Patent Publication Number: US-7909739-B2

Title: Pedal exercise machine having arc trajectory

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a pedal exercise machine which is constructed such that pedals and arm levers are operated in conjunction with each other, thus enabling a user to exercise all parts of the body—specially, to conduct exercise along a pedal trajectory similar to that when climbing a slope or stairs—and, more particularly, to a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory which includes a length adjustment means for adjusting the sizes of trajectories of pedals and arm levers, an angle adjustment means for adjusting the position of the trajectory of the pedals, and a displacement means for adjusting the angle of the pedals relative to the ground in conjunction with the length adjustment means, thus enabling a user to exercise desired parts of the body, thereby obtaining various exercise effects. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     To date, exercise machines having various trajectories have been disclosed. 
     Representative examples of exercise machines having vertical (or slightly inclined) linear exercise trajectories were proposed in Korean Utility Model Laid-open Publication No. 20-2000-0000468 (publication date: Jan. 15, 2000), which was entitled “LOWER BODY EXERCISE MACHINE”, and in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0277771 (registration date: Feb. 28, 2002), which was entitled “ROCK CLIMBING EXERCISE MACHINE”. 
     An exercise machine having a forward-backward trajectory or a trajectory similar to that when jogging was proposed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0385412 (registration date: May 20, 2005), which was filed by the applicant of the present invention and is entitled “ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE MACHINE”. 
     Furthermore, an elliptical exercise machine, which enables exercise along an asymmetrical elliptical trajectory, was proposed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0499232 (registration date: Jun. 24, 2005), which was entitled “ELLIPTICAL”. 
     In addition, other elliptical exercise machines were proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,676 (COMPACT CROSS TRAINER EXERCISE APPARATUS), U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,021 (ELLIPTICAL TRAINER), U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,710 (ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE DEVICE AND ARM LINKAGE) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,638 (PACE-ADJUSTING MECHANISM OF AN ELLIPTICAL CROSS TRAINER). 
     Particularly, a technique was proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 2009/0011904 (ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE DEVICE), which provides a longitudinal and horizontal arc trajectory and enables a user to exercise all parts of the body using pedals and hand grips which are operated in conjunction with each other. 
     As exercise machines having various exercise trajectories have been developed and improved, the applicant of the present invention proposes a further improved exercise machine, particularly, one having an exercise trajectory similar to that when a person climbs a slope or stairs. 
     In particular, the applicant of the present invention proposes a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory which is constructed such that trajectories of pedals and lever arms are adjustable, the positions of the trajectories of the pedals and lever arms are adjustable, and the angle of the pedals relative to the ground is adjustable, thus providing various exercise effects. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory which is constructed such that pedals and arm levers are operated in conjunction with each other, thus enabling a user to exercise all parts of the body—specially, to conduct exercise along a pedal trajectory similar to that when climbing a slope or stairs. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory which includes a length adjustment means for increasing or reducing the lengths of trajectories of pedals and arm levers to correspond to the height of a user and the length of the arms of the user. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory which includes an angle adjustment means for adjusting the position of the trajectory of the pedals, thus providing various exercise effects. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory which includes a displacement means for adjusting the angle of the pedals relative to the ground along with the length adjustment means, so that the exercise posture of the user, in particular, the position of the ankles of the user, can be easily changed. 
     In order to accomplish the above objects, in an aspect, the present invention provides a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory, including: a base; a front frame and a center frame provided on the base, the front frame and the center frame being coupled to each other; a pair of pedals to move upwards and downwards in alternating directions; a pair of pedal links for connecting respectively each of the pedals to the base; a pair of arm levers coupled to the front frame so as to be rotatable in alternating directions; a pair of lever link units each having a first lever link coupled at a first end thereof to the corresponding arm lever, and a second lever link connecting a second end of the first lever link to the corresponding pedal, the second lever link being coupled to the pedal by a shaft that couples the corresponding pedal link to the corresponding pedal; a pair of subsidiary pedal links connecting respectively the pedals to the center frame, each of the subsidiary pedal links being coupled to the pedal by a shaft different from the shaft, through which the corresponding pedal link is coupled to the corresponding pedal; a resistance pulley provided in the center frame; a crank having crank arms coupled to the resistance pulley through a crank shaft; a first actuating link integrally coupled to each of the pedal links at a predetermined angle; and a second actuating link rotatably coupled at both ends thereof to the first actuating link and the corresponding crank arm of the crank. 
     The first actuating link may have an angle adjustment means for adjusting an angle between the first actuating link and the corresponding pedal link around a base-side shaft of the pedal link. 
     Each of the crank arms of the crank may have a length adjustment means. 
     Each of the subsidiary pedal links may have a displacement means for displacement thereof relative to the corresponding pedal. 
     The displacement means may be constructed such that an angle of the pedal relative to a ground varies depending on position, at which the subsidiary pedal link is coupled to the center frame, the pedals, or both the center frame and the pedal. 
     The displacement means may be constructed such that the subsidiary pedal link comprises two separate bodies coupled to each other so as to be adjustable in length. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view showing the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view showing the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are views showing a displacement means for adjusting the angle of a pedal relative to the ground according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing an angle adjustment means of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are schematic views showing the operation of pedals and arm levers of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is views illustrating a type of displacement means in which the position of a link is changed; and 
         FIG. 11  is views illustrating a type of displacement means in which the length of the link is adjusted. 
         FIGS. 12 through 14  are schematic views showing the operation of one pedal and one arm lever of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a side view showing the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a rear view showing the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention.  FIGS. 5 and 6  are views showing a displacement means for adjusting the angle of a pedal relative to the ground according to the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a view showing an angle adjustment means of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention.  FIGS. 8 and 9  are schematic views showing the operation of pedals and arm levers of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a view illustrating a type of displacement means in which the position of a link is changed.  FIG. 11  is a view illustrating a type of displacement means in which the length of the link is adjusted.  FIGS. 12 through 14  are schematic views showing the operation of one pedal and one arm lever of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention. 
     In the description of the present invention,  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate two positions of elements depending on the operation of the pedal exercise machine. Here, the states of the elements at one of the two positions are designated by the solid lines, and the states of the elements at the other of the two positions are designated by the double-dot-dashed lines. Furthermore, the same reference numerals between the solid lines and the double-dot-dashed lines denote the same elements. For convenience of description, a separate mark (′) is added at the end of each reference numeral, which indicates a corresponding double-dot-dashed line. 
     Furthermore, in  FIGS. 12 through 14 , the arc trajectory section of the pedal is designated by a dotted line. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 14 , the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention includes a base  10 , a front frame  20 , a center frame  30 , a rear frame  40 , arm levers  50 , pedals  60 , lever link units  70 , pedal links  80 , subsidiary pedal links  90 , a resistance pulley  100 , a braking means  110 , a crank  120 , first actuating links  131  and second actuating links  132 . 
     1) Base  10   
     The base  10  has a predetermined length and is provided at respective opposite ends thereof with first and second support members  11  and  12 . The base  10  has a shaft  13  in a medial portion thereof. 
     2) Front Frame  20   
     The front frame  20  includes a first frame  21 , which is provided on the first support member  11  of the base  10  and has a predetermined height, and a second frame  22 , which extends from the first frame  21  rearwards and is inclined upwards at a predetermined angle. The front frame  20  further includes a control panel  23 , which is provided on the second frame  22  to indicate various kinds of information and enable a user to control the operation of the pedal exercise machine. 
     Here, the control panel  23 , the braking means  110  and a power controller  24 , which will be explained later herein, are connected to each other through a wired or wireless communication method. 
     Furthermore, a sensor (not shown) for counting the number of revolutions of the pedals is provided in the resistance pulley  100  or the braking means  110 . The sensor serves to measure the number of repetitions of an exercise conducted by the user or the time for which the user exercises. The information obtained by the sensor is transmitted to the control panel  23 . 
     3) Center Frame  30   
     The center frame  30  includes a vertical frame  31 , which is coupled to the upper surface of the base  10 , and a horizontal frame  32 , which is coupled both to the vertical frame  31  and to the first frame  21  of the front frame  20 . 
     4) Rear Frame  40   
     The rear frame  40  serves as a reinforcement and to ensure the safety of the user. In addition, the rear frame  40  serves to help the user step onto the pedals  60  and as a handle when the user exercises. 
     The rear frame  40  is coupled at a first end thereof to the second frame  22  of the front frame  20  and is coupled at a second end thereof to the second support member  12  of the base  10 . 
     5) A Pair of Arm Levers  50   
     The arm levers  50  are operated in conjunction with the pedals  60  and are coupled to the front frame  20  so as to be rotatable in alternating directions with respect to the front frame  20 . 
     Each arm lever  50  includes a handle  51 , which is held by the user, a connection part  52 , which extends from the handle  51  and is bent, and a mounting part  52 , which extends from the connection part  52 , is bent, and is rotatably coupled to the second frame  22  of the front frame  20 . 
     Therefore, depending on the vertical movement of the pedals  60 , the arm levers  50  are operated in conjunction with the pedals  60 . Furthermore, when the arm levers  50  are alternately moved forwards and backwards, the pedals  60  are operated in conjunction with the arm levers  50 . At this time, the arm levers  50  and the pedals  60  are respectively moved along the trajectories B and A, similar to those of the arms and legs of a person when climbing a slope or stairs in an upright walking manner. 
     6) A Pair of Pedals  60   
     The pedals  60  are alternately moved upwards and downwards. 
     Each pedal  60  includes a footboard  61 , and a pedal bracket  62 , which is mounted to the lower surface of the footboard  61  and has a pedal shaft  62   a  in the center of the lower end thereof. 
     Here, an anti-slip means (not shown) may be provided on the upper surface of each footboard  61 . 
     As examples of the anti-slip means, a plurality of protrusions may be provided on the upper surface of each footboard  61  in the shape of the sole of a foot of a person, or, alternatively, a depression having a shape corresponding to the sole of a foot of a person may be formed in the upper surface of each footboard  61 . 
     7) A Pair of Lever Link Units  70   
     The lever link units  70  connect the arm levers  50  to the corresponding pedals  60 . 
     Each lever link unit  70  includes a coupling member  71 , which is rotatably fitted over the mounting part of the corresponding arm lever  50 , a first lever link  72 , which is fastened to the coupling member  71 , and a second lever link  73 , opposite ends of which are respectively coupled to the first lever link  72  and the pedal shaft  62   a  of the corresponding pedal  60 . 
     8) A Pair of Pedal Links  80   
     The pedal links  80  connect the corresponding pedals  60  to the base  10 . The pedal links  80  are rotatably coupled to corresponding pedals  60  by the identical shafts, through which the lever link units  70  are coupled to the pedals  60 . 
     In detail, the pedal links  80  are rotatably coupled at first ends thereof to the pedal shafts  62   a  of the corresponding pedal brackets  62 , and are rotatably coupled at second ends thereof to the shaft  13  of the base  10 . 
     9) A Pair of Subsidiary Pedal Links  90   
     The subsidiary pedal links  90  are coupled between the center frame  30  and the corresponding pedals  60 . The subsidiary pedal links  90  are coupled to the corresponding pedals  60  by shafts that are different from the shafts through which the pedal links  80  are coupled to the pedals  60 . 
     In detail, the subsidiary pedal links  90  are rotatably coupled at first ends thereof to the vertical frame  31  of the center frame  30  and are rotatably coupled at second ends thereof to the pedal brackets  62  of the corresponding pedals  60  by shafts different from the shafts for the pedal links  80 . 
     Furthermore, each subsidiary pedal link  90  has a displacement means with respect to the pedals  60 . 
     As the displacement means, first displacement adjusting holes  62   b  are formed in each pedal bracket  62  at positions spaced apart from the pedal shaft  62   a , and are arranged in a diagonal direction, and the second end of the subsidiary pedal link  90  is rotatably coupled to one of the first displacement adjusting holes  62   b . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the angle C of the pedal  60  with respect to the ground can be adjusted. 
     The above-mentioned construction of the displacement means is only one representative example, and various modifications or substitutions thereof are possible. 
     The displacement means is constructed such that the angles of the pedals  60  relative to the ground vary depending on positions at which the subsidiary pedal links  90  are coupled to the vertical frame  31  of the center frame  30 , the pedals  60  or both the center frame  30  and the pedals  60 . 
     In addition, in the displacement means, each subsidiary pedal link  90  may comprise two separate bodies (not shown), which are coupled to each other in an insert coupling manner such that the length of the subsidiary pedal link  90  is adjustable. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 10 , the displacement means may further include second displacement adjusting holes  31   a , which are formed in the vertical frame  31 , and to one of which each subsidiary pedal link  90  is rotatably coupled, such that the positions of subsidiary pedal links  90  can be adjusted. 
     Furthermore, referring to  FIG. 11 , the displacement means may have a telescope type structure such that the length of each subsidiary pedal link  90  is adjustable (for example: one of a pair of link rods (bodies) is slidably inserted into a remaining one of the pair of link rods (bodies) so that the two link rods are fixed to each other using a screw or the like after the length thereof is adjusted). 
     Alternatively, the displacement means may have a structure such that several subsidiary pedal links ( 90 :  90 A,  90 B) having various lengths are prepared and a link having a desired length is selected and used. 
     Described above, the first displacement adjusting holes  62   b , the second displacement adjusting holes  31   a , the subsidiary pedal links  90 , which are adjustable in length, or the set of several subsidiary pedal links ( 90 :  90 A,  90 B) having various lengths may be independently used, or, alternatively, at least two kinds of means may be used together. 
     The displacement means, which can have the above-mentioned various modifications or substitutions, makes it possible to adjust the angles of the pedals  60  with respect to the ground for the purpose of biomechanics or for the convenience of the user. 
     10) Resistance Pulley  100   
     The resistance pulley  100  is mounted to a mounting bracket  32   a , which is provided on the horizontal frame  32  of the center frame  30 . 
     The resistance pulley  100  enables to move the pedals  60 , which are operated in conjunction with the corresponding arm levers  50 , upwards and downwards in alternating directions. 
     11) Braking Means  110   
     The braking means  110  serves to brake the rotation of the resistance pulley  100 , and includes a braking rotary member  111 , which is provided on the upper surface of the base  10 , a connection shaft  112 , which is integrally provided in the center of the braking rotary member  111 , and a connection belt  113 , which connects the resistance pulley  100  to the connection shaft  112 . The braking means  110  further includes a braking operation member  114 , which is provided adjacent to the circumferential outer surface of the braking rotary member  111  to electromagnetically or mechanically brake the braking rotary member  111  in response to a control signal transmitted from the control panel  23 , and a power control unit  114 , which supplies power having a predetermined intensity to operate the braking operation member  114 . 
     A control signal is transmitted from the control panel  23  to the power control unit  115 . Thereafter, the control signal is transmitted to the braking operation member  114  and the braking rotary member  111 , so that the user who pedals the pedals  60  can adjust exercise intensity. That is, under the control of the power control unit  115 , the exercise intensity is determined by the degree to which the braking operation member  114  contacts or releases the braking rotary member  111 , and thus compresses or decompresses it. To prevent rapid starting or rapid braking, it is preferable that the power control unit  115  control the braking operation member  114  such that it slowly compresses or decompresses the braking rotary member  111 . 
     12) Crank  120   
     The crank  120  comprises crank arms  121  which are coupled to the center of the resistance pulley  100  through a crank shaft  122 . 
     Each crank arm  121  has a length adjustment means for adjusting a length from a connection point between the second actuating link  132  and the crank arm  121  to the crank shaft  122 . 
     In the length adjustment means, several shaft holes  121   a  are formed in the one end of each crank arm  121 , and are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm  121 . 
     A bearing (not shown) may be provided in each shaft hole  121   a  to prevent noise attributable to friction. 
     Depending on which shaft hole  121   a  the crank shaft  122  is fitted into, the distance between the crank shaft  122  to the connection portion between the crank arm  121  and the second actuating link  132  is adjusted. 
     Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the lengths of the trajectories A and B of the pedals  60  and the arm levers  50  can be adjusted. Thus, the length of the exercise trajectory can be adjusted depending on the height of the user or the length of the arms of the user. 
     Here, the above-mentioned construction of the length adjustment means is only one representative example, and various modifications or substitutions thereof are possible. 
     13) First Actuating Link  131  and Second Actuating Link  132   
     Each of the two first actuating links  131  is integrally coupled to the corresponding pedal link  80  at a predetermined angle. Each of the two second actuating links  132  is integrally coupled at both ends thereof to the corresponding first actuating link  131  and the corresponding crank arm  121  of the crank  120 . 
     Although the first actuating link  131  is integrally coupled to the pedal link  80  at a predetermined angle, an interior angle between the first actuating link  131  and the pedal link  80  can be adjusted by an angle adjustment means. 
     In the angle adjustment means, a first end of a first actuating link  131  is coupled to the corresponding pedal link  80  through the single shaft  13 . 
