US20080269022A1 - Exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height - Google Patents
Exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080269022A1 US20080269022A1 US11/741,368 US74136807A US2008269022A1 US 20080269022 A1 US20080269022 A1 US 20080269022A1 US 74136807 A US74136807 A US 74136807A US 2008269022 A1 US2008269022 A1 US 2008269022A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rocker link
- exercising machine
- link units
- coupling unit
- couplers
- 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
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Classifications
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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
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
- A63B22/0056—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis
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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
- 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
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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
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
- A63B2022/0051—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis the support elements being supported at a substantial distance below their axis, e.g. the axis for the foot support elements are arranged at hip height
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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
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
- A63B2022/0053—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis each support element being cantilevered by a parallelogram system
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/0054—Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers
- A63B2071/0063—Shock absorbers
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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
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/22—Resisting devices with rotary bodies
- A63B21/225—Resisting devices with rotary bodies with flywheels
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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
- 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
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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
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0046—Details of the support elements or their connection to the exercising apparatus, e.g. adjustment of size or orientation
Definitions
- the invention relates to an exercising machine, more particularly to an elliptical exercising machine.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional exercising machine that includes a base frame 11 , left and right rocker link units 10 , and left and right foot pedals 13 .
- the left and right rocker link units 10 constitute a four-bar linkage. That is, each of the left and right rocker link units 10 includes parallel front and rear rocker links 101 , 102 .
- the front rocker link 101 of each of the left and right rocker link units 10 has an upper end that is coupled pivotably to the base frame 11 through a shock absorber 14 .
- the rear rocker link 102 of each of the left and right rocker link units 10 has an upper end that is coupled pivotably to the base frame 11 .
- the conventional exercising machine further includes a pair of left and right handles 12 , each of which is coupled to a respective one of the left and right rocker link units 10 .
- Each of the left and right foot pedals 13 is coupled pivotably to the respective one of the left and right rocker link units 10 .
- the aforementioned conventional exercising machine is disadvantageous in that the stride length and height thereof are fixed.
- the main object of the present invention is to provide an exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height.
- an exercising machine comprises a base frame, a resistance-imparting rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right foot pedals, left and right cross links, and front and rear coupling units.
- the rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame, and has left and right sides.
- Each of the left and right rocker link units is coupled pivotably to the base frame and has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof.
- Each of the left and right foot pedals is coupled pivotably to a respective one of the left and right rocker link units.
- Each of the left and right cross links has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof.
- the front coupling unit includes left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of the left and right sides of the rotary member to a selected one of the engaging segments of a respective one of the left and right cross links.
- the rear coupling unit includes left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of the left and right cross links to a selected one of the engaging segments of a respective one of the left and right rocker link units.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional exercising machine
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a rear coupling unit of the first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a handle unit of the first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a front coupling unit of the first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the front coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to a minimum stride height
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the minimum stride height
- FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the front coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to a maximum stride height
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the maximum stride height
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the rear coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to minimum and maximum stride lengths
- FIG. 13 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the maximum stride length
- FIG. 14 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a foot pedal of the second preferred embodiment in an assembled state.
- the first preferred embodiment of an exercising machine is shown to include a base frame 20 , a resistance-providing rotary member 23 , left and right rocker link units 50 , left and right foot pedals 33 , left and right cross links 41 , and front and rear coupling units 42 , 43 .
- the exercising machine of this embodiment such as an elliptical exercising machine, permits adjustment of stride height and stride length thereof, in a manner that will be described hereinafter.
- the base frame 20 includes front and rear frame members 21 , 22 , each of which includes left and right arcuate legs.
- each of the left and right arcuate legs of the front frame member 21 has a first end 211 (only the first end 211 of the left arcuate leg of the front frame member 21 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that is disposed on a flat surface (not shown), and a second end 212 that is disposed above the first end 211 thereof.
- Each of the left and right arcuate legs of the rear frame member 22 is connected to a respective one of the left and right arcuate legs of the front frame members 21 , and has a first end 221 (only the first end 211 of the left arcuate leg of the rear frame member 22 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that is disposed on the flat surface, and a second end 222 that is disposed above the first end 221 thereof.
- the base frame 20 further includes an upright frame member 213 that is mounted securely on the front frame member 21 thereof.
- the exercising machine further includes a console 24 that is mounted on an upper end portion of the upright frame member 213 of the base frame 20 , and that is used by the user (not shown) for monitoring and controlling operations of the exercising machine, in a manner well known in the art.
