CN116801955A

CN116801955A - Rotary mount for display of exercise machine

Info

Publication number: CN116801955A
Application number: CN202180088106.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·C·贝克; B·W·汉密尔顿; E·弗伦奇
Original assignee: Nautilus Inc
Current assignee: Bowflex Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-29
Filing date: 2021-12-28
Publication date: 2023-09-22

Abstract

A swivel mount for rotatably coupling a display to a frame of an exercise machine is described herein. The swivel mount includes a rigid arm secured to one of the terminal ends of the display or frame member, the arm terminating at its free end in a sphere. A socket is defined at the other of the display or the frame member, the socket rotatably receiving the ball. A rotational resistance mechanism is operatively associated with the ball socket to selectively engage the ball and prevent rotation of the rotational mount. In some embodiments, the arm of the swivel mount may be rotated within a range of conical motion to reposition the display relative to the frame while the display remains in a fixed position relative to the arm.

Description

Rotary mount for display of exercise machine

Cross reference to related applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No.63/245,739, filed on month 17 of 2021, U.S. application Ser. No.63/131,622, filed on month 29 of 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any purpose.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to stationary exercise machines, and more particularly to a rotational mount for rotatably coupling a display to a frame of an exercise machine.

Background

Various types of exercise machines exist to assist a user in performing physical exercises, for example for maintaining physical health. In general, the exercise machine may include a console and/or a display, which may be part of the console or a separate unit. A display is typically provided on the exercise machine for displaying information to the user, such as exercise programs, exercise performance data, and content (e.g., entertainment and/or instructional videos). The display may thus enhance the user experience. The display is mounted in a suitable position and oriented to be viewed by a user while exercising with the apparatus. Typically, the display is mounted at the front of the instrument and may sometimes be incorporated into the console. Designers and manufacturers continue to seek improvements in further efforts to improve utility, aesthetics, and user satisfaction with exercise equipment.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to stationary exercise machines and, more particularly, to a rotational mount that rotatably couples a display/console or media bracket to a frame of an exercise machine.

According to some embodiments, a display mount assembly of an exercise machine having a display and a base includes a frame member extending over the base of the exercise machine that supports the exercise machine in a fixed position relative to a support surface. The display mount further includes a rigid arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the ball is secured to the rigid arm at one of the first end and the second end of the rigid arm, wherein the other of the first end and the second end of the rigid arm is secured to one of the terminal end of the frame member or the rear side of the display, wherein the other of the terminal end of the frame member or the rear side of the display defines a socket configured to rotatably receive the ball, and a rotational resistance mechanism operatively associated with the socket to selectively prevent relative rotation of the ball in the socket in response to manipulation by a user.

A display mount assembly according to another embodiment may include a frame member extending over a base of an exercise machine, a cavity in an upper terminal end of the frame member, a rigid arm rotatably received in the cavity, and a retaining member that limits axial movement of the rigid arm. In embodiments herein, the rigid arm is configured to be rigidly coupled to a rear side of the display at a first end thereof such that the display remains in a fixed position relative to the rigid arm when the display is coupled to the rigid arm, and the rigid arm includes a sphere at a second end thereof, the sphere rotatably received in the cavity. A retaining member is operatively associated with the upper terminal end and positioned across the cavity to substantially prevent movement of the ball along the length of the frame member while allowing rotation of the ball in multiple directions in the cavity.

According to further embodiments herein, an exercise machine may include a display at least partially enclosed by a housing, a frame including a base supporting the exercise machine in a fixed position relative to a support surface and a frame member extending above the base, and a display mount rotatably coupling the housing to the frame member. The display mount may include a rigid arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the housing and the second end is rotatably coupled to the terminal end of the frame member to form a ball joint therewith, whereby the display is repositionable relative to the frame member in response to rotation of the ball joint while the display remains in a fixed position relative to the rigid arm. The rigid arm of the display mount may be substantially straight or it may include one or more curved portions.

This summary is neither intended nor should it be construed to represent the entire content and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in the present disclosure at various levels of detail, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited by the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this disclosure.

Drawings

The present specification will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the exercise machine described herein, and should not be construed as a complete description of the scope of the exercise machine.

Fig. 1 illustrates a rotational mount for a display/console or media carrier of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a rotational mount for a display/console or media carrier of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of a rotational mount for a display/console or media carrier of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a rotational mount for a display/console or media carrier of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exercise machine with a console and media carrier that may incorporate a rotational mount according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates an elliptical machine that may include a display/console and/or media tray rotatably mounted to a frame via a rotational mount according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exercise bicycle with a display that can be rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame via a rotational mount according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a console according to some embodiments of the exercise apparatus of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates an isometric view display rotation mount according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of the display swivel mount of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the display swivel mount of fig. 9.

Fig. 12A and 12B illustrate cross-sectional views of a display rotational mount showing a rotational resistance mechanism in an engaged (or locked) configuration and a disengaged (or unlocked) configuration, respectively, according to another embodiment herein.

Fig. 12C shows a partially exploded view of the display swivel mount of fig. 12A and 12B.

Fig. 13A and 13B illustrate cross-sectional views of a display rotation mount according to another embodiment herein, showing a rotational resistance mechanism in disengaged (or unlocked) and engaged (or locked) configurations, respectively.

Fig. 13C shows a partially exploded view of the display swivel mount of fig. 13A and 13B.

Fig. 14 illustrates a display swivel mount according to another embodiment herein.

Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the display swivel mount of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 shows a partially exploded view of the display swivel mount of fig. 14.

Fig. 17 illustrates a display rotation mount according to another embodiment herein.

Fig. 18A and 18B illustrate two orthogonal views of a display rotation mount according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 shows a simplified illustration of another display rotation mount according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 20A and 20B show an isometric view and an exploded view, respectively, of a display swivel mount according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 21A and 21B illustrate views of a display swivel mount configured to enable rotation of a display between a portrait mode and a landscape mode.

Fig. 22 illustrates an isometric view of a display rotation mount according to another embodiment herein.

Fig. 23A and 23B show top cross-sectional views of the display swivel mount of fig. 22.

Fig. 24 shows a side cross-sectional view of the display swivel mount of fig. 22.

Fig. 25 and 26 illustrate yet another example of a display mount according to the present disclosure that is capable of rotating a display 360 and selectively positioning the display in any desired orientation in a facing exercise machine as shown in fig. 25 and a facing-away exercise machine as shown in fig. 26, or in any intermediate orientation between a facing position and a facing-away position.

Detailed Description

Described herein are embodiments of a rotational mount for rotatably coupling a display to a frame of an exercise machine (see fig. 1-4). Typical stationary exercise machines include one or more movable components supported on a stationary frame, such as a rotating pedal, reciprocating foot and/or arm links, and the like. The movable member is operably arranged to facilitate physical activity of a user. The stationary exercise machine may be equipped with at least one display, which may be part of the console of the exercise machine (e.g., integrated with the housing of the console), or which may be separate or apart from the console. In some embodiments, the display may be permanently mounted at a distance from the console, the term permanently (or inseparably) generally meaning that the display is not intended to be removed by a user for normal use other than repair or replacement. Additionally or alternatively, the exercise machine may be equipped with a media bracket configured for temporarily but securely mounting an electronic/media device (e.g., a user's smartphone or tablet) having a display to the exercise machine. For example, fig. 5-7 each illustrate different exercise machines that may include a rotational mount according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a stationary exercise machine 500 that enables a user to perform physical activities through a mix of elliptical and stepper or climber movements. Exercise machine 500 includes a set of pedals 502 that support the user during exercise. The pedal 502 may be connected to a resistance mechanism via a set of movable members (e.g., links, crank arms, etc.), which may be at least partially, and in some cases, substantially completely enclosed within the shroud 504. The pedal 502 cooperates with a resistance mechanism (e.g., a magnetic or friction resistance flywheel, an air-based resistance mechanism (e.g., a fan), any other suitable type of resistance mechanism, or any combination thereof) to resist movement of the pedal 502 when actuated by a user. The fixed frame 506, including the base 508 and the upright frame 510, supports moving components (e.g., pedals, links, crank arms, flywheels, etc.) of the exercise machine 500. The frame 506 also supports a console 512 having a display enclosed by a housing 514, and may additionally or alternatively support a media bracket 516 for removably mounting an electronic media device (e.g., a smart phone or tablet) having a display. The console 512 (e.g., housing 514) and/or media bracket 516 may be rotatably mounted to the frame 506 using a rotational mount according to the present disclosure to enable repositioning of the display relative to the fixed frame 506. The exercise machine 500 may include one or more handles 518, such as one or more moving handles designed to be grasped by a user and to reciprocate while the user is using the exercise machine, and/or one or more stationary handles, such as a support grip and/or handle for supporting a user's hand and/or a portion of the user's upper body while using the exercise machine. In some embodiments, the console and/or cradle are mounted to position the display near the handle(s).

