Patent Description:
A variety of exercise apparatuses (including stationary and non-stationary exercise machines) are in ubiquitous use today for maintain health and fitness. For example, an indoor rower, or rowing machine, is a machine used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing for the purpose of exercise or training for rowing. Other types of exercise machines include stationary and no-stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, and others. Many exercise machines include one or more handlebars, which are designed to be gripped by the user, e.g., for support such as on a bicycle, or for operating the exercise machine by such as by applying a force against a resistance assembly of the exercise machine. Some exercise machines may additionally or alternatively include foot supports, which in some cases may be equipped with devices for adjusting the fit of the foot supports. Designers and manufacturers of exercise machines continue to seek improvements thereto, e.g., for enhancing the user experience. <CIT> describes an adjustable quick-release ratcheting binding system for adjustable leg extensions. <CIT> describes a fastening device for pedals of exercisers. <CIT> in accordance with its abstract describes a foot pedal assembly for an exercise machine. The foot pedal assembly includes a foot pedal or base having a longitudinally extending upper surface on which the user's foot rests and a strap the ends of which are coupled to opposite sides of the foot pedal so that the strap extends horizontally across the pedal in a position to maintain the user's foot in place. One end of the strap is coupled to a rotatable, square shaft which extends longitudinally, adjacent to a portion of one side of the foot pedal. The square shaft extends through an aperture in a knob with a one-way clutch being disposed between the shaft and the knob. The one-way clutch engages when the knob is rotated in a first direction to transmit rotation to the shaft to wind the strap thereabout tightening it about the user's foot. A release lever is hinged at one end to the foot pedal and extends horizontally underneath the foot pedal and square shaft. The release lever has a blocker mounted thereon which abuts a portion of the square shaft to block rotation of the shaft in the direction opposite to the first. When the release lever is depressed, the blocker is moved out of the path of rotation of the shaft to allow the shaft to be rotated in the second direction, unwinding the strap to loosen it. <CIT> describes a step boardstructure of sports apparatus. <CIT> describes a combination of strap and buckle for diving fins. <CIT> describes a foot positioning device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise machine according to Claim <NUM>.

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the exercise machine described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the exercise machine.

Described herein are embodiments of fit enhancement features for components of an exercise apparatus, such as a rower. While examples herein are described with reference to a rowing machine, the principles of the present invention may be used with similar components of other types of exercise machines.

A typical rowing machine includes a resistance mechanism typically connected via a chain or belt to a handle bar, also referred to as pull bar or simply bar. The rowing machine includes a seat, which moves back and forth along a rail as the user pulls the bar aft against the resistance of the resistance mechanism. The rowing machine also includes a foot support assembly configured for supporting and stabilizing the user's feet as the user slides back supported on the seat while pulling the bar aft.

Referring to the example in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rowing machine <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a rowing engine <NUM>, and a seat <NUM>, which translates back and forth with respect to the forward end of the machine <NUM> during use of the machine <NUM>. The rowing engine <NUM> in this example is positioned at the forward end of the machine <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the rowing engine <NUM> may be located elsewhere, such as at the rear end of the machine. The frame <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, in this case a front and rear base supports, for contact with a support surface (e.g., the ground) and first and second upright supports <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which support a forward portion and an aft portion, respectively, of the rowing machine above the support surface. The frame <NUM> includes a seat rail <NUM> extending rearwardly from the first upright support <NUM>. In some examples, the seat rail <NUM> may be fixed relative to the ground, such as by being fixed relative to the base. In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> may be configured to allow the user to adjust the angle of inclination of the rail <NUM> with respect to the ground, such as by varying the relative height of a forward and a rear portion of the seat rail <NUM>. This may be achieved, for example by adjusting the height and/or angle of one of the upright supports (e.g., the second upright support) relative to the rail and/or base. An adjustment to the angle of inclination of the rail with respect to the ground may allow the user to tailor the exercise to suit their need, such as by increasing the leg muscle involvement by increasing the height of the rear end of the rail). In some examples, the seat rail angle with respect to ground may be varied from <NUM> degrees (i.e. level with ground) to up to about <NUM> degrees, or up to about <NUM> degrees, or up to about <NUM> degrees. In some examples, the incline may be fixed any angle within the range of <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. As the incline increases the amount of force needed for the pull stroke increases thus increasing the difficulty of the workout. An incline-adjustable seat rail thus provides an additional adjustment point (additional to varying the resistance, for example) for vary the difficulty of the workout.

The seat rail <NUM> is configured to movably support the seat <NUM> to allow the seat to reciprocate back and forth (as shown by arrow <NUM>) along the seat rail <NUM> during use of the machine. In some example, the seat <NUM> may be slidably supported on the seat rail <NUM> by one or more rollers (not shown) or other suitable sliding assembly positioned between the seat <NUM> and the rail <NUM>. The rowing engine <NUM> may include one or more resistance mechanism configured to resist the pulling action by the user, such as a flywheel with a magnetic brake, a fan, a water-based resistance mechanism, or any other suitable resistance mechanism or a combination thereof. The one or more resistance mechanisms may be operatively coupled to a pull bar or handle <NUM> (e.g., via a belt <NUM> or a chain). In some embodiments, the one or more resistance mechanisms may be operatively coupled to the handle <NUM> via a transmission assembly, which in some cases may include gearing components configured to tailor the balance between torque and speed, such as by modifying the relative rotational speed between input and output. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the resistance mechanism(s) and/or transmission components of the rowing engine <NUM> may be implemented using the examples in <CIT>, titled "Exercise Machine", the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any purpose.

Some or all of the components of the rowing engine <NUM> may be enclosed in a housing <NUM>, e.g., to prevent accidental interference with moving components of the machine and/or for aesthetics. In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> and/or housing <NUM> of the machine <NUM> may include a handle support <NUM>, which is configured to position and support the handle <NUM>, when not in use, at a partly extended location, e.g., so that the handle <NUM> is more conveniently located to a seated user. The handle support <NUM> may include one or a plurality of hooks or other suitable structures configured to hold the handle <NUM> in a partially extended position, e.g., against the cable return mechanism of the rowing engine <NUM>. As shown in the example in <FIG>, the handle support <NUM> may be implemented using a pair of hooks, each on opposite side of the rail <NUM>.

The exercise machine <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM>, which may be operatively coupled to the frame <NUM> such that the user interface is provided at a location that is accessible (e.g. the user can reach and operate the interface <NUM> while seated) or least visible to the user when exercising without interfering with the operation of the machine <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include hard and/or soft controls for controlling functions of the machine <NUM> (such as controls for varying the resistance, for controlling functionality associated with tracking exercise performance or metrics, for controlling volume of an interface equipped with audio such as for entertainment or audible instructions to the user, and other controls). In some embodiments, components of the machine, such as resistance and/or braking force applied by the resistance mechanism, may be controllable via the user interface <NUM>, via a mechanical component (e.g., lever <NUM>), or a combination thereof. In some examples, the machine <NUM> may be equipped with a communication link component(s) (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface) for communicatively coupling to a mobile computing device (e.g. a mobile phone, or other smart or media device of the user). The machine <NUM> may include a media holder configured to support the mobile computing device and may, in some such examples, be configured to communicate one or more of the user interface elements (e.g., soft controls) for controlling functions of the machine <NUM> (such as controls for volume, resistance, and or performance tracking controls or feedback/display elements) to the mobile computing device, such that the user can operate the associated function via inputs to the mobile computing device.

As shown in <FIG>, the rowing machine <NUM> may include first and second foot support assemblies <NUM>, each configured to support a respective one of the user's feet during exercise. The foot support assembly <NUM> may include foot support platform <NUM>, which is angled to the rail <NUM>. In some embodiments, the foot support platform <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., by a mounting bracket rigidly connected to the frame) such that the angle to the rail <NUM> remains fixed at all times. In other examples, the foot support platforms may be adjustably coupled to the frame (e.g., to allow the user to adjust the angle to the rail before beginning exercise), resiliently coupled to the frame (e.g., to allow the foot support platform to temporarily and resiliently deflect, allowing for a slight change in angle during exercise), or both. The foot support assembly <NUM> includes a fit adjustment assembly <NUM> in accordance with the principles of the present invention The fit adjustment assembly <NUM> may be configured for single-hand operation, which may improve the user experience. Foot supports of conventional exercise machines are often equipped with buckles for adjusting the strap around the user's foot, which typically require the user to use both hands to secure and release each foot to the machine. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the fit adjustment assembly <NUM> may be configured to be unlocked for enlargement of the foot opening simply by pressing a button or lever, thus only requiring one hand for release of the user's foot off the foot support. To that end, the fit adjustment assembly <NUM> includes a lock member, which engages the strap and the lever may be operatively associated with (e.g., fixed to) the lock member to disengage it from the strap responsive to actuation of the lever. The lock member may be biased toward engagement with the strap such that pressing the lever, acting against the biasing of the lock member, causes the lock member to disengage from the strap thereby allowing the foot opening to be enlarged simply by the user pulling against the strap with his or her foot, without requiring use of both hands. Additionally, the fit adjustment assembly <NUM> may be configured for adjustment in the opposite direction (e.g., tightening or cinching) also by a single hand operation. For example, and as described further below, the fit adjustment assembly <NUM> may employ a ratchet mechanism to enable a single-handed tightening of the strap, such as by applying a pulling force to a free end of the strap in a direction away from the foot support platform <NUM>.

<FIG> show views of a foot support assembly <NUM> in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The foot support assembly <NUM> may be used to implement the foot support assembly <NUM> of the rowing machine <NUM> in <FIG> or a foot support assembly of a different type of exercise machine. The foot support assembly <NUM> includes a foot support platform <NUM> and a fit adjustment system <NUM>. The components of the foot support assembly <NUM> and arrangement thereof in <FIG> are provided for illustrating the principles of the present invention and variations, such as replacing, removing, of combining features, may be used in other examples.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the foot support platform <NUM> includes a footplate <NUM> operatively associated with a foot-arresting component <NUM> and a foot-cinching component <NUM>. The footplate <NUM> is configured to support the user's food during exercise. For example, specifically in the case of a rowing machine, the footplate <NUM> may be arranged to provide a suitable structure, e.g., ergonomically arranged on the frame, to allow the user to push off with his or her legs during the power or drive phase of the rowing stroke. Referring also to the exploded view in <FIG>, the footplate <NUM> may be mounted, in this example rigidly mounted, to the frame via a foot support mount (e.g., bracket <NUM>). The bracket <NUM> is configured to mount the footplate <NUM> at an angle to the rail <NUM> (e.g., at an angle ranging from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). In some examples, the footplate <NUM> may be adjustably and/or resiliently mounted to the rail <NUM>.

The foot-arresting component <NUM> is configured to engage the user's foot to resist movement of the user's foot in at least one direction (e.g., along the length of the footplate <NUM>). In the present example, the foot-arresting component <NUM> is configured to engage a rear portion of the user's foot to prevent the foot from sliding off the rear end of the footplate <NUM>, and thus off the foot support platform <NUM>, such as when the foot support platform <NUM> is positively inclined to horizontal (i.e. with the toe end of the footplate <NUM> pointing upward). The foot-arresting component <NUM> may thus include a heel cup <NUM>, which is configured to at least partially encircle the heel of the user's foot. In other examples, such as when the fit adjustment system is used with a different type of exercise machine (e.g., a bicycle) where the foot support platform is fixed at or passes through a position negatively inclined to horizontal, the foot-arresting component may be configured to engage a front portion of the user's foot to resist the foot from sliding toward the front end of the footplate. Thus, in some examples, the foot-arresting component may include a toe clip, a toe cage, or any other suitable structure, configured to abut and/or surround the user's toes or otherwise prevent the user's foot from sliding off the foot support.

In some examples, the foot-arresting component <NUM> may be movably coupled to the footplate <NUM> for adjusting the size of a foot receiving area <NUM> of the foot support assembly <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the heel cup <NUM> may be movably coupled to the footplate <NUM> for adjusting the distance <NUM> between the heel cup <NUM> and the strap <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, the foot support assembly <NUM> includes a footplate cover <NUM>, which is positioned over the footplate <NUM> and coupled thereto (e.g., rigidly coupled using mechanical fastener(s) or other suitable means). The footplate cove <NUM> may be substantially co-extensive with the footplate <NUM>, and may include traction features <NUM> configured to increase the traction between the user's foot and the foot support platform <NUM>, thereby further resisting movement of the user's foot relative thereto. The traction features <NUM> may, in other examples, be directly applied to the footplate <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, the footplate cover <NUM> defines a slot <NUM> configured to movably, and in some examples removably, receive the foot-arresting component <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may be sized to allow the upper, generally planar potion <NUM> to slide through the slot. The heel cup <NUM> may thus be slidably coupled to the footplate <NUM> via the slot <NUM> to allow for an adjustment of the size of foot receiving area <NUM>.

