Patent Publication Number: US-7901323-B2

Title: Flexible display assembly for fitness trainers

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fitness equipment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     From their humble beginnings as free weights and bicycles mounted on wooden platforms, exercise equipment such as stationary bicycles, treadmills, elliptical fitness trainers, rowing machines, stair climbers, weight resistance machines, and the like have grown increasingly sophisticated. The mechanical aspects of these machines have markedly improved, with innovations such as adjustable platforms, variable resistance, and a range of exercising positions. Thus, today&#39;s exercise equipment offers users a wide variety of different exercise patterns; not only patterns designed to burn a specified number of calories or cover a specified distance, but also complex workout patterns such as interval workouts, course patterns, etc. 
     Unfortunately, many users find spending long hours doing repetitive forms of stationary exercise hard work and boring, sometimes so much so that the exercise equipment is abandoned in favor of something more entertaining. In an attempt to relieve the tedium of using such exercise equipment, users often utilize portable music playing equipment while health clubs have resorted to installing televisions for exercisers to watch. In the most sophisticated of health clubs, often walls of televisions tuned to various stations are installed in the exercise room. Users can tune into the audio of their chosen station on personal headsets. 
     While these systems help provide entertainment to exercisers, the purchase and installation of multiple large screen televisions that can be seen from a distance is prohibitively expensive. Also, the act of watching a television station surrounded by a wall of competing stations can be perplexing to the exerciser. Finally, the size of the televisions combined with the physical limits of available space means that, even with all the effort and expense the exerciser is granted limited choices. 
     Further, individuals, health clubs and other exercise facilities have varying needs, which often change over time. The needs of these different users vary based upon the available budget to purchase equipment, the space and technology in place to support the exercise equipment, fitness level, and interest level in audio/visual entertainment. 
     Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an exercise device that can be equipped with varying levels of features. For example, it would be desirable to offer various options of entertainment to exercisers. It would be further desirable to offer various options of entertainment to exercisers at reasonable costs. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a system that could be upgradeable to meet a user&#39;s changing needs, and to offer users more options and the ability to select an exercise device that best fits their particular needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A flexible display assembly for fitness trainers in accordance with the principles of the present invention offers various options for entertaining user and for controlling and monitoring the fitness trainer or exercise device. A flexible display assembly for fitness trainers in accordance with the principles of the present invention offers such options of entertainment at reasonable costs. A flexible display assembly for fitness trainers in accordance with the principles of the present invention combines the advantages of multiple customer choice of entertainment options with economies of scale in production, inventorying, warehousing, etc. to help keep the costs of such entertainment reasonable. 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a display assembly system for a fitness trainer includes a base module and a supplemental module. The base module includes a processor, a hardware circuit board in communication with the processor, memory in communication with the hardware circuit board and the processor, and a first front operating surface. The first front operating surface includes at least one control and at least one display window disposed on the front operating surface. The supplemental module is removably coupled to the base module and includes a second front operating surface. 
     According to a principal aspect of the invention, a display system for a fitness trainer includes a base portion having exercise information and at least two removable modules that can be connected to the base portion. 
     According to another principal aspect of the invention, a display system for an exercise device includes a main body having a first front operating surface, a processor, a hardware circuit board, memory, at least one control, at least one display window and a primary control region. The hardware circuit board is in communication with the processor, and the memory is in communication with the hardware circuit board and the processor. The processor, the circuit board and the memory positioned within the body. The at least one control and the at least one display window are disposed on the front operating surface and are operably engaged with the processor. The primary control region outwardly projects from the first front operating surface of the main body. The primary control region has a second front operating surface spaced apart from the first operating surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an elevated front perspective view of an example fitness device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an elevated, side view of the fitness device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of the flexible display assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic of an example architecture of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of the flexible display assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a rear perspective view of a base unit of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a lower perspective view of a module of the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a lower perspective view of a module of the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate an example embodiment of a fitness device in the form of a total body elliptical fitness cross-training device  10  suitable for use with the present invention. While the example embodiment described herein is a Precor® Elliptical Fitness Cross-trainer (available from Precor Incorporated, Woodinville, Wash. 98072 USA), the principles of the present invention apply to any other fitness devices, including but not limited to treadmills, stair climbers, stationary bikes, rowing machines, other configurations of elliptical exercise devices, weight resistance machines and the like. 
     Briefly described, the fitness device  10  includes a frame  12  that has a forward upright member  20 , a forward end portion  16  and a rearward end portion  18 . Preferably, the forward end portion  16  of the frame  12  can simply terminate at the end of a substantially horizontal, longitudinal central member  14 , while the rearward end portion  18  can terminate at a relatively shorter transverse member. Ideally, but not essentially, the frame  12  can be composed of tubular members that can be relatively light in weight but that provide substantial strength and rigidity. The frame  12  also may be composed of solid members that provide the requisite strength and rigidity while maintaining a relatively light weight. 
     The forward upright member  20  extends upwardly from the longitudinal central member  14  of the frame  12 . Preferably, the upright member  20  can be slightly rearward curved; however, the forward member  20  may be configured at other upward angles. A relatively short, transversely oriented crossbar member  22  can be connected to the forward upright member  20 . Left and right balance arms  24 ,  26  can depend downwardly from each end of the crossbar member  22  to engage the floor on each side of the longitudinal central member  14  near the forward end of the fitness device  10 , thereby increasing stability. Ideally, but not essentially, these members can be composed of a material similar to that described above, and can be formed in quasi-circular tubular configurations. 
     Left and right axle mounts  30 ,  32  (seen in  FIG. 2 ) extend upwardly towards the rear region of the frame  12 . The axle mounts  30 ,  32  support a transverse axle  34  that can be preferably operatively connected to a flywheel  36  contained within a center housing  38 . The regions of the axle mounts  30 ,  32  which house the ends of the transverse axle  34 , can contain low friction engaging systems, such as bearing systems (not shown), to allow the transverse axle  34  to rotate with little resistance within the housing in the axle mounts  30 ,  32 . The transverse axle  34  also may be operatively connected to a capstan-type drive (not shown) in some embodiments, to allow the axle  34  to rotate in one direction. 
     The left and right ends of the transverse axle  34  rotatably engage left and right crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50 . Left and right foot links  60 ,  70  each include a forward end  62 ,  72 , a rearward end  64 ,  74 , and a foot support portion  66 ,  76  there between. The foot support portions  66 ,  76  are positioned near the forward portion of the foot links  60 ,  70 , and provide stable foot placement locations. The foot links  60 ,  70  are aligned in approximately parallel relationship with the longitudinal central member  14  of the frame  12 . The rearward ends  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  engage the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  such that the foot support portion  66 ,  76  of the foot links travel in a generally arcuate or elliptical reciprocal path as the transverse axle  34  rotates. In some exemplary embodiments, the foot support portions  66 ,  76  can be configured to form toe straps and/or toe and heel cups (not shown) which aid in forward motion recovery at the end of a rearward or forward striding motion of a foot. 
     The forward ends  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  preferably are supported by rollers  68 ,  78 , which engage guide tracks  42 ,  52  (best seen in  FIG. 1 ) that are mounted to the frame  12 . Preferably, the engagement rollers  68 ,  78  can be actually pairs of rollers. The engagement rollers  68 ,  78  rotate about axles that are affixed to the forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70 . In one embodiment, the guide tracks can be statically mounted to the frame  12 . The guide tracks  42 ,  52  can be completely separate members or can be part of one single connected unit. The guide tracks  42 ,  52  attach to the longitudinal central member  14  of the frame  12  at an angled inclination. In one embodiment, the angle of inclination can be approximately thirty degrees (30°). In an alternative embodiment, the guide tracks can incorporate a mechanism such as a motor (not shown) and a lead screw (not shown) for selectively adjusting the inclination of the guide tracks. The lower ends of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  are secured to the frame  12  by a hinged mounting while the upper ends of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  are secured to an adjustable guide. 
     Preferably, the upper surface of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  can be shaped to contain two longitudinally extending, adjacent engagement grooves  44 ,  54  (seen in  FIG. 1 ). These engagement grooves  44 ,  54  give the upper surface of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  a generally “W-shaped” cross-sectional configuration. The engagement grooves  44 ,  54  are specifically sized and shaped to correspondingly mate with the rollers  68 ,  78  of the foot links  60 ,  70  in order to assist in the lateral containment of the rollers  68 ,  78  on the guide tracks. During use of the fitness device  10 , the engagement rollers  68 ,  78  at the front of the foot links  60 ,  70  translate back and forth the length of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  in rolling engagement within the grooves  44 ,  54 , as the foot support portions  66 ,  76  of the foot links  60 ,  70  travel in an arcuate path of motion, and the rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  rotate about the transverse axle  34 . 
     The forward ends  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  can be operatively connected to engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , which in turn can be operatively connected to the coupling regions  86 ,  96  of left and right swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90 , respectively. Each swing arm mechanism  80 ,  90  contains a hand-gripping portion  82 ,  92 , a pivot point  84 ,  94 , and a coupling region  86 ,  96 . The pivot points  84 ,  94  rotatably secure the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to each end of the crossbar member  22  of the frame  12 . The coupling regions  86 ,  96  of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  rotatably connect to the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , and turn to the foot support portions  66 ,  76  of the foot links  60 ,  70 . Each engagement assembly  100 ,  110  includes an abutment arm  106 ,  116  and a curved attachment link  104 ,  114 , which together prevent the derailment of the foot link rollers  68 ,  78  from the guide tracks  42 ,  52 . 
     The hand-gripping portions  82 ,  92  of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  are grasped by the hands of the user, and allow upper body arm and shoulder exercising motions to be incorporated in conjunction with the reciprocal, elliptical exercising motion traced out by the feet of the user. The linking of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the foot links  60 ,  70 , via the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , and the rotational securement of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the forward upright member  20  of the frame  12  at the pivot points  84 ,  94 , results in generally rearward, arcuate motion of a hand-gripping portion being correspondingly linked to a generally forward, arcuate motion of a respective foot support portion, and vice versa. 
     To use this fitness device  10 , the user stands on the foot support portions  66 ,  76  and grasps the hand-gripping portions  82 ,  92 . The user shifts his or her weight to impart a downward force upon one of the foot support portions while applying less weight to the other foot support portion, thereby causing the transverse axle  34  to rotate in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the right side as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), due to the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  coupling the motion of the foot links  60 ,  70  to the rotation of the transverse axle  34 . In conjunction with the lower body action, the user also imparts a substantially forward pushing motion on one of the hand-gripping portions and a substantially rearward pulling motion on the other hand-gripping portion. Due to the rotatable connection of the coupling regions  86 ,  96  of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  (via the engagement assemblies), and the rotational securement of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the forward upright member  20  of the frame  12  at their pivot points  84 ,  94 , each hand-gripping portion moves forward as its respective foot support portion moves rearward, and vice versa. 
     The foot links  60 ,  70  are attached to the transverse axle  34  by the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  such that one foot support portion moves substantially forward as the other foot support portion moves substantially rearward. In this same fashion, one hand-gripping portion moves forward as the other hand-gripping portion moves rearward (e.g., when the left hand-gripping portion  82  moves forward, the left foot support portion  66  moves rearward, while the right foot support portion  76  moves forward and the right hand-gripping portion  92  moves rearward). Therefore, the user can begin movement of the entire foot link and swing arm mechanism linkage by moving any foot support portion or hand-gripping portion, or preferably by moving all of them together. 
