Patent Publication Number: US-2023133935-A1

Title: Elliptical crawler device and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/274,712, filed Nov. 2, 2021, the teaching of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure generally relates to an elliptical crawler exercise device and methods of making and using the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Background information related to the present disclosure as described herein may not constitute prior art. 
     Personal home exercise is becoming popular in the covid-19 pandemic or post-pandemic era. Home exercise, however, is limited by space or constrained by available options. As such, there is a need for machines or devices that provide muscle strengthening training as well as cardio training. 
     The embodiments described below address such issues or problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided an elliptical crawler, the elliptical crawler comprising: 
     a front support, an assembly of elliptical rowing body (“AERB”), and an optional back support, 
     wherein the front support has a height dimension and angle that are adjustable to provide for programming of an exercise pattern by adjusting a horizontal/vertical level of body of a user, 
     wherein the AERB comprises two extendible arm supports and two foot supports, wherein—
         one extendible arm support (“EAS”) is placed on the left side of the AERB (“left EAS”) and the other EAS is placed on the right side of the AERB (“right EAS”),   one foot support (“FS”) is placed on the left back side of the AERB (“left FS”) and the other FS is placed on the right back side of the AERB (“right FS”),   the left EAS and left FS are jointed with a left separation (“LS”), the left EAS, left FS and LS forming a left rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync,   the right EAS and right FS are jointed with a right separation (“RS”), the right EAS, right FS and RS forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and   the left rowing part and the right rowing part row elliptically in sync.       

     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the two FSs each comprise a sleeve to receive feet of the user. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”) being placed on an outer middle position of the left separation of the AERB (“left SB”) and the other FS being placed on an outer middle position of the right separation of the AERB (“right SB”) such that when the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB and the right SB, wherein the left SB and the right SB allow the user to hold onto the SB to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a workout control unit configured to program a workout session, wherein the workout control unit is electronically connected to the assembly of elliptical rowing body, the front support, and optionally the left EAS and right EAS to provide a control of the workout session according to an input by the user of one or more parameters of the workout session, the one or more variables including speed of rolling, a level of resistance, the height dimension, and optionally a length of the left EAS and the right EAS. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a display panel to display the input of one or more variables by the user and output of a result summary of the workout session at the end of the workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the workout control unit further comprises a networking unit configured to link-in two or more users of the elliptical crawler to undertake a competitive workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the networking unit is configured to compare performances of the two or more users. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a method of fabrication, comprising 
     providing a design of an elliptical crawler, and 
     forming the elliptical crawler, 
     wherein the elliptical crawler comprises a front support, an assembly of elliptical rowing body, and an optional back support, 
     wherein the front support has a height dimension and angle that are adjustable to provide for programming of an exercise pattern by adjusting a horizontal/vertical level of body of a user, 
     wherein the AERB comprises two extendible arm supports and two foot supports, wherein —
         one extendible arm support (“EAS”) is placed on the left side of the AERB (“left EAS”) and the other EAS is placed on the right side of the AERB (“right EAS”),   one foot support (“FS”) is placed on the left back side of the AERB (“left FS”) and the other FS is placed on the right back side of the AERB (“right FS”),   the left EAS and left FS are jointed with a left separation (“LS”), the left EAS, left FS and LS forming a left rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync,   the right EAS and right FS are jointed with a right separation (“RS”), the right EAS, right FS and RS forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and   the left rowing part and the right rowing part row elliptically in sync.       