The movable, and in some cases removable, foot-arresting component <NUM> may be configured to attach to the foot support platform <NUM> at any one of a plurality of positions (discrete or continuously selectable through an adjustment range). In the present example, the foot-arresting component <NUM> is attachable to the foot support platform <NUM>, and thus adjustable to any one of a plurality of predetermined sizing positions. As shown in <FIG>, the heel cup <NUM> includes a rounded portion configured to at least partially encircle the user's heel. The rounded portion may be fixed to or integrally formed with the generally planar portion <NUM>, which is received in the slot <NUM>. The portion <NUM> may be implemented using any suitable structure configured to attach to the foot support platform so as to operatively couple the heel cup <NUM> to the footplate <NUM>. For example, the portion <NUM> may define a plurality of positioning holes <NUM>, in this example pairs of positioning holes <NUM>. Each of the positioning holes <NUM> is located at a predetermined distance away from the apex of the rounded portion of the heel cup <NUM> and is configured to engage a corresponding pair of locator features <NUM> on the foot support platform, each of which is associated with one of the plurality of predetermined sizing positions. In other examples, a different attachment mechanism for securing the movable heel cup <NUM> to the footplate <NUM> may be used.

The foot-cinching component <NUM> may be implemented by a strap <NUM> operatively associated with the foot support platform <NUM> to engage the user's foot to resist separation of the user's foot from the foot support platform. The strap <NUM> may be woven from natural and/or synthetic fibers or it may be made of a suitable (e.g., bendable but substantially non-elastic in the longitudinal dimension), plastic material such as nylon, or other type of suitable material. One end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> may be fixed to the foot support platform <NUM> e.g., by being glued, fastened, or otherwise rigidly connected to the footplate <NUM>, the footplate cover <NUM>, or any other component of the foot support platform <NUM>, or combinations thereof. The opposite end of the strap <NUM>, also referred to as the free end <NUM>, may be operatively associated with a fit adjustment mechanism, in this example with a ratchet mechanism <NUM> configured for single hand operation. The strap <NUM> includes a first side <NUM>-<NUM>, which faces the foot support platform <NUM> and which defines the foot opening <NUM>, and a second side <NUM>-<NUM> opposite the first side <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some examples, the fit adjustment mechanism may be implemented as a quick release ratchet mechanism <NUM>. The ratchet mechanism <NUM> includes a lock member <NUM> configured to engage a ratchet strip or rack <NUM> for locking the strap <NUM> into a desires size of the foot opening <NUM>. The ratchet mechanism <NUM> may further include a ratchet housing <NUM>, which provides a mount for the lock member <NUM>. The ratchet housing <NUM> is fixed in relation to the footplate <NUM>, in some examples rigidly mounted directly to the foot support platform (e.g., to the footplate). The ratchet housing <NUM> may at least partially enclose one or more components of the ratchet mechanism <NUM>.

As shown e.g., in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ratchet strip or rack <NUM> has a plurality of asymmetrical teeth <NUM> arranged to limit or prevent movement of the rack <NUM>, when engaged with the lock member <NUM>, in one direction, referred to as the release or enlargement direction. The teeth <NUM> are asymmetrical in that they are more shallowly inclined in the direction away from the free end <NUM> to allow movement of the rack <NUM> in a direction opposite the release direction (indicated by arrow <NUM> and referred to herein as the cinching or tightening direction). The rack <NUM> is rigidly coupled to (e.g., fixed to or integrally formed with) the free end <NUM> of the strap <NUM>.

In some examples, the ratchet strip <NUM>, which may be formed from a different material than the strap <NUM>, may be attached to the end of the strap to function as an extension of the strap, or it may overlay a portion of the strap, thus being part of the free end <NUM> of the strap. As shown, e.g., in <FIG>, the ratchet strip <NUM> may be coupled to the first side <NUM>-<NUM> of the strap <NUM> with the teeth <NUM> facing laterally outward from the foot support platform <NUM>. The ratchet strip <NUM> may include a proximal end <NUM>-<NUM> (closest to the user during operation of the fit adjustment mechanism) and a distal end <NUM>-<NUM>. The free end <NUM> may be equipped with a pull member <NUM>, e.g., at the proximal end <NUM>-<NUM>, for ease of application of a pulling force. The pull member <NUM> may be implemented using any suitable structure allowing the user to hook his or her finger(s) through or around the pull member <NUM> for applying the pull force. While the pull member <NUM> is illustrated as a pull loop in the present example, the pull member <NUM> may be implemented using a different suitable structure, such as a hook, a T-shaped member with the top of the T toward the user, a series of loops, hooks or T-shaped structures, or any combinations thereof.

