Elliptical exercise equipment with adjustable stride

• US 7,704,192 B2
• Filed: 02/17/2005
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Precor Incorporated (Peloton Interactive, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Precor Incorporated (Peloton Interactive, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stewart, Jonathan M., Albert, David L., Marti, Franklin C., Dyer, David E., May, Gregory B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow; Steve R
• Application Number:
  US11/060,123
• Publication Number:
  US 20060183605A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,895 Days
• Field of Search: 482 51- 53, 482 57- 63
• US Class Current: 482/52
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/002 electronically, e.g. by using a program
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/067 with crank and handles being on opposite sides of the exercising apparatus with respect to the frontal body-plane of the user, e.g. the crank is behind and handles are in front of the user
• 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 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/205 in a substantially vertical plane, e.g. for exercising against gravity exercising for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a user's body weight A63B21/068; with adjustable inclination A63B22/0023

Abstract

An exercise device is provided including a foot link having a rearward end and a forward end. An adjustable stride mechanism is provided. The adjustable stride mechanism includes a primary gear and a secondary gear. The primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear. A primary crank connects the primary gear and the secondary gear. A timing belt connects the primary gear to the secondary gear. The primary crank and the timing belt enable the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear. A secondary crank is pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link. The secondary crank creates an ellipse-shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear. Thus, the foot link motion combines an at least a dual ellipse motion. An automatic adjusting mechanism can be provided to adjust the adjustable stride mechanism.

Claims

1. An adjustable stride elliptical mechanism comprising:

a primary gear and a secondary gear, the primary gear sized larger relative to the secondary gear;

a primary crank connecting the primary gear and the secondary gear;

a timing belt connecting the primary gear to the secondary gear, the primary crank and the timing belt enabling the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear;

a secondary crank pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link, the secondary crank creating a generally elliptical shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear; and

an automatic adjusting mechanism adjusting the clocking of the secondary crank.

2. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the secondary gear rotates about its own axis twice per one revolution around primary gear.

3. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism comprises a rotatable threaded member operatively connected to a electronic motor to impart rotation thereon and a threaded bolt follower cooperatively engaged to the rotatable threaded member and the primary gear.

4. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 3, further wherein the primary gear is held by a support bracket and the support bracket is secured to the rotatable threaded member.

5. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the primary gear is held by a support bracket and the support bracket is secured to the automatic adjusting mechanism.

6. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism rotates the primary gear relative to the secondary gear thereby adjusting the clocking of the secondary crank.

7. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

8. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 7, further including a switch located proximal to the exercise area, the switch being operatively connected to the automatic adjusting mechanism such that the automatic adjusting mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

9. The adjustable stride elliptical mechanism of claim 1, further wherein the adjustable stride elliptical mechanism is held in a frame and further including a swing arm having a pivotal connection to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection.

10. An exercise device, comprising:

a foot link having a rearward end that is constrained to move in an orbital path and a forward end;

a swing arm having a pivotal connection to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection;

an adjustable stride mechanism for altering the orbital path of the rearward end of the foot link; and

an automatic adjusting mechanism for adjusting the adjustable stride mechanism, wherein the adjustable stride mechanism comprises a primary gear and a secondary gear, and the automatic adjusting mechanism rotates the primary gear relative to the secondary gear.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear;

a primary crank connecting the primary gear and the secondary gear;

a timing belt connecting the primary gear to the secondary gear, the primary crank and the timing belt enabling the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear; and

a secondary crank pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link, the secondary crank creating a generally elliptical shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, further wherein the secondary gear rotates about its own axis twice per one revolution around primary gear.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, further wherein the primary gear is held by a support bracket and the support bracket is secured to a rotatable threaded member.

14. The exercise device of claim 12, further wherein the primary gear is held by a support bracket and the support bracket is secured to the automatic adjusting mechanism.

15. The exercise device of claim 10, further wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism comprises a rotatable threaded member operatively connected to an electronic motor to impart rotation thereon and a threaded bolt follower cooperatively engaged to the rotatable threaded member and the adjustable stride mechanism.

16. The exercise device of claim 10, further wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

17. The exercise device of claim 16, further including a switch located proximal to the exercise area, the switch being operatively connected to the automatic adjusting mechanism such that the automatic adjusting mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

18. The exercise device of claim 10, further including a left swing arm and right swing arm, a left foot link and right foot link, and a left engagement mechanism and right engagement mechanism.

19. The exercise device of claim 10 further including a guide track, wherein the foot link includes at least one roller, and the guide track has an upper surface that is adapted to rollably receive the foot link roller and that reciprocally engages the guide track.

20. The exercise device of claim 10 further comprising an electronic view screen attached to the exercise device for displaying exercise information.

21. The exercise device of claim 20, further wherein the electronic view screen displays information regarding the adjustable stride mechanism.

36. The exercise device of claim 10 further comprising a crank, wherein the rearward end of the foot link has a pivot connection pivotably connecting the rearward end of the foot link to the crank, wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism adjusts the adjustable stride mechanism to adjust a shape of a path of the pivot connection during rotation of the crank.

