Elliptical exercise machine with integrated aerobic exercise system

• US 7,909,740 B2
• Filed: 06/18/2010
• Issued: 03/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness Incorporated (HF HOLDINGS INC)
• Original Assignee: Icon-Ip Pty Limited
• Inventors: Olson, Michael L., Zaugg, Darren, Ashby, Darren C., Dalebout, William T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan
• Assistant Examiner(s): GINSBERG, OREN ISAAC
• Application Number:
  US12/818,416
• Publication Number:
  US 20100255959A1
• Time in Patent Office: 277 Days
• Field of Search: 482 51- 53, 482/57, 482/62, 482 70- 71
• 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 adapted to be selectively positioned from an extended, elliptical operating position into a compact storage position, the compactable, elliptical exercise device comprising:

a frame adapted to be positioned on a support surface during exercise;

a crank movably linked to the frame, the crank having;

(i) an extended, elliptical operating position in which the crank is moved away from the frame; and

(ii) a compact storage position in which the crank is moved toward the frame, such that the crank can be selectively moved between the extended elliptical operating position and the compact storage position, wherein upward pivoting movement of the crank moves the crank from the extended, elliptical operating position to the compact storage position; and

first and second foot supports movably connected to the crank, such that the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion, thereby enabling the performance of elliptical exercises when the crank is in the extended elliptical operating position.

2. A compactable, elliptical exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the crank is coupled to a rear frame portion that is pivotally coupled to a front frame portion, the front and rear frame portions being adapted to be positioned on the support surface during exercise.

3. A compactable, elliptical exercise device as recited in claim 2, wherein the rear frame portion is selectively pivotal between:

(i) the 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) the compact storage position in which the rear frame portion is rotated upward toward the front frame portion such that the front frame portion and the rear frame portion are compacted with respect to each other.

4. A compactable, elliptical exercise device adapted to be selectively positioned between an extended, elliptical operating position and a compact storage position, the compactable, elliptical exercise device comprising:

a frame adapted to be positioned on a support surface during exercise;

a crank assembly pivotally coupled to the frame, the crank assembly having an extended, elliptical operating position in which the crank assembly is pivoted away from the frame and a compact storage position in which the crank assembly is pivoted closer to the frame, such that the crank assembly can be selectively moved between the extended elliptical operating position and the compacted storage position, wherein upward pivoting movement of the crank assembly moves the crank assembly from the extended, elliptical operating position to the compact storage position; and

first and second foot supports movably coupled to the crank assembly, wherein the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion, thereby enabling the performance of elliptical exercises when the crank assembly is in the extended elliptical operating position, and wherein movement of the crank assembly into the compact storage position moves the crank assembly over a portion of the frame.

5. A compactable, elliptical exercise device as recited in claim 4, wherein the frame comprises a stationary frame portion and wherein the crank assembly comprises a crank movably coupled to a mobile frame portion that is pivotally coupled to the stationary portion.

6. An exercise device as recited in claim 5, wherein the rear portion of the elliptical exercise device can be tilted closer to or further way from the front portion of the elliptical exercise device.

7. An exercise device as recited in claim 5, 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.

8. An exercise device as recited in claim 5, 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 and wherein the first and second foot supports engage the flywheel to produce elliptical motion.

9. An exercise device as recited in claim 5, further comprising a second exercise device coupled to the frame, wherein the second exercise device comprises an anaerobic, strength training exercise device that is operable independently from the elliptical exercise device.

10. An exercise device as recited in claim 9, wherein the elliptical exercise device is configured to be used for elliptical exercises when the exercise device is in the extended position, and wherein the anaerobic strength training device is configured to be used when the exercise device is in the compact position.

11. An exercise device as recited in claim 9 wherein at least a portion of the elliptical exercise assembly is configured to be movably positioned closer to and further away from at least a portion of the second exercise device.

12. An exercise device as recited in claim 9, wherein the second exercise device comprises a cable and pulley system coupled to a resistance mechanism and wherein the resistance mechanism comprises at least one resilient band.