The lock member <NUM> is configured to selectively engage the strap <NUM> to resist movement of the free end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> in a direction resulting in enlargement of the foot opening <NUM>, also referred to as release direction. In the present example, the lock member <NUM> includes a pawl <NUM>, which is configured to engage the teeth <NUM> of the rack <NUM> of the ratchet mechanism <NUM> thereby preventing movement of the rack <NUM> in the release direction. The lock member <NUM> is biased toward engagement with the rack <NUM>, thus in the absence of any manual force applied to the lock member <NUM>, the lock member <NUM> prevents movement of the rack <NUM>, and thus the strap <NUM>, in the release direction. In the present example, the lock member <NUM> is biasingly pivotally mounted to the ratchet housing <NUM> via a pivot joint <NUM>, such that the lock member <NUM> can pivot toward and away from engagement with the rack <NUM>. In other examples, the lock member <NUM> may be slidably biased toward engagement with the rack <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, a lock member <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a monolithic component or body (e.g., made of metal, plastic material, or other suitable material) that includes a ratchet engagement portion or pawl <NUM>, an actuation portion or lever <NUM>, and a pivot portion <NUM>. The pivot portion <NUM> defines a pass-through opening <NUM> through which a pin is inserted to form the pivot joint <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> is biased at the pivot such as by operatively coupling one or more biasing elements (e.g., one or more springs <NUM>) between the lock member and the mount (e.g., the ratchet housing) at the location of the pivot. In this example, the biasing elements (e.g., springs <NUM> are operatively engaged with the pivot portion <NUM> via respective seats <NUM> (only one fully visible in the view in <FIG>). In the illustrated example, each seat <NUM> is implemented as a recess around and extending radially outward from the opening <NUM>, however other suitable means for operatively coupling a biasing element with the lock member may be used in other examples.

The free end <NUM> with the rack <NUM> and pull member <NUM> is threaded through the ratchet housing <NUM> to position a pull member <NUM> at a location that is easily accessible to the user when seated, such as facing or pointing generally upward or towards the user. The ratchet housing defines an opening <NUM>, through which the free end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> passes into the housing <NUM>. The ratchet housing <NUM> further includes a strap deflector <NUM> spaced apart from the opening <NUM>. In this example, a portion of the ratchet housing <NUM> including the strap deflector <NUM> is positioned below the footplate <NUM>. The strap deflector <NUM> redirects the free end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> toward the opening <NUM> to orient the free end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> and thus the pull member <NUM> toward a location of the foot support assembly that may be easily accessible by the user (e.g., toward the top side of the foot support platform and pointing generally towards the user). The strap deflector <NUM>, which may be implemented a transverse post, roller, or other suitable structure, is configured to transversely slidably engage the strap <NUM>. The strap deflector <NUM> is spaced apart from the entry and exit opening(s) of the ratchet housing (e.g., opening <NUM>) by a sufficient distance such that the ratchet strip <NUM> remains substantially on the lateral side of the ratchet mechanism <NUM> during the full range of motion of the ratchet strip <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the distance is substantially the same as the length of the ratchet strip <NUM>, which may be selected based upon the desired range of movement of the ratchet strip <NUM>. While the ratchet housing <NUM> of the present example is implemented using two ratchet housing halves (<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) rigidly coupled to one another, in other examples, the ratchet housing may be differently formed, for example as an integral component.