22. An exercise device, comprising:

a foot link having a rearward end that moves in a generally elliptical shaped path and a forward end;

a guide track adapted to receive reciprocal movement of the forward end of the foot;

wherein the foot link motion combines the ellipse-shaped path of the rearward end with an ellipse motion provided by the combination of the movement of the rearward end of the foot link and the reciprocal movement of the forward end of the foot link; and

an adjustable stride mechanism for altering the generally elliptical shaped path of the rearward end of the foot link, wherein the adjustable stride mechanism comprises a primary gear and a secondary gear, the primary gear sized larger relative to the secondary gear;

a primary crank connecting the primary gear and the secondary gear;

a timing belt connecting the primary gear to the secondary gear, the primary crank and the timing belt enabling the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear; and

a secondary crank pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link, the secondary crank creating a generally elliptical shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear.

23. The exercise device of claim 22, further including an automatic adjusting mechanism adjusting the adjustable stride mechanism.

24. The exercise device of claim 23, further wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

25. The exercise device of claim 23, further including a switch located proximal to the exercise area, the switch being operatively connected to the automatic adjusting mechanism such that the automatic adjusting mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

26. The exercise device of claim 22, further including a swing arm having a pivotal connection to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection.

27. The exercise device of claim 22 further wherein the foot link includes at least one roller, and the guide track has an upper surface that is adapted to rollably receive the foot link roller and that reciprocally engages the guide track.

37. The exercise device of claim 22 wherein the rearward end of the foot link has a pivot connection pivotably connecting the rearward end of the foot link to the secondary crank, wherein the automatic adjusting mechanism adjusts the adjustable stride mechanism to adjust a shape of a path of the pivot connection during rotation of the primary crank.

28. A variable stride elliptical exercise device, comprising:

a frame having a pivot axis;

first and second foot links operably supported by the frame, each of the first and second foot links having a forward end and a rearward end;

an adjustable crank assembly rotatable about the pivot axis and coupled to the rearward end of the first and second foot links, the crank assembly including a primary gear and a secondary gear, the crank assembly positionable between at least a first position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally vertical elliptical path of travel in the first position, and a second position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally horizontal elliptical path of travel in the second position, wherein the adjustable crank assembly can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

29. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 28, further comprising at least one guide track supported by the frame, wherein the forward end of the first and second foot links engage the at least one guide track.

30. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 28, wherein the adjustable crank assembly includes primary and secondary cranks, and a timing belt, wherein the primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear;

wherein the primary crank and the timing belt connect the primary gear and the secondary gear;

wherein the primary crank and the timing belt enable the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear; and

wherein the secondary crank is pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to the rearward end of the foot link.

31. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 28, further including an actuation device operably coupled to the adjustable crank assembly for selectably positioning the crank assembly between at least the first and second positions.

32. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 31, wherein the actuation device is positioned within the reach of a user during use of the exercise device.

33. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 28, further including first and second swing anus pivotally connected to the frame, wherein each swing arm has an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection.

34. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 33, wherein the lower portion of the first and second swing arms are coupled to the first and second foot links, respectively.

35. The variable stride elliptical exercise device of claim 29, wherein the first and second foot links each include at least one roller, and wherein the at least one guide track has an upper surface that is adapted to rollably receive the foot link roller and wherein the rollers reciprocally engage the guide track.

38. A variable stride elliptical exercise device, comprising:

a frame having a pivot axis;

first and second foot links operably supported by the frame, each of the first and second foot links having a forward end and a rearward end;

an adjustable crank assembly rotatable about the pivot axis and coupled to the rearward end of the first and second foot links, the crank assembly including a primary gear and a secondary gear, the crank assembly positionable between at least a first position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally vertical elliptical path of travel in the first position, and a second position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally horizontal elliptical path of travel in the second position; and

at least one guide track supported by the frame, wherein the forward end of the first and second foot links engage the at least one guide track.

39. A variable stride elliptical exercise device, comprising:

a frame having a pivot axis;

first and second foot links operably supported by the frame, each of the first and second foot links having a forward end and a rearward end;

an adjustable crank assembly rotatable about the pivot axis and coupled to the rearward end of the first and second foot links, the crank assembly including a primary gear and a secondary gear, the crank assembly positionable between at least a first position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally vertical elliptical path of travel in the first position, and a second position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally horizontal elliptical path of travel in the second position, wherein the adjustable crank assembly includes primary and secondary cranks, and a timing belt, wherein the primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear;

wherein the primary crank and the timing belt connect the primary gear and the secondary gear;

wherein the primary crank and the timing belt enable the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear, and wherein the secondary crank is pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to the rearward end of the foot link.

40. A variable stride elliptical exercise device, comprising:

a frame having a pivot axis;

first and second foot links operably supported by the frame, each of the first and second foot links having a forward end and a rearward end;

an adjustable crank assembly rotatable about the pivot axis and coupled to the rearward end of the first and second foot links, the crank assembly including a primary gear and a secondary gear, the crank assembly positionable between at least a first position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally vertical elliptical path of travel in the first position, and a second position by rotation of the primary gear relative to the secondary gear, wherein the crank assembly positions the rearward ends of the first and second foot links in a generally horizontal elliptical path of travel in the second position; and

first and second swing arms pivotally connected to the frame, wherein each swing arm has an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection.