Dual deck exercise device

• US 7,621,850 B2
• Filed: 02/26/2004
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: BowFlex, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
• Inventors: Golesh, Eric D., Cook, Brian R., Singh, Todd, Christopher, Brent, Warner, Patrick A., Crawford, Douglas A., Flick, Edward L., Smith, Bradley J., Potter, Randal, Piaget, Gary, Monette, Ben, Rauwerdink, Matt
• Primary Examiner(s): CROW, STEPHEN R
• Application Number:
  US10/789,182
• Publication Number:
  US 20040214693A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,098 Days
• Field of Search: 482/54, 482/51, D21/669
• US Class Current: 482/54
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0278 with reversible direction of the running surface
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0009 Computerised real time comparison with previous movements or motion sequences of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0214 between the belt supporting deck and the frame
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0235 driven by a motor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/025 electrically, e.g. D.C. motors with variable speed control
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0257 Mechanical systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0285 Physical characteristics of the belt, e.g. material, surface, indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0292 separate for each leg, e.g. dual deck
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/04 with movable multiple steps , i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders steppers with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0048
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/76 Wind conditions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 : with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/30 : Maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/305 : Remote servicing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/64 : Heated
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/00 : Measuring physiological parameters of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/01 : User's weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/42 : rate
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/436 : partial O2 value
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0405 : involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously A63B23/0476 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0429 : with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by being cantilevered about a horizontal axis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 : Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases

Abstract

An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

Claims

1. An exercise machine, comprising:

a frame;

a first treadle having a belt, a treadle frame, and a set of three rollers defining a triangular shape, the belt positioned about the set of rollers;

a second treadle having a belt, a treadle frame, and a set of three rollers defining a triangular shape, the belt positioned about the set of rollers; and

means for pivotally coupling the first and second treadles to the frame at a location respectively between ends of treadle surfaces defined by the first and second treadles such that the first and second treadles are supported to pivot relative to the frame near respective rear ends whereby a user can step or stride on the treadles.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the set of three rollers includes and upper pair of rollers and a lower roller, said lower roller pivotally connected with said frame.

3. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a first movable belt treadle assembly having a first belt, a first drive roller, and first and second rollers;

wherein the first drive roller and the first and second rollers are disposed in a first generally inverted triangular arrangement with the first drive roller being at the apex of the first triangular arrangement;

wherein the first belt is disposed about the first drive roller and the first and second rollers;

wherein the first movable belt treadle assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame in proximity to the first drive roller;

a second movable belt treadle assembly having a second belt, a second drive roller, and third and fourth rollers;

wherein the second drive roller and the third and fourth rollers are disposed in a second generally inverted triangular arrangement with the second drive roller being at the apex of the second triangular arrangement;

wherein the second belt is disposed about the second drive roller and the third and fourth rollers; and

wherein the second movable belt treadle assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame in proximity to the second drive roller whereby a user can step or stride on the treadles.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 further comprising:

first and second pivot brackets attached to the frame;

a motor coupled to the frame;

a drive shaft, the first and second drive rollers being affixed to the drive shaft and the drive shaft being rotatably coupled to the pivot brackets to provide a pivot for the first and second treadle assemblies; and

a torque transfer mechanism coupling the drive shaft to the motor.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 further comprising:

a first dampening device coupled between the frame and the first movable belt treadle assembly;

a first biasing device coupled between the frame and the first movable belt treadle assembly;

a second dampening device coupled between the frame and the second movable belt treadle assembly;

a second biasing device coupled between the frame and the second movable belt treadle assembly; and

a reciprocating linkage coupled between the first movable belt treadle assembly and the second movable belt treadle assembly.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 wherein:

the frame comprises an upright;

the first dampening device and the first biasing device are integrated into a first unitary device coupled between the upright and the first movable belt treadle assembly; and

the second dampening device and the second biasing device are integrated into a second unitary device coupled between the upright and the second movable belt treadle assembly.