     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the AERB is configured to provide for a resistance level that is adjustable. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the two FSs each comprise a sleeve to receive feet of the user. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”) being placed on an outer middle position of the left separation of the AERB (“left SB”) and the other FS being placed on an outer middle position of the right separation of the AERB (“right SB”) such that when the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB and the right SB, wherein the left SB and the right SB allow the user to hold onto the SB to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising a workout control unit configured to program a workout session, wherein the workout control unit is electronically connected to the assembly of elliptical rowing body, the front support, and optionally the left EAS and right EAS to provide a control of the workout session according to an input by the user of one or more parameters of the workout session, the one or more variables including speed of rolling, a level of resistance, the height dimension, and optionally a length of the left EAS and the right EAS. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a display panel to display the input of one or more variables by the user and output of a result summary of the workout session at the end of the workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the workout control unit further comprises a networking unit configured to link-in two or more users of the elliptical crawler to undertake a competitive workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the networking unit is configured to compare performances of the two or more users. 
     In a further aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a method of use, comprising using an elliptical crawler, 
     wherein the elliptical crawler comprises a front support, an assembly of elliptical rowing body, and an optional back support, 
     wherein the front support has a height dimension and angle that are adjustable to provide for programming of an exercise pattern by adjusting a horizontal/vertical level of body of a user, 
     wherein the AERB comprises two extendible arm supports and two foot supports, wherein—
         one extendible arm support (“EAS”) is placed on the left side of the AERB (“left EAS”) and the other EAS is placed on the right side of the AERB (“right EAS”),   one foot support (“FS”) is placed on the left back side of the AERB (“left FS”) and the other FS is placed on the right back side of the AERB (“right FS”),   the left EAS and left FS are jointed with a left separation (“LS”), the left EAS, left FS and LS forming a left rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync,   the right EAS and right FS are jointed with a right separation (“RS”), the right EAS, right FS and RS forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and   the left rowing part and the right rowing part row elliptically in sync.       

     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the AERB is configured to provide for a resistance level that is adjustable. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the two FSs each comprise a sleeve to receive feet of the user. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”) being placed on an outer middle position of the left separation of the AERB (“left SB”) and the other FS being placed on an outer middle position of the right separation of the AERB (“right SB”) such that when the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB and the right SB, wherein the left SB and the right SB allow the user to hold onto the SB to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising a workout control unit configured to program a workout session, wherein the workout control unit is electronically connected to the assembly of elliptical rowing body, the front support, and optionally the left EAS and right EAS to provide a control of the workout session according to an input by the user of one or more parameters of the workout session, the one or more variables including speed of rolling, a level of resistance, the height dimension, and optionally a length of the left EAS and the right EAS. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a display panel to display the input of one or more variables by the user and output of a result summary of the workout session at the end of the workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the workout control unit further comprises a networking unit configured to link-in two or more users of the elliptical crawler to undertake a competitive workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the networking unit is configured to compare performances of the two or more users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows an embodiment of disclosed elliptical crawler. 
         FIG.  2    shows a further embodiment of the disclosed elliptical crawler where two of such crawlers are connected by digital networking. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Definitions 
     As used herein, the term “assembly of elliptical rowing body” refers to a machine that provides for elliptical rowing motions as used in popular elliptical trainers. 
     As used herein, the term “workout control unit” refers to a control unit that receives inputs from a user of a workout session and generates electronic signals to control the elliptical crawler of disclosure according to the inputs of a user to cause the elliptical crawler to have a motion of a pattern, duration, and a resistance level that the user selects or directs. Such a workout control unit is commonly used in workout machines, including elliptical trainers. 
     As used herein, the term “horizontal/vertical level” refers to a body level degree of a user of the disclosed elliptical crawler. A horizontal level is when the user has a body level that is flat (180°), and a vertical level is when the user has a body level that is vertical (90°). By adjusting the height and angle of the front support, a variety of body level degree of a user can be readily set and achieved. 
     Elliptical Crawler 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided an elliptical crawler, the elliptical crawler comprising: 
     a front support, an assembly of elliptical rowing body, and an optional back support, 
     wherein the front support has a height dimension and angle that are adjustable to provide for programming of an exercise pattern by adjusting a horizontal/vertical level of body of a user, 
     wherein the AERB comprises two extendible arm supports and two foot supports, wherein—
         one extendible arm support (“EAS”) is placed on the left side of the AERB (“left EAS”) and the other EAS is placed on the right side of the AERB (“right EAS”),   one foot support (“FS”) is placed on the left back side of the AERB (“left FS”) and the other FS is placed on the right back side of the AERB (“right FS”),   the left EAS and left FS are jointed with a left separation (“LS”), the left EAS, left FS and LS forming a left rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync,   the right EAS and right FS are jointed with a right separation (“RS”), the right EAS, right FS and RS forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and   the left rowing part and the right rowing part row elliptically in sync.       

