US20020137601A1

US20020137601A1 - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20020137601A1
Application number: US10/094,926
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Tobias; Vincent Zarlengo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Thane International Inc
Priority date: 2001-03-23
Filing date: 2002-03-11
Publication date: 2002-09-26

Abstract

A stationary exercise device includes a drive mechanism attached to a supporting frame. A pair of foot pedals are attached to crank shafts extending from a crank wheel of the drive mechanism for actuating the drive mechanism. Handlebars extend upwardly with respect to the frame in either a stationary position within a holder attached to the frame, or within vertical tubes associated with the foot pedals to promote upper body exercise. A fan wheel of the drive mechanism is operatively connected to the crank wheel and includes a plurality of fins extending therefrom and configured to circulate air. A cover is positioned over the fan wheel and has a series of slots formed in an outer surface thereof for directing the circulated air onto an exerciser using the device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/278,133, filed Mar. 23, 2001.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to exercises devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise device capable of exercising the lower and upper body simultaneously, and directing air generated by the device onto a rider of the device.

With the progress of modern time and the promotion of quality of life, people attach more and more importance to sport and leisure in addition to their work. Many people prefer to exercise outdoors by running, bicycling, etc. Aside from the interesting scenery experienced while exercising outdoors, there is a cooling effect felt by the wind generated as the exerciser moves freely.

However, many people are involved with indoor gym devices replacing outdoor sport activities due to convenience time, weather, etc. At present, there are a number of gym devices which provide a cardiovascular workout while exercising various muscle groups. For example, there exist many varieties of stationary exercise bicycles which provide a cardiovascular workout and exercise muscles in the legs of the user. Yet other devices, often referred to as stair-steppers, are operated by standing on the device and making repetitive stepping motions. Once again, this provides an adequate cardiovascular workout and exercises various leg muscles.

However, there are very few exercise devices which provide a cardiovascular workout while exercising muscles of both the upper and lower body. It would be advantageous to provide such an exercise device in which the user could stand erect and operate the device by a walking or running movement, while simultaneously exercising the upper body muscles. There is also a continuing need for an exercise device which simulates the wind effect of exercising outdoors, and which cools the rider of the device during use. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a stationary exercise device which provides a cardiovascular workout while exercising muscles of the lower body with the option of also exercising the muscles of the upper body. The exercise device also includes means for generating an air stream across the rider during operation of the device.

The exercise device includes a drive mechanism attached to a supporting frame. The drive mechanism includes a crank wheel having a pair of crank shafts extending therefrom and attached to a pair of foot pedals for actuating the drive mechanism. The crank wheel is operatively connected to a fan wheel via a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a sprocket of a transmission gear. A belt rotatably extends between a fly wheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel. The drive mechanism includes a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for adjusting the tension of the device.

The fan wheel includes an axle interconnecting opposing fly wheels having curved, radial fins extending axially therefrom and configured to circulate air. A cover having a series of slots formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof is rotatably positioned over each fly wheel for selectively directing the circulated air generated by the fins of each fly wheel onto an exerciser using the device. Each cover can be rotated to direct the circulated air onto the exerciser, or away from the exerciser as dictated by the desires of the exerciser using the device.

A generally horizontal shaft extends from each foot pedal, and a generally vertical tube extends upwardly from an end of the horizontal shaft generally opposite the foot pedal. The vertical tube is configured to removably receive handlebars extending upwardly with respect to the frame to provide upper body movement of the exerciser during use of the device. Preferably, the handlebars are adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the handlebars to accommodate exercisers of different heights and body types. The device also includes a holder having two sleeves attached to the frame and configured to removably receive and support the handlebars in a stationary position during operation of the device if an upper body workout is not desired.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: [0011]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stationary, exercise device embodying the present invention; [0012]
FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the exercise device, with a drive mechanism thereof in tact; [0013]
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise device, illustrating the various components thereof; [0014]
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, illustrating a rotatable cover and fan wheel having a plurality of fins which generates air for circulation; [0015]
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, illustrating the direction of generated air by the device; and [0016]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exercise device, wherein handlebars thereof are positioned for movement. [0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with an exercise device, generally referred to by the [0018] reference number 10. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the device 10 includes a support frame 12 having a generally I-shaped base 14, a generally T-shaped front support 16, and a support bar 18 extending between a rear portion of the base 14 and an upper portion of the front support 16.
A [0019] housing 20 substantially encloses a drive mechanism 22 which is anchored along the support bar 18. A crank wheel 24 is rotatably connected to the frame 12 by bearings or the like. Crank arms 26 extend from the crank wheel 24 and are attached to foot pedals 28 so that as the foot pedals 28 are operated by the user, the crank wheel 26 is rotated. The crank wheel 24 is preferably sprocketed so as to engage a chain 30 which is interconnected between the crank wheel 24 and a sprocket wheel 32 of a transmission gear 34. The transmission gear includes an axle 36 extending through the sprocket wheel 32 and into a fly wheel 38, typically placed on an opposite side of the support bar 18 from the sprocket wheel 32. A belt 40 interconnects the fly wheel 38 of the transmission gear 34 to a rotatable fan wheel 42. Thus, as the exerciser operating the device moves the foot pedals 28, the crank wheel 24 rotates causing chain 30 to move sprocket wheel 32, in turn rotating fly wheel 38, and fan wheel 42 via belt 40. A tensioning mechanism 44 includes a knob 46 extending from the housing and which can be turned by an operator of the device 10 for increasing the tension upon the belt 40, as is well-known in the art, in order to alter the level of difficulty in operating the device 10.
The [0020] fan wheel 42 is comprised of two fly wheels 48 and 50 interconnected by a rotatable axle 52 extending through a bearing assembly or the like on the support bar 18 of frame 12. Typically, the belt 40 wraps around the axle 52 in order to move the entire fan wheel 42. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each fan wheel fly wheel 48 and 50 includes a plurality of spaced apart radial fins 54 which extend outwardly along the axis of the axle 52, and which are configured to generate and circulate air flow. Preferably, each fin 54 is of curved configuration, as illustrated, to enhance the generation of circulated air while the rider pedals in a forward direction. Although the fins 48 generate a degree of wind resistance, and thus a small amount of tension in the device 10, it is primarily the tensioning mechanism 44 which dictates the freedom of rotation of the drive mechanism 22. Instead, it is the purpose of the fins 54 of the fan wheel 42 to generate and circulate air flow, as will be described more fully herein.
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, generally ring-[0021] shaped covers 56 and 58 extend through the housing 20 and surround the fins 54 of the fan wheel fly wheels 48 and 50. Openings 60 are formed through an interior surface thereof to allow the introduction of air into the fan wheel fly wheel 48 or 50. A series of slots 62 are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cover 56 or 58 and are configured to direct the circulated air generated by the fins 54 in a particular direction. Typically, the slots 62 are oriented towards the position of the exerciser using the device 10 so as to generate air flow over the exerciser and simulate outdoor wind to cool and otherwise comfort the exerciser during operation of the device 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5. However, the covers 56 and 58 are preferably rotatably positioned over the fly wheels 48 and 50 so that the exterior slots 62 can be rotated away from the user of the device 10 so as to not generate this effect. The apertures 60 and slots 62 and fins 54 can be designed such so as to create a desired audible sound during operation of the device 10 as well.
A [0022] holder 64 having internal apertures or sleeves 66 extending therethrough is attached to the T-front support 16 of the frame 12 for removably receiving and holding handlebars 68 in a stationary position at the front of the device 10. Typically, the handlebars 68 include a series of apertures along a lower length thereof into which a thumbscrew 70 or the like can be inserted in order to adjust the position of the handlebars 68 within the holder 64 to accommodate for the height of the user of the device 10. Ball/detent systems or the like may also be used to adjust the height within the holder 64.
With particular reference now to FIGS. 3 and 6, generally [0023] horizontal shafts 72 extend from the foot pedals 28. Vertical hollow tubes 74 are pivotally attached to the ends of the horizontal shafts 72 opposite the foot pedals 28. The tubes 74 include horizontally oriented sleeves 76 which can be placed over ends 78 of the T-shaped front support 16 which have a reduced diameter to accept the sleeves 76 and allow the vertical bar 74 to pivot in a reciprocal fashion as the pedals 28 are operated. The handlebars 68 can be removed from the holder 64 and inserted into the hollow tubes 74. Preferably, the vertical tubes 74 include a series of apertures which can be aligned with the apertures of the handlebars 68 for the insertion of the thumbscrew 70, or other height adjusting system as is well-known in the art. Inserting the handlebars 68 into the hollow tubes 74 allow the user to grasp the handlebars 68 and obtain an upper body workout when operating the device 10.
In order to operate the [0024] device 10, a user places his or her feet upon the foot pedals 28 and grasps the handlebars 68. The user then pedals to simulate a walking or running motion. Moving the foot pedals 28 actuates the drive mechanism 22, as described above, to generate and direct circulated air through the slots 62 of the covers 56 and 58. If the handlebars 68 are placed within vertical tubes 74, the user can push one handlebar 68, while simultaneously pulling the other handlebar 68 with the other arm. The movement of the handlebars 68 and pedals 28 dictate the speed at which the user operates the device 10. As described above, the operation of the device 10 can remain easy or more difficult by adjusting the tensioning mechanism 44, typically by turning knob 46. In this manner, the user of the device 10 is provided a cardiovascular workout while exercising the legs, buttocks, arms and shoulder areas of the body simultaneously. The operator of the device 10 also experiences a refreshing and cooling wind directed from the cover slots 62. If the user does not desire to have such circulated air directed at him or her, the covers 56 or 58 can be rotated so that the slots 62 are directed away from the user of the device 10. The device 10 may also include a timer, or computer display 80 which would indicate the tensioning level, distance traveled, heart rate, etc.
Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims. [0025]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A stationary exercise device, comprising:

a supporting frame;

a drive mechanism attached to the frame and including a crank wheel operably connected to a fan wheel having a plurality of fins extending outwardly therefrom and configured to circulate air;

a cover positioned over the fan wheel and having a series of slots formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof and configured to direct the circulated air generated by the fan wheel fins onto an exerciser using the device;

a pair of foot pedals attached to crankshafts extending from the crank wheel for actuating the drive mechanism; and

handlebars extending upwardly with respect to the frame.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the fan wheel includes an axle interconnecting opposing flywheels each having radial fins extending axially therefrom.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the cover comprises two covers rotatably positioned over the flywheels for selectively directing the circulated air generated by the fins of each flywheel.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, including a generally horizontal shaft extending from each foot pedal and a generally vertical tube extending from an end of the horizontal shaft generally opposite the foot pedal and configured to removably receive the handle bars to provide upper body movement of the exerciser using the device.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the handle bars are adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the handle bars.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, including a holder having two sleeves attached to the frame of the device and configured to removably receive and support the handle bars in a stationary position during operation of the device.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a belt rotatably associated with the crank wheel and the fan wheel, and a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for adjusting the tension of the device.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism includes a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a sprocket of a transmission gear, the belt rotatably extending between a flywheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each fin of the flywheel is curved to enhance the generation of circulated air.

10. A stationary exercise device, comprising:

a supporting frame;

a drive mechanism attached to the frame and including a crank wheel operably connected to a fan wheel having an axle interconnecting opposing flywheels having radial fins extending axially therefrom and configured to circulate air;

a cover rotatably positioned over each flywheel and having a series of slots formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof and configured to selectively direct the circulated air generated by the fins onto an exerciser using the device;

a pair of foot pedals attached to crankshafts extending from the crank wheel for actuating the drive mechanism;

a generally horizontal shaft extending from each foot pedal; and

a generally vertical tube extending from an end of the horizontal shaft generally opposite the foot pedal and configured to removably receive handle bars to provide upper body movement of the exerciser using the device.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the handle bars are adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the handle bars.

12. The exercise device of claim 10, including a holder having two sleeves attached to the frame of the device and configured to removably receive and support the handle bars in a stationary position during operation of the device.

13. The exercise device of claim 1 0, wherein the drive mechanism includes a belt rotatably associated with the crank wheel and the fan wheel, and a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for adjusting the tension of the device.

14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism includes a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a sprocket of a transmission gear, the belt rotatably extending between a flywheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel.

15. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein each fin of the flywheel is curved to enhance the generation of circulated air.

16. A stationary exercise device, comprising:

a supporting frame;

a drive mechanism attached to the frame and including a crank wheel, a belt rotatably associated with the crank wheel and a fan wheel having an axle interconnecting opposing flywheels having curved, radial fins extending axially therefrom and configured to circulate air, and a tensioning mechanism associated with the belt for adjusting the tension of the device;

a cover rotatably positioned over each flywheel and having a series of slots formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof for selectively directing the circulated air generated by the fins onto an exerciser using the device;

a generally horizontal shaft extending from each foot pedal;

a generally vertical tube extending from an end of the horizontal shaft generally opposite the foot pedal and configured to removably receive handle bars to provide upper body movement of the exerciser using the device; and

a holder having two sleeves attached to the frame of the device configured to removably receive the handle bars and maintain the handle bars in a stationary position during operation of the device.

17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the handle bars are adjustably positioned within the tube to alter the height of the handle bars.

18. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the drive mechanism includes a chain rotatably extending between the crank wheel and a sprocket of a transmission gear, the belt rotatably extending between a flywheel of the transmission gear and the fan wheel.