Exercise apparatus with elongated stride

Abstract: An aerobic exerciser with elongated stride comprising a frame, a bell crank, a left telescoping pedal rail rotatably attached to the left side of the bell crank at one end and pivotably attached to the frame at the other end, and a right telescoping pedal rail rotatably attached to the right side of the bell crank at one end and pivotably attached to the frame at the other end. In operation, under the weight of the user, each pedal, supported on a pedal rail follows a generally elliptical path in response to rotation of the bell crank. Vertical movement of a telescoping pedal rail is accommodated by the pivot and horizontal movement of the pedal rail results in extension and retraction of the pedal rail.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention: This invention relates generally to an aerobic exercise machine. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an aerobic exercise apparatus with elongated stride and claims benefit of prior filed copending Provisional Application No. 60/201,198, filed May 2, 2000. 2. Background: Although offered by various manufacturers under a variety of generic names, generally speaking, an elliptical exerciser is an aerobic exercise machine wherein the user's feet travel in a generally elongated elliptical path while the user walks, jogs, runs, or climbs. Many elliptical exercisers include a feature for simultaneously exercising the upper body. There are many advantages to using a mechanical device to aerobically train rather than simply running or jogging. For example, such machines typically provide the user with meaningful feedback in regard to the exercise performed. For example, a typical aerobic exercise machine may provide the user with a real-time display of power produced by the user (i.e. Watts), as well as totalizing displays of information such as calories expended or equivalent miles run. In addition, properly designed equipment reduces the risk of injury, and, as part of a rehabilitation program, allows easy monitoring by a therapist. Elliptical exercisers have proven to provide a quantifiable, low impact workout with meaningful results, and are, therefore, a viable alternative to treadmills, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, rowing machines, and the like. In that regard, elliptical exercisers have thus far been very popular in relation to other aerobic machines. In a typical elliptical exercise see for example document US-A-5 882 281, the user's feet rest on individual pedals which are mounted on rails. A first end of each rail is attached to a bell crank such that the first end of each rail travels in a circular path. The left end of the bell crank is 180 degrees out of phase with the right end of the bell crank such that as one foot moves forward, the other foot moves backward and as one foot moves up, the other foot moves down. The second end of each rail, depending on the particular machine, is constrained to move in a track, over a fixed roller, or guided by a swing arm, thereby producing backward and forward motion in response to the movement of the bell crank. The resulting stride of each foot of the user follows a generally elliptical path. The exact dimensions of the ellipse are dependant on a variety of variables such as the length of the rail, the position of each pedal on its rail, the diameter of the circle traveled by the bell crank, and the path traversed by the end of the rail opposite the bell crank. The perceived level of difficulty in using an elliptical exerciser and the comfort of the user are also dependant on these variables. A limitation of a typical elliptical exerciser is the amount of floor space occupied by the machine. Whether in a home, a health club, or a rehabilitation facility, ideally, an exercise machine will occupy as little floor space as possible, especially where such floor space is rented by the square foot. The size of an elliptical exerciser is dictated by, among other things, the length of the pedal rails and the space required to allow the horizontal movement of the rails in response to the motion of the bell crank. Another related limitation arises from the hazzard produced by the movement of the rail end opposite the bell crank. This is especially true with elliptical exercisers where the rails move outside the footprint of the frame of the machine. A person walking near the machine may be struck by a rail or trip over a rail. Accordingly, many manufacturers provide a cover over the end of the rails, adding cost and further occupying floor space. A further limitation of many elliptical exerciser designs is that some machines have a roller on the free end of the pedal rail or a pivot on a swing arm very close to the floor. It has been a common practice for some health clubs to place exercise machines near a swimming pool. In addition, some facilities pour excessive water on the floor during cleaning. Either of these situations will subject rollers and pivots placed near the floor to potential water damage. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an elliptical exerciser wherein, the back end of the pedal rails pivot from a fixed position, rather than swinging in an arc, traversing a fixed roller, or moving in a track, while still allowing the front end of the rails to traverse a circular path. It is a further object of the present invention to locate rotating or oscillating components of the pedal rails a sufficient distance above the floor to avoid subjecting such components to water in a typical commercial or institutional environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an elliptical exerciser which incorporates a telescoping rail mechanism wherein, the back end of the rail merely pivots, rather than moving linearally or swinging in an arc. The horizontal component of the motion created by the bell crank is accommodated by the telescopic rail. The vertical component of the motion is accommodated by the pivot. In the inventive elliptical stepper, a front portion of each rail connects to the corresponding end of a bell crank. The back end of each rail connects to a pivot which is provided on the frame, preferably several inches above the floor surface. The front portion of the rail is in sliding engagement with the rear portion the rail such that the rail is rigid in regards to vertical forces but will telescopically extend or retract in response to tensile or compressive forces, respectively. Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 depicts the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus in its general environment. FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 3 provides a partial side view of the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus showing the left pedal rail in its maximum upward position and the right pedal rail in its maximum downward position. FIG. 4 provides a partial side view of the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus showing the left pedal rail in its fully extended position and the right pedal rail in its fully retracted position. FIG. 5 provides a cross sectional view of a left pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 6 provides a cutaway side view of the right pedal rail in its fully retracted position as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 7 provides a cutaway side view of the right pedal rail in its fully extended position as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 8 provides a side view of the distal end of the front rail portion of a pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 9 provides a top view of the distal end of the front rail portion of a telescopic pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 10 provides an end view of the back end of a pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 11 provides a partial end view of the back of the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus showing a pivot, pedal rail, and pedal. FIG. 12 provides a partial top view of the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus showing the left pedal rail in its fully extended position and the right pedal rail in its fully retracted position. FIG. 13 provides a top view of the rear portion of a telescopic pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 14 provides a side view of the rear portion of a telescopic pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 15 provides a partial top view of the end of the rear portion of a telescopic pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 16 provides a partial cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment of a telescopic side rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus. FIG. 17 provides a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the rear portion of a telescopic pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus which includes wear strips thereon. FIG. 18 provides an end view of the back end of an alternate embodiment of a telescoping pedal rail as incorporated in the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus which includes wear strips therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of the inventive aerobic exercise apparatus 20 with elongated stride is shown in its general environment in FIGS. 1 and 2. Aerobic exercise apparatus 20 comprises: frame 22 supported by front leg 24 and rear leg 26; left cover 28 enclosing the left side of the upright portion of frame 22; likewise, right cover 30 enclosing the right side of the upright portion of frame 22; bell crank 32 extending through an aperture (not shown) provided in left enclosure 28 and aperture 34 provided in right cover 30 ; handrail 36 secured to frame 22 ; electronic console 38 ; left telescoping pedal rail 40 ; and right telescoping pedal rail 42 . Bell crank 32 is in mechanical communication with a brake assembly under the control of electronic console 38 . Such breaking systems are known in the art and not a part of the present invention. Preferably, right telescoping pedal rail 42 includes front portion 44 and rear portion 46. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, bushing 48 extends through front portion 44 for rotatably attaching telescopic pedal rail 42 to bell crank 32. Similarly, as best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 in combination with FIG. 1, rear portion 46 includes bushing 50 for pivotably attaching telescopic rail 42 to a pivot 52 on rear leg 26 . Likewise, as shown in FIG. 2, left telescoping pedal arm 40 includes front portion 54 and rear portion 56 . Front portion 54 rotatably attaches to bell crank 32 and rear portion 56 pivotably attaches to pivot 58 on rear leg 26 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, left telescoping pedal rail 40 is the mirror image of right telescoping pedal rail 42 and any discussion with reference to either rail applies equally to the other rail. For the sake of convenience, the discussion of the construction and operation of inventive telescoping pedal rails 40 and 42 will be addressed primarily with respect to the right telescoping pedal rail 42 , and it is to be understood that such discussion also applies to the left telescoping pedal rail 40 . Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, preferably front portion 44 is tubular and includes: pedal support 60 extending upward therefrom; first roller support 61 rotatably securing rollers 62 and 64 such that roller 64 extends through notch 70 in front portion 44 ; and second roller support 72 rotatably supporting rollers 66 and 68 such that rollers 66 and 68 extend through aperture 74 provided in front portion 44 . When telescoping pedal rail 42 is assembled, rear portion 46 is slidingly received in front portion 44 such that rollers 62 - 68 support rear portion 46 (FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 10) to constrain the vertical movement of rear portion 46 relative to front portion 44 . Continuing to refer to FIG. 10, front portion 44 includes horizontal roller supports 78 which rotatably support rollers 80 such that rollers 80 will rollingly contact the sides 81 of rear member 46 when such contact occurs. Referring now to FIG. 15 in conjunction with FIG. 10, rollers 96 are rotatably supported on the end of rear portion 46 such that rollers 96 will rollingly contact the inside side wall 82 of front portion 44 to the extent such contact occurs. Rollers 96 operate in conjunction with rollers 80 to maintain horizontal gap 98 between the side walls 82 of front portion 44 and the sides 81 of rear portion 46 . As best seen in FIG. 11, preferably, pedal 84 is pivotably attached to support 60 and includes: stop 86 to limit mechanical travel of pedal 84 ; bottom plate 88 ; and pad 90 to receive the users foot. Referring again to FIG. 1, in operation, a user prepares for operation of the inventive aerobic exerciser 20 by first stepping onto pedals 84 . The user begins operation of the machine by shifting her weight to one foot which provides a downward force on that pedal which in turn presents a downward force on the bell crank 32 which causes bell crank 32 to begin rotating. As the front end of a pedal rail passes the bottom of its circular path, as shown by the position of the right telescoping pedal rail 42 in FIG. 1, the user shifts her weight to the other pedal, thereby continuing to force bell crank 32 to rotate. As bell crank 32 rotates from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2, the front portion of each pedal rail is simultaneously subjected to vertical movement and horizontal movement. The vertical component of the movement causes pivotal movement of telescoping pedal rails 40 and 42 at pivots 58 and 52, respectively. The horizontal component of the movement results in the extension and retraction of telescoping pedal rails 40 and 42 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, when bell crank 32 is rotated to the point where the front portion 44 is at its rearmost position 92 , telescoping pedal rail 42 is fully retracted. Conversely, when bell crank 32 is rotated to the point where the front portion 44 is at its most forward position 94 (FIG. 7), telescoping pedal rail 42 is fully extended. The resulting stride which is presented to the user at each pedal 84 follows a generally elliptical path. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, an aerobic exerciser which incorporates the inventive telescoping pedal rail does not require additional space beyond the back of the machine to accommodate motion of the pedal rail. It will also be apparent that there is no movement outside of the frame of the exerciser thereby reducing risk to other people near the machine. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, rollers 100 are rotatably supported on rear portion 102 and roll along the inside walls of front portion 104 . Roller 106 maintains a gap to prevents side-to-side contact between rear portion 102 and front portion 104 . Front portion 104 includes roller support 108 and roller 110 to provide additional vertical support between front portion 104 and rear portion 102 . In another alternate environment as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, guides 200 are attached to rear portion 46 with fasteners 202. When telescoping pedal rail 42 (FIG. 1) is assembled such that rear portion 46 is slidingly received in front portion 42, guides 200 will contact the inside side walls 82 of front portion 46 to the extent such contact occurs. Preferably, guides 200 are formed of a plastic material which is naturally self lubricating with respect to front portion 44 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, although the above-described preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus has been explained with reference to a tubular front portion which receives a rear portion, the invention is not so limited. The inventive aspect of the pedal rail being the telescopic relationship between the front portion and the rear portion. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, the rear portion could be formed of tubular material and receive the front portion, or the front or rear portions could be formed of channel rather than tubular material. By way of further example, the pedal rail could be round comprising a round shaft which telescopes within a tubular portion having a linear bearing along the interface between the shaft and tube. As will be further understood by those skilled in the art, although the above preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus has been discussed in regard to a pedal which is pivotably attached, a rigid pedal attachment could be incorporated in the inventive device. Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are defined by the appended claims.

Claims: An aerobic exerciser (20) comprising: a frame (22); a bell crank (32) having a left side and a right side, said bell crank (32) rotatable mounted to said frame (22); a left and a right pivot (52) mounted to said frame (22); a left and a right pedal rail (40, 42) having a front end and a back end characterized in that said left and right pedal rails (40, 42) are telescopic pedal rails, each including a front portion (44, 54) and a rear portion (46, 56), said rear portions (46, 56) being in sliding engagement with said front portions (44, 54), said front portions (44, 54) being rotatable attached to said left and right side respectively of said bell crank (32) at the front end, such that said front ends of said telescoping pedal rails (40, 42) move in a circular path in response to rotational movement of said bell crank (32), and said back portions (46, 56) are pivotable attached to said left and right pivot (52) respectively at the back end. The aerobic exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a left and a right pedal (84), said pedals (84) being pivotably attached to said front portions (44, 54) of said left and right telescoping pedals rail (40, 42), respectively. The aerobic exercise apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one roller (62, 66) is rotatable supported by either said front portion (44, 54) or said rear portion (46, 56) and in rolling contact with the other of said front portion (44, 54) or said rear portion (46, 56). The aerobic exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said front and rear portions (44, 46, 54, 56) have a top and a bottom; at least a second roller (62, 66) is rotatable supported by either said front portion (44, 54) or said rear portion (46, 56) and in rolling contact with the other of said front portion (44, 54) or said rear portion (46, 56), wherein, said first roller (62) is in rolling contact with the top of said front portion (44, 54) or said rear portion (46, 56) and said second roller (66) is in rolling contact with the bottom of the other front portion (44, 54) or said rear portion (46, 56), respectively.

Inventors: FARNEY MICHAEL KENT, FARNEY, MICHAEL KENT
Applicants: SCIFIT SYSTEMS INC, SCIFIT SYSTEMS, INC.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A63B22
IPC codes: A63B23