- the exercising machine further includes a pair of stationary grips 25 that are mounted on the upper end portion of the upright frame member 213 of the base frame 20 .
- the resistance-imparting rotary member 23 is mounted rotatably on the front frame member 21 of the base frame 20 , has left and right sides 231 (only the left side 231 of the rotary member 23 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ), is operable so as to impart a resistance, and defines an axis of rotation. Since the construction of the rotary member 23 is known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description of the same will be dispensed with herein for the sake of brevity.
- the left and right rocker link units 50 constitute a four-bar linkage, and are connected pivotably and respectively to the left and right arcuate legs of the front frame member 21 of the base frame 20 .
- the left rocker link unit 50 includes front and rear rocker links 51 , 52 , each of which has opposite upper and lower end portions 511 , 512 , 521 , 522 .
- the upper end portion 511 , 521 of each of the front and rear rocker links 51 , 52 of the left rocker link unit 50 has a top end that is connected pivotably to the left arcuate leg of the front frame member 21 of the base frame 20 .
- each of the front and rear rocker links 51 , 52 of the left rocker link unit 50 has a first segment 5121 , 5221 that extends from the upper end portion 511 , 521 of a respective one of the front and rear rocker links 51 , 52 , and a second segment 5122 , 5222 that extends from the first segment 5121 , 5221 and that is bent ninety degrees toward the right rocker link unit 50 .
- the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 has a plurality of engaging segments 513 that are disposed along the length thereof.
- each of the engaging segments 513 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 is formed with an engaging hole 5130 .
- the exercising machine further includes left and right handle units 32 , each of which is coupled to the front rocker link 51 of a respective one of the left and right rocker link units 50 so to be co-rotatable therewith.
- the left handle unit 32 includes a tubular member 321 that extends from the upper end portion 511 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 , a handle 322 that extends removably into the tubular member 321 , and a retainer 323 , such as a screw, that extends into the tubular member 321 and that engages threadedly the handle 322 .
- the left foot pedal 33 includes a bottom part 331 that has front and rear ends, each of which is sleeved rotatably on the second segment 5122 , 5222 of the lower end portion 512 , 522 of the respective one of the front and rear rocker links 51 , 52 of the left rocker link unit 50 , and a top part 332 that is disposed on the bottom part 331 .
- the left cross link 41 has front and rear end portions 411 , 412 , and has a pair of engaging segments 413 that are disposed along the length of the front end portion thereof, as best shown in FIG. 7 .
- each of the engaging segments 413 of the left cross link 41 is formed with an engaging hole 4130 .
- the front coupling unit 42 includes left and right couplers 421 .
- the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 includes a front pivoting member 422 , a front pivot joint 424 , and a front fastening member 423 .
- the front pivot joint 424 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 defines a first pivot axis (A), and interconnects the left side 231 of the rotary member 23 and the front pivoting member 422 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 .
- the front pivot joint 424 is connected fixedly to the left side 231 of the rotary member 23 , while the front pivoting member 422 is sleeved rotatably on the front pivot joint 424 .
- the front fastening member 423 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 is operable so as to fasten releasably the front pivoting member 422 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 to a selected one of the engaging segments 413 of the left cross link 41 .
- the front fastening member 423 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 includes a front bolt 4231 that is attached, such as by welding, to the front pivoting member 422 , and that extends through the engaging hole 4130 in the selected one of the engaging segments 413 of the left cross link 41 , and a front nut 4232 that engages threadedly the front bolt 4231 .
- the rear coupling unit 43 includes left and right couplers 431 .
- the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 includes a rear pivoting member 432 , a rear pivot joint 434 , and a rear fastening member 433 .
- the rear pivot joint 434 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 defines a second pivot axis (B), and interconnects a rear end of the rear end portion 412 of the left cross link 41 and the rear pivoting member 432 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 .
- the rear fastening member 433 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 is operable so as to fasten releasably the rear pivoting member 432 to a selected one of the engaging segments 513 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 .
- the rear fastening member 433 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 includes a rear bolt 4331 that is attached, such as by welding, to the rear pivoting member 432 , and that extends through the engaging hole 5130 in the selected one of the engaging segments 513 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 , and a rear nut 4332 that engages threadedly the rear bolt 4331 .
- the rear pivoting member 432 of each of the left and right couplers 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 is simply fastened to the engaging region 513 that is farthest from the top end of the upper end portion 511 of the front rocker link 51 of the respective one of the left and right rocker link units 50 .
- the exercising machine of this invention is configured such that, when in operation, the first pivot axis (A) is always located above the second axis (B).
