US20040180756A1 - Structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040180756A1
US20040180756A1 US10/387,146 US38714603A US2004180756A1 US 20040180756 A1 US20040180756 A1 US 20040180756A1 US 38714603 A US38714603 A US 38714603A US 2004180756 A1 US2004180756 A1 US 2004180756A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
finger
exercise apparatus
optical sensing
rocker arms
exercise
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/387,146
Inventor
Leao Wang
Peter Wu
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to US10/387,146 priority Critical patent/US20040180756A1/en
Publication of US20040180756A1 publication Critical patent/US20040180756A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
    • A63B22/001—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
    • A63B2022/0676—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement with crank and handles being on the same side of the exercising apparatus with respect to the frontal body-plane of the user, e.g. crank and handles are in front of the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/0015—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements
    • A63B22/0023—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/805—Optical or opto-electronic sensors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a new and improved structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus, and more particularly, to a structure through which the finger of the operator slightly moves at fixed point for achieving the control effect.
  • a few of walking exercise apparatuses can be fitted with rocker arms for operators to grasp during the walking, jogging or running movement. Accordingly, both hands of the operator can be moved therewith.
  • a conventional exercise apparatus 10 is provided with two rocker arms 11 .
  • the top 13 of the handgrip 12 of the rocker arms includes a control button 14 in connection with an electronic console 15 for performing special functions (e.g. adjusting the slope or the resistance of the treadles). Therefore, the control is achieved only when one finger of both hands of the operator moves (in the way of “non-fixed point”) and presses control button 14 .
  • the above-mentioned configuration has its own merits. However, it also has drawbacks from the opinion of professionals. For example, the press-button control easily produces bad contact between components after being pressed for a longer period of usage. In brief, the service life thereof can be shorter than expected, thereby creating inconvenience in usage and troubles in maintenance.
  • An object of the invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus.
  • the conventional control button in touch way is replaced by an optical sensing element in non-contact way for protecting from damage of components due to over-contact and for elongating the life of the relevant components.
  • the control at fixed point can remove all interference during the exercise session. Accordingly, the original exercise rhythm won't be influenced, thereby reaching excellent and comfortable effects in usage.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the operation thereof, and
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional exercise apparatus.
  • the rocker arm 20 of a conventional exercise apparatus includes a handgrip 22 .
  • At least an optical sensor 30 in accordance with the invention is positioned within a finger groove 24 of the handgrip 22 .
  • the finger groove 24 is so constructed that its form corresponds to the finger pad 42 of the finger 40 of an operator.
  • the finger groove 24 is provided with an aperture 26 in which the optical sensing element 30 is hidden.
  • the optical sensing element 30 is connected to a console of the exercise apparatus through a conducting wire for setting different functions (exercise speed, slope or resistance) by means of effective detection signals. Therefore, the exercise apparatus is operable by means that a finger 40 of both hands is slightly moved at fixed point during the exercise session.
  • the above-mentioned “effective detection signal” means that the optical sensing element 30 receives continuous signals of external light to be blocked and coming through within a predetermined time, e.g. one second. That is, the operator uses the finger pad 42 of the finger 40 to cover and uncover the aperture 26 within the predetermined time.
  • a microprocessor within the console performs control operation according to the preset commands.
  • the optical sensing element 30 repetitively receives the light-uncovered or light-covered signals beyond the preset time, it is considered as a false signal and no reaction is produced. Therefore, when the finger pad 42 of the finger 40 of an operator covers or leaves the aperture 26 for a long time, no control effect on the exercise apparatus is created.
  • the present invention can be provided with a hidden speaker (not shown). After the optical sensing element 30 receives an effective detection signal, a sound is given to inform the operator of an effective control action. Moreover, the high or low and long or short tone can be used to distinguish different operational modes from one another. This is one of the most suitable ways for the visually handicapped.
  • both rocker arms 20 of the exercise apparatus can be so constructed that the optical sensing element 30 of one rocker arm 20 is responsible for the positive sensing control (e.g. for acceleration or increasing resistance). Meanwhile, the optical sensing element 30 of the other rocker arm 20 is responsible for the negative sensing control (e.g. deceleration or decreasing resistance). Therefore, the operator can easily and smoothly perform the control operation.
  • the optical sensing element 30 of one rocker arm 20 is responsible for the positive sensing control (e.g. for acceleration or increasing resistance).
  • the optical sensing element 30 of the other rocker arm 20 is responsible for the negative sensing control (e.g. deceleration or decreasing resistance). Therefore, the operator can easily and smoothly perform the control operation.

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus. The rocker arm of an exercise apparatus includes a handgrip. At least an optical sensor in accordance with the invention is positioned within a finger groove of the handgrip. The finger groove is so constructed that its form corresponds to the finger pad of the finger of an operator. Meanwhile, the finger groove is provided with an aperture in which the optical sensing element is hidden. The optical sensing element is connected to a console of the exercise apparatus through a conducting wire for setting different functions (exercise speed, slope or resistance) by means of effective detection signals. Therefore, the exercise apparatus is operable by means that a finger of both hands is slightly moved at fixed point during the exercise session.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • The invention relates to a new and improved structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus, and more particularly, to a structure through which the finger of the operator slightly moves at fixed point for achieving the control effect. [0002]
  • 2. Description of the Related Art [0003]
  • A few of walking exercise apparatuses can be fitted with rocker arms for operators to grasp during the walking, jogging or running movement. Accordingly, both hands of the operator can be moved therewith. [0004]
  • Referring to FIG. 3, a [0005] conventional exercise apparatus 10 is provided with two rocker arms 11. The top 13 of the handgrip 12 of the rocker arms includes a control button 14 in connection with an electronic console 15 for performing special functions (e.g. adjusting the slope or the resistance of the treadles). Therefore, the control is achieved only when one finger of both hands of the operator moves (in the way of “non-fixed point”) and presses control button 14.
  • The above-mentioned configuration has its own merits. However, it also has drawbacks from the opinion of professionals. For example, the press-button control easily produces bad contact between components after being pressed for a longer period of usage. In brief, the service life thereof can be shorter than expected, thereby creating inconvenience in usage and troubles in maintenance. [0006]
  • Furthermore, the four limbs move in alternating succession during the exercise session. It leads to a great trouble when the operator must pay attention to if the position of the moving finger is correct or not. Even, the walking rhythm can be spoiled. [0007]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • An object of the invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus. The conventional control button in touch way is replaced by an optical sensing element in non-contact way for protecting from damage of components due to over-contact and for elongating the life of the relevant components. [0008]
  • Meanwhile, the control at fixed point can remove all interference during the exercise session. Accordingly, the original exercise rhythm won't be influenced, thereby reaching excellent and comfortable effects in usage.[0009]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which: [0010]
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention; [0011]
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the operation thereof, and [0012]
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional exercise apparatus.[0013]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • First of all, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The [0014] rocker arm 20 of a conventional exercise apparatus includes a handgrip 22. At least an optical sensor 30 in accordance with the invention is positioned within a finger groove 24 of the handgrip 22. The finger groove 24 is so constructed that its form corresponds to the finger pad 42 of the finger 40 of an operator. Meanwhile, the finger groove 24 is provided with an aperture 26 in which the optical sensing element 30 is hidden. The optical sensing element 30 is connected to a console of the exercise apparatus through a conducting wire for setting different functions (exercise speed, slope or resistance) by means of effective detection signals. Therefore, the exercise apparatus is operable by means that a finger 40 of both hands is slightly moved at fixed point during the exercise session.
  • The above-mentioned “effective detection signal” means that the [0015] optical sensing element 30 receives continuous signals of external light to be blocked and coming through within a predetermined time, e.g. one second. That is, the operator uses the finger pad 42 of the finger 40 to cover and uncover the aperture 26 within the predetermined time. When an effective detection signal is created, a microprocessor within the console performs control operation according to the preset commands.
  • When the [0016] optical sensing element 30 repetitively receives the light-uncovered or light-covered signals beyond the preset time, it is considered as a false signal and no reaction is produced. Therefore, when the finger pad 42 of the finger 40 of an operator covers or leaves the aperture 26 for a long time, no control effect on the exercise apparatus is created.
  • In addition, the present invention can be provided with a hidden speaker (not shown). After the [0017] optical sensing element 30 receives an effective detection signal, a sound is given to inform the operator of an effective control action. Moreover, the high or low and long or short tone can be used to distinguish different operational modes from one another. This is one of the most suitable ways for the visually handicapped.
  • Furthermore, both [0018] rocker arms 20 of the exercise apparatus can be so constructed that the optical sensing element 30 of one rocker arm 20 is responsible for the positive sensing control (e.g. for acceleration or increasing resistance). Meanwhile, the optical sensing element 30 of the other rocker arm 20 is responsible for the negative sensing control (e.g. deceleration or decreasing resistance). Therefore, the operator can easily and smoothly perform the control operation.
  • Many changes and modifications in the above-described embodiment of the invention can, of course, be carried out without departing from the scope thereof Accordingly, to promote the progress in science and the useful arts, the invention is disclosed and is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. [0019]

Claims (2)

What is claimed is:
1. A structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus, comprising:
a) a finger groove disposed at a handgrip of the rocker arms of the exercise apparatus and corresponding to the form of the finger pad of a finger for receiving the finger of an operator;
b) an optical sensing element connected to a console of the exercise apparatus through a conducting wire for setting different functions by means of effective detection signals; and
c) an aperture located within the bottom side of the finger groove for accommodating the optical sensing element,
whereby the exercise apparatus is operable by means that a finger of both hands is slightly moved at fixed point during the exercise session.
2. The structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein a hidden speaker is provided for synchronically giving proper tones.
US10/387,146 2003-03-13 2003-03-13 Structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus Abandoned US20040180756A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/387,146 US20040180756A1 (en) 2003-03-13 2003-03-13 Structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090048068A1 (en) * 2007-08-16 2009-02-19 Leao Wang Touch type panel switch for a swing arm of an exercise apparatus

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4659076A (en) * 1984-05-14 1987-04-21 Peter Z. Valentine Construction of handbar for runners
US4925189A (en) * 1989-01-13 1990-05-15 Braeunig Thomas F Body-mounted video game exercise device
US5139261A (en) * 1989-09-15 1992-08-18 Openiano Renato M Foot-actuated computer game controller serving as a joystick
US5910070A (en) * 1995-01-25 1999-06-08 Precor Incorporated Weighted hand-controller for remote control of exercise apparatus
US6454682B1 (en) * 2001-07-19 2002-09-24 Hai Pin Kuo Exercizer having adjustable mechanism

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4659076A (en) * 1984-05-14 1987-04-21 Peter Z. Valentine Construction of handbar for runners
US4925189A (en) * 1989-01-13 1990-05-15 Braeunig Thomas F Body-mounted video game exercise device
US5139261A (en) * 1989-09-15 1992-08-18 Openiano Renato M Foot-actuated computer game controller serving as a joystick
US5910070A (en) * 1995-01-25 1999-06-08 Precor Incorporated Weighted hand-controller for remote control of exercise apparatus
US6454682B1 (en) * 2001-07-19 2002-09-24 Hai Pin Kuo Exercizer having adjustable mechanism

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090048068A1 (en) * 2007-08-16 2009-02-19 Leao Wang Touch type panel switch for a swing arm of an exercise apparatus

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