Elliptical exercise machine with integrated anaerobic exercise system

• US 7,740,563 B2
• Filed: 08/11/2004
• Issued: 06/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IFIT Incorporated (Amynta Agency, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Icon-Ip Pty Limited
• Inventors: Zaugg, Darren, Ashby, Darren C., Dalebout, William T., Olson, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan H
• Assistant Examiner(s): GINSBERG, OREN ISAAC
• Application Number:
  US10/916,684
• Publication Number:
  US 20060035755A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,141 Days
• Field of Search: 482 51- 54, 482/57, 482/62, 482/70, 482/71, 482/121, 482/123, 482/129, 482/130, 482/142
• US Class Current: 482/52
• 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 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00072 by changing the length of a lever
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0428 the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/055 extension element type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0012 the exercises for arms and legs being functionally independent
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/58 slideably retracted in a housing when not in use
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/10 Multi-station exercising machines
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03533 With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0355 A single apparatus used for either upper or lower limbs, i.e. with a set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limb or limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0494 : primarily by articulating the knee joints A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• 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 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

A combined anaerobic and aerobic exercise system comprises a multi-part frame, for example a telescoping frame, or a pivoting frame. The aerobic system may include an elliptical exercise device, while the anaerobic system may include a cable-based system wherein resistance is adjustable. An electronic console system at the exercise system allows a user to view progress in both anaerobic and aerobic workouts, and to send input signals that adjust anaerobic and aerobic resistance mechanisms.

Claims

1. A compactable, elliptical exercise device comprising:

a multi-part frame having a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, the front and rear frame portions being adapted to be positioned on a support surface during exercise, wherein the rear frame portion is movably coupled to the front frame portion, wherein the rear frame portion is selectively moveable between;

(i) an extended, elliptical operating position, in which the rear frame portion and the front frame portion are extended with respect to each other for performing elliptical exercises; and

(ii) a compact position in which the rear frame portion and the front frame portion are selectively compacted with respect to each other;

a crank movably coupled to the rear frame portion, wherein the crank is adapted to move toward the front frame portion as the rear frame portion is selectively moved to the compact position, wherein at least a portion of the crank is positioned over the front frame portion when the rear frame portion is in the compact position; and

first and second foot supports movably coupled to the crank and wherein at least a portion of the first and second foot supports contact and move in a substantially horizontal plane within a portion of the front frame portion such that the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion, wherein the elliptical exercise device is configured to be selectively moved between the compacted position and the extended, elliptical operating position.

2. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame is a pivoting frame, such that the exerciser can move the device from the compacted position to the extended, elliptical operating position by pivoting the rear frame portion away from the front frame portion.

3. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame is a telescoping frame such that the rear frame portion moves with respect to the front frame portion.

4. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein a first end of each of the first and second foot supports is pivotally coupled to the crank, and wherein a second end of each of the first and second foot supports moves along a surface of the front frame portion such that the first and second foot supports each engage in an elliptical motion.

5. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the exercise device further comprises a strength training, anaerobic system mounted on the front frame portion, wherein the strength training system comprises a strength training exercise device that is operable independently from the elliptical exercise device.

6. An exercise system as recited in claim 5, wherein the strength training device comprises a cable and pulley system coupled to a resistance mechanism.

7. An exercise system as recited in claim 6, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises at least one resilient band.

8. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the rear frame portion has a padded seat mounted thereon.

9. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein a portion of the elliptical exercise device can be movably positioned closer to or further way from at least another portion of the elliptical exercise device.

10. An exercise system as recited in claim 1, wherein the front frame portion comprises an upright portion having handles thereon for grasping by a user.

11. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein the front frame portion includes a track along which the first and second foot supports move.

12. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein a user can perform elliptical exercises when the exercise device is in the operating position and wherein the user can perform strength training exercises when the exercise device is in the compact position.

13. An exercise system as recited in claim 1, wherein the front frame portion comprises a stationary portion and the rear frame portion comprises a telescoping portion.

14. An elliptical exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the elliptical exercise device comprises at least one flywheel for facilitating elliptical motion, and a resistance device coupled to the at least one flywheel.

15. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an electronic console having one or more circuitry components for use in combination with the exercise device, the electronic console comprising:

one or more processing modules configured to process electronic data signals received from the exercise device;

one or more first display interfaces for displaying anaerobic exercise data relayed from the one or more processing modules; and

one or more second display interfaces for displaying aerobic exercise data relayed from the one or more processing modules.

16. An exercise device as recited in claim 15, further comprising an input interface for adjusting one or more of an adjustable anaerobic resistance member and an adjustable aerobic resistance member.

17. An exercise device as recited in claim 15, wherein the aerobic exercise data comprise one or more of:

(i) time spent exercising, (ii) calories burned, (iii) heart rate during exercise, (iv) exercise speed, and (v) exercise distance.

18. An exercise device as recited in claim 15, wherein the anaerobic exercise data comprise at least one of:

(i) a number of repetitions desired, (ii) a number of repetitions performed, (iii) a number of sets desired, and (iv) a number of sets performed.

19. A compactable, elliptical exercise device comprising:

a multi-part frame having a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, the front and rear frame portions being adapted to be positioned on a support surface during exercise, wherein the rear frame portion is movably coupled to the front frame portion, wherein the rear frame portion is selectively moveable between;

(i) an extended, elliptical operating position, in which the rear frame portion and the front frame portion are extended with respect to each other for performing elliptical exercises; and

(ii) a compacted, elliptical storage position, in which the rear frame portion and the front frame portion are selectively compacted with respect to each other;

a crank movably coupled to the rear frame portion, wherein the crank is adapted to move toward the front frame portion as the rear frame portion is selectively moved to the compacted, elliptical storage position, wherein at least a portion of the crank is positioned over the front frame portion when the rear frame portion is in the compact position;

first and second foot supports movably coupled to the crank such that the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion, wherein the elliptical exercise device is configured to be selectively moved between the compacted, elliptical storage position and the extended, elliptical operating position; and

a strength training device coupled to the front frame portion, wherein when the rear frame portion is in the compacted, elliptical storage position, a user can perform strength training exercises utilizing the strength training device.

20. An exercise device as recited in claim 19, further comprising at least one electronic console system, the exercise device configured to enable anaerobic and aerobic exercises, wherein the multi-part frame has a first exercise device portion and a second exercise device portion coupled thereto, further comprising a first electronic display interface configured to display electronic signals from the first exercise device portion, and a second electronic display interface configured to display electronic signals from the second exercise device portion.

21. An exercise device as recited in claim 20, wherein the first and second electronic display interfaces are both linked to at least one of the first and second exercise device portions of the exercise device.

22. An exercise device as recited in claim 20, wherein the first electronic display interface is configured to display aerobic exercise instructions to a user;

and wherein the second electronic display interface is configured to display anaerobic exercise instructions to the user.

23. An exercise device as recited in claim 20, wherein the first electronic display interface and the second electronic display interface display exercise data on a single electronic console.

24. An exercise device as recited in claim 20, wherein the first electronic display interface and the second electronic display interface display exercise data a plurality of electronic consoles.

25. An exercise device as recited in claim 20, wherein the first electronic display interface and the second electronic display interface provide a user with workout instructions to perform circuit training on the exercise device.

26. An exercise device as recited in claim 25, wherein the workout instructions to the user comprise at least one of (i) an anaerobic activity at the first exercise device portion;

and (ii) an aerobic activity at the second exercise device portion.

27. An exercise device as recited in claim 26, wherein the first exercise device portion is coupled to the front frame portion of the frame;

and wherein the second exercise device portion is coupled to the rear frame portion of the frame.

28. A compactable, elliptical exercise device comprising:

a multi-part frame having a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, the front and rear frame portions being adapted to be positioned on a support surface during exercise, wherein the front frame portion comprises at least one wheel stop, wherein the rear frame portion is movably coupled to the front frame portion, wherein the rear frame portion is selectively moveable between;

(i) an extended, elliptical operating position, in which the rear frame portion and the front frame portion are extended with respect to each other for performing elliptical exercises; and

(ii) a compact position in which the rear frame portion and the front frame portion are selectively compacted with respect to each other;

a crank movably coupled to the rear frame portion, wherein the crank is adapted to move toward the front frame portion as the rear frame portion is selectively moved to the compact position, wherein at least a portion of the crank is positioned over the front frame portion when the rear frame portion is in the compact position; and

first and second foot supports movably coupled to the crank, wherein the first and second foot supports each comprise a wheel adapted to contact and move back and forth in a substantially horizontal plane along the front frame portion such that the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion, wherein the at least one wheel stop is adapted to receive and fix at least one of the wheels of the first and second foot supports therein when the rear frame portion is in the compact position.

29. An exercise device as recited in claim 28, further comprising

an electronic console system coupled to the frame, the electronic console system comprising:

one or more processing modules configured to process electronic data signals;

one or more first display interfaces for displaying anaerobic exercise data relayed from the one or more processing modules; and

one or more second display interfaces for displaying aerobic exercise data relayed from the one or more processing modules.