     Again, while the example embodiment depicts a total body elliptical fitness cross-training device, the principles of the present invention apply to any other fitness devices, including but not limited to treadmills, stair climbers, stationary bikes, rowing machines, other configurations of elliptical exercise devices, weight resistance machines and the like. 
     In accordance with the principle of the present invention, a flexible display assembly  28  is securely connected to the upper end of the forward upright member  20 , at an orientation that can be easily viewable to a user of the fitness device  10 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible display assembly  28  in accordance with the principle of the present invention is seen while  FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of the flexible display assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a schematic of example architecture of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention is seen. The flexible display assembly  28  can include a microprocessor  34  that is connected to the display  29  and to the various keyboard interfaces. The microprocessor  34  is further connected to memory  36 . In one embodiment, the flexible display assembly  28  can include a display console circuit board such as a T2 board; the microprocessor can be a microcontroller such as for example an Atme1 ATmega128 mega1 microprocessor with 16 MHz clock available from Atme1 Corporation, 2325 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, Calif. 95131 USA; the memory can be flash memory, Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM); Random Access memory (RAM); and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). 
     The T2 board can include a connector for loading and reading flash and EEPROM memory. The connector can be for example a JTAG connector available from JTAG Technologies Inc., 1006 Butterworth Court, Stevensville, Md. 21666 USA. Multiple serial ports can be provided for: communications with the local processor; Communication Specification for Fitness Equipment (CSAFE) communications; and USB, wireless or other form of network interface. 
     Electronic devices may be incorporated into the fitness device  10  such as timers, odometers, speedometers, heart rate indicators, energy expenditure recorders, controls, etc. To allow time-stamping of workout records, an internal clock with an internal battery backup and a user interface to allow the user to adjust the time can be provided. A speed sensor can be preferably provided. In one embodiment, the speed sensor can be based on zero crossing of one phase of a SPAM generator, 51 pulses per revolution or 2 strides. A resistance can be provided by a generator or a brake assembly. The display assembly  28  can also heart rate interface including a heart rate receiver and display window. In one embodiment the heart rate receiver can be supplied from Polar Electro Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Suite M15, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042 USA. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the flexible display assembly  28  conveys information both to and from the user. The flexible display assembly  28  comprises a base unit  120  and a first upper module  122 . The base unit  120  has a generally planar front operating surface  200  including a plurality of controls and display windows. The base unit  120  further including an edge region  202  generally framing at least three side edges of the operating surface  200 . In one embodiment, the front operating surface  200  has first and second side edges  204  and  206  and lower and upper edges  208  and  210 , and the edge region  202  is positioned adjacent only the first and second side edges  204  and  206  and the lower edge region  206 . The edge region  202  does not extend along the upper edge  210  of the front operating surface  200  of the base unit  120 . 
     The base unit  120  can include a publication holder  123  best seen in  FIG. 3 . The base unit  120  also includes a display area  124  that, in one embodiment, can comprise a central screen  126  and first and second peripheral displays  128 ,  130 . The central screen  126  can be used to select and monitor the most frequently used exercise programs from a single layer list while less frequently used exercise programs may also be accessed through a deep display list. Such programs can be related to time, calories, metabolic equivalents (METs), distance or other factors. In one embodiment, the first peripheral screen  128  can display calories burned and the second peripheral screen  130  can display heart rate. A scroll key  132  can be provided to enable a user to scroll the contents of the central screen  126 . In addition, ramp increment/decrement arrows  136  can be provided to control the angle of the exercise platform. The base unit  120  can also include one or more bar displays comprising a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  138 . The bar displays  138  can be provided that represent and communicate the progress of the user&#39;s exercise, such as for example, “warm up” to “fat burn” to “cardio” to “peak high.” 
     A display control area  145  can be provided that can include increment/decrement arrows  147 , a “back” button, an “options” button, and an “OK” button. The base unit  120  can further include a numerical key area  141  that includes the numerals 0-9 as well as a clear key and an input key. In one preferred embodiment, the numerical key area  141 , or other controls on the base unit  120 , can be used to operate audio and/or visual components positioned either above, or remote from, the base unit  120 . In addition, a programs key area  143  can be provided that can include a plurality of pre-programmed generic or user specific exercise routines or programs, for example, a “manual” program key, a “heart rate” program key, an “interval” program key, a “weight loss” program key, a “variety” program key, and a “performance” program key. 
     The base unit  120  can further include a lower base area  149 . The lower base area  149  can comprise a plurality of peripheral display areas that can display for example “time elapsed”/“time remaining”  152 , “incline”  154 , “speed”  156 , and “distance”/“pace”/“average speed”  158 . The “time elapsed”/“time remaining” display  152  and the “distance”/“pace”/“average speed” display  158  can include display selection buttons  160  for the user to select from the available display options. Additional control buttons such as for example “time +/−” adjust  163  and “pause/reset”  165 , resistance level can be provided. 
     Preferably, the lower base area  149  further includes a centrally positioned, raised “on-the-fly” input area  167 . The “on-the-fly” input area  167  can include a “quick start” button  169 , pursuant to which the user can start the fitness device with a single input function. In addition, crossramp adjust increment/decrement arrows  172  and resistance adjust increment/decrement arrows  174  can be provided on the “on-the-fly” input area  167 . The crossramp adjust increment/decrement arrows  172  enables the use to change the crossramp setting of the exercise device with a single control input at any time during the workout; likewise, the resistance adjust increment/decrement arrows  174  enables the use to change the resistance setting of the exercise device with a single control input at any time during the workout. For other exercise devices the “on-the-fly” input area  167  can include alternative controls such as for example incline and speed for treadmills. Thus, the “on-the-fly” input area  167  allows the user can to start and adjust the fitness device with single control inputs at any time during the workout. 
     The “on-the-fly” input area  167  provides the user with an optimally centrally positioned control unit with primary exercise equipment controls advantageously configured on the input area  167  for easy operation by the user. The input are is preferably raised with respect to a front operating surface  200  of the base unit  120  to facilitate the user&#39;s ability to locate and operate the primary controls positioned on the input area  167 . The input area  167  defines a front operating surface that is substantially parallel to the front operating surface  200  of the base module  120 . The raised configuration of the input area  167  also protects the critical controls of the input area  167  from moisture or debris which may impact the display assembly  28  during operation. Through the prominent placement of the critical exercise device controls onto the input area  167 , a user can readily locate the critical exercise device controls required to operate the exercise machine. The input area  167  facilitates a user&#39;s ability to determine how to operate the exercise device by optimizing the location of the more important exercise equipment controls in a centralized easily manipulated location. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the input area can be configured with a different number of critical controls, such as, for example, only a quick start button  169  and a single increment/decrement control. 
     It is an advantage of the flexible display assembly of the present invention that the base unit publication holder  123  is oriented such that, if the user places a publication on the base unit  120  the lower base area  149  of the base unit remains visible. As such, various displays such as for example “time elapsed”/“time remaining”  152 , “incline”  154 , “speed”  156 , and “distance”/“pace”/“average speed”  158  remain visible to the user. In addition, various controls such as for example display selection buttons  160 , additional control buttons, and the “on-the-fly” input area  167  remain accessible to the user. Thus, preferably, the more operationally significant controls and display areas are positioned below the publication holder  123  to allow for a user to operate and adjust the exercise device without having to reposition or remove a publication placed on the publication holder  123  in order to access a control or a display unit. 
     In alternative preferred embodiments, the base unit  120  can include other arrangements of display areas, control areas, input areas and controls. Accordingly, the location, the number and the function of the various display areas and controls can be adjusted to meet a particular application or to meet the needs of a particular user or groups of users. 
     The first upper module  122  of the display assembly  28  is removably coupled to and encloses the upper end of the base unit  120 . The first upper module  122  includes a generally planar front operating surface  212  surrounded by an upper module edge region  214  positioned adjacent to at least three side edges of the front operating surface  212 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper module edge region  214  is positioned against third and fourth side edges  216  and  218 , and an upper side edge  220 , but not adjacent to a lower edge  222  of the front operating surface  212 . Accordingly, when coupled to the base unit  120 , the first upper module  122  and the base unit  120  form a distinctive, aesthetically-pleasing generally rectangular shape having curved corners. The upper side edge  210  of the front operating surface  200  of the base unit  120  is positioned generally adjacent to the lower edge  222  of the front operating surface  212  of the first upper module  122  to produce a generally planar and generally continuous operating surface that is surrounded by the base unit edge region  202  and the first upper module edge region  214 . 
     The first upper module  122  is configured to conform to and complement the shape of the base unit  120 . In one preferred embodiment, the first upper module  122  and the base unit  120  combine to form a generally rectangular shaped display assembly  28  having curved corners. In alternative preferred embodiments, the base unit  120  and the first upper module can combine to form other shapes, such as, for example, circular, oval, polygonal, etc. The first upper module  122  can further include one or more controls or display windows. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the first upper module  122  of the flexible display assembly  28  of  FIGS. 3 and 4  comprises an entertainment module. The first upper module  122  of the flexible display assembly  28  of  FIGS. 3 and 4  provides for audio entertainment. The module provides a digital display  173  that can display for example the frequency of a radio station, or other entertainment related value. In addition, a CD or MP3 player can be provided. Volume increment/decrement arrows  175  and channel increment/decrement arrows  176  are provided. In addition, a mute button  178  can be provided. Thus, the embodiment of a flexible display assembly  28  in accordance with the principle of the present invention is seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4  provides for exercise display and control and audio entertainment. 
     A jack assembly  168  can also be provided on the base unit  120 , such as in a housing  170  removably coupled to the base unit  120 . Preferably, the jack assembly  168  is advantageously positioned at the central lower region of the base unit  120 . This central low position allows for easy to access, reduced headphone cord length, and reduced cord interference during use. The jack assembly  168  can be configured to be either originally installed by factory workers or installed by service engineers at a later date as an upgrade. Accordingly, the jack assembly  168  is another upgradeable feature that can be incorporated into an original display assembly or added to an existing assembly at a later date, such as in conjunction with an upgrade in the upper module. 
     In alternative preferred embodiments, the first upper module  122  can include one or more controls and/or display windows relating to the operation of the exercise device, or a combination of entertainment controls and exercise device controls. In another alternative preferred embodiment, a cooling fan configured for cooling the user can be incorporated within the first upper module. In yet another alternative preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the first upper module can be configured without controls or display windows and serve solely as a structural cap or cover for the display. In other alternative preferred embodiments, audio speakers and/or a music docking device, such as an Apple® iPod®, can be incorporated in the base unit or the upper module. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention while  FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of the flexible display assembly of  FIG. 6 , including a second upper module  180 . The second upper module  180  of the display assembly  28  is removably coupled to and encloses the upper end of the base unit  120 . Like the first upper module  122 , the second upper module  180  is also configured to complement the shape of the base unit  120  to provide the display assembly  28  with a clean, aesthetically-pleasing appearance. In one preferred embodiment, the second upper module  180  also includes the front operating surface  212  and the upper module edge region  214 . In one preferred embodiment, the second upper module  180  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  also comprises an entertainment module. Alternatively, the second upper module can also include one or more exercise device controls, display windows, or other indicators. The flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 3 and 4  differs from the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 6 and 7  in that the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 6 and 7  comprises an enlarged, detailed entertainment module having additional display capabilities; the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 3 and 4  is the same as the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 6 and 7  in that both flexible display assemblies comprise the same base unit. In particular, the flexible of  FIGS. 3 and 4  provided for audio entertainment only while the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 6 and 7  provides for audio/video entertainment. 
     Thus, the module  180  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  includes a base unit cap  182  and a personal viewing video display  184 . Again, a jack assembly  168  can be provided on the base unit  120 , such as in housing  170  provided on the bottom side of the base unit  120 . The module  180  provides a power button  186  as well as volume increment/decrement arrows  175 , channel increment/decrement arrows  176 , and a mute button. In addition, a DVD player can be provided. The personal viewing video display  184  includes a video display screen  188 . In one embodiment, the video display screen  188  can comprise a twelve-inch LCD display. The personal viewing video display  184  includes a video display screen  188 . The personal viewing video display  184  can further include a video information screen  191 ; alternatively, the video display screen  188  itself can display information regarding the video. 
     It is a particular advantage of the present invention that various options of the modules can be provided to customers purchasing exercise equipment. While completely different exercise equipment models could be manufactured, inventoried, warehoused, etc. for each of the different options customers can be offered in these modules, production, inventorying, warehousing, etc. of multiple different models would be costly, failing to take advantage of economies of scale. The present invention combines the advantages of multiple customer choice of options with economies of scale in production, inventorying, warehousing, etc. that helps to keep the costs of such exercise machines reasonable. Further, the present invention allows for the same exercise device to be upgraded over time from one embodiment of the display assembly to another with more or different features. The display assembly of the present invention provides the versatility and flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of different users or user groups. Further, the present invention allows for the needs of the same users to be met even as they change over time. 
       FIG. 8  shows a rear perspective view of a base unit  120  of a flexible display assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the module removed. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a detailed perspective view of the first upper module  122  of the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 3 and 4  removed from the base unit  120  is seen; and  FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view of the second upper module  180  of the flexible display assembly of  FIGS. 6 and 7  removed from the base unit  120 . In  FIG. 9 , the digital display  173 , the volume increment/decrement arrows  175 , the channel increment/decrement arrows  176 , and the mute button  178  can be seen on the module  122 . In  FIG. 10 , the power button  186 , the volume increment/decrement arrows  175 , the channel increment/decrement arrows  176 , and the mute button  178  can be seen on the base unit cap  182  while the video display screen  188  and the video information screen  191  can be seen on the personal viewing video display  184 . 
     The modules  122  and  180  are particularly designed to be easily added and removed from the base unit  120 . As such, a support bracket  190  can be provided extending downwardly from the modules  122  and  180 . The support bracket  190  is adopted to extend into housing provided in the base unit  120 ; in  FIG. 8 , the base unit  120  of the present invention is seen with the support bracket  190  extending into the housing. Thus, the customer can choose from the various options of the modules. If a customer desires for example an option of audio entertainment only, an exercise device can be efficiently provided. Likewise, if a customer desires for example an option of audio/video entertainment, an exercise device can be efficiently provided. 
     Thus, it is also a particular advantage of the present invention that the modules can be interchanged with minimal effort on behalf of the factory workers or service engineers. By providing the exercise display and control functionality in the base unit separate from the module, in addition to the support bracket the only connection that is required to be made is a power and data connection. Of course, additional structural connections such as fasteners can be provided to further support the module. 
     Thus, by simply changing modules different options can be easily provided to customers. In addition, regardless of which module option a customer chooses, the exercise device and the base unit can be mass produced providing economies of scale in production, inventorying, warehousing, etc. thereby helping to keep costs low. 
     While the invention has been described with specific embodiments, other alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As previously described, while the example embodiment depicts a total body elliptical fitness cross-training device, the principles of the present invention apply to any other fitness devices, including but not limited to treadmills, stair climbers, stationary bikes, rowing machines, stair climbers, weight resistance machines and the like. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.