Cross training exercise apparatus

• US 7,022,049 B2
• Filed: 09/19/2002
• Issued: 04/04/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Original Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Inventors: Termion, Mark C., Oglesby, Gary E., Ryan, Allen L., Lenz, Steven M., Rosenow, Charles J., Eschenbach, Paul W., Mueller, Clifford F., Deknock, Byron T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow, Stephen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TAM M
• Application Number:
  US10/247,030
• Publication Number:
  US 20030022763A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,293 Days
• Field of Search: 482 51- 53, 482/57, 482 70- 73
• US Class Current: 482/51
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0676 with crank and handles being on the same side of the exercising apparatus with respect to the frontal body-plane of the user, e.g. crank and handles are in front of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0053 using alternators or dynamos
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/001 by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase A63B22/0076 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0015 with an adjustable movement path of the support elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/203 in a horizontal plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/682 for beverages
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/687 for others, e.g. keys, wallets, books
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/04 heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a frame that is adapted for placement on the floor, a pivot axis supported by the frame, a pedal bar which has first and second ends, a pedal that is secured to the pedal bar, an ellipse generator, and a track. The ellipse generator is secured to both the pivot axis and to the first end of the pedal bar such that the first end of said pedal bar moves in an elliptical path around the pivot axis. The track is secured to the frame and engages the second end of said pedal bar such that the second end moves in a linear reciprocating path as the first end of the pedal bar moves in the elliptical path around said pivot axis. Consequently, the pedal also moves in a generally elliptical path. As the pedal moves in its elliptical path, the angular orientation of the pedal, relative to a fixed, horizontal plane, such as the floor, varies in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure. The apparatus can also include a resistance member, a data input member, and a control member. The resistance member applies a resistive force to the pedal. The data input means permits the user to input control signals. The control means responds to the input control member to control the resistance member and apply a braking force to the pedal. In addition, the exercise apparatus can include an arm handle and an arm handle coupling assembly that couples the arm handle to the pedal such that the arm handle moves in synchronism with the pedal, and in some cases out of phase.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a frame adapted for placement on a floor;

a pivot axle rotatably connected to said frame;

a pedal bar having a first end operatively connected to said frame so as to permit said first end to move in a generally linear and horizontal reciprocating motion;

a pedal secured to said pedal bar; and

an ellipse generator including a crank member, having a first end secured to and rotatable with said pivot axle, and a coupling assembly, including a crank arm having a first end secured to a second end of said crank member, wherein said second end of said crank member is operatively connected to said second end of said pedal bar at a first point and a second end of said crank arm is operatively connected to said second end of said pedal bar at a second point so as to produce both said reciprocating motion of said first end of said pedal bar and a generally elliptical motion of said second end of said pedal bar resulting in the movement of said pedal in a generally elliptically shaped path wherein said pedal is secured to said pedal bar intermediate said first end of said pedal bar and said ellipse generator.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including an arm handle pivotally connected to said frame and operatively connected to said first end of said pedal bar such that said arm handle moves in synchronism with said pedal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coupling assembly includes:

a first connecting member for connecting said second end of said crank member to said first point on said pedal bar proximate to said second end of said pedal bar; and

second connecting member for connecting said second end of said crank arm to said second point on said pedal bar between said first point and said second end of said pedal bar.

4. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a frame adapted for placement on a floor;

a pivot axle rotatably connected to said frame;

a pedal bar having a first end operatively connected to said frame so as to permit said first end to move in a generally linear and horizontal reciprocating motion;

a pedal secured to said pedal bar; and

an ellipse generator including a crank member secured to and rotatable with said pivot axle and a coupling assembly operatively connected to said crank member and connected to a second end of said pedal bar so as to produce both said reciprocating motion of said first end of said pedal bar and a generally elliptical motion of said second end of said pedal bar resulting in the movement of said pedal in a generally elliptically shaped path wherein said pedal is secured to said pedal bar intermediate said first end of said pedal bar and said ellipse generator wherein the coupling assembly includes a first axle secured proximate a second end of said crank member;

a crank arm secured at a first end to said first axle;

a second axle secured proximate to a second end of said crank arm;

a first guide secured to said crank member;

a first roller rotationally secured to said first axle and located in said first guide;

a second guide secured to said first guide; and

a second roller rotationally secured to said second axle and located in said second guide.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 including an arm handle pivotally connected to said frame and operatively connected to said first end of said pedal bar such that said arm handle moves in synchronism with said pedal.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first guide said includes first and second spaced-apart bars forming a first channel and said second guide includes first and second spaced-apart bars forming a second channel wherein said first guide is secured to said second guide such that said first and said second channels are substantially orthogonal to each other.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first roller is located within said first channel and said second roller is located within said second channel.