13. An exercise device as recited in claim 9, wherein the crank assembly is mounted on a movable portion of the frame and the anaerobic exercise device is mounted on a stationary portion of the frame.

14. An exercise device as recited in claim 9, wherein the second exercise device comprising a strength training device, the strength training device comprising (A) a resistance assembly coupled to the frame;

and (B) an exercise station linked to the resistance assembly, wherein the first exercise device is operable independently from the second exercise device, such that the frame is selectively movable from a compacted position to an extended position, and such that a user can selectively perform aerobic or anaerobic exercises on the exercise device.

15. 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 pivotally coupled to the front frame portion, and wherein the rear frame portion is selectively pivotal 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 is rotated upward toward the front frame portion and wherein the front frame portion and the rear frame portion are compacted with respect to each other;

a crank movably coupled to the rear frame portion, wherein movement of the rear frame portion to the compact position causes movement of the crank toward the front frame portion; and

first and second foot supports movably coupled to the crank, wherein the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion, wherein the elliptical exercise device is configured to be selectively pivoted between the compact position and the extended, elliptical operating position, such that an exerciser can selectively perform elliptical exercises on the device.

16. An elliptical exercise device configured to be moved from a first, operational extended position to a second, compact position, comprising:

a multipart, pivoting frame, having a front frame portion and a rear frame portion pivotally coupled to the front frame portion, the front and rear frame portions being adapted to be positioned on a support surface during exercise, the rear frame portion being configured to be pivoted away from the front frame portion and positioned on the support surface for performing elliptical exercises, the rear frame portion being further configured to be pivoted up off the support surface onto the front frame portion so as to move the rear frame portion to the compact position, wherein the compact position has a smaller overall footprint than the extended position;

a crank movably coupled to the rear frame portion; and

first and second foot supports movably coupled to the crank, wherein the first and second foot supports are configured to move in an elliptical motion when the exercise device is in the extended position.

17. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, further comprising a strength training exercise device mounted on the front frame portion of the frame, wherein the elliptical exercise device comprises a first exercise device and the strength training device comprises a second exercise device.

18. An exercise device as recited in claim 17, wherein the exercise device further comprises a padded bench on which a user can sit while performing exercises with the strength training device.

19. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, further comprising a first electronic display interface configured to display electronic signals from the first exercise device;

and a second electronic display interface configured to display electronic signals from the second exercise device.

20. An exercise system as recited in claim 19, wherein the first and second electronic display interfaces are both linked to at least one of the first and second exercise devices of the exercise system.

21. An exercise system as recited in claim 19, wherein the first electronic display interface and the second electronic display interface display exercise data on a single electronic console.

22. An exercise system as recited in claim 19, wherein the first electronic display interface and the second electronic display interface display exercise data at plurality of electronic consoles.

23. An exercise system as recited in claim 19, 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 machine.

24. An exercise system as recited in claim 23, wherein the workout instructions to the user comprise at least one of (i) an anaerobic activity at the first exercise device;

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

25. An exercise system as recited in claim 19, 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.

26. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein the front frame portion includes a track along which the first and second foot supports move.

27. An exercise device as recited in claim 16, wherein the frame comprises a padded bench against which a user can lean while performing exercises.

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 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 upwardly toward the front frame portion as the rear frame portion is selectively moved to 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 a portion of the front frame portion and move in a substantially horizontal plane such that the first and second foot supports can move in an elliptical motion when the elliptical exercise device is in the extended, elliptical operating position,

wherein the frame is a pivoting frame, such that the exerciser can move the device from the compact position to the extended, elliptical operating position by pivoting the rear frame portion away from the front frame portion.

29. An exercise device as recited in claim 28, further comprising an electronic console having one or more circuitry components for use in combination with anaerobic and aerobic exercise devices, the electronic console comprising:

one or more processing modules configured to process electronic data signals received from an anaerobic exercise device and an aerobic 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.

30. The electronic console as recited in claim 29, 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 and wherein the anaerobic 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.

31. The exercise device as recited in claim 30, further comprising an input interface for adjusting one or more of an adjustable anaerobic resistance member and an adjustable aerobic resistance member.