162can be rotatably engaged to an end of the upper roller bracket172and can put a downward pressure on tension on an upper portion of a looped belt. The belt tensioner assembly127can provide tension to a belt to keep the belt from slipping during operation of an exercise machine comprising the hypotrochoid apparatus10.

The upper spring166and lower spring168each comprise two ends, and one of the two ends can be engaged with the tensioner mount170and the tensioner mount170can be affixed to the frame of an exercise machine or to a fixed portion of the exercise machine to create tension on the upper spring166and lower spring168. The other end of the upper spring166can be affixed to the upper bracket roller bracket172. The other end of the lower spring168can be affixed to the lower roller bracket174.

As to further manners of usage and operation of the present disclosure, the same should be apparent from the above description.