With further reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, during use, after placing a foot on the foot support platform <NUM> against the foot arresting component <NUM>, the user may simply pull the free end of the strap, e.g., via the pull member <NUM> in the direction <NUM> to tighten the strap <NUM>. As the user pulls on the free end of the strap <NUM>, the rack <NUM> advances out of the ratchet housing <NUM>, with the pawl <NUM> traveling substantially uninhibited over the shallowly inclined sides of the teeth <NUM>, clicking at each increment into engagement with the steep side of the tooth to prevent reverse movement of the rack <NUM>. To release the foot, the user simply presses the lever <NUM> of the lock member <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>, which causes the lock member <NUM> to rotate about the pivot <NUM> causing the pawl <NUM> to pivot upward and away from the rack <NUM>, unlocking or releasing the ratchet mechanism <NUM> for enlargement of the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a foot support assembly <NUM>' according to further examples of the present disclosure. The foot support assembly <NUM>' similarly includes a footplate <NUM>' coupled to the frame <NUM>' of an exercise machine, a strap <NUM> coupled to the footplate <NUM>' for securing the user's foot thereto, and a ratchet mechanism <NUM>' comprising a lock member <NUM>. Similar to the lock member <NUM>, the lock member <NUM> is biased toward engagement with the strap <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, however, the spring or biasing element <NUM> of the ratchet mechanism <NUM>' is integrally formed with the lever <NUM> of the lock member <NUM>. The lock member <NUM> may include an upper portion <NUM>, which includes the lever <NUM> and the pawl (not shown in this view). The portion <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the ratchet housing <NUM>' via a pivot joint <NUM>. The lock member <NUM> may be fixed to the ratchet housing <NUM>' at a fixed joint <NUM>. The lock member <NUM> may include a lower portion <NUM>, which is configured to resiliently or elastically deform during use to act as a biasing element or spring between the upper portion <NUM> and the fixed joint <NUM>. In use, the application of a downward pressure on the lever <NUM> compresses the spring (i.e., deforming the lower portion <NUM> by decreasing the angle <NUM>) and thus causing the portion <NUM> to pivot at the pivot joint <NUM> to disengage the pawl from the rack <NUM>' of the ratchet mechanism.

<FIG> show views of a multi-grip handle <NUM> in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The handle <NUM> may be used to implement the pull bar or handle <NUM> of the rowing machine <NUM> in <FIG> or the handle of a different type of exercise machine. The handle <NUM> includes a substantially tubular body <NUM> configured to provide a plurality of grip positions for a user when operating an exercise machine, such as the rower machine <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be configured to be gripped by both of the user's hand simultaneously when using the exercise machine. As such, the handle <NUM> may include a left hand portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a right hand portion <NUM>-<NUM>, which are substantially symmetrically arranged about a transverse mid-plane <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The left hand portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the right hand portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be joined at the mid portion <NUM>. Each of the left and right hand portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> provides multiple grip positions for the respective left or right hand of the user and may thus be interchangeably referred to as left hand and right hand multi-grip portions.

The mid portion <NUM> may be configured for coupling the handle <NUM> to one or more moving components of the exercise machine. For example, when used with a rower such as the rowing machine <NUM>, the mid portion <NUM> may include a cable or belt coupling <NUM>. The coupling <NUM> may be implemented by a pair of mounts <NUM> rigidly attached (e.g., monolithically formed or welded) to a rod <NUM>. The mounts <NUM> are configured, when coupled to the body <NUM>, to space the rod <NUM> apart from the body <NUM>, and in this case from the front side of the body <NUM>, by a distance that accommodates the passage of the belt (e.g., belt <NUM> or rowing machine <NUM>) therebetween. The belt <NUM> may thus be routed around the rod <NUM> and secured to itself thereby securely coupling the handle <NUM> to the resistance assembly of the exercise machine. The coupling <NUM> may be implemented in any suitable manner that securely attaches the handle <NUM> to the belt. To enhance the strength of the connection of the mounts <NUM> to the tubular body <NUM>, the fasteners securing the mounts <NUM> to the body <NUM> may pass through the body <NUM> and terminate in one or more plates <NUM> provided on the opposite side of the body <NUM> from the mounts <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the left and right hand portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may include a plurality of grip portions <NUM>, in this example a first grip portion <NUM>-<NUM>, a second grip portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and a third grip portion <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of the grip portions <NUM> may be configured to position the user's hands at different distances from the mid-plane <NUM> and/or orient the user's grip at different orientation to the mid-plane <NUM> such that the user's hands are differently oriented to one another when changing from one pair of grip portions to another.