- an imaginary line (L) which interconnects the first and second pivot axes (A, B), always forms an angle ( ⁇ ), relative to a horizontal line (H), that is greater than zero.
- dead center positions of the rotary member 23 are bypassed, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the exercising machine of this invention.
- FIG. 14 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to this invention.
- each of the left and right rocker link units 50 (only the left rocker link unit 50 is shown in FIG. 14 ) dispenses with the rear rocker link 52 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 is mounted securely on the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 .
- the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 is formed with an elongate groove 3311 .
- the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 is disposed in the elongate groove 3311 in the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 .
- the left foot pedal 33 further includes a pair of screws 333 , each of which extends through the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 and engages threadedly the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 .
- the left foot pedal 33 further includes pair of cushioning members 334 , each of which is disposed on a respective one of the front and rear ends of the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 .
- the top part 332 of the left foot pedal 33 is disposed on the cushioning members 334 , and is provided with a pair of ears 3321 that are sleeved rotatably on the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 and that is retained thereon with the use of a screw 3322 .
- the top part 332 of each of the left and right foot pedals 33 alternately presses against the cushioning members 334 of a respective one of the left and right foot pedals 33 , thereby providing comfort for the user.
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Abstract
An exercising machine includes a base frame, a rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right cross links, and front and rear coupling units. The rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame. The left and right rocker link units are coupled pivotably to the base frame. The front coupling unit couples pivotably the rotary member to a selected one of engaging segments of each of the left and right cross link units to thereby permit adjustment of stride height. The rear coupling unit couples pivotably each of the left and right cross links to a selected one of engaging segments of each of the left and right rocker link units to thereby permit adjustment of stride length.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to an exercising machine, more particularly to an elliptical exercising machine.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional exercising machine that includes abase frame 11, left and rightrocker link units 10, and left andright foot pedals 13. The left and rightrocker link units 10 constitute a four-bar linkage. That is, each of the left and rightrocker link units 10 includes parallel front andrear rocker links front rocker link 101 of each of the left and rightrocker link units 10 has an upper end that is coupled pivotably to thebase frame 11 through a shock absorber 14. Therear rocker link 102 of each of the left and rightrocker link units 10 has an upper end that is coupled pivotably to thebase frame 11. The conventional exercising machine further includes a pair of left andright handles 12, each of which is coupled to a respective one of the left and rightrocker link units 10. Each of the left andright foot pedals 13 is coupled pivotably to the respective one of the left and rightrocker link units 10. - When the conventional exercising machine is in use, that is, when the user (not shown) steps on the left and
right foot pedals 13, the striding movement performed by the user corresponds to motion made while walking. Alternatively, when each of therear rocker links 102 is secured to thebase frame 11 via a securingpin 15, and other minor connection adjustments are made, an exercise simulating motion while climbing can be performed by the user. - The aforementioned conventional exercising machine is disadvantageous in that the stride length and height thereof are fixed.
- Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide an exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height.
- According to the present invention, an exercising machine comprises a base frame, a resistance-imparting rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right foot pedals, left and right cross links, and front and rear coupling units. The rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame, and has left and right sides. Each of the left and right rocker link units is coupled pivotably to the base frame and has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof. Each of the left and right foot pedals is coupled pivotably to a respective one of the left and right rocker link units. Each of the left and right cross links has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof. The front coupling unit includes left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of the left and right sides of the rotary member to a selected one of the engaging segments of a respective one of the left and right cross links. The rear coupling unit includes left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of the left and right cross links to a selected one of the engaging segments of a respective one of the left and right rocker link units.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional exercising machine; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the first preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the first preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a rear coupling unit of the first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a handle unit of the first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a front coupling unit of the first preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the front coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to a minimum stride height; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the minimum stride height; -
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the front coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to a maximum stride height; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the maximum stride height; -
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the rear coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to minimum and maximum stride lengths; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the maximum stride length; -
FIG. 14 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to the present invention; and -
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a foot pedal of the second preferred embodiment in an assembled state. - Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure.
- Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to this invention is shown to include abase frame 20, a resistance-providingrotary member 23, left and rightrocker link units 50, left andright foot pedals 33, left andright cross links 41, and front andrear coupling units - The exercising machine of this embodiment, such as an elliptical exercising machine, permits adjustment of stride height and stride length thereof, in a manner that will be described hereinafter.
- The
base frame 20 includes front andrear frame members front frame member 21 has a first end 211 (only thefirst end 211 of the left arcuate leg of thefront frame member 21 is shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ) that is disposed on a flat surface (not shown), