Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20040248711?dq=6011510
Timestamp: 2017-08-19 12:08:26
Document Index: 190676832

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'art 108', 'art 108']

Patent US20040248711 - Exercise apparatus that allows user varied stride length - Google Patents
A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame having a first end and a second end. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040248711?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040248711 - Exercise apparatus that allows user varied stride length
Publication number US20040248711 A1
Application number US 10/723,380
Also published as US7244217
Publication number 10723380, 723380, US 2004/0248711 A1, US 2004/248711 A1, US 20040248711 A1, US 20040248711A1, US 2004248711 A1, US 2004248711A1, US-A1-20040248711, US-A1-2004248711, US2004/0248711A1, US2004/248711A1, US20040248711 A1, US20040248711A1, US2004248711 A1, US2004248711A1
Patent Citations (99), Referenced by (23), Classifications (15), Legal Events (2)
Exercise apparatus that allows user varied stride length
US 20040248711 A1
A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame having a first end and a second end. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system may be located closer to the second end of the frame than the first end of the frame. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.
1-183. (cancelled).
184. A variable stride exercise apparatus, comprising:
a foot member coupled to the crank system, wherein the foot member comprises a footpad;
a variable stride system coupled to the foot member, wherein the variable stride system is located closer to the second end of the frame than the first end of the frame, and wherein the variable stride system is configured to allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus;
wherein the apparatus is configured such that a foot of the user can travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus; and
wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of the apparatus remains substantially stationary during use.
185. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the substantially closed path comprises a substantially elliptical path.
186. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the substantially closed path comprises an orbital path.
187. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the foot of the user travels in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus.
188. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the foot of the user can also travel in a curvilinear path during use of the apparatus.
189. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the footpad is located at a position that is between the location of the crank system and the location of the variable stride system.
190. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the footpad is located between the crank system and the variable stride system.
191. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the first end is the front of the frame and the second end is the back of the frame.
192. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the first end is the back of the frame and the second end is the front of the frame.
193. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system is configured such that the user of the apparatus, by varying the user's stride, can thereby selectively vary a path of the foot member.
194. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system is configured to allow the user of the apparatus to instantaneously vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus.
195. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a second foot member, wherein the foot member and the second foot member comprise a left foot member and a right foot member, and wherein the left foot member and the right foot member are cross coupled so that the left foot member moves in opposition to the right foot member.
196. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member coupled to the foot member.
197. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member coupled to the crank system.
198. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member coupled to the crank system, wherein at least a portion of the movable member is configured to move in a reciprocating path.
199. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member coupled to the crank system, wherein at least a portion of the movable member is configured to move in a closed path.
200. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member, wherein the movable member is coupled to the foot member and the crank system.
201. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the foot member is coupled to the crank system through the variable stride system.
202. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member, wherein the foot member is coupled to the movable member through the variable stride system.
203. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising an arm link coupled to the foot member.
204. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising an arm link coupled to the foot member, wherein the arm link is pivotally coupled to the frame.
205. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member coupled to the foot member, wherein the foot member is coupled to the movable member such that the foot member is configured to move in a dynamic angular relationship to the movable member.
206. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system comprises at least one cam device.
207. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system comprises one or more cam devices and one or more rollers, and wherein at least one of the rollers is configured to translate along a surface of at least one of the cam devices during use.
208. The apparatus of claim 207, wherein at least one of the cam devices comprises a portion of the foot member.
209. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system comprises a spring.
210. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system comprises a damper.
211. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member, wherein the movable member is translatably coupled to the frame.
212. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member, wherein the movable member is translatably coupled to the frame through a roller.
213. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the crank system comprises a pulley.
214. The apparatus of claim 213, wherein the pulley is coupled to a brake/inertia device.
215. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a telescoping member coupled to the foot member.
216. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a telescoping member having at least one damper coupled to the foot member.
217. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system is configured to allow the user of the apparatus to selectively vary the user's stride length based on an amount of force applied by the user's foot during use of the apparatus.
218. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system is configured to provide a force that restores the footpad to a neutral position during use of the apparatus.
219. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system is coupled to the foot member such that a force from a majority of the weight of the user is applied to the variable stride system.
220. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the apparatus is configured such that articulation of the user's foot is controlled in combination with the user's stride length during use of the apparatus.
221. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the crank system is coupled to the frame at a forward portion of the frame.
222. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the crank system is coupled to the frame at a rearward portion of the frame.
223. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the crank system is directly attached to the frame.
224. The apparatus of claim 184, wherein the variable stride system is directly attached to the foot member.
225. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member directly attached to the crank system.
226. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a movable member directly attached to the crank system and the variable stride system.
227. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing encloses at least a portion of the crank system.
228. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a pivotal member coupled to the variable stride system, wherein the pivotal member is configured to allow independent pivoting of the variable stride system relative to the foot member during use of the apparatus.
229. The apparatus of claim 184, further comprising a second crank system coupled to the variable stride system, wherein the crank system and the second crank system are configured to allow independent pivoting of the foot member relative to the variable stride system during use of the apparatus.
230-768. (cancelled)
This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/476,548 entitled “Variable Stride Elliptic Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Jun. 6, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/486,333 entitled “Variable Stride Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Jul. 11, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/490,154 entitled “Variable Stride Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Jul. 25, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/491,382 entitled “Variable Stride Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Jul. 31, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/494,308 entitled “Variable Stride Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Aug. 11, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. ______ entitled “Variable Stride Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Sep. 19, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/511,190 entitled “Variable Stride Apparatus” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Oct. 14, 2003; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. ______ entitled “Variable Stride Exercise Device” to Robert E. Rodgers, Jr., filed on Oct. 29, 2003.
[0016]FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, and 1F depict embodiments of closed paths.
[0017]FIG. 1C depicts an embodiment of a curvilinear path.
[0018]FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D depict embodiments of cam type resistive/restoring devices that may provide a variable range of motion in a closed path.
[0019]FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D depict embodiments of spring and/or damper devices that may provide a variable range of motion in a closed path.
[0020]FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0021]FIG. 4A depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0022]FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0023]FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0024]FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0025]FIG. 8 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0026]FIG. 9 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0027]FIG. 10 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0028]FIG. 11 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0029]FIG. 12 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus without tracks or rollers.
[0030]FIG. 13 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0031]FIG. 14 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0032]FIG. 15 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0033]FIG. 16 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0034]FIG. 17 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0035]FIG. 18 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0036]FIG. 19 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with an articulating cam device.
[0037]FIG. 20 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a dual radius crank.
[0038]FIG. 21 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0039]FIG. 22 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0040]FIG. 23 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0041]FIG. 24 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0042]FIG. 25 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus that uses dual cranks.
[0043]FIG. 26 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0044]FIG. 27 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0045]FIG. 28 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0046]FIG. 29 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0047]FIG. 30 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a spring/damper device.
[0048]FIG. 31 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a spring/damper device.
[0049]FIG. 32 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a spring/damper device.
[0050]FIG. 33 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0051]FIG. 34 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0052]FIG. 35 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0053]FIG. 36 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0054]FIG. 37 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0055]FIG. 37A depicts a top view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0056]FIG. 38 depicts representations of possible paths of motion in an exercise apparatus.
[0057]FIG. 39 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0058]FIG. 40 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0059]FIG. 41 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0060]FIG. 42 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0061]FIG. 43 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus.
[0067]FIGS. 2A-2D depict embodiments of cam type resistive/restoring devices that may provide a variable range of motion in a closed path. In FIG. 2A, foot member 100 with cam device 102 engages roller 104. Foot member 100 may translate forward and rearward as surface of cam device 102 moves along roller 104. As a user steps on foot member 100, forces may be created by the interaction of the cam device surface and roller 104 such that the foot member is either accelerated or decelerated. In some embodiments, a slider may be used instead of roller 104 depicted in FIG. 2A. A slider may produce frictional drag forces, which in some cases may induce desirable damping forces.
[0069]FIGS. 3A-3D depict embodiments of spring and/or damper devices that may provide a variable range of motion in a closed path. In certain embodiments, a spring/damper device may include a spring only, a damper only, a spring and damper combination in parallel, or a spring and damper combination in series. In an embodiment of a spring/damper device using only a damper, there typically will be resistive force without any restoring force. When a foot member is displaced from its neutral position, a spring/damper device resists movement of the foot member and may assist in returning the foot member to its neutral or start position. FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of foot member 100 supported on rollers 104. Foot member 100 may translate back and forth supported by rollers 104. Spring/damper device 106 may resist motion of foot member 100 and provide a restoring force for the foot member. In some embodiments, foot member 100 may translate through a sliding motion without the use of rollers. In some embodiments, translation features for foot member 100 may be included in a telescoping system that allows relative translation between the telescoping components. Spring/damper device 106 may be located within the telescoping components. FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment with two spring/damper devices 106 in combination. FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment with foot member 100 able to translate between two spring/damper devices 106 and engage the spring/damper devices only toward the end of the foot member's travel. FIG. 3C also shows that spring/damper devices 106 may be used in combination with cam device 102. FIG. 3D depicts an embodiment with spring/damper devices 106 moving with foot member 100 and engaging stops to generate a resistive/restoring force.
[0070]FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Frame 108 may include a basic supporting framework and an upper stalk. Frame 108 may be any structure that provides support for one or more components of an exercise apparatus. In certain embodiments, all or a portion of frame 108 may remain substantially stationary during use. For example, all or a portion of frame 108 may remain substantially stationary relative to a floor on which the exercise apparatus is used. “Stationary” generally means that an object (or a portion of the object) has little or no movement during use.
[0079]FIG. 4A depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A operates in a similar manner to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4A, however, roller 104 is coupled to movable member 112 with bracket 130. Roller 104 may be directly attached to movable member 112 with bracket 130. Roller 104 may engage foot member 100 through cam device 102. In FIG. 4A, the relationship between cam device 102 and roller 104 is inverted, or reversed, compared to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4A, roller 104 and cam device 102 allow translation and create resistive/restoring forces similarly to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4.
[0085]FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 operates in a similar manner to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, however, roller 104 is coupled (e.g., directly attached) to movable member 112 with bracket 130. Roller 104 may engage foot member 100 through cam device 102. In FIG. 5, the relationship between cam device 102 and roller 104 is inverted, or reversed, compared to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, roller 104 and cam device 102 allow translation and create resistive/restoring forces similarly to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4.
[0086]FIG. 5 depicts an alternative method for cross coupling the right and left side linkage systems. Link pulleys 138 may be rigidly coupled to and rotate in unison with arm links 118. Idler pulleys 134 may be mounted to frame 108 and may rotate freely. Coupling belt 140 may be a continuous loop that wraps around link pulleys 138, both right and left sides, and idler pulleys 134, both upper and lower. Coupling belt 140 may be coupled to link pulleys 138 such that there is limited or no slip in the coupling belt. The coupling can be made by commonly available fasteners, or the belt and pulley may be cogged. In some embodiments, sections of roller chain engaging sprockets, rather than pulleys, may be used. The belt and pulley system, which includes link pulleys 138, idler pulleys 134, and/or coupling belt 140, may serve to cross couple the right side and left side linkage systems so that forward motion of the right side linkage system causes rearward motion of the left side linkage system, and vice versa. This type of cross coupling system may also be used in certain embodiments where foot members 100 cannot be easily or conveniently cross connected by a belt loop, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0088]FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. FIG. 6 shows that the pivotal linkage assembly shown in FIG. 5 may be used in a rear drive configuration. Crank member 116 may be behind a user while arm link 118 may be in front of the user. In certain embodiments, cam device 102 may be coupled to foot member 100 while roller 104 may be coupled to movable member 112. In some embodiments, rails 110, or that portion of frame 108 that is engaged by wheels 114, may be curved and/or inclined.
[0089]FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be supported by stationary wheel 142. Movable member 112 may be free to translate relative to wheel 142. Cam device 102 may function similarly to the cam device depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0090]FIG. 8 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be supported by wheel 114. Wheel 114 may be located at or near the mid portion of movable member 112. Cam device 102 and roller 104 may function similarly to the cam device and the roller depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 4. Wheel 114 may directly engage frame 108. In certain embodiments, rails coupled to, or supported by frame 108 may be used. Rails coupled to or supported by frame 108 may be used in any of the embodiments described herein. Examples of designs and uses of rails are described in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0091]FIG. 9 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. The linkage system depicted in FIG. 9 may operate in a similar manner to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. Cam device 102A may be coupled to foot member 100. Cam device 102B may be coupled to movable member 112. Roller 104 may be located between and engage cam devices 102A and 102B. Roller 104 may roll and translate as cam devices 102A and 102B translate. Vertical forces applied by a user may be transformed into restoring/resisting forces by cam devices 102A and 102B. In some embodiments, cam devices 102A, 102B and roller 104 may have gear teeth to ensure positive engagement between the cam devices and the roller.
[0092]FIG. 10 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Footpad 128 may be supported and stabilized by two rollers 104 engaging cam device 102. In an embodiment, cam device 102 has dual cam surfaces, as shown in FIG. 10. Cam device 102 may be designed so that a lower lip captures rollers 104 and inhibits footpad 128 from lifting off the rollers during use. The linkage system depicted in FIG. 10 may operate in a similar manner to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. Footpad 128, however, may translate independently of arm link 118. This independent translation may vary the range of motion of the user's foot while fixing the range of motion of the user's arm.
[0093]FIG. 11 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Crank member 116 may be pivotally connected to arm link 118. Restraining link 144 may move in an arcuate pattern about pivot 146 as crank member 116 rotates. In turn, the lower and upper portions of arm link 118 may move in closed ovate paths. Movable member 112 may be pivotally coupled to a lower portion of arm link 118. Foot member 100 may engage cam device 102 through roller 104. Foot member 100 may be stabilized by roller 148. Roller 148 may engage and roll along movable member 112. In certain embodiments, roller 148 may be captured in a slot in movable member 112. The slot may have sufficient clearance to allow roller 148 to translate without simultaneously contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the slot.
[0096]FIG. 13 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. The embodiment of FIG. 13 includes several features of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows a system that utilizes a multilink connection to foot member 100 to control the orientation and rotation of the foot member. Links 150A, 150B, 150C, and 150D may work in unison with connector plate 152 to maintain foot member 100 substantially parallel to the floor during use. In some embodiments, a designer may alter the geometry of the linkage system by adjusting the lengths of links 150A, 150B, 150C, and 150D and/or the position of the connection points to induce a desired rotation pattern for foot member 100.
[0097]FIG. 14 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Frame 108 may include a basic supporting framework and an upper stalk. Movable member 112 may be pivotally coupled to crank member 116. A forward portion of movable member 112 may engage foot member 100 at roller 154. Foot member 100 may have cam device 102. Arm link 118 may be pivotally coupled to and supported by frame 108 at point 120. Arm link 118 may be pivotally coupled to foot member 100. Arm link 118 may be designed such that the upper portions can be used as grasping members.
[0101]FIG. 17 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. In an embodiment, a reciprocating system may include foot member 100 and movable member 112. Wheel 114 may be coupled to foot member 100 and engage frame 108. Link 158 may couple foot member 100 to arm link 118. Link 158 may be coupled to foot member 100 at or near a position of roller 104. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 17 is a front drive system with the crank positioned in front of a user.
[0102]FIG. 18 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Multibar linkage system 160 may be coupled to crank member 116 at point 162. Multibar linkage system 160 may be supported by frame 108 at point 164. Points 162 and 164 may be pivot points. The action of multibar linkage system 160 in combination with the rotation of crank member 116 may create a closed ovate path at roller 104. Cam device 102 may engage roller 104.
[0105]FIG. 20 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a dual radius crank. Crank member 116 may be coupled to movable member 112 at journal 170. Secondary crank member 172 may be rigidly coupled to crank member 116. Secondary crank member 172 may rotate in unison with crank member 116. Roller 154 may be coupled to secondary crank member 172 and may define an inner radius of motion. Pivotal member 166 may rest on roller 154. As crank members 116 and 172 rotate, the angular orientation of a surface of cam device 102 may be controlled by the interaction of pivotal member 166 and roller 154. A designer may alter the size and position of secondary crank member 172 and the shape of pivotal member 166 to achieve a desired rotational pattern of cam device 102.
[0106]FIG. 21 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Cam device 102 may be pivotally coupled to foot member 100 at point 174. Pivotal member 166 may be pivotally coupled to cam device 102 at point 176. Pivotal member 166 may be pivotally coupled to arm link 118 at or near an end of the pivotal member opposite from point 176. As the system operates, the angular orientation of cam device 102 may be controlled by the interaction of pivotal member 166 and arm link 118. A designer may alter the linkage geometry to achieve a desired angular control of cam surface 102.
[0107]FIG. 22 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, cam device 102 may be mounted to movable member 112. In certain embodiments, cam device 102 may be pivotally mounted to movable member 112. Movable member 112 may be coupled to crank member 116 at journal 170. The angular orientation of cam device 102 may be controlled by pivotal member 166. Pivotal member 166 may be pivotally coupled to secondary crank member 172. Secondary crank member 172 may be rigidly coupled to crank member 116 (as shown in FIG. 20). Secondary crank member 172 may rotate in unison with crank member 116. A designer may alter the geometry of cam device 102, pivotal member 166, and secondary crank member 172 to achieve a desired angular control of the cam device surface.
[0108]FIG. 23 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Crank member 116 may be coupled to movable member 112. Pivotal member 166 may be coupled at its forward end to movable member 112 at point 178. Point 178 may be a pivot point. Actuation arm 180 may be pivotally coupled at point 182 to movable member 112. Roller 148 may engage the underside of pivotal member 166. Roller 154 may engage frame 108. Roller 154 may be vertically restrained by part 108A. Part 108A may be a portion of frame 108 or an addition to the frame. As crank member 116 rotates, the position of movable member 112 may change in space leading to rotation of actuation arm 180 around point 182. Rotation of actuation arm 180 may cause the rotation of pivoting member 166 relative to movable member 112. A designer may specify the geometry of the system including the location of point 182 and the length and proportions of actuation arm 180 to create a desired rotation pattern for cam device 102.
[0109]FIG. 24 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Cam device 102 may be coupled to or made an integral part of movable member 112. Cam device 102 may be located on movable member 112 closest to crank member 116. In some embodiments, cam device 102 may be located at an end of movable member 112 away from crank member 116. Movable member 112 may be pivotally coupled to crank member 116. Movable member 112 may be supported at its rear by frame portion 184. Frame portion 184 may be a roller engaging portion of frame 108. A front portion of translating member 186 may engage cam device 102 through roller 104. A rear portion of translating member 186 may be supported by roller 148. Roller 148 may engage frame portion 184. Frame portion 184, which is engaged by roller 148, may be inclined and/or curved. Foot member 100 may be pivotally coupled to translating member 186. Foot member 100 may be supported at its front by a pivotal connection to arm link 118. Footpad 128 may be coupled to foot member 100. A designer may select linkage geometry and the shape and orientation of frame portion 184 to create a desired cam device articulation pattern.
[0113]FIG. 27 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Cam device 102 may be pivotally coupled to crank members 116A and 116B. Crank members 116A and 116B may rotate in unison by the action of chain 192 and sprockets 188A and 188B. In some embodiments, a gearbelt and gearbelt pulleys may be used instead of a chain and sprockets. In an embodiment, cam device 102 moves in a circular pattern. Roller 104 may engage cam device 102 and support the front of movable member 112. Foot member 100 may have footpad 128. Foot member 100 may be pivotally coupled at or near a middle portion of movable member 112. Foot member 100 may be pivotally coupled at one end to arm link 118.
[0114]FIG. 28 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Cam device 102 may be pivotally coupled to crank member 116B. The other end of cam device 102 may be supported by roller 148. Roller 148 may be coupled to crank member 116A. Crank member 116A may be out of phase and may have a different diameter than crank member 116B.