The first grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to position the user's hand at the longitudinal ends the handle <NUM>. The first grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may be further configured to position the user's hand at an orientation in which the user's palms face substantially toward one another when the user is gripping the handle with both hands. That is, the left and right grip portions <NUM>-<NUM>, in this example, position the left and right hands of the user such that they are oriented with the palms generally toward one another, when the user is properly gripping the first grip portions <NUM>-<NUM>. The first grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may be contoured to guide the placement of the user's hand in a grip orientation in which the palms are generally pointing inward toward the midline of the machine. As such, the first grip potions <NUM>-<NUM> may include a curved surface <NUM> on the respective lateral side of each grip portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the curve being selected to correspond to the natural curvature of the palm side of the user's hand when partially closed.

In some examples, the first grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may be implemented using upright tubular members <NUM>, which due to contouring to match the inside of the user's hand when partially folded, may be asymmetrically shaped and/or asymmetrically positioned with respect to the centerline of the tubular body <NUM>. As illustrated in the top plan view in <FIG>, the tubular members <NUM> may have a medial side <NUM>, which is relatively flatter than the lateral side <NUM> providing the contoured surface <NUM>. Any suitable (e.g., ergonomic) shape or contour of the outward facing surfaces of the grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may be used, which generally follow the natural curve of the user's hand and fingers when gripping the portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

The tubular members <NUM> may be oriented with the longitudinal axis <NUM> extending generally transversly to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM>, in some examples, substantially perpendicularly thereto. As shown in the example of <FIG>, the tubular member <NUM> may not horizontally centered on the ends of the body <NUM> but may instead have a protruding forward portion, which can provide a more ergonomic placement of the user's hand, by the protruding forward portion providing a sufficiently large contoured surface to facilitate wrapping of the user's fingers around the member <NUM>. The tubular members <NUM> may be joined to the body <NUM> via respective collars, which are configured to couple the tubular members <NUM> to the body in a manner, which offsets the tubular portions toward the front side of the handle <NUM>. Other suitable shapes or placement of the grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may be used, for example, the grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., tubular members <NUM>) may be provided with an undulating relief or surface feature configured to accommodate the user's fingers within valleys of the relief. As shown e.g., in <FIG>, the tubular member <NUM> may be hollow, which may reduce the overall weight of the handle <NUM> and thereby improve the user experience.

The pairs of second and third grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to position the user's hands at two different longitudinal locations along the handle <NUM>, which are progressive closer to the mid-plane <NUM>. Both pairs of second and third grip portions may be configured to orient the user's hands to an orientation in which the user's palms are parallel to the pulling direction (e.g., palms up or palms down depending on the user's choice of overhand or underhand grip). Each pairs of second and third grip portions may be configured to position the user's hands at a different angle to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, the second grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may position the user's grip generally in line with the axis <NUM>, while the third grip portions <NUM>-<NUM> may position the user's grip at an angle to the axis <NUM>, which in combination of the longitudinal distance from the mid-plan <NUM>, may aid in activating different groups of muscles during exercise.

In some embodiments, as shown e.g., in <FIG>, the handle body <NUM> may be contoured, e.g., at the mid portion <NUM>, to define a torso relief area <NUM>. The torso relief area <NUM> may be defined by shaping of the mid portion <NUM> to include a forward portion and angled side portion, which wrap around the user's torso for proper rowing form at the end of the stroke. The handle <NUM> may include a grip enhancement features, such as a coating or a sleeve <NUM> provided along some or the full length of the handle body <NUM> (e.g., along portions corresponding to the second grip portions <NUM>-<NUM>, the third grip portions <NUM>-<NUM>, or both) to increase the friction between the user's hands thereby improving the user experience.

Claim 1:
An exercise machine comprising a foot support assembly which includes a footplate (<NUM>) coupled to a frame of the exercise machine, wherein the foot support assembly comprises:
a strap (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) coupled to one side of the footplate (<NUM>) and a second, free end (<NUM>) operatively associated with a fit adjustment mechanism coupled to the opposite side of the footplate thereby defining a foot opening (<NUM>) for receiving a user's foot;
a rack (<NUM>) fixed to the strap; and
wherein the fit adjustment mechanism comprises a housing (<NUM>) fixed to the footplate and a strap deflector (<NUM>), the housing comprising an opening (<NUM>) through which the strap is inserted into the housing, the strap deflector spaced apart from the opening by a distance substantially the same as the length of the rack, the strap deflector positioned below the footplate to redirect the free end of the strap toward the opening, the fit adjustment mechanism further comprising a lock member (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively coupled to the strap, whereby pressing the lock member decouples the lock member from the strap to enable enlargement of the foot opening (<NUM>).