Patent Publication Number: US-10315068-B1

Title: Exercise methods and apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/308,538, filed Nov. 30, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/458,693, filed Nov. 30, 2010, which applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fitness machines, and in particular to fitness machines which constrain the user&#39;s foot and/or arm to travel along a variable or fixed foot path. 
     Exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate a variety of exercise motions (including treadmills for walking or running in place; stepper machines for climbing in place; bicycle machines for pedaling in place; and other machines for skating and/or striding in place). Yet another type of exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate relatively more complicated exercise motions and/or to better simulate real life activity. Such equipment converts a relatively simple motion, such as circular, into a relatively more complex motion, such as elliptical. Despite various advances in the elliptical exercise category, there remains room for improvement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A variable stride exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly and corresponding exercise apparatus suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. The apparatus may include a frame designed to rest upon a flat surface. Rocker links may be rotatably mounted on respective sides of the frame in spaced relationship with crank disks rotatably mounted on respective sides of the frame. Foot supporting linkages may be movably connected between the rocker links and respective crank disks in such a manner that may provide variable paths of motion controlled by a user of the apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. 
       It is noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of a third embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 3C  is a partial side view of the third embodiment of the exercise apparatus shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIGS. 3D and 3E  are perspective views of the tapered leaf springs shown in the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view partially broken away of the exercise apparatus shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view from the front and side of the exercise apparatus shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view from the front and side of the exercise apparatus shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the exercise apparatus shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an eighth embodiment of an exercise apparatus; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of an exercise apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Elliptical motion exercise apparatus may link rotation of left and right cranks to generally elliptical motion of respective left and right foot supports. The term “elliptical motion” is intended in a broad sense to describe a closed path of motion having a relatively longer major axis and a relatively shorter minor axis. In general, elliptical motion exercise apparatus may be said to use displacement of the cranks to move the foot supports in a direction coincidental with one axis of the elliptical path, and displacement of crank driven members to move the foot supports in a direction coincidental with the other axis. A general characteristic of such exercise apparatus is that the crank diameter determines the length of one axis, but does not determine the length of the other axis. As a result of this feature, a person&#39;s feet may pass through a space between the cranks while nonetheless traveling through a generally elliptical path having a desirable aspect ratio, and the apparatus that embody this technology may be made relatively more compact, as well. The embodiments shown and/or described herein are generally symmetrical about a vertical plane extending lengthwise through a floor-engaging base (perpendicular to the transverse ends thereof). In general, the “right-hand” components are one hundred and eighty degrees out of phase relative to the “left-hand” components. However, like reference numerals are used to designate both the “right-hand” and “left-hand” parts, and when reference is made to one or more parts on only one side of an apparatus, it is to be understood that corresponding part(s) are disposed on the opposite side of the apparatus. Also, to the extent that reference is made to forward or rearward portions of an apparatus, it is to be understood that a person can typically exercise on such apparatus while facing in either direction relative to the linkage assembly. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral  100 . The apparatus  100  includes a frame  102  that is designed to rest upon a floor surface. The frame  102  includes a stanchion  104  that extends upward from a forward end of the frame  102  and rearward stanchions  106  that extend upward proximate an opposite, rearward end of the frame  102 . 
     Left and right crank disks  108  are rotatably mounted on respective sides of the frame  102  at respective stanchions  106  proximate the rear end of the frame  102 . A crank  110  is interconnected between the crank disks  108 . Left and right rollers  112  are rotatably mounted on the crank  110  for orbital movement about the crank disks  108  axis. Both crank disks  108  are shown in the form of disks, but crank arms may be used in the alternative. An advantage of using a crank disk is that it may be more readily connected to any of various known inertia altering devices, including, for example, a motor, a “stepped up” flywheel, an adjustable braking mechanism, or various combinations thereof. 
     Left and right rocker links  135  are pivotally mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  104 . Each rocker link  135  extends generally downward from a rocker hub  139  that is pivotally connected to a transverse rocker shaft  141  fixed proximate the upper end of the stanchion  104 . Left and right handle bars  140  are pivotally mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  104 . Each handle bar  140  is rigidly connected to respective rocker hubs  139  and extends generally upward from the rocker hub  139 . The upper end of each handle bar  140  includes a hand grip  142 . 
     Left and right longitudinal foot members  125  are pivotally connected to a lower distal end of a respective rocker link  135  at a connection point  137 . A rear portion of each foot member  125  includes an underlying race region which is in contact with a respective roller  112  as the crank disks  108  rotate. A foot platform  120  is rigidly connected to each foot member  125 . 
     A center bevel gear  150  is rotatably connected to a shaft  152  fixedly secured proximate the upper end of the stanchion  104 . The bevel gear  150  engages with respective right and left rocker bevel gears  155  rigidly connected to respective rocker hubs  139  interconnecting the rocker links  135  to move in dependent fashion in opposite directions relative to one another. 
     On each side of the frame  102 , a rearward distal end of an extension spring  165  is connected to a bearing rotatably mounted on the crank  110  concentric with the roller  112 , and a forward distal end of the extension spring  165  is connected proximate the forward end of foot member  125 . Alternatively, the forward distal end of the extension spring  165  may be connected at a point along the rocker link  135  between the rocker hub  139  and the lower distal end of the rocker link  135 . Adjustable friction disks  175  may be mounted about the transverse rocker shaft  141  proximate the distal ends thereof. The friction disks  175  may be mounted between the rocker hubs  139  and a cover  177  in facing contact with the friction disks  175 . A knob  179  threadably mounted on each distal end of the rocker shaft  141  may be adjusted to introduce resistance to the pivotal motion of the rocker links  135 , as desired. 
     Each extension spring  165  operates under tension throughout the stride length as the crank  110  rotates. During use, the extension spring  165  aids in rotating the crank  110  in the direction of the force applied by the user on the foot platform  120 . For example, in the absence of the extension spring  165  and assuming that the crank  110  is rotating in a clockwise direction, as the crank  110  approaches the 12 o&#39;clock or vertical position, a forward/downward force applied to the foot platform  120  may cause the crank  110  to stall or change to a counter clockwise rotation. The tension force applied by the extension spring  165  forces the crank  110  to continue its clockwise rotation. 
     Directing attention now to  FIG. 2 , a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral  200 . The apparatus  200  generally includes a frame  202  and a linkage assembly movably mounted on the frame  200 . Generally, the linkage assembly encourages a force receiving link  225  to travel through an elliptical path of motion having a variable configuration controlled by the user. 
     The frame  202  includes a stanchion  204  that extends upward from a forward end of the frame  202 , and rearward stanchions  206  that extend upward proximate an opposite, rearward end of the frame  202 . On each side of the apparatus  200 , the linkage assembly generally includes a rocker link  235 , a force receiving link  225 , a drawbar link  215 , a crank  210  and a roller  212  rotatably mounted on the crank  210 . Crank disks  208  are rotatably mounted on the frame  202  at respective rearward stanchions  206 . The crank  210  may be interconnected between the crank disks  208  by means known in the art. 
     A rocker link  235  is pivotally mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  204 . Each rocker link  235  may comprise a leaf spring that extends generally downward from a rocker hub  239  that is pivotally connected to a transverse rocker shaft  241  fixed proximate the upper end of the stanchion  204 . Left and right handle bars  240  are pivotally mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  104 . Each handle bar  240  is rigidly connected to a respective rocker hub  239  and extends generally upward from the rocker hub  239 . The upper end of each handle bar  240  includes a hand grip  242 . 
     On each side of the apparatus  200 , a rearward distal end of the drawbar link  215  is rotatably connected to the crank  210 , and a forward distal end of the drawbar link  215  is pivotally connected to a slide bracket  236  at a connection point  216 . The bracket  236  may be a clamp or the like that is movably mounted on the rocker link  235 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , a forward distal end of the force receiving link  225  is pivotally connected to a lower distal end of the rocker link  235  at connection point  237 , and a rearward portion of the force receiving link  225  is in rolling contact with the crank roller  212 . During use, the foot path and/or arm path configuration is a function of the force applied by the user to lengthen or shorten the foot path and/or arm path. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , a sufficient force to overcome the bending moment of the leaf spring rocker link  235  applied by the user to the foot platforms  220  in a longitudinal direction deflects the lower portion of the rocker link  235  below the slide bracket  236  in the direction of the applied force, i.e., forward or backward, resulting in a variable stride length. Likewise, the user may alter the arm path by applying a force to the handle bars  240  sufficient to deflect the upper portion of the leaf spring rocker link  235  above the slide bracket  236  in the direction of the force applied to the handle bars  240 , i.e., away from or toward the user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , a third embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral  300 . The apparatus  300  generally includes a frame  302  and a linkage assembly movably mounted on the frame  300 . Generally, the linkage assembly encourages a force receiving member  325  to travel through an elliptical path of motion having a variable configuration controlled by the user. 
     The frame  302  includes a stanchion  304  that extends upward from a forward end of the frame  302 , and a rearward stanchion  306  that extends upward proximate an opposite, rearward end on each side of the frame  302 . On each side of the apparatus  300 , the linkage assembly generally includes a rocker link  335 , a force receiving link  325 , a drawbar rocker link  326 , a drawbar link  315 , a crank  310  and a roller  312  rotatably mounted on the crank  310 . Crank disks  308  are rotatably mounted on the frame  302  at respective rearward stanchions  306 . The crank  310  may be interconnected between the crank disks  308  by means known in the art. The crank  310  may be connected to any of various known inertia altering devices, such as a flywheel  309 , to provide resistance to rotation. 
     A rocker link  335  is pivotally mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  304 . Each rocker link  335  extends generally downward from a rocker hub  339  that is pivotally connected to a transverse rocker shaft  341  fixed proximate the upper end of the stanchion  304 . Left and right handle bars  340  are pivotally mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  304 . Each handle bar  340  is rigidly connected to a respective rocker hub  339  and extends generally upward from the rocker hub  339 . The upper end of each handle bar  340  includes a hand grip  342 . 
     A drawbar rocker  326  is rotatably mounted on respective sides of the stanchion  304 . Each drawbar rocker  326  extends generally downward from a drawbar rocker hub  379  that is pivotally connected to the transverse rocker shaft  341  concentric with the rocker hub  339 . An upper end of a leaf spring  390  is fixedly secured to the drawbar rocker  326  at a lower end thereof by a clamp  372  or the like. The leaf spring  390  extends downwardly from the drawbar rocker  326  A slide clamp  392  slidably engages the leaf spring  390  proximate the lower end thereof. The slide clamp  392  is pivotally connected to a bracket  367  at pivot shaft  393 . The location of the bracket  367  may be adjusted along the lower portion of the rocker link  335 . The rocker link  335  is provided with spaced holes  369  that may be aligned with a hole  371  in the bracket  367 . A removable pin  391  inserted through the aligned holes  369  and  371  secures the bracket  367  to the rocker link  335 . The moment arm to which the leaf spring  390  is subjected may be altered by adjustment of the bracket  367 , and consequently the slide clamp  392 , up or down relative to the rocker link  335  and leaf spring  390 , respectively. A change in the moment arm of the leaf spring  390  changes the effect of a user applied force on the stride path and/or arm path. 
     Generally, the leaf spring  390  may be constructed of metal or nonmetallic materials. For example, the leaf spring  390  may comprise fiberglass strands within an epoxy matrix (alternatively, glass fibers within a nylon or a urethane matrix may be suitable, or the leaf spring may be constructed of wood or metal). For a leaf spring  390  of fiberglass construction (or other abrade-able material such as wood or various plastics), the fiberglass material may be shielded from abrasive contact at the region where relative movement occurs between the slide clamp  392  and the leaf spring  390 , by covering the front and rear surfaces of the leaf spring  390  with a thin, low friction sheath  395  disposed between the leaf spring  390  and the slide clamp  392 . Bolts  394  or the like secure the sheath  395  to the leaf spring  390 . The bolts  394  are located proximate the lower end of the leaf spring  390  so as not to interfere with the relative motion between the leaf spring  390  and the slide clamp  392 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 3A-3B , a rear distal end of the drawbar link  315  is rotatably connected to the crank  310 , and a forward distal end thereof is pivotally connected to the drawbar rocker  326  at a connection point  380 . Longitudinal force receiving link  325  is rotatably connected to a lower distal end of the rocker link  335  at connection point  337 . A rearward portion of the force receiving link  325  includes a race on an underlying surface thereof in rolling contact with the crank roller  312 . A foot platform  320  is rigidly secured proximate the rearward distal end of the force receiving link  325 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3D and 3E , examples of a leaf spring construction are shown. Due to the progressive nature of the force deflection characteristics of the leaf spring, the spring taper may change relative to the neutral axis of the leaf spring. The taper of a leaf spring  354  pertains generally to the changing width from one end of the leaf spring  354  to the other end for any given moment load. The taper of the leaf spring  355  pertains generally to the changing thickness from one end of the leaf spring  355  to the other end for any given moment load. 
     Directing attention now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral  400 . The apparatus  400  is similar to the apparatus  300  described above with the exception that the arm path of the apparatus  400  is constant and the foot path is variable. The arm path distance is a function of the diameter of the orbital path of the crank  410  about the crank disks axis and the foot path distance is a function of the user applied force against the foot platform  420 . 
     Generally describing the components of the apparatus  400 , a handle bar  440  is rigidly connected to a rocker link  435 . A leaf spring housing  488  is pivotally connected to the rocker link  435  at connection point  480 . The lower distal end of the leaf spring housing  488  is pivotally connected to a forward distal end of a foot support member  425  at connection point  437 . An underlying portion of the rearward distal end of the foot support member  425  defines a race that is in rolling contact with a crank roller  412 . An upper end of a leaf spring  490  is fixedly secured to the rocker link  435  at a clamp  472  and extends downwardly therefrom. The clamp  472  may be integrally formed with the rocker link  435 . A lower end of the leaf spring  490  is in sliding engagement with a slide bracket  489  mounted proximate the lower end distal end of the leaf spring housing  488 . 
     A rear distal end of a drawbar  415  is rotatably connected to a crank  410  and a forward distal end of the drawbar  415  is rotatably connected to the rocker link  435  and by extension to the handle bar  440  at connection point  480 . The handle bar  440  is thus rotatably connected to the crank  410  and thereby the arm path distance is a function of the diameter of the orbital path of the crank  410  about the crank disks  408  axis. 
     Continuing now and referring to  FIG. 4B , during use the lower end of the leaf spring  490  may be deflected by a longitudinal distance X as force is applied by the user to the foot platform  420  moving the foot support member  425  rearward and forward and causing the leaf spring housing  488  to pivot about the connection point  480 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 4B , the deflection distance X of the leaf spring  490  corresponds to an increased foot stride length Y at the rearward distal end of the foot support member  425 . If the user applied force is not sufficient to overcome the bending moment of the leaf spring  490 , the leaf spring  490  maintains a substantially straight undeflected orientation, indicated as  490 ′ in  FIG. 4B . 
     While various preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which follow.