Stride adjustment mechanism

• US 7,559,879 B2
• Filed: 08/23/2004
• Issued: 07/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Life Fitness LLC
• Original Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Inventors: Anderson, Timothy T., Daly, Juliette C., Rogus, John M., Termion, Mark C., Hsing, John J., Seaman, Robert C., Oglesby, Gary E., Joseph, Gregory A., Buckley, Rachel Lara Abigal
• Primary Examiner(s): CROW, STEPHEN R
• Application Number:
  US10/923,053
• Publication Number:
  US 20050164837A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,786 Days
• Field of Search: 482 51- 53, 482/57, 482 7- 9
• US Class Current: 482/57
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/002 electronically, e.g. by using a program
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0623 Cranks of adjustable length
• 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 2024/0009 Computerised real time comparison with previous movements or motion sequences of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/025 on rollers or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0053 using alternators or dynamos
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/008 using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• 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 22/0017 the adjustment being controlled by movement of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/36 Speed measurement by electric or magnetic parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/096 automatically adjusted according to anthropometric data of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 : with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/062 : used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 : calorie expenditure
• 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 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/387 : for adaptation of different data processing systems to different peripheral devices, e.g. protocol converters for incompatible systems, open system

Abstract

In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a pivot axle supported by said frame;

a pedal lever including a first, a central and a second portion;

a pedal. secured to said central portion of said pedal lever;

a reciprocating guide mechanism coupled to said first portion of said pedal lever effective to guide said first portion of said pedal lever in a generally horizontal reciprocating motion;

a crank rotationally connected to said pivot axle at a first end of said crank and adapted to support said second portion of said pedal lever at second end of said crank;

an attachment assembly effective to connect a second end of said crank to said second portion of said pedal lever effective to maintain a predetermined distance between said second end of said crank and said second portion of said pedal lever such that said pedal moves in a generally elliptical path having a substantially greater horizontal portion than a vertical portion; and

a stride adjustment mechanism, operatively associated with said attachment assembly effective to selectively alter said predetermined distance thereby being effective to change said horizontal portion of said elliptical path to a substantially greater extent than said vertical portion of said elliptical path wherein said stride adjustment mechanism includes a control link assembly having a first and second driven timing pulley joined by a connection member and connected by a flexible member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connection member is adjustable in length.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the length of said connection member is adjustable to change the tension in said flexible member.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said connection member includes a turnbuckle effective to change said connecting member in length.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said turnbuckle is effective to adjust tension in said flexible member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first driven timing pulley is attached to said link crank and said second driven timing pulley is attached to said crank.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said stride adjustment mechanism includes a rotational mechanism for rotating said first driven timing pulley.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said rotational mechanism includes an actuator and a worm gear driven by said actuator effective to rotate first driven timing pulley.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said rotational mechanism is effective to rotate said driven timing pulley to selectively alter the relative rotation between said crank and said link crank thereby being effective to change said horizontal portion of said elliptical path.

10. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a pivot axle supported by said frame;

a pedal lever including a first, a central and a second portion;

a pedal, secured to said central portion of said pedal lever;

a reciprocating guide mechanism coupled to said first portion of said pedal lever effective to guide said first portion of said pedal lever in a generally horizontal reciprocating motion;

a crank rotationally connected to said pivot axle at a first end of said crank and adapted to support said second portion of said pedal lever at second end of said crank;

an attachment assembly effective to connect a second end of said crank to said second portion of said pedal lever effective to maintain a predetermined distance between said second end of said crank and said second portion of said pedal lever such that said pedal moves in a generally elliptical path having a substantially greater horizontal portion than a vertical portion;

a stride adjustment mechanism, operatively associated with said attachment assembly effective to selectively alter said predetermined distance thereby being effective to change said horizontal portion of said elliptical path to a substantially greater extent than said vertical portion of said elliptical path;

wherein said stride adjustment mechanism includes a control link assembly that is connected to said link crank and is connected to said crank; and

wherein said control link assembly includes a set of pulleys including a first driven timing pulley rigidly attached to said link crank, and rotationally attached to said control link and a second driven timing pulley rigidly attached to said crank, and rotationally attached to said control link.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said set of pulleys are connected by a flexible member.

12. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a control system;

a pivot axle supported by said frame;

a pedal lever;

including a first, a central and a second portion;

a pedal, secured to said central portion of said pedal lever;

a reciprocating guide mechanism coupled to said first portion of said pedal lever effective to guide said first portion of said pedal lever in a generally horizontal reciprocating motion;

a crank rotationally connected to said pivot axle at a first end of said crank and adapted to support said second portion of said pedal lever at second end of said crank;

an attachment assembly including a dynamic link pivotally secured to said crank and including a link crank pivotally secured to said second portion of said pedal lever such that the distance between the attachment to said crank and the attachment to said pedal lever changes cyclically as said crank rotates and wherein said pedal moves in a generally elliptical path having a substantially greater horizontal portion than a vertical portion;

a stride adjustment mechanism, operatively associated with said control system and said attachment assembly effective to selectively alter the phase angle between said crank and said link crank thereby being effective to change said horizontal portion of said elliptical path; and

wherein said stride adjustment mechanism includes a control link assembly having a connection member connecting a first and second driven timing pulley connected by a flexible member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said control system limits the phase angle to a predetermined percentage of the maximum phase angle between said crank and said link crank.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said stride adjustment mechanism is effective to limit the phase angle to a predetermined amount less than the maximum phase angle allowed by between said crank and said link crank.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first driven timing pulley is attached to said link crank and said second driven timing pulley is attached to said crank.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said stride adjustment mechanism includes a rotational mechanism for rotating said first driven timing pulley.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said rotational mechanism includes an actuator and a worm gear driven by said actuator effective to rotate first driven timing pulley.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said rotational mechanism is effective to rotate said first driven timing pulley to selectively alter the phase angle between said crank and said link crank thereby being effective to change said horizontal portion of said elliptical path.

19. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a control system;

a pivot axle supported by said frame;

a pedal lever;

including a first, a central and a second portion;

a pedal, secured to said central portion of said pedal lever;

a reciprocating guide mechanism coupled to said first portion of said pedal lever effective to guide said first portion of said pedal lever in a generally horizontal reciprocating motion;

a crank rotationally connected to said pivot axle at a first end of said crank and adapted to support said second portion of said pedal lever at second end of said crank;

an attachment assembly including a dynamic link Pivotally secured to said crank and including a link crank Pivotally secured to said second portion of said pedal lever such that the distance between the attachment to said crank and the attachment to said pedal lever changes cyclically as said crank rotates and wherein said Pedal moves in a generally elliptical Path having a substantially greater horizontal portion than a vertical portion;

a stride adjustment mechanism. operatively associated with said control system and said attachment assembly effective to selectively alter the phase angle between said crank and said link crank thereby being effective to change said horizontal portion of said elliptical path;

wherein said stride adjustment mechanism includes a control link assembly connected to said link crank and to said crank; and

wherein said control link assembly includes a set of pulleys including a first driven timing pulley rigidly attached to said link crank, and rotationally attached to said control link and a second driven timing pulley rigidly attached to said crank, and rotationally attached to said control link.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said set of pulleys are connected by a flexible member.