     The angle adjustment means includes a plurality of coupling protrusions  131   a , which are provided on the first end of the first actuating link  131  and are arranged around the center of the first end of the first actuating link  131  in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of coupling holes  81 , which are formed in the second end of each pedal link  80 , and into which the respective coupling protrusions  131   a  of the first actuating link  131  are inserted. 
     The angle adjustment means further includes a coupling means  133 , which is coupled to the shaft  13  of the base  10 , which is disposed at the center among the coupling protrusions  131   a  inserted into the respective coupling holes  81 . 
     Here, preferably, a bearing (not shown) is interposed between the shaft  13  of the base  10  and each pedal link  80  to prevent noise attributable to friction and ensure smooth rotation. 
     Due to this construction, the angle between each pedal link  80  and the corresponding first actuating link  131  can be adjusted by changing the position at which the coupling protrusions  131   a  of the first crank link  131  are inserted into the respective coupling holes  81  of the pedal link  80 , after the coupling means  133  is loosened. 
     Thereby, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , the position of the trajectory A of the pedals  60  can be adjusted. As a result, various exercise effects according to the position adjustment can be obtained. 
     Meanwhile, the ultimate purpose of the adjustment in the angle between the pedal links  80  and the first actuating links  131  by using the angle adjustment means is to move the position of the trajectory of the pedals  60 . 
     For example, when the angular range of the trajectory of the pedals  60  is 40°, the trajectory of the pedals  60  may be within a range from 0° to 40° relative to the ground, or, alternatively, may be within a range from 30° to 70° relative to the ground. As a further alternative, the trajectory of the pedals  60  may be within a range from 50° to 90° relative to the ground. 
     Depending on the position of the trajectory of the pedals  60 , the posture of the user when exercising and the used muscles vary, thus obtaining different exercising effects. 
     Furthermore, the above-mentioned construction of the angle adjustment means is only one representative example, and various modifications or substitutions thereof are possible. 
     The operation of the pedal exercise machine according to the present invention will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 12 through 14 . 
     When the user holds the handle  51  of the arm lever  50  and pulls it towards his/her body, an interior angle between the first lever link  72  and the second lever link  73  of the lever link unit  70  is reduced and the second lever link  73  moves forwards. 
     Simultaneously, the pedal link  80  which is coupled to the second lever link  73  through the pedal shaft  62   a  is rotated forwards around the shaft  13  of the base  10 . 
     As a result, the pedal  60  moves along the inclined arc trajectory, as shown in  FIGS. 12 through 14 . 
     As described above, in a pedal exercise machine having an arc trajectory according to the present invention, a user can conduct not only lower body exercise using pedals which move along a pedal trajectory similar to the trajectory of the feet of a person when climbing a slope or stairs but also upper body exercise using arm levers which are operated in conjunction with the pedals having the above trajectory. In other words, the present invention enables the user to exercise all parts of the body. 
     In addition, in the present invention, stationary handles are provided at various positions, so that the degree of freedom of the posture of the user is increased, thus providing an effect similar to, for example, climbing a slope or riding a bicycle in a standing position. 
     As well, depending on the adjustment of the exercise load, a desired effect, for example, of strengthening cardiopulmonary endurance, reducing body fat, or of strengthening muscular power, can be obtained. In other words, when the exercise load is relatively low, the effect of an aerobic exercise machine can be obtained. When the exercise load is relatively high, an effect of an exercise for strengthening muscular power can be obtained. 
     Moreover, using a displacement means, an angle adjustment means and a length adjustment means, the present invention enables the user to change the parts of the body to be exercised, thus providing various exercise effects. 
     That is, to provide various exercise effects, the present invention includes the displacement means and the length adjustment means for adjusting the angle of the pedals relative to the ground, the length adjustment means for increasing or reducing the length of the trajectories of the pedals and the lever arms in consideration of the height of the user and the length of the arms of the user, and the angle adjustment means for adjusting the position of the trajectory of the pedals. Thereby, the pedal exercise machine having the arc trajectory according to the above-mentioned objects of the present invention can be realized. 
     Although the pedal exercise machine according to the preferred embodiment, having a special shape and construction, has been disclosed for illustrative purposes with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible. Furthermore, such modifications, additions and substitutions must be interpreted as falling within the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.