     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the two FSs each comprise a sleeve to receive feet of the user. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”) being placed on an outer middle position of the left separation of the AERB (“left SB”) and the other FS being placed on an outer middle position of the right separation of the AERB (“right SB”) such that when the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB and the right SB, wherein the left SB and the right SB allow the user to hold onto the SB to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a workout control unit configured to program a workout session, wherein the workout control unit is electronically connected to the assembly of elliptical rowing body, the front support, and optionally the left EAS and right EAS to provide a control of the workout session according to an input by the user of one or more parameters of the workout session, the one or more variables including speed of rolling, a level of resistance, the height dimension, and optionally a length of the left EAS and the right EAS. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a display panel to display the input of one or more variables by the user and output of a result summary of the workout session at the end of the workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the workout control unit further comprises a networking unit configured to link-in two or more users of the elliptical crawler to undertake a competitive workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed elliptical crawler, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the networking unit is configured to compare performances of the two or more users. 
       FIG.  1    shows an embodiment of an elliptical crawler disclosed herein. In this embodiment, an elliptical crawler has a front support  100 , an AERB  200 , and an optional back support  300 . The AERB  200  includes: 
     one extendible arm support (“EAS”)  210   a  placed on the left side of the AERB  200  (“left EAS”) and another EAS  210   b  placed on the right side of the AERB  200  (“right EAS”), 
     one foot support (“FS”)  220   a  placed on the left back side of the AERB  200  (“left FS”) and another FS  220   b  placed on the right back side of the AERB  200  (“right FS”), 
     the left EAS  210   a  and left FS  220   a  being jointed with a left separation (“LS”)  230   a , the left EAS  210   a , left FS  220   a  and LS  230   a  forming a left rowing part that rows elliptically in sync, 
     the right EAS  210   b  and right FS  220   b  being jointed with a right separation (“RS”)  230   b , the right EAS  210   b , right FS  220   b  and RS  230   b  forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and 
     the left rowing part and the right rowing part being configured to row elliptically in sync. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  1   , an embodiment of the disclosed elliptical crawler can include two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”)  240   a  that is placed on an outer middle position of the left separation  230   a  of the AERB  200  (“left SB”). SB  240   a  is joined with LS  230   a  via a support  241   a . The other SB  240   b  (not shown) is placed on an outer middle position of the right separation  230   b  of the AERB  200  (“right SB”). SB  240   b  (not shown) is joined with RS  230   b  via a support  241   b  (not shown). When the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB  240   a  and the right SB  240   b ; the left SB  240   a  and the right SB  240   b  are configured to allow the user to hold onto the SB  240   a  or SB  240   b  to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , it provides a further embodiment of the disclosed elliptical crawler where two individual elliptical crawlers connected by digital networking  240   d , each having a display panel  240   c . The remaining parts and functions thereof of the elliptical crawler are as described in  FIG.  1   , the description of such, for concise description, is omitted. 
     Digital networking  240   d  can be based on any commercially available technologies, wired or wireless, for instance, Bluetooth, WiFi, or any other digital networking technology. 
     The elliptical crawler disclosed herein is advantageous over existing elliptical training machines in that it provides cardiovascular training as well as full body muscle strengthening training and can mimic a variety of physical activities by adjusting the horizontal/vertical level and the level of resistance of the elliptical crawler. For example, a high horizontal level can mimic cross-field crawling and a high vertical level can mimic mountain climbing or even rock climbing. 
     Methods of Fabrication 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a method of fabrication, comprising 
     providing a design of an elliptical crawler, and 
     forming the elliptical crawler, 
     wherein the elliptical crawler comprises a front support, an assembly of elliptical rowing body, and an optional back support, 
     wherein the front support has a height dimension and angle that are adjustable to provide for programming of an exercise pattern by adjusting a horizontal/vertical level of body of a user, 
     wherein the AERB comprises two extendible arm supports and two foot supports, wherein—
         one extendible arm support (“EAS”) is placed on the left side of the AERB (“left EAS”) and the other EAS is placed on the right side of the AERB (“right EAS”),   one foot support (“FS”) is placed on the left back side of the AERB (“left FS”) and the other FS is placed on the right back side of the AERB (“right FS”),   the left EAS and left FS are jointed with a left separation (“LS”), the left EAS, left FS and LS forming a left rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync,   the right EAS and right FS are jointed with a right separation (“RS”), the right EAS, right FS and RS forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and   the left rowing part and the right rowing part row elliptically in sync.       

     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the AERB is configured to provide for a resistance level that is adjustable. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the two FSs each comprise a sleeve to receive feet of the user. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”) being placed on an outer middle position of the left separation of the AERB (“left SB”) and the other FS being placed on an outer middle position of the right separation of the AERB (“right SB”) such that when the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB and the right SB, wherein the left SB and the right SB allow the user to hold onto the SB to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising a workout control unit configured to program a workout session, wherein the workout control unit is electronically connected to the assembly of elliptical rowing body, the front support, and optionally the left EAS and right EAS to provide a control of the workout session according to an input by the user of one or more parameters of the workout session, the one or more variables including speed of rolling, a level of resistance, the height dimension, and optionally a length of the left EAS and the right EAS. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a display panel to display the input of one or more variables by the user and output of a result summary of the workout session at the end of the workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the workout control unit further comprises a networking unit configured to link-in two or more users of the elliptical crawler to undertake a competitive workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the networking unit is configured to compare performances of the two or more users. 
     Method of Use 
     In a further aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a method of use, comprising using an elliptical crawler ( FIG.  1   ), 
     wherein the elliptical crawler comprises a front support, an assembly of elliptical rowing body, and an optional back support, 
     wherein the front support has a height dimension and angle that are adjustable to provide for programming of an exercise pattern by adjusting a horizontal/vertical level of body of a user, 
     wherein the AERB comprises two extendible arm supports and two foot supports, wherein—
         one extendible arm support (“EAS”) is placed on the left side of the AERB (“left EAS”) and the other EAS is placed on the right side of the AERB (“right EAS”),   one foot support (“FS”) is placed on the left back side of the AERB (“left FS”) and the other FS is placed on the right back side of the AERB (“right FS”),   the left EAS and left FS are jointed with a left separation (“LS”), the left EAS, left FS and LS forming a left rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync,   the right EAS and right FS are jointed with a right separation (“RS”), the right EAS, right FS and RS forming a right rowing part configured to row elliptically in sync, and   the left rowing part and the right rowing part row elliptically in sync.       

     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the AERB is configured to provide for a resistance level that is adjustable. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the two FSs each comprise a sleeve to receive feet of the user. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising two support brackets, one support bracket (“SB”) being placed on an outer middle position of the left separation of the AERB (“left SB”) and the other FS being placed on an outer middle position of the right separation of the AERB (“right SB”) such that when the crawler is in use, the user is placed between the left SB and the right SB, wherein the left SB and the right SB allow the user to hold onto the SB to stand up after a session of use ends. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprising a workout control unit configured to program a workout session, wherein the workout control unit is electronically connected to the assembly of elliptical rowing body, the front support, and optionally the left EAS and right EAS to provide a control of the workout session according to an input by the user of one or more parameters of the workout session, the one or more variables including speed of rolling, a level of resistance, the height dimension, and optionally a length of the left EAS and the right EAS. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the elliptical crawler further comprises a display panel to display the input of one or more variables by the user and output of a result summary of the workout session at the end of the workout session. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the workout control unit further comprises a networking unit configured to link-in two or more users of the elliptical crawler to undertake a competitive workout session ( FIG.  2   ). 
     In some embodiments of the disclosed method, in combination with any or all the various embodiments disclosed herein, the networking unit is configured to compare performances of the two or more users. 
     EXAMPLES 
     An example of the elliptical crawler was designed and made according to  FIG.  1   , described above. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill that the spirit and scope of the disclosure is not limited to those embodiments, but extend to the various modifications and equivalents as defined in the appended claims. 
     Further, changes may be made in the construction, operation and arrangement of the various parts, elements, steps and procedures described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as described in the following claims.