[0117]FIG. 31 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a spring/damper device. Movable member 112 may be coupled to crank member 116. Footpad 128 may be able to translate along movable member 112 on rollers 104. In certain embodiments, footpad 128 may slide along movable member 112 to add damping and resistive forces. Spring/damper devices 106 may provide a resistive force and/or a restoring force on contact with footpad 128.
[0118]FIG. 32 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus with a spring/damper device. Frame 108 may support crank member 116. Crank member 116 may engage movable member 112. Foot member 100 may be pivotally coupled at one end through coupler link 198 to arm link 118. The force resisting/restoring system may include rocker links 200. Rocker links 200 may be pivotally coupled to movable member 112 and may be pivotally coupled to foot member 100. Spring/damper devices 106 may provide a resistive and/or a restoring force though rocker links 200 to foot member 100.
[0119]FIG. 33 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be coupled to crank member 116. A forward portion of movable member 112 may be pivotally coupled to supporting link 202. Arm link 118 may be pivotally coupled to and supported by frame 108 at point 120. Arm link 118 may be pivotally coupled to foot member 100. Upper portion of arm link 118 may be used as a grasping member. Crank member 116 may drive pulley device 122. Pulley device 122 may drive brake/inertia device 124 through belt 126.
[0123]FIG. 34 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be supported at a front end by crank member 116. Movable member 112 may be supported at a rear end by roller 206 and support link 208. Secondary crank member 172 may drive connecting link 210 so that support link 208 moves through an arcuate path during rotation of crank member 116. Rotation of crank member 116 may cause rotation of a front end of movable member 112 through a substantially circular path.
[0124]FIG. 35 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Links 214 may be pivotally coupled to each other and to arm link 118. Links 214 and arm link 118 may form a four bar linkage system. In certain embodiments, links 214 and arm link 118 may operate in unison. A lower link of links 214 may be formed to a curved cam shape. The lower link may engage roller 104. Roller 104 may be coupled to an end of crank member 116. During use of the apparatus, links 214 and arm link 118 may articulate and orient a foot of a user and the cam shape of the lower link. The lengths and/or positions of the pivotal coupling points of links 214 may be controlled by a designer of the apparatus to create a desired articulation pattern. During use of the apparatus, arm link 118 may telescope in and out of link 216. Link 216 may be pivotally coupled to frame 108. A handle portion may be coupled to link 216. The handle portion may move in an arcuate, reciprocating path.
[0125]FIG. 36 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. The linkage system in the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 operates similarly to the linkage system in the embodiment shown in FIG. 35. Arm link 118 may slidably engage member 218. An upper portion of arm link 118 (e.g., an upper handle portion) may extend through member 218. The upper portion of arm link 118 may move with both horizontal and vertical displacement. The upper portion of arm link 118 may move through a closed path.
[0137]FIG. 39 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be supported at a front end and a rear end by support links 208. Connecting link 210 may couple crank member 116 to forward support link 208. Rotation of crank member 116 may cause movable member 116 to rise and fall in an arcuate path.
[0138]FIG. 40 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be supported by roller 154. Roller 154 may be coupled (e.g., mounted) to an end of crank member 116. Rotation of crank member 116 may cause movable member 112 to rise and fall in an arcuate path. Roller 104 may also rise and fall in an arcuate path.
[0139]FIG. 41 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Movable member 112 may be coupled to telescoping member 194. Telescoping member 194 may move in and out of movable member 112. Rotation of crank member 116 may cause telescoping member 194 to rise and fall in an arcuate path. Roller 104 may also rise and fall in an arcuate path.
[0141]FIG. 43 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. Crank member 116 may be coupled to movable member 112. Rotation of crank member 116 may cause reciprocation (e.g., horizontal reciprocation) of movable member 112 at roller 104 and wheel 114. Roller 104 may be mounted coaxially with wheel 114. Roller 104 may move in a reciprocating pattern (e.g., a horizontal reciprocating pattern). Cam device 102 may engage roller 104.
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U.S. Classification 482/86, 482/83
Cooperative Classification A63B22/0017, A63B22/208, A63B2022/002, A63B22/06, A63B22/0664, A63B22/001, A63B2022/0676, A63B22/0056, A63B2022/067