Fig. 6 illustrates another example of a stationary exercise machine 600, a front drive elliptical machine, which may include a display (not shown) and/or a media bracket (not shown) rotatably mounted to a frame 610 via a rotational mount according to the present disclosure. The elliptical machine 600 of FIG. 6 includes a set of pedals 602 supported by a frame 610 and constrained to move along a generally elliptical path. The pedal 602 is connected via a set of movable members (e.g., links 606, crank arms 608, etc.) to a resistance mechanism that may be at least partially, and in some cases substantially completely, enclosed within the shroud 604. The pedal 602 cooperates with a resistance mechanism (e.g., a magnetically or friction resistant flywheel, a fan, or another type of resistance mechanism, or a combination thereof) to resist movement of the pedal 602 when actuated by a user. The configuration of the elliptical machine 600 may be adjustable, for example, by adjusting the inclination of the rails 614 supporting the pedals 602, which may change the exercise characteristics of the elliptical machine 600 (e.g., the inclined path of the pedals). Similar to exercise machine 500, frame 610 of elliptical machine 600 may support a console (not shown) and/or a media tray (not shown) that may be mounted to upright frame 614 via console mount 616. In some embodiments, a rotational mount according to the present disclosure may be incorporated into or replace console mount 616. The display, whether part of a console integrated with the exercise machine or part of a removable electronic device, may therefore be removably (e.g., rotatably) secured to the exercise machine (e.g., elliptical machine 600).

Fig. 7 illustrates yet another example of a stationary exercise machine, an exercise bicycle 700, which may include a display 701 and/or a media bracket (not shown) rotatably mounted to a frame 710 via a rotational mount according to the present disclosure. A rotational mount according to the present disclosure may replace the display mount 724 shown in fig. 7. The bicycle 700 of the present example includes a set of rotating bicycle pedals 702 and a resistance mechanism (e.g., a flywheel 703 having a magnetic or friction brake) operatively coupled to the pedals 702 to resist rotation of the pedals 702 (by the braking force applied by the brake). The pedal 702 and resistance mechanism are supported by a frame 710 that includes a base 712 and an upright frame 712 that supports the moving parts of the bicycle. As shown, handle 718 and seat 720 are supported by frame 710. In this example, a display 701 (e.g., a passive or touch sensitive display) that may additionally and optionally provide the functionality of a console may be mounted to the frame 710 via a display strut 722 extending from the base 712. The display 701 is mounted to the display spacer via display mount 724. In some embodiments, a rotational mount according to the present disclosure may be integrated with or replace the display mount 724. The bicycle 700 can include an additional display, such as a display that can be removably secured to the frame via a bracket (not shown). Any display may be mounted to the bicycle 700 using one or more rotational mounts according to the present disclosure, and may be supported at different locations on the bicycle, such as by the handlebar support 726 or near the handlebar support 726. To accommodate users of different sizes/statures and/or displays for multiple uses, it is advantageous for the display to be adjustably mounted on the exercise machine, for example, to enable repositioning of the display relative to the stationary frame of the exercise machine. Referring now back to fig. 1-4, some embodiments of a rotational mount for adjustably mounting a display to an exercise machine are shown and described.

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a rotational mount 10 according to the present disclosure. The swivel mount 10 is configured to rotatably couple a display (not shown) to a frame of an exercise machine. The rotational mount 10 includes a rigid arm 100 rotatably secured to a frame member 60 of an exercise machine (e.g., any of exercise machines 500, 600, or 700). The rigid arm 100 has a first end 102 configured to be mounted so as to remain in a fixed position relative to the display. In some embodiments, the first end 102 is secured to a rear side of a housing that at least partially surrounds or encloses the display. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 108 is fixed to (e.g., integrally formed with or rigidly coupled to, such as by welding, fusing, bolting, riveting, or other fastening means) the rigid arm at the first end 102 thereof. The mounting plate 108 is configured to be bolted or otherwise fastened (e.g., via fastening holes 118) to a rear side of the display housing (not shown in fig. 1) to fixedly couple the first end 102 of the rigid arm 100 to the display. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 108 may be integrally formed with the rear side of the display housing.

The second end 104 of the rigid arm 100 is rotatably coupled to the frame member 60. In some embodiments, the second end 104 forms a ball joint with the terminal end of the frame member 60. In the example of fig. 1, a spherical or spherical body 106 (also simply referred to as a sphere 106) is provided at the second end 104, and the sphere 106 is rotatably received in a cavity formed in the terminal end of the frame member 60. The second end 104 of the rigid arm 100 may thus also be referred to as the sphere end of the rigid arm 100. The arm 100 is implemented by an elongated rigid member, in this example shown as a substantially cylindrical rod 110. In some embodiments, the elongate member may be substantially hollow and may be referred to as a tube. The rod or tube need not have a circular cross-section as in the illustrated example, but may instead be rectangular, octagonal or have a different cross-sectional geometry. In some embodiments, the rigid arm 100 (e.g., the rod 110) may be substantially straight. In other embodiments, such as shown in fig. 1, the rigid arms 100 are curved in the longitudinal direction. The rigid arm may include at least one, and in some cases a plurality of bends along its length between the first and second ends. In the example of fig. 1, the first end portion 112 of the stem 110 extends from (e.g., perpendicular to) the rear side of the mounting plate 108. The second end portion 114 of the rod, which is coupled to the sphere 106, is arranged at an angle to the first end portion 112, in this case substantially perpendicular to the first end portion. The first end portion 112 is rigidly coupled to the second end portion 114 by an intermediate curved portion 116. In other embodiments, the intermediate portion 116 may define a sharper bend and/or form an apex where the first and second straight end portions meet. In another example, the arm 100 may have a different profile along its longitudinal direction, for example comprising a plurality of curved/arcuate portions, which may bend the rod out of plane.

The sphere 106 is received in a cavity formed in the terminal end of the frame member 60. In this example, the sphere 106, and thus the arm 100, is held in the cavity by a clamp or retaining member (shown here as retaining block 62). The cavity may have any suitable shape (e.g., hemispherical) to at least partially receive the sphere 106 therein (e.g., to receive a lower portion of the sphere 106). The retention block 62 has a first side facing the frame member 60 and a second opposite side 63 facing the first end 102 of the arm 100. The retention block 62 defines a variable diameter through bore 64 connecting the first side to the second side. The diameter of the through hole 64 at the first side is wide enough to accommodate the upper portion of the sphere 106. In some embodiments, the diameter of the through-hole 64 may be varied so as to define a substantially hemispherical cavity that fits over the upper portion of the sphere. The diameter of the through hole 64 on the second side is smaller than the diameter of the sphere 106 in order to retain the sphere in the cavity, but larger than the width of the second end 104 of the rod 110. Thus, the arm 100 is rotatably mounted to the frame member 60 in a manner that allows the arm 100, and thus the lower portion thereof, to rotate substantially freely in both planes, whereby the lower portion of the arm 100 can rotate to any position within the frustoconical envelope extending over the aperture 94. The ball joint allows multi-directional rotational movement at the spherical end of the rod, allowing the rod to rotate through a tapered range of motion. The diameter of the aperture 94 on the second face 63 of the retention block 62 may be selected so as to limit the width of the tapered range of rotational movement of the lever 110 (e.g., the wider the diameter, the wider the taper of rotation, and vice versa). Thus, turning the mount 10 enables the arm 100, and thus the display secured to the arm, to be repositioned to any desired position within the envelope of rotation relative to the frame member of the exercise machine due to the multidirectional rotation of the sphere 106 within the cavity of the frame member 60. Any suitable mechanism, such as friction, set screws, etc., may be used to limit or prevent rotation of the sphere 106 and thus movement of the arm at certain times, such as after adjusting the display to a new position/orientation and during exercise. For example, the exterior of the sphere 106 and/or the interior wall of the cavity may be configured to provide sufficient frictional resistance to rotation of the sphere 106 therein such that a greater force is required to move the arms of the swivel mount than the weight of the mounted display. In other examples, a set screw or similar pressing or clamping mechanism may selectively apply a force to the sphere 106 to reduce or prevent unwanted movement thereof relative to the cavity, thereby securing the rotational mount in a desired position/orientation. It should be noted that in other examples, the positions of the sphere 106 and the cavity may be reversed. In other words, the ball of the ball joint may be fixed to the terminal end of the frame member 60, and a cavity (or socket) may be formed at the lower terminal end of the arm 100.

Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a rotational mount 200 according to the present disclosure. Similar to the example in fig. 1, the swivel mount 200 includes an arm 100 that terminates at one end in a spherical body 106 and is configured to be secured at its opposite end to the rear side of the display (e.g., via a mounting structure). The arm 100 is similarly rotatably received by a frame member 60 (e.g., brace, front upright support, handle, etc.) of the exercise machine. However, in this example, the retaining member 65 is implemented by a cap 67 that is threadably coupled to the terminal end 61 of the frame member 60. The terminal end 61 of the frame member is cup-shaped defining a cavity 68 rotatably receiving a ball 108 therein. When the cap 67 is operatively coupled to the frame member 60, the open top side of the cup is at least partially enclosed by the cap 67. In this example, the cap 67, including the first threads 69 on an inwardly facing surface thereof, is sized to fit over the terminal end 61 of the frame member 60 and engage with the mating second threads 66 on an outwardly facing surface of the terminal end 61 for coupling the retaining member 65 to the frame member 60. Cap 67 defines a through passage 64 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of sphere 106 but larger than the diameter of the lower portion of the arm (also referred to as shaft 115) to allow shaft 115 to rotate substantially freely in two planes throughout the range of motion of the swept cone path. In the example of fig. 1 and 2, the sphere 106 is held in the cavity (e.g., cavity 68) by a retaining member that is positioned vertically above the cavity (i.e., above the terminal end 61) and thus vertically above the sphere 106. In other examples, the sphere 106 may be held in a cavity in the terminal end 61 by a holding member positioned vertically below the sphere 106, as shown, for example, in fig. 3 and 4.

The swivel mount 30 in fig. 3 has an arm 100 implemented by a curved rod 110 configured to be secured at one end to the back of a display housing (e.g., a display housing or bracket that removably supports a display). The rod 110 has a sphere 106 at its opposite lower end. The rod 110 has a bend 117 at an intermediate position between the first and second opposite ends of the rod. In other examples, the stem 110 may have two or more bends, which in some cases may have concave sides facing in opposite directions (e.g., a generally S-shaped stem). In other examples, the rod 110 may be substantially straight. In this example, the terminal end 61 of the frame member 60 defines a cavity 78 configured to receive the sphere 106 of the arm 100. For example, the frame member 60, or at least an upper portion thereof, may be implemented by a tube, and the cavity 78 is defined by an inner wall of the tube. Flange 72 extends radially inward from the top side of tube 73 to define a through bore 64 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of sphere 106 but larger than the diameter of shaft 115 to allow shaft 115 to rotate relative to terminal end 61 within a substantially conical range of motion. In this example, the base of the cavity 78 is defined by the retaining member 70, positioned below the sphere 106 and shown here as a lateral support 75 (e.g., a plate or pin) extending through the thickness of the frame member 60. The retaining member 70 in combination with the flange 72 limits or substantially prevents translation of the arm 100 (e.g., the shaft 115) in the axial direction (i.e., longitudinally along the length of the tube) while allowing the arm 100 (e.g., the shaft 115) to freely rotate within a range of conical motion. As in the previous example, when the display is secured to the arm 100 of the mount 30, the display does not move relative to the arm 100, but can be repositioned and/or rotated to any position/orientation permitted by the tapered range of motion of the shaft 115.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the swivel mount assembly, which is implemented in part by a capped tubular tip at the upper end of the frame member and a rigid arm rotatably mounted thereto. The swivel mount 40 includes a rigid arm 100 (e.g., a curved rod 110) having a sphere 106 at its lower end. As previously mentioned, in other embodiments, the positions of the ball and socket may be reversed, such as by securing the ball to the terminal end 61 of the frame member 60 and securing the cup-shaped structure to the lower end of the rigid arm 100. In fig. 4, the terminal end 61 of the frame member 60 is similarly configured to define a cavity 78, the top side of which is at least partially enclosed to prevent movement of the sphere 106 in an upward axial direction. The sphere 106 is held in the cavity 78 by a holding member 70, which in this example is realized by a pin 74 extending transversely to the frame member 60 towards the interior of the tube 73 and ending in a wedge 76. The wedge 76 has an angled upper side that faces the sphere 106 and engages the underside of the sphere 106 to prevent the sphere 106 from moving axially downward. Depending on the lateral position of the wedge within the tube, the wedge 76 may additionally be used to apply an adjustable amount of force to the underside of the sphere 106, which may be used to selectively and substantially fix the sphere in a particular rotational position when needed (e.g., after the rotational mount has been adjusted to a new desired position). Additionally or alternatively, resistance to rotation of the sphere 106 within the cavity 78 may be provided via other means (e.g., additional set screws, friction-increasing features, or a coating on the bearing surface of the rotary joint). A swivel mount according to the present disclosure may be used to mount a display (e.g., which may be integrated into or separate from a console) to virtually any type of exercise apparatus, such as, but not limited to, a cable machine, a rowing machine, a treadmill, or any of the examples shown in fig. 5-7.

An exercise machine according to any embodiment of the present disclosure may include a console 850 for controlling one or more operations of the exercise machine, and the console may be coupled to a frame of the exercise machine according to any example herein. In some embodiments, console 850 can be operable to display content and/or facilitate interaction with a user as the user exercises. The console 850 may be supported by the frame, such as by upright support members or braces extending from and/or above the base of the frame. The support structure supporting the console 850 may position the console 850 in a convenient location, such as a location where a user may access the controls of the console when exercising with the exercise machine and/or where a user may see the display during use of the exercise machine. In some embodiments, at least a portion of console 850, such as a display, may be removably mounted to the support structure. In some embodiments, the console 850 and/or the console support structure may be configured to adjust the vertical position, horizontal position, and/or orientation of the console or a component thereof (e.g., a display) relative to the rest of the frame.

Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of console 850. As shown, the console 850 may include one or more processing elements (or simply processors) 852, a memory 854, an optional network/communication interface 856, a power supply 858, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices 860. As discussed, console 850 may also include a display 862, which may implement display 180, or which may be a separate additional display. For example, the display 862 of the console 850 may be a touch sensitive display that serves as an input/output device, while the display 180 may be a passive display that in some cases may have a screen size that is larger than the screen size of the display 862 for providing content to the user while exercising. In other embodiments, both displays 180 and 862 may be passive displays, or both may be touch sensitive. In other embodiments, the functionality of the display 862 associated with the console 850 may be provided by the display 180. The various components of console 850 may communicate directly or indirectly with each other, such as via one or more system buses or other electrical connections, which may be wired or wireless.

The one or more processors 852 may be implemented by any suitable combination of one or more electronic devices (e.g., one or more CPU, GPU, FPGA, etc., or a combination thereof) capable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the one or more processors 852 may be implemented by a microprocessor, microcomputer, graphics processing unit, or the like. The one or more processors 852 may include one or more processing elements or modules that may or may not communicate with each other. For example, a first processing element may control a first set of components of console 850 and a second processing element may control a second set of components of console 850, where the first and second processing elements may or may not communicate with each other. Processor(s) 852 may be configured to execute one or more instructions in parallel, locally and/or across a network (e.g., through cloud computing resources or other networked electronic devices). Processor 852 may control various elements of the exercise machine including, but not limited to, a display (e.g., display 862).

The display 862 provides an output mechanism for the console 850, such as displaying visual information (e.g., images, video, and other multimedia, graphical user interfaces, notifications, workout data, workout programs and instructions, etc.) to the user, and in some cases may also be used to receive user input (e.g., via a touch screen, etc.), and thus also serves as an input device for the console. The display 862 may be an LCD screen, a plasma screen, an LED screen, an organic LED screen, or the like. In some examples, more than one display screen may be used. The display 862 may include or be otherwise associated with an audio playback device (e.g., a speaker or audio output connector) for providing audio data associated with any visual information provided on the display 862. In some embodiments, the audio data may alternatively be output via bluetooth or other suitable wireless connection.

The memory 854 stores electronic data such as audio files, video files, document files, programming instructions, media, buffer data for the execution of programs and/or streaming content, and the like, which may be utilized by the console 850. The memory 854 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., hard disk), an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an erasable programmable memory, a flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components. In some embodiments, the memory 854 may store one or more programs, modules, and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof. Programs and modules of memory 854 may include firmware and/or software such as, but not limited to, an operating system, a network communication module, a system initialization module, and/or a media player. The operating system may include programs for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware related tasks. In addition, the system initialization module may initialize other modules and data structures stored in the memory 854 for proper operation of the console. In some embodiments, the memory 854 may store exercise performance data (e.g., resistance level, tilt or incline data, cadence, power, user heart rate, etc.) obtained or derived from measurements by one or more sensors on the exercise machine in response to the processor 852. The memory 854 may store one or more exercise programs and instructions that cause the processor 852 to adapt one or more of the exercise programs based on the exercise performance data. The memory 854 may store the adapted one or more exercise programs and may then cause the processor 852 to control the operation of the exercise apparatus according to the adapted one or more exercise programs. For example, processor 852 may provide instructions to a user, e.g., via a display or other component of a console, for adjusting the configuration of the exercise apparatus (e.g., resistance level, adjust incline, allow or inhibit tilting, etc.) or the performance of the user (e.g., increase or decrease measuring the cadence or other parameter exhibited by the user) according to an adapted exercise program. In some embodiments, processor 852 may automatically, concurrently with, or alternatively to providing instructions, adjust the configuration of the exercise machine according to an adapted exercise program.

When provided, network/communication interface 856 enables console 850 to send and receive data to other electronic device directly and/or via a network. The network/communication interface 856 may comprise one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., wi-Fi, bluetooth, or other wireless transmitter/receiver, also referred to as a transceiver). In some embodiments, the network/communication interface may include a network communication module stored in the memory 854, such as an Application Program Interface (API), that interfaces and translates requests over the network between the network interface 856 and other devices on the network. The network communication module may be used to connect the console 850 via the network interface 856 to other devices (e.g., personal computers, laptops, smartphones, etc.) which communicate with one or more communication networks (wired or wireless) (e.g., the internet, other wide area network, local area network, metropolitan area network, personal area network, etc.).

The console 850 may also include and/or be operatively associated with a power supply 858. The power supply 858 provides power to the console 850. The power supply 858 may include one or more rechargeable batteries, one or more power management circuits, and/or other circuitry (e.g., an AC/DC inverter, a DC/DC converter, etc.) for connecting the console 850 to an external power source. In addition, the power supply 858 may include one or more types of connectors or components that provide different types of power to the console 850. In some embodiments, the power supply 858 may include a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus) that provides power to an external device such as a smart phone, tablet, or other user device.

One or more input/output (I/O) devices 860 allow console 850 to receive input and provide output (e.g., receive input from a user and provide output to a user). For example, the input/output device 860 may include a capacitive touch screen (e.g., a touch screen associated with the display 862), various buttons, knobs, dials, keyboards, styluses, or any other suitable user control. In some embodiments, the input may also be provided to the console (e.g., processor 852) via one or more biometric sensors (e.g., heart rate sensor, fingerprint sensor) that may be suitably disposed on the exercise machine, such as by placing them at one or more locations that may be touched by the user during exercise (e.g., on the handle or grip of the exercise machine). The input/output device 860 may include an audio input (e.g., a microphone or microphone jack). In some embodiments, the processor 858 may be configured to receive user input (e.g., voice commands) via audio input. One or more of the input/output devices 860 may be integrated with or otherwise co-located on the console. For example, certain buttons, knobs, and/or dials may be co-located with the display 862 (which may be a passive or touch sensitive display) and enclosed by the console housing. In some examples, one or more of the input devices (e.g., buttons for controlling volume or other functions of the console) may be located elsewhere on the exercise machine, e.g., separate from the display 862. For example, one or more buttons may be located on a portion of the handle and/or frame. One or more input devices (e.g., buttons, knobs, dials, etc.) may be configured to directly control settings of the exercise machine, such as resistance (or detent) settings, damper levels, or adjustable tilt dampers, etc. In some embodiments, one or more input devices may directly control the instrument settings, for example via a processor. For example, the input device 860 may be in communication with a controller, either directly or via the processor 852, that actuates a resistance mechanism or other mechanism on the exercise machine.

In some embodiments, one or more settings of the exercise machine may be adjusted by the processing element 852 based on an exercise sequence or program stored in the memory 854. In some examples, the exercise program may define a sequence of time intervals at which various resistance levels, tilt levels, and/or other settings of the exercise apparatus may be reconfigured (by the user). In some embodiments, console 850 may additionally or alternatively communicate an exercise sequence to the user, for example in the form of instructions (e.g., audio and/or visual) regarding the user's should adjust the configuration of the exercise apparatus to correspond to the timing and settings of the exercise program. In some embodiments, the exercise program may be adjusted over time (e.g., by processor 852) based on the exercise program or portion(s) thereof previously performed by the user. Console 850 may be configured to enable a user to interact with an exercise program, such as to manually adjust it and/or override it (e.g., for exercising in manual mode).

In some embodiments, the console may be configured to present stored or streamed video content (e.g., scenes that may be recorded and/or computer generated) independently of or concurrently with the exercise program, in some embodiments playback of which may be dynamically adjusted based on user actuation of movable components of the exercise apparatus. For example, as the user rotates the crank shaft faster, playback may accelerate to give the impression that the user is advancing in the scene, and conversely, as the user's cadence decreases, playback may slow down accordingly to mimic the user's slower pace or cadence. The scene may be presented from a vantage point of the user or from a different vantage point, such as behind or on the avatar of the user (i.e., a bird's eye view). In some embodiments, the exercise program and/or automatic control of the exercise apparatus may be implemented in synchronization with the displayed video. For example, the video may display a scene that includes flat and sloped terrain, and the resistance level of the exercise machine may be automatically adjusted, or adjusted as instructed by the user, to mimic the perception that the user is navigating terrain similar to that displayed in the video. The display may enable an interactive experience to be provided to a user, for example, by providing an interactive environment according to any of the examples herein. In some embodiments, the interactive environment may be implemented in accordance with any of the examples described in U.S. patent No.10,810,798 entitled "Systems and Methods for Generating 360Degree Mixed Reality Environment," which is incorporated herein by reference for any purpose.

Further examples of rotational mounts and their features for rotatably coupling a display to an exercise machine will be further described with reference to fig. 9-24. A swivel mount according to the present disclosure may include a first portion secured to a frame of a display or exercise machine. When referring to the mounting of one component to another component, the term fixed means that the two components are mounted rigidly such that they remain fixed relative to each other during normal use. The swivel mount assembly further includes a second portion secured to the other of the display and the frame. The first and second portions are operably coupled to form a rotatable joint having a rotational resistance mechanism (or simply a rotational brake). The resistance applied by the rotation brake is adjustable, allowing the rotation resistance to be reduced sufficiently (in the unlocked state) to allow the user to reposition the display. In embodiments herein, the engagement or coupling of the first and second portions may be achieved by a ball joint having a rotational resistance (or braking) mechanism that resists rotation of the ball. In some embodiments, the ball portion of the ball joint is fixed to the frame (e.g., as in the examples of fig. 9-17). In other embodiments, the ball portion of the ball joint is secured to the display (e.g., as in the examples of fig. 19-24). The swivel mount according to various examples may enable simultaneous rotation and height adjustment of the display when the swivel brake is in an unlocked state.

Fig. 9-11 illustrate an embodiment of a swivel mount assembly 900 for coupling a display (not shown) to a frame of an exercise machine. The swivel mount assembly 900 can be configured to couple a display to a terminal end 911 of an upright frame member 913 (e.g., the stay 722 of the bicycle 700 of fig. 7). In some such embodiments, a portion of the swivel mount assembly 900 is thus located at the terminal end 911 of the frame member 913. In other embodiments, the rotational mount assembly 900 may be positioned differently and appropriately on the frame of the exercise machine.

The swivel mount assembly 900 includes a first portion 901 configured to be secured to a display. That is, during normal use, the first portion 901 remains fixed relative to the display, including during use of the display and/or exercise machine and while the position of the display is being adjusted. The first portion 901 comprises a rigid arm 903 configured to be fixed to a display at a first end 907 thereof, for example via a mounting plate 905. In the example shown, a bracket 909 extends from the back of the mounting plate 905, and a rigid arm 903 is bolted (or otherwise rigidly mountable) to the bracket 909. In some embodiments, rigid arms 903 may be rigidly mounted (e.g., welded, bolted, integrally formed with, or otherwise rigidly joined) to plate 905 in any other suitable manner. The rigid arm 903 may extend in any suitable direction from the mounting plate 905 and terminate at its second end 908 in a spherical rigid body (or simply sphere) 904 (see fig. 10 and 11).

The second portion 921 of the swivel mount assembly 900 is coupled to a frame, such as to the terminal end 911 of the frame member 913. The second portion 921 defines a cavity 923 that operably receives the ball 904 and, thus, may be interchangeably referred to as a socket 921. The sphere 904 is at least partially received in the cavity 923 and is rotatable therein when the swivel mount assembly is in an adjustable (or unlocked) state. The socket 921 includes a resistance mechanism 902 that selectively resists rotation of the ball 904 when the rotational mount assembly is in the locked state. The resistance applied by the resistance mechanism 902 may be adjustable by a user. In this example, the cavity 923 is at least partially defined by a contoured upper portion 914 of the base member 916 and a contoured lower portion 918 of the cap member 920. In this example, the cap member 920 is movably coupled to the base member 916 and may also be referred to as a movable member or brake pad of the resistance mechanism 902. The cap member 920 defines a frustoconical through-hole 919 connecting the contoured lower portion 918 to opposite sides of the cap member 920, providing a passageway for the rigid arm 903 to pass through the cap member 920.

The base member 916 may be operatively coupled (e.g., press fit and/or otherwise secured) to the terminal end 911 of the frame member to provide a seat for the sphere 904. A cover 922 holds (or secures) the cap member 920 and the sphere 904 to the terminal end 911. The cap 922 is movably coupled to the terminal end 911, in this example, via cooperating threads 924 and 926 of the cap 922 and terminal end 911, respectively, and thus may be referred to as a screw cap. In some embodiments, at least one, or alternatively both, of the base member 916 and the cap member 920 are made of an elastic material (e.g., a hard durometer elastomer such as rubber). Moving the cap 922 toward the terminal end 911 (e.g., tightening a nut) moves the cap member (or brake pad) 920 toward the sphere 904, thereby increasing the pressure on the sphere, which frictionally increases the resistance to rotation of the sphere. Conversely, adjusting the cap 922 in the opposite direction (e.g., loosening the threaded cap) reduces the force applied to the sphere 904 via the brake pad, thereby reducing the rotational resistance on the sphere and allowing the rigid arm 903 to be repositioned to adjust the display. The cover 922 may be provided with a handle 928 or other profile (e.g., the periphery of the handle is shaped as a knob) to facilitate manual adjustment (e.g., tightening and loosening) of the cover 922 relative to the terminal end 911.

Fig. 12A-12C illustrate another example of a rotatable joint of a swivel mount assembly 1200 according to the present disclosure. Similar to the previous examples, a cavity accommodating the sphere 904 is defined by the upper member 1202 and the lower member 1204. However, in this example, the lower member 1204 moves relative to the frame member 913 and may be referred to as a brake pad. An upper member 1202 defining an upper portion of the cavity is secured to the terminal end 911, for example via an immovable cover 1206. A lower member (or brake pad) 1204 defining a lower portion of the cavity is selectively movable relative to the upper member 1202. At least one of the upper member 1202 and the lower member 1204 (e.g., a brake pad), and in some embodiments optionally both members 1202 and 1204, may be formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber or other suitable elastomer). Brake pad 1204 is movably coupled within the interior of frame member 913 via a link 1203. One end of the connecting rod 1205 of the connecting rod 1203 is pivotally coupled to the base of the brake pad 1204 (e.g., directly connected thereto or to a rigid base 1209 supporting the resilient brake pad). The other end of the connecting rod 1205 is pivotally coupled to the pop-pin 1220. The pop-pin 1220 includes a handle 1209 external to the frame member 913 that is fixedly coupled to an actuation link 1207 that extends laterally into the interior of the frame member 913. In use, actuation of the pop-pin 1220 away from the frame member 913 (e.g., by pulling on the handle 1209) moves the link 1207 laterally in a first direction, which pulls on the link 1205, causing the lower member 1204 to move downward (e.g., as shown in fig. 12B). In this position, the resistance to rotation of the sphere 904 is reduced and enables adjustment of the display. Conversely, when the pop-pin 1220 is pushed toward the frame member 913, the brake pad 1204 moves upward, pressing the sphere 904 against the upper member 1202, thereby increasing the rotational resistance and locking the rotation of the rotational mount assembly. In some embodiments, the pop-pin 1220 may be biased (e.g., via a spring) toward a locked position (e.g., where the pin is retracted toward the stay) such that, to release the locking mechanism and enable rotational adjustment of the display, a user may pull the pop-pin against the biasing force of the spring.

Fig. 13A-13C illustrate another example of a rotatable joint of a rotational mount assembly 1300 according to the present disclosure. In this example, a cavity that houses the sphere 904 is defined in part by an upper member 1302 and a lower member 1304 (or pad). The upper and lower pads 1302, 1304 are configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the frame member 913. In this example, rotational resistance is exerted on the sphere 904 by a side stop 1308 that presses the sphere 904 against a side member (or skirt) 1306. In some embodiments, the profile of the face 1311 of the side stop 1308 that presses against the sphere 904 may be provided in a shape complementary to the sphere 904 or any other suitable profile to apply the pressure or force required to bear against the sphere for frictionally resisting movement of the sphere 904. In other embodiments, face 1311 may be substantially planar. The upper and lower pads 1302, 1304 are spaced apart and positioned above and below the sphere 904, respectively. In some embodiments, one or both of pads 1302 and 1304 are made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber). Pads 1302 and 1304 may be arranged to contact the sphere 904, but the friction on the sphere 904 resulting from contact of the pads 1302 and 1304 alone may not be sufficient to substantially completely limit rotation of the sphere 904. In some embodiments, the frame member 913 may be implemented by a tube, and the rigid base 1309 may be disposed laterally near the terminal end of the tube to support the resilient lower pad 1304. The upper pad 1302 is secured to the ball 9004 by a securing cap 1312. In some embodiments, a skirt 1306 extends from one of the upper pad 1302 or lower pad 1304. In the example shown, the skirt 1306 is part of the upper pad 1302, but in other examples the skirt may instead be joined to the lower pad. In yet another example, the skirt may be provided in part by a downward extension of the upper pad and an upward extension of the lower pad. In yet another embodiment, the skirt may be formed separately from either of the two pads. The side stops 1308 are positioned at a peripheral location of the sphere 904 opposite the skirt 1306 and are movable toward or away from the sphere 904. When actuated by the handle 1307, the side stops 1308 move toward the ball, pressing the ball against the skirt 1306 to substantially secure the ball within the cavity and lock the rotational mount in place. Conversely, when the handle 1307 is actuated in the opposite direction, the force pressing the sphere 904 against the skirt 1306 is reduced so that the sphere 904 can rotate within the cavity. The handle may be operably coupled to the brace in any suitable manner to exert a force on the side stops, such as by threading into a lateral opening in the frame member 913 and/or by biasing toward the frame member 913.

Fig. 14-16 illustrate yet another example of a rotational mount assembly 1400 for rotatably coupling a display to an exercise machine. The swivel mount assembly 1400 includes a first portion 901 configured to be secured to a display and a second portion 921 that is secured to an exercise machine frame in use. The first portion includes a rigid arm 903, a display mounting plate 905 secured at one end 907 of the rigid arm 903, and a spherical body (or simply sphere) 904 secured to an opposite end 908 of the rigid arm 903. The mounting plate 905 may be secured (or rigidly attached) to the rigid arm in any suitable manner, such as by welding or bolting thereto, optionally using one or more arm support brackets 909. In this embodiment, as well as in any other embodiment of a ball-and-socket type rotatable joint, the sphere 904 may be formed separately from the rigid arm and rigidly fixed thereto (e.g., by bolting as shown in fig. 15), or the sphere may be integrally formed with the rigid arm. The ball 904 is operably engaged with the second portion 921 to form a ball joint whose rotational resistance is selectively varied by the resistance mechanism 1402. In this example, the ball portion (e.g., second portion 921) of the ball joint is implemented in part by a clamp 1421 configured to selectively resist rotation of the ball 904.

The second portion 921 (e.g., the clamp 1421) defines a cavity 923 that receives the sphere 904 (see fig. 15). In this example, the cavity 923 is substantially spherical and is defined in part by a first portion (e.g., side member 1421-1) and a second side (e.g., side member 1421-2 positioned opposite side member 1421-1) of the clip 1421 that are movably coupled to form the clip 1421. When assembled to the frame of the exercise machine, one of the first and second portions of the clamp (e.g., side member 1421-1) is secured to the frame and thus may be referred to as a securing member. The other of the first and second portions of the clip (e.g., side member 1421-2) is movably coupled to the frame and thus may be referred to as a movable member. The fixed member (e.g., side member 1421-1) may include a flange 1422 extending below the movable member (e.g., side member 1421-2), which may at least partially support the movable member.

In some embodiments, the movable member (e.g., side member 1421-2) is operably coupled to the fixed member via a screw 1423 that passes through the fixed member and terminates at the movable member. The screw 1423 may be threaded along at least a portion, and in some embodiments substantially the entire length, thereof such that at least a terminal end of the screw 1423 engages mating threads associated with a movable member (e.g., side member 1421-2). In some embodiments, mating threads may be provided on an inner wall of the channel 1425 of the movable member. In other embodiments, mating threads may be provided by a nut 1429, which may be partially received in a concentric recess 1428 on the outside of the movable member. In some embodiments, the channel 1427 may also include threads for threadably coupling a screw to a fixed side member of the clamp. A handle 1426 (e.g., a lever handle or knob handle) is provided at one end of the screw, e.g., at the end of the screw near the fixation member, to facilitate user actuation of the clamp 1421 (e.g., tightening and loosening of the screw). In use, when the screw 1423 is adjusted in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise as shown by arrow 1401), the screw moves out of the channel 1425, which brings the movable member (e.g., side member 1421-2) toward the sphere 904, thereby increasing the friction on the sphere and thus increasing the rotational resistance applied by the clamp 1421. Conversely, when the screw 1423 is adjusted in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise), the screw 1423 moves into the channel 1425, thereby moving the movable member (e.g., side 1421-2) away from the fixed member and the sphere, which reduces the rotational resistance of the sphere 904, thereby unlocking the swivel joint for adjustment.

Fig. 17 illustrates another example of a clamp 1710 configured to provide rotational resistance at a rotational joint of a rotational mount assembly 1700 according to the present disclosure. Clip 1710 includes a first side member 1712 and a second side member 1714. One of the side members (e.g., first side member 1712) is secured (e.g., welded or bolted) to the frame member 913. The other side member (e.g., second side member 1714) is movably coupled to the fixed side member. The first side member 1712 may be formed of a substantially rigid material and defines one side of the rotational cavity 923 for the sphere 904. The second side member 1714 defines the opposite side of the rotational cavity 923. At least a portion of the second side member 1714 (e.g., the portion that defines the cavity 923 and thus contacts the sphere 904) is formed of an elastic material, such as a hard durometer elastomer (e.g., rubber). The two side members of clip 1710 are held together by a rod 1719, which in some embodiments may be threadably coupled to one or both of the side members. For example, the rod 1719 can be a threaded rod or screw that passes through the channel 1725 of the first side member 1712 and is threaded into the second side member 1714 (e.g., to a rigid block 1717 operably associated with the second member 1714). The clamp block 1717 may be asymmetric (e.g., too long) about the axis of the screw such that when the screw is rotated, a greater force may be transferred to the sphere 904 through the resilient portion of the side member 1714. The stem 1719 can also be threadably coupled to the first side member 1712 and can operate similar to the clamp 1421 of the previous example. In other embodiments, the lever 1719 may be biased (e.g., by a spring) to a position corresponding to the locked position (e.g., in a direction away from the first side member 1712), and unlocking the clamp 1710 for adjustment may include pushing the lever 1719 toward the side member 1714 (e.g., via the handle 1726), which causes at least a portion of the second side member 1714 (e.g., the rigid block 1717) to move away from the side member 1712, thereby reducing the force acting on the sphere 904.

Fig. 18A and 18B illustrate another example of a ball and socket rotational mount 1800 according to the present disclosure that uses a clamping mechanism (or clamp) 1810 to selectively prevent rotation at a joint. In this example, the sphere 904 is fixed (e.g., welded or bolted via rigid arms 903) to the frame member 913 (e.g., to the terminal end of the brace 722). Thus, the sphere 904 remains in a fixed position relative to the frame when the display is adjusted. The clamp 1810 of the swivel mount 1800 is mounted to a display (not shown), for example, via mounting structure 1808. The clamp 1810 includes a first clamp arm 1811 that is fixed to the mounting structure 1810, and thus is referred to as a fixed clamp arm. The clamp 1810 includes a second clamp arm 1813 movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled thereto, and thus referred to as a movable clamp arm. Each of the first and second clamp arms 1811 and 1813 terminates in a respective clamp face (e.g., first and second clamp faces 1812 and 1814) that together define a cavity 923 in which a ball can be selectively rotatably received. The movable clamp arm may be pivotally coupled to the mounting structure via a handle pivot 1815 and may be actuated via a handle 1826, which may be connected to an end of the clamp arm 1813 opposite the clamp face 1814. The movable clamp arm is biased or tensioned (e.g., using one or more springs) toward a closed position in which the second clamp surface 1814 is urged toward the first clamp surface 1812. For example, a torsion spring 1817 may be operably engaged with the clamp arm 1813 at the handle pivot 1815. Additionally or alternatively, extension springs 1819 may connect the movable arm to the fixed arm at a location adjacent to clamping surfaces 1812 and 1814. The extension spring 1819 may be operably associated with a travel limiter, or the amount of clamping surface that allows separation may be otherwise suitably limited to prevent the display assembly (e.g., display and mount) from disengaging from the sphere 904. In some embodiments, a plurality of springs (e.g., torsion spring 1817 and extension spring 1819) may be used to provide sufficient clamping force on the sphere 904 and maintain the display in a set position.

Fig. 19 illustrates another example of a ball and socket rotational mount 1900 for rotatably coupling a display 1901 to a frame of an exercise machine. The sphere 904 is fixed to a frame (e.g., frame member 913) via a rigid arm 903. A mounting structure (e.g., plate 1908) is secured to the back of display 1901. Ball socket 1910 defines a substantially spherical rotational cavity 923 for ball 904. Ball socket 1910 may be implemented by two half shells 1912 and 1914 that are held together to define a substantially spherical cavity 923. The first housing 1912 is secured (e.g., welded) to the plate 1908, and the second housing 1914 may be operatively mounted to the first housing after the sphere 904 is mounted in the cavity 923. The arms 903 fixed to the sphere 904 extend through the slots 1931 defined by the ball socket, so that rotational adjustment of the display 1901 is limited by the size of the slots 1931. In some examples, a support member (e.g., plastic slider bushing 1933) may line the interior of the socket to provide a suitable rotatable interface between the ball and the socket. In some embodiments, rotation of the ball within the socket may be selectively resisted (e.g., by friction and/or a detent mechanism). In some embodiments, a stop mechanism may be used to align or urge the ball with respect to the socket in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions.

For example, one or more stops operably coupled to the ball socket to selectively engage the ball 904 may be used to selectively resist relative rotation between the ball socket (e.g., cavity 923) and the ball and/or urge the ball 904 into one of a plurality of discrete predetermined rotational alignments with the ball socket. Figures 20-24 illustrate several examples of ball and socket rotational mounts with a stop mechanism that facilitates alignment of the display into any of a plurality of discrete positions and prevents rotation when the stop is engaged. Fig. 20A and 20B show an isometric and exploded view of a ball and socket rotational mount 2000 with a single stop. Fig. 21A and 21B illustrate views of an exemplary ball and socket rotational mount 2200 with dual stops. Fig. 22-24 illustrate yet another example of a ball and socket rotational mount 2400 having dual stops. In various embodiments according to the present disclosure, any suitable number (e.g., two or more) of stops and/or other types of rotational resistance mechanisms may be used.

Referring to the example in fig. 20A and 20B, the rotational mount 2000 may include components similar to those of the rotational mount 1900. For example, sphere 904 may be secured to the frame of the exercise machine via rigid arm 903. The ball 904 is rotatably received in a substantially spherical cavity defined by a socket 2010 which in use is mounted to the display via a plate 2008. The socket 2010 is implemented as a clamp having a first clamp portion 2012 and a second clamp portion 2014. The first clip portion 2012 remains fixed relative to the structure to which it is mounted (e.g., to the display via the panel 2008) during any positional adjustment of the display, and thus is also referred to as a fixed clip portion. The second clamp portion 2014 is movably coupled to the first clamp portion 2012 and, thus, is also referred to as a movable (or moving) clamp portion. The first and second clamp portions 2012 and 2014, respectively, each have a contoured clamp surface that together define a cavity 923. For example, each of the clip portions 2012 and 2014 has a substantially hemispherical concave surface on a side facing the other clip portion such that together define a substantially spherical cavity 923. In some embodiments, a respective bushing 2033 having a corresponding (e.g., substantially hemispherical) shape is disposed between the respective contoured gripping surface and the sphere 904.

The movable clamp portion is actuated relative to the fixed clamp portion via a handle, which may be implemented as one or more rods or paddles 2037. In this example, two paddles 2037 are provided, each pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the plate 2008. However, in other examples, a single paddle or other suitable handle may be operably arranged with respect to the display mounting structure for actuating (e.g., disengaging) the movable clamp portion and/or stop, and thus selectively reducing the rotational resistance of the swivel mount. In this example, the stop 2040 is implemented as a single spherical stop comprising a stop ball 2042 that is operably engaged with (e.g., biased toward) the ball 904 of the rotational joint via a stop spring 2044 and is secured to the socket 2010 (e.g., to the second clamp portion 2014) via a fastener 2041 (e.g., a bolt or any other suitable fastener).

The second clamp portion 2014 is movably coupled to the first clamp portion 2012 via one or more posts 2035, which in this embodiment extend from the second clamp portion 2014 into the first clamp portion 2012 and are connected to a side 2013 of the first clamp portion 2012 opposite to a side facing the second clamp portion 2014. One or more posts 2035 protrude from the side 2013 of the first clamp portion 2012 and are coupled to the side via nuts or other suitable fasteners. The second clamp portion 2014 is biased to a closed position in which the second clamp portion 2014 is urged toward the first clamp portion 2012. For example, the second clamp portion 2014 may be biased toward the first clamp portion 2012 via a respective coil spring 2037 operatively associated with each post 2035. Each spring 2037 may be positioned between the nut and the side 2013 axially above the protruding portion of the corresponding post 2035 so as to resist axial movement of the post 2035 and, thus, movement of the second clamp portion 2014 away from the first clamp portion 2012. Each paddle 2050 has a first lever end 2052 proximate to a fulcrum 2053 that is operably positioned to engage (e.g., push) a corresponding post 2035 when the paddle 2050 is actuated. The opposite second lever end 2054 of the paddle 2050 may extend away from the fulcrum, and in some cases toward (up to) or beyond the perimeter of the display, so that a user may conveniently manually actuate the paddle 250 without having to reach behind the display (e.g., pivot it about the axis of the fulcrum 2053, which in this example is oriented in a vertical direction), to release the lock on the rotational mount.

In this example, the stop mechanism 2040 is implemented as a spherical stop configured to engage any of a plurality of stop notches 2041 formed in the surface of the ball 904 of the rotary joint. The stopper notches 2041 may be arranged (e.g., regularly spaced) in one or more rows (or tracks) along the surface of the sphere 904 in a regular pattern. The stop notch 2041 may travel in vertical and/or horizontal tracks depending on the desired rotational adjustability provided by the rotational mount 2000. Any suitable number of notches 2041 in any desired pattern may be used based on the desired rotational adjustability of the rotary joint. It should be appreciated that each single notch 2041 defines a rotational position for the sphere 904, and thus the number and pattern of notches 2041 define a plurality of predetermined orientations to which the display may be adjusted. In use, when the second lever end 2054 of the paddle 2050 is actuated (e.g., pivoted toward the display), the first lever end 2052 pivots toward the clamp 2010, thereby pressing the corresponding post 2035 rearward (i.e., away from the plate 2008). This causes the second clamp portion 2014 to displace rearward and away from the first clamp portion 2012, thereby reducing the resistance to rotation on the sphere 904 exerted by the clamp and stop mechanism 2040. After adjusting the display to the desired orientation by rotating the display and socket relative to the ball, the user releases one or more paddles to return the second clamping portion and stop mechanism to engagement with the ball 904. As described above, the stop mechanism 2040 facilitates alignment of the display into any of a plurality of discrete rotational positions defined by different stop recesses due to the discrete stop recesses in the sphere 904.

In some embodiments, in addition to enabling intermediate rotational adjustment of the display in either landscape or portrait mode, the swivel mount is also configured to facilitate switching between landscape and portrait modes of the display (e.g., by rotating the display 90 degrees). Referring to the example in fig. 21A and 21B, the rotational mount 2100 is implemented similarly to the rotational mount 2000 and has many of the same features. For example, the rotational mount includes a socket 2210 formed by first and second clamp portions 2212 and 2214, respectively, wherein one of the first and second clamp portions moves relative to the other in response to actuation of a handle (e.g., one or more paddles 2050). When installed, the plate 2008 is secured to the rear of the display and is held in a fixed relationship with the rear of the display with the first clamp portion. The second clamping portion is actuated away from the first clamping portion by operating one or more paddles. Socket 2110 includes a slot extending from the bottom to at least one side 2111 thereof. The slot 2131 is defined in part by a first cutout in the first clamp portion 2112 and a second cutout in the second clamp portion 2114, the two cutouts abutting each other at an interface between the two clamp portions to form a slot 2131 that receives the rigid arm 904 when the rotational mount is disposed in a longitudinal orientation. The stop mechanism (or simply, stop) 2140 of the rotational mount 2100 is a double sphere stop that includes a first stop 2140-1 and a second stop 2410-2 spaced apart from one another. The first and second stops 2140-1 are aligned substantially vertically when the display is in a landscape orientation and substantially horizontally when the display is rotated to a portrait orientation. The stop mechanism is supported by the socket and thus as the socket rotates about the ball 904. Each of the first and second stops 2140-1 and 2410-2 may be implemented by the example ball stop mechanism 2040 in fig. 20B.

Fig. 24-26 illustrate yet another example of a rotational mount 2200 with a double ball stop. In this example, the ball 904 has a plurality of stop recesses 2241, which in this example are arranged on the surface of the ball 904 in a pattern similar to the dimple pattern of a golf ball. The stop recess 2241 may encompass substantially the entire surface of the ball element 904, or at least that portion of the surface that is within the range of rotation of the swivel joint. In this example, the stop notch 2241 extends over the entire perimeter of the sphere 904, including the surface of the sphere 904 within the cavity 923 when the rotational mount is in the nominal (with the screen generally vertical) lateral position. Similar to rotational mount 2100, rotational mount 2200 uses a double sphere stop that can make alignment of the display to a landscape or portrait orientation easier. The dual ball stops include a first ball stop 2240-1 and a second ball stop 2240-2 that are vertically spaced apart when the display is in the landscape orientation. Ball stops 2240-1 and 2240-2 are operably coupled to second clamp portion 2214, which is movably coupled to first clamp portion 2212 similar to the previous examples. In other examples, the location of the stop may be different, e.g., coupled to the first clamp portion.

In this example, the ball 2210 of the ball joint is similarly implemented by two clamping portions, including a first clamping portion 2212 that remains fixed to the display during adjustment and a movable second clamping portion 2214. In this example, and as seen in fig. 22 and 23A-23B, the second clamp portion 2214 is movably coupled to the first clamp portion 2212 via two sets of screws, including a set of first screws 2261 that bias the second clamp portion 2214 toward the first clamp portion 2212 and a set of second screws 2263 that operably couple the second clamp portion to a handle (e.g., paddle 2050). Each of the first screws 2261 passes through a respective passage of the second clamping portion 2212 and terminates (or is fixed) into the first clamping portion 2212. Each first screw 2261 extends beyond the rear side of the second clamping portion 2214, with the screw 2261 engaging a respective spring 2262 to exert a biasing force on the second clamping portion 2214 to urge the second clamping portion 2214 toward the first clamping portion 2212. The second screw 2263 is secured to the second clamp portion 2214 so as to move with the second clamp portion 2214 when the rotational resistance mechanism (e.g., clamp) is actuated. One or more paddles 2050 are operably coupled to second clamp portion 2214 via second screw 2263 for temporarily reducing the force applied by the clamp, thereby allowing rotation of display and socket 2210 relative to ball 904. Each of the second screws 2263 extends from the second clamp portion 2214 and terminates (or is fixed) into a respective link 2052 that is pivotally coupled to a first lever end of a respective paddle 2050, each paddle being pivotally coupled to the first clamp portion 2212 at a respective one of a pivot joint or fulcrum 2053. When no force is applied to the paddle 2050, the rotary joint is in the locked position shown in fig. 23A, in which the second lever end 2054 of the paddle 2050 is pivoted away from the plate 2208 and display, and the first lever end including the link 2052 is closer to the plate 2208 and display. To operate the swivel joint, the user applies a manual force on the paddle 2050, pulling the second lever end 2054 toward the display. This causes the first lever end to push the second screw 2063 via the connecting link 2052 and, thus, the second clamp portion 2214 secured to the second screw away from the first clamp portion. The thrust force applied to the second clamping portion 2214 by the paddle 2050 acts against the biasing force of the spring 2262. As paddle 2050 is held toward the display, the rotational resistance of socket 2210 relative to ball 904 decreases, and thus the user may rotate the display to the other of the predetermined (through the notch) rotational positions. Once rotated to the desired position, the user releases the paddle 2050 and the rotational resistance mechanism (e.g., clamp) reengages the sphere 904, wherein the stop 2240 helps align (e.g., snap or snap) the display to one of the predetermined rotational positions.

Fig. 25 and 26 illustrate another example of a rotatable display mount assembly 2500 that enables the orientation and height of a display to be changed. The rotatable display mount assembly 2500 is implemented with a combination of a four bar linkage and a rotatable joint. The rigid arm 2505 (or interchangeable display post 2502) is rotatably coupled to a terminal end 2504 of a frame member 2506 of the exercise machine (e.g., a strut 722 of the exercise bicycle 700, only the handle bar 718 of which is shown in fig. 25-26). Display post 2502 may be implemented in part by a substantially solid body or by an at least partially hollow rigid structure (e.g., a tube having any suitable cross-sectional geometry). In some embodiments, the rotatable coupling 2508 between the lower end of the post 2502 and the terminal end 2504 of the frame member 2506 is a single axis swivel (e.g., a shaft and support combination) that allows the post 2502 to rotate about its axis but limits all other degrees of freedom of the post 2502. In such embodiments, a friction bushing connected to post 2502 or frame member 2506 may be used to rotatably couple display mount assembly 2500 to the frame of the exercise machine. In other embodiments, the rotatable coupling 2508 can be a swivel joint that allows the rod 2502 to swivel (e.g., within a cone-shaped range of motion) relative to the terminal end 2504 of the frame member 2506. Any suitable rotational joint that provides rotational resistance may be used, such as any of the ball joints described herein.

Four bar linkage 2510 is operably associated with the upper end of display post 2502. A first end of main link 2512 is mounted (e.g., rigidly) to display 701. The main link 2512 may be implemented as an angled rigid member having a first section 2512-1 extending from a first end 2513-1 of the main link to a first main link pivot 2514, and a second section 2512-2 at a fixed angle to the first section 2512-1 and extending from the first main link pivot 2514 to a second end 2513-2 of the main link 2512. Second main link pivot 2515 is provided at second end 2513-1 of main link 2512.

Each of the pair of support links 2522 and 2524 is pivotally connected to column 2502 at a respective one of first and second main link pivot portions 2514 and 2515. That is, the first support link 2522, which may be implemented as an elongated rigid member, is pivotally connected at one of its ends to the first main link pivot 2514. A second support link 2524, which may similarly be implemented as an elongated rigid member, is pivotally connected at one end to the second main link pivot 2515. Opposite ends of each of the first and second support links 2522 and 2524 are pivotally connected to display post 2502 at two spaced apart locations a and B defining a fourth (or base) link 2526. More specifically, first support link 2522 is pivotally connected to post 2502 at a first pivot location a, forming a first base pivot 2527. The second support link 2526 is pivotally connected to the post 2502 at a second pivot location B, forming a second base pivot 2529. The second pivot position B can move within a concentric arc relative to the first pivot position a, and the second base pivot portion 2529 can therefore be interchangeably referred to as a concentric pivot portion. Movement of the second pivot position B is limited by a concentric arcuate slot 2530 formed in the lever 2502. Each pivot (e.g., main link pivot 2514 and 2516, and base pivot 2517 and 2519) may be provided by a pin joint. In the case of concentric pivots, the pin of the joint is operably associated with the arcuate slot 2530 such that the pin can slide along the slot as the four-bar linkage moves.

In this example, four-bar linkage 2510 includes four links (i.e., main linkage 2512, two support links 2522 and 2524, and a base link 2526 not provided by the upper end of the column) that are operably coupled to each other such that they move about pivot position a when adjusting the position of the display. To adjust the position of the display, the display mount assembly is rotated at the rotatable joint 2504 from a first orientation (e.g., an instrument-facing orientation of the display facing the exercise machine, as shown in fig. 25) to a second orientation (e.g., an outward-facing orientation of the display facing away from the machine, as shown in fig. 26), or to any other intermediate orientation between the two illustrated orientations. The height of the display may be adjusted (e.g., raised or lowered) by movement of the four bar linkage. By using rotational resistance at one of the four bar link pivots (e.g., friction bushings at the first base pivot 2527 or any other pivot), resistance to movement of the four bar link may be provided. The term link as used in the context of describing this or other links in this disclosure refers to any suitable rigid member that may be used as a rigid link.

The use of a rotatable (or in some embodiments, rotatable) arm or post 2502 in combination with a four bar linkage 2505 (particularly a four bar linkage having four movable links fixed to a frame at only one of the pivot points) that couples the upper end of the post to the rear side of the display may advantageously provide a wide range of adjustability for the position and orientation of the display. In this example, the combination of structural elements may also provide a greater offset of the display from the exercise machine, such as when positioned in a facing away position, e.g., for use away from the exercise machine, which may be advantageous because the user may be able to stand further (e.g., a safer or more practical distance from the exercise machine) while still being able to comfortably view the display.

Combinations of the present invention are further disclosed in the paragraphs listed below:

A1. a display mount assembly of an exercise machine having a base that supports the exercise machine in a fixed position relative to a support surface, the display mount assembly comprising:

a frame member extending over the base of the exercise machine;

a cavity in the upper terminal end of the frame member;

A rigid arm rotatably received in the cavity, wherein the rigid arm is configured to be rigidly coupled to a rear side of a display at a first end thereof such that the display remains in a fixed position relative to the rigid arm when the display is coupled to the rigid arm, and wherein the rigid arm comprises a sphere at a second end thereof, the sphere rotatably received in the cavity; and

a retaining member is operatively associated with the upper terminal end and positioned across the cavity to substantially prevent movement of the sphere along the length of the frame member while allowing rotation of the sphere in multiple directions in the cavity.

A2. A display mount assembly according to paragraph A1, wherein the retaining member comprises a block positioned across a top side of the cavity and secured to the frame member to retain the sphere therein.

A3. The display mount assembly of paragraph A1, wherein the retaining member comprises a cap threadably coupled to a terminal end of the frame member.

A4. The display mount assembly of paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the retaining member defines a through hole that receives the rigid arm therethrough, wherein a diameter of the hole is smaller than a diameter of the sphere and larger than a diameter of the second end of the rigid arm.

A5. A display mount assembly according to paragraph A1, wherein the retaining member is positioned below the sphere and defines a base of the cavity.

A6. A display mount assembly according to paragraph A5, wherein the terminal end of the frame member comprises a tube defining an interior channel, wherein the retaining member comprises a pin extending through a thickness of the tube and a wedge secured to an end of the pin in the interior channel.

A7. The display mount assembly of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the rigid arm comprises a curved portion.

B1. An exercise machine, comprising:

a display at least partially enclosed by the housing;

a frame comprising a base supporting the exercise machine in a fixed position relative to a support surface and a frame member extending above the base; and

a display mount according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure rotatably couples a housing to a frame member.

B2, the exercise machine of paragraph B1, wherein the display mount comprises a rigid arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the housing, and wherein the second end is rotatably coupled to a terminal end of the frame member to form a ball joint therewith, whereby the display is repositionable relative to the frame member in response to rotation of the ball joint while the display remains in a fixed position relative to the rigid arm.

B3. An exercise machine according to paragraph B2, wherein the rigid arm comprises a sphere at the second end, and wherein the terminal end of the frame member defines a cavity sized to at least partially receive the sphere therein.

B4. An exercise machine according to paragraph B3, wherein the depth of the cavity is less than the diameter of the sphere.

B5. An exercise machine according to paragraph B3, wherein the depth of the cavity is equal to or greater than the diameter of the sphere.

B6. An exercise machine according to paragraph B1, wherein the ball is substantially prevented from moving along the length of the frame member at least in part by a retaining member operatively coupled to the terminal end.

B7. An exercise machine according to paragraph B6, wherein the retaining member is positioned above the ball.

B8. An exercise machine according to paragraph B7, wherein the retaining member defines an aperture having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the sphere and greater than the width of the rigid arm at the second end, and wherein the rigid arm passes through the aperture and is free to move within the aperture.

B9. An exercise machine according to paragraph B6, wherein the retaining member is threadably coupled to the terminal end.

B10. An exercise machine according to paragraph B6, wherein the retaining member is positioned below the ball.

B11. An exercise machine according to paragraph B6, wherein the retaining member comprises a wedge configured to engage the ball and prevent rotation of the ball in the cavity.

All references to relative and directional references (including upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, sides, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are made by way of example to aid the reader in understanding the specific embodiments described herein. They are not to be interpreted as requirements or limitations, particularly as to position, orientation or use, unless specifically recited in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, etc.) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Accordingly, unless specifically recited in the claims, a connective reference does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments are taught by way of example and not limitation. Accordingly, the matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The appended claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, and all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A display mount assembly of an exercise machine having a display and a base that supports the exercise machine in a fixed position relative to a support surface, the display mount assembly comprising:

a frame member extending over the base of the exercise machine;

a rigid arm having a first end and a second end, wherein a sphere is secured to the rigid arm at one of the first end and the second end of the rigid arm, wherein the other of the first end and the second end of the rigid arm is secured to one of a terminal end of the frame member or a rear side of the display, wherein the other of the terminal end of the frame member or the rear side of the display defines a socket configured to rotatably receive the sphere; and

a rotational resistance mechanism is operatively associated with the socket to selectively resist relative rotation of the ball in the socket in response to manipulation by a user.

2. The display mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the rigid arm is fixed to the display and the socket is defined by the terminal end of the frame member.

3. The display mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the terminal end of the frame member is a tube, and wherein the socket is provided at least in part by a first member received in the tube such that the first member is positioned below the sphere and a second member received in the tube and positioned above the sphere.

4. The display mount assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member is movable relative to the other of the first member and the second member.

5. The display mount assembly of claim 4, wherein the first member is secured to a nut that is threadably coupled to the terminal end via a nut.

6. The display mount assembly of claim 4, wherein the second member is secured to a plate within the tube, the display mount assembly further comprising an actuator configured to move the second member and the plate along a length of the tube.

7. A display mount assembly according to claim 3 wherein the first member has a tapered bore extending through the thickness of the first member to a side of the first member facing the second member.

8. The display mount assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member comprises a resilient pad.

9. A display mount assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a third member arranged to contact a side of the sphere between the first member and the second member.

10. The display mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the socket is provided by a clamp having a first clamp portion secured to the terminal end of the frame member and a second clamp portion movably coupled to the first clamp portion, wherein opposing faces of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion each include a recessed cavity, and wherein the recessed cavities of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion together define a generally spherical cavity configured to at least partially receive the sphere therein.

11. The display mount assembly of claim 10, wherein opposing faces of at least one of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion comprise an elastic material.

12. The display mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the rigid arm is fixed to the frame member and the ball socket is fixed to the display.

13. The display mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket is provided by a clamp having a first clamp portion secured to one of the terminal end of the frame member and the display and a second clamp portion movably coupled to the first clamp portion, wherein opposing faces of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion together define a generally spherical cavity configured to at least partially receive the sphere therein.

14. The display mount assembly of claim 13, further comprising a handle configured to actuate the second clamp portion away from the first clamp portion.

15. The display mount assembly of claim 14, wherein the handle comprises a rod passing through the first clamping portion and terminating in the second clamping portion.

16. The display mount assembly of claim 14, wherein the handle comprises a pair of paddles having first ends positioned to engage opposite sides of the second clamp portion and having second ends extending to opposite sides of the display.

17. The display mount assembly of claim 16, further comprising at least one detent mechanism operably engaged with the clamp and the sphere to urge the sphere toward one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions.

18. The display mount assembly of claim 17, wherein the stop mechanism comprises at least one ball stop, and wherein the ball comprises a plurality of notches, each notch configured to operably engage with the at least one ball stop.

19. The display mount assembly of claim 18, wherein the stop mechanism comprises two ball stops coupled to the second clamp portion at two spaced apart locations, each of the two ball stops configured to operably engage with the plurality of notches.

20. The display mount assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp is configured to enable positioning of the display in a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation.

21. The display mount assembly of claim 19, wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion together define a slot extending to a side of the clamp, the slot sized to receive the rigid arm therein.

22. A stationary exercise machine comprising a plurality of movable members configured to be driven by user force, a frame supporting the plurality of movable members on a support surface, and a display rotatably mounted to the frame using a display mount assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the plurality of movable components includes a wheel rotated by a pair of cranks operably coupled to opposite sides of the wheel, and wherein the frame member is a brace extending from the base of the exercise machine.