Patent Publication Number: US-2021169725-A1

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

Description:
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&#39;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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of the hypotrochoid assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side plan view of a planet gear of an embodiment of the hypotrochoid assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the hypotrochoid assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the hypotrochoid assembly with the inner assembly fully assembled in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section plan view of an embodiment of the gear box assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective cross section view of an embodiment of the inner assembly coupled to the outer assembly of a hypotrochoid assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of the single planet gear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of the single planet gear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the single planet gear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a single ring gear accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a single ring gear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a single ring gear in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side longitudinal cross-section view of an embodiment of an eccentric hub in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an eccentric hub in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of an eccentric hub in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an eccentric hub in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side longitudinal cross sectional view of an embodiment of an inner assembly hollow housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an inner assembly hollow housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of an inner assembly hollow housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a rotor clutch assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of the coupling connection of a rotor clutch assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a rotor clutch assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a rotor clutch assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a rotor clutch assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a rotor clutch assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a ring shaped shim in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a ring shaped shim in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a second retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a second retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a second retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a second retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of an end cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a portion of an end cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an end cover in in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a rear plan view of an embodiment of an end cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an end cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a seal housing for an inner assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a seal housing for an inner assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a rear plan view of an embodiment of a seal housing for an inner assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a seal housing for an inner assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a first retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 41  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a first retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 42  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a first retaining ring in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 43  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a spindle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 44  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a spindle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a spindle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 46  illustrates a side cross section view of an embodiment of an outer housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 47  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an outer housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 48  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of an outer housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 49  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an outer housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 50  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an inner assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 51  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled exercise machine in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 52  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an exercise machine in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 53  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a clutch system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 54  illustrates a right side plan view of an embodiment of a cable mount cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 55  illustrates a rear plan view of an embodiment of a cable mount cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 56  illustrates a left side plan view of an embodiment of a cable mount cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 57  illustrates a right top perspective view of an embodiment of a cable mount cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 58  illustrates a left top perspective view of an embodiment of a cable mount cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 59  illustrates a right side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 60  illustrates a rear plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 61  illustrates a left side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 62  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clutch cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 63  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch lever in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 64  illustrates a bottom plan cross sectional view of an embodiment of a clutch lever in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 65  illustrates a rear plan view of an embodiment of a clutch lever in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 66  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clutch lever in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 67  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch pin in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 68  illustrates a bottom cross sectional view of an embodiment of a clutch pin in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 69  illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of a clutch pin in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 70  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clutch pin in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 71  illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch pin link in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 72  illustrates a front cross section view of an embodiment of a clutch pin link in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 73  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clutch pin link in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 74  is a side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch pressboard in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 75  is a rear cross section view of an embodiment of a clutch pressboard in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 76  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clutch pressboard in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 77  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cable mount in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 78  is a front plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cable mount in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 79  is a side plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cable mount in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 80  is a rear plan view of an embodiment of a clutch cable mount in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 81  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clutch cable mount in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 82  is a side plan view of an embodiment of a belt tensioner system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 83  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the belt tensioner system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 84  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the belt tensioner system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 85  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the belt tensioner system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 86  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the belt tensioner system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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 in  FIGS. 1-81 , a hypotrochoid apparatus  10  generates 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 assembly  92  can be included to control the single ring gear  18  and to engage and disengage vibration. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , at least one embodiment of the hypotrochoid apparatus  10  is illustrated for exemplary purposes. The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  comprises an inner assembly  12 . The inner assembly  12  comprises a housing  14  (see other Figures), single planetary gear  16 , single ring gear  18 , spindle  20 , key  22  positioned parallel to the longitudinal length of the spindle  20 , and a clutch plate  24  affixed to the outside of the inner assembly and sealing the housing  14 . Placing the single planetary gear  16  inside the single ring gear  18  creates an external involute gear  19 . The key  22  can be a woodruff type key. The housing  14  comprises a hollow interior. The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  also comprises an outer assembly  26  comprising an eccentric hub  28 , clutch pin  30 , and outer housing  32 . A crank arm  34  can be engaged to the spindle  20  and control the rotation of the hypotrochoid apparatus  10 . An example of at least one possible path of travel  36  of the crank arm  34  can be seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , an example of a planetary gear assembly  38  illustrated. The single planetary gear  16  comprises a central throughbore (see  FIGS. 6 and 8 ) to accept the spindle  20 . The single planetary gear  16  comprises teeth and spaces between the teeth along the outer surface  40  of the single planetary gear  16  and is nested inside a central throughbore (See  FIGS. 9 and 11 ) of the single ring gear  18 . The single ring gear  18  comprises teeth and spaces between the teeth on the inner rim  42  of the single ring gear  18 . The teeth of the single planetary gear  16  engage the teeth spaces on the inner rim  42  and the teeth spaces on the outer surface  40  engage the teeth on the inner rim  42 . The single planetary gear  16  is smaller than the size of the central throughbore of the single ring gear, causing a gap  44  on the opposite side of when at least some teeth of the inner rim  42  are 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 hub  28 . Fundamentally, the eccentric hub  28  produces mechanical perturbations in a spindle  20  at a frequency directly proportional to its own angular velocity about a fixed axis. The amplitude of this perturbation is inherent to the eccentric hub&#39;s  28  designed eccentricity. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the hypotrochoid apparatus  10  is illustrated. An outer bearing or first angular contact ball bearing  46  supports the eccentric hub  28  and an second angular contact ball bearing  48  allows the driveshaft to spin freely within the eccentric hub  28  about a moving axis.  FIG. 3B  provides an exemplary embodiment of the inner assembly  12  fully assembled. The inner assembly  12  may also be known as a bottom bracket in the industry. In  FIG. 3A , the inner assembly  12  as well as the hydrotrochoid apparatus  10  is shown disassembled.  FIG. 3B  is oriented as a mirror image of  FIG. 3A , to illustrate the other side of the elements illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     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&#39;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&#39;s physical fitness can improve through short bursts of occasional stress, whether it&#39;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 hub  28 , power from the spindle  20  is transmitted through a single-planet epicyclic or planetary gear assembly  38  comprising the single planetary gear  16  and the single ring gear  18 , whose center-to-center distance coincides with the aforementioned eccentricity. This drives the single planetary gear  16 , affixed to the spindle  20 , to rotate around the circumference of the stationary single ring gear  18 . An equal and opposite force drives the eccentric hub  28  to rotate in the opposing direction, thereby producing vibrations. The resultant path of travel  36  (see  FIG. 1 ) produced by the rotation of the spindle  20  and eccentric hub  28  can be characterized as a hypotrochoid. The planetary gear assembly  38  with a small difference in number of teeth can be used produce high frequency vibrations. 
     Generally, a hypotrochoid apparatus comprises an inner assembly  12  coupled to an outer assembly  26 . The inner assembly  12  comprises, a spindle  20 , and at least one sealed ball bearing cartridge  57 . The spindle  20  is rotatably housed inside the inner assembly  12  and can rotate freely. The free rotation of the spindle  20  can be created by employing at least one ball bearing assembly, e.g., first angular contact ball bearing  46  or inner bearing or second angular contact ball bearing  48 , such as a sealed ball bearing cartridge. The spindle  20  comprises proximal end  54  and a distal end  52 , and the distal end  52  can be modified to comprise at least one groove  56  that runs around an outer circumference of the spindle  20  for engaging an inner retainer ring  64 , and a key  22  positioned parallel to the longitudinal length of the spindle  20 . The inner assembly can also comprise an eccentric hub  28 . 
     The eccentric hub  28  drives the vibration of the hypotrochoid apparatus  10  by producing vibration at the spindle  20 , and comprises an eccentric inner throughbore  80 , an outer surface, an inner surface, a distal end  76  and a proximal end  78 , and inner threading  83  on the inner surface of the distal end  76  and the proximal end  78 . The eccentric inner throughbore  80  can 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 hub  28 . As an example, the eccentric inner throughbore  80  can 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 spindle  22  can be engaged with, and housed within, the eccentric inner throughbore  80 , and coupled to the eccentric inner throughbore  80  by utilizing a first seal housing  112  at the distal end of the inner housing and a second seal housing  114  at the proximal end of the inner housing. The first seal housing  112  and the second seal housing  114  can each comprise means for engaging the threads on the inner surface of the eccentric hub  28 . 
     The inner assembly  12  can also comprise a first angular contact ball bearing  46  and a second angular contact ball bearing  48 . The first angular contact ball bearing  46  and second angular contact ball bearing  48  can be used to support the weight of the user on the exercise equipment. The first angular contact ball bearing  46  can comprise a distal side and a proximate side, and be centrally mounted around the outer surface of the eccentric hub  28 . The second angular contact ball bearing  48  can comprise a distal side and a proximate side, and be centrally mounted around the outer surface of the eccentric hub  28 . The first angular contact ball bearing  46  and the second angular contact ball bearing  48  can abut each other, wherein the proximate side of the first angular contact ball bearing  46  abuts the distal side of the second angular contact ball bearing  48 . 
     The first angular contact ball bearing  46  and the second angular contact ball bearing  48  can be locked in place on the outer surface of the eccentric hub  28 . A first lock washer  49  can be engaged with the distal side of the first angular contact ball bearing  46  and a second lock washer  51  can be engaged with the proximate side of the second angular contact ball bearing  48 . Further, a first lock nut  53  can be engaged with the first lock washer  49  and a second lock nut  55  can be engaged with the second lock washer  51 , to secure the first angular contact ball bearing  46  and the second angular contact ball bearing  48  in place. 
     The inner assembly  12  can also comprise a portion of the planetary gear assembly  38 . The planetary gear assembly  38  can comprise a single planetary gear  16  that can be attached directly to the spindle  20 . The single planetary gear  16  can comprise a key way  70  for engaging the key  22  located on the outer surface of the spindle  20 . The single planetary gear  16  can comprise ring teeth  74  surrounding the outer circumference the single planetary gear  16 , and a central opening  72  for allowing the spindle to pass through the center of the single planetary gear  16 . 
     The outer assembly  26  can comprise an outer housing  32  being cylindrically shaped and having a proximate end and a distal end, a first retaining ring  105  being positioned inside the outer housing  32  at the proximate end of the outer housing  32  . The outer housing  32  can be used to retain the inner assembly  12  and comprises a hollow interior. The outer assembly  26  can also comprise a rotor clutch assembly  92 . The rotor clutch assembly  92  can be a machined disc or a gear bearing adapter, comprising a central throughbore for receiving the inner assembly, wherein the rotor clutch assembly  92  is positioned at the distal end of the outer hollow housing. The rotor clutch assembly  92  can be attached to the outer housing  32  using fasteners, such as screws. The rotor clutch assembly can be in mechanical communication with the clutch system  129 . 
     The outer assembly  26  comprises the other portion of the planetary gear train, where the other portion of the planetary gear assembly  38  comprises a single ring gear  19  comprising ring teeth  74  surrounding an inner circumference of the single ring gear  18  for meshing with the teeth  66  surrounding the outer circumference of the single planetary gear  16  of the inner assembly  12 . The single ring gear  18  can be coupled to an outer edge of the central opening  68  of the single planetary gear  16 . 
     The inner assembly  12  can be inserted into the outer assembly  26  through the throughbore of the outer assembly  26 , and a ring shaped shim  98  comprising a central opening  100 , an inner surface  102 , and an outer surface  104  can be placed on the proximate end of the inner assembly  12  to close a gap between the first retaining ring  105  and the proximate end of the outer hollow housing after the inner assembly  12  is concentrically coupled within the outer hollow housing, wherein the inner surface  102  of the ring shaped shim  98  is abutted against the first retaining ring  105 . 
     A second retaining ring  106  can be positioned inside the proximate end of the housing  14  and abutted against the outer surface  104  of the ring shaped shim  98 , and a cover end  60  can be placed over the proximate end of the housing  14  to enclose the inner assembly  12  in the outer assembly  26 . The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  comprises the inner assembly  12  concentrically coupled within the outer assembly  26 . 
     The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  can comprise a spindle  20  having mechanical interfaces  21  (see  FIGS. 51 and 52 ) located at each end of the spindle  20 , and a crank arm  34  can be coupled to each mechanical interface  21 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , a side plan cross section view of one embodiment of the inner assembly  12  is illustrated. The spindle  20  comprises a distal end  52  and a proximal end  54  and least one groove  56  is seated inside the housing cavity  58  of the housing  14 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of at least one embodiment of the housing  14  is illustrated. The proximal end  54  of the spindle  20  extends out of the cover end  60  through a cover end opening  62 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6-8 , at least one embodiment of the single planetary gear  16  is illustrated in different views. The single planetary gear  16  comprises teeth  66  along the outer surface. The single planetary gear  16  comprises a central opening  68  and a key way  70  for accepting the key  22 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9-11 , at least one embodiment of the single ring gear  18  is illustrated. The single ring gear  18  comprises a central opening  72  and ring teeth  74  on the inner surface of the single ring gear  18 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 12-15 , at least one embodiment of the eccentric hub  28  is illustrated. The eccentric hub  28  comprises a distal end  76  and a proximal end  78  and can produce mechanical perturbations or vibrations in a spindle  20 . The frequency and amplitude of these perturbations are determined by the eccentric hub  28  angular velocity and geometric eccentricity, respectively. An outer bearing or first angular contact ball bearing  46  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) support the eccentric hub  28  about a fixed axis and an inner bearing or second angular contact ball bearing  48  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) or at least one sealed bearing cartridge allows the spindle  20  to spin freely within the eccentric inner throughbore  80  of the eccentric hub  28  about a moving axis. The rotation of the eccentric hub  28  can be achieved by transmitting power from the spindle  20  via epicyclic gearing or a planetary gear assembly  38  comprising a single planetary gear  16  and a single ring gear  18 . The center-to-center distance of the gearing can be designed to coincide with the aforementioned eccentricity. The single planetary gear  16 , affixed to the spindle  20 , rotates along the inner circumference of a single ring gear  18  when supplied mechanical power. Simultaneously, a reactionary force produced about the center of the single planetary gear  16  drives the eccentric hub  28  to rotate in the opposite direction of the spindle  20 . 
     The proximate end  78  of the eccentric hub  28  comprises at least one groove  82  for accepting an inner retainer ring  64 . The distal end  76  of the eccentric hub comprises threading  84  and a furrow  86  that runs perpendicular to the threading  84  on the outer surface of the distal end  76 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 16-18 , at least one embodiment of the inner assembly hollow  88  is illustrated. The inner assembly hollow  88  is cylindrical in shape and comprises a central opening  90 . 
     The vibration produced by the planetary gear assembly  38  can 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 arm  34  or similar mechanical element to the spindle  20 . 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 gear  16 . Gearing with a small difference in numbers of teeth can be used to generate relatively high frequency and low amplitude vibrations. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 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 hub  28  and vibration of the spindle  20 . The single ring gear  18  can be supported by a four-point rolling bearing  96  within a stationary Gearbox housing or rotor clutch assembly  92 . The rotor clutch assembly  92  can contain a catch feature or coupling  97  (see  FIG. 20 ). A radially mounted long-nose spring plunger, when extended into the key way  70 , prevents the single ring gear  18  from rotating. While locked, power can be coupled to the eccentric hub  28  to engage vibration. When retracted, the single ring gear  18  can rotate freely, effectively decoupling power to inhibit vibration. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 25-26 , a ring shaped shim  98  is illustrated in different views. The ring shaped shim  98  comprises a central opening  100 , an inner surface  102 , and an outer surface  104  for closing a gap between the first retaining ring  105  and the proximate end of the outer housing  32  after the inner assembly  12  is concentrically coupled within the outer housing  32 , wherein the inner surface of the shim is abutted against the inner retaining ring  64 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 27-30 , at least one embodiment of a second retaining ring  106  is illustrated. The second retaining ring  106  can be positioned inside the proximate end of the outer hollow housing and abutted against the outer surface  104  of the ring shaped shim  98 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 31-35 , at least one embodiment of a cover end  60  is illustrated in multiple views. The cover end  60  comprises a central opening  108 , and a plurality of holes  110  for accepting a fastener. The cover end  60  is placed over each end of the hypotrochoid apparatus  10  to protect the inner workings of the hypotrochoid apparatus  10 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 36-39 , at least one embodiment of a first seal housing  112  and a second seal housing  114  are illustrated. The first seal housing  112  and the second seal housing  113  are identical to each other. The first seal housing  112  and the second seal housing  114  can each comprise means for engaging the inner threads  83  on the inner surface of the eccentric hub  28 . The first seal housing  112  and second seal housing each comprise an outer rim  116  and a centrally located seal housing throughbore  118  for accepting the spindle  20 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 40-42 , at least one embodiment for a first retaining ring  105  is shown in different views. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 43-45 , at least one embodiment for the spindle  20  is shown in different views. The spindle  20  comprises a spindle rod  120  and a spindle sleeve  122 . The spindle sleeve  122  can freely rotate about the spindle rod  120 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 46-49 , at least one embodiment of the outer housing  32  is illustrated in different views. The outer housing  32  comprises a centrally located outer housing throughbore  124 . The outer housing also comprises a lip  126  comprises a plurality of holes  110  to accept fasteners. The inside surface of the housing may comprise threading, if desired. 
     Turning to  FIG. 50 , an exemplary embodiment of the inner assembly  12  is illustrated comprising at least the spindle  20  and the planetary gear assembly  38 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 51 , an exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine is illustrated in an assembled form. The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  is employed by the exercise machine and the crank arm  34  is engaged to the spindle  20 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 52 , an exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine is illustrated in an exploded view. The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  may comprise a belt tensioner system  127 . 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 system  127  can be engaged to a belt to reduce slipping of the belt when the clutch system  129  is engaged and causing the hypotrochoid apparatus to create vibration. The hypotrochoid apparatus  10  is inserted into an exercise machine slot  128  configured to accept the hypotrochoid apparatus  10 . The rotor clutch assembly  92  is engaged to the hypotrochoid apparatus  10  to control the vibration pattern of the hypotrochoid assembly. 
     Turning to  FIG. 53 , an exploded view of at least one embodiment of the clutch system  129  is illustrated. The clutch system  129  comprises a clutch mount cover  130 , clutch cover  132 , clutch lever  134 , clutch pin  136 , clutch pin link  138 , clutch pressboard  140 , a clutch cable mount  142 , a pivot connection  146 , and a peg  148 . The clutch system  129  will comprise components to include a cable inside the clutch system  129  with connections at each end. The cable should slide easily inside the clutch system  129 . 
     The clutch lever  134  that operates the clutch on a pivot connection  146 . The pivot connection  146  comprises an opening and a peg  148  placed through the opening to allow the clutch lever to rotate freely about the peg and actuate a clutch pin (see  FIGS. 67-70 ) that engaged the rotor clutch assembly  92 . The clutch lever  134  can act as a fulcrum mounting flange and allow the clutch pin  136  to be actuated as desired. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 54-58 , at least one exemplary embodiment of the clutch mount cover  130  is illustrated in different views. The cable mount cover comprises a plurality of holes  110  for accepting fasteners, and can be affixed to the clutch cable mount  142 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 59-62 , at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch cover  132  is illustrated in different views. The clutch cover  132  comprises a plurality of holes  110  for accepting fasteners and can be affixed to the clutch system  129  to cover the clutch system  129  and protect it from damage. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 63-66 , at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch lever  134  is illustrated in multiple. Clutch lever  134  comprises a clutch pin link mounting hole  144  for affixing the clutch pin (see  FIGS. 67-70 ) to the clutch cable mount  142 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 67-70 , at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch pin  136  is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch pin  136  comprises a head  150 , a fastener hole  152 , and a rod  154 . The fastener hole  152  is located in the head  150  and allows for the clutch pin  136  to be engaged to the clutch pin link  138  (see  FIGS. 71-73 ). The clutch pin  136  will be fastened to the clutch pin link  138  using a means that will allow the clutch pin  136  to rotate as the clutch lever  134  is actuated and allowing the rod  154  to always point in the direction of the coupling  97  of the rotor clutch assembly  92 . The rod  154  will enter the coupling  97  of the rotor clutch assembly  92  and cause the rotor clutch assembly  92  to engage or disengage the eccentric hub  28 , e.g., start and stop vibration. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 71-73 , at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch pin link  138  is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch pin link  138  connects the clutch pin  136  to the clutch lever  134 . The clutch pin link  138  can be “H” shaped and comprise at least four fastener acceptors  156 . Two of the fastener acceptors  156  can be used to affix the clutch pin link  138  to the clutch pin link mounting hole  144  on the clutch lever  134 . Two of the fastener acceptors  156  can be used to affix the clutch pin  136  to the clutch pin link  138  by aligning the fastener hole  152  with the at least two fastener acceptors  156  and inserting a fastener through the aligned holes and acceptors. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 74-76 , at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch pressboard  140  is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch pressboard  140  comprises a rod opening  158  for accepting an end of the rod  154 , and at least two fastener acceptors  160  for affixing the clutch pressboard  140  to the clutch cable mount  142 . The clutch pressboard  140  can be used to secure the clutch lever  134  to the clutch cable mount  142  while allowing the clutch lever  134  to pivot freely. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 77-81 , at least one exemplary embodiment of a clutch cable mount  142  is illustrated in multiple views. The clutch cable mount  142  performs the function as acting as the hub for assembling the clutch system  129 . The clutch cable mount  142  is adapted to accept each piece of the clutch assembly, e.g., clutch lever  134 , clutch pressboard  140 , clutch mount cover  130 , and optionally the clutch cover  132 . The clutch cable mount allows the clutch lever  134  to rotate and pivot when the clutch lever  134  is fastened to the clutch cable mount  142 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 82-86 , an embodiment of the belt tensioner assembly  127  is shown in different views. The belt tensioner assembly  127  comprises an upper roller  162 , a lower roller  164 , an upper spring  166 , a lower spring  168 , a tensioner mount  170 , a upper roller bracket  172 , and a lower roller bracket  174 . The lower roller  164  can be rotatably engaged to an end of the lower roller bracket  174  and can put an upward pressure or tension on a lower portion of a looped belt. The upper roller  162  can be rotatably engaged to an end of the upper roller bracket  172  and can put a downward pressure on tension on an upper portion of a looped belt. The belt tensioner assembly  127  can provide tension to a belt to keep the belt from slipping during operation of an exercise machine comprising the hypotrochoid apparatus  10 . 
     The upper spring  166  and lower spring  168  each comprise two ends, and one of the two ends can be engaged with the tensioner mount  170  and the tensioner mount  170  can be affixed to the frame of an exercise machine or to a fixed portion of the exercise machine to create tension on the upper spring  166  and lower spring  168 . The other end of the upper spring  166  can be affixed to the upper bracket roller bracket  172 . The other end of the lower spring  168  can be affixed to the lower roller bracket  174 . 
     As to further manners of usage and operation of the present disclosure, the same should be apparent from the above description. 
     While an embodiment of the apparatus and method of use has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described, and that each embodiment is also provided with features that may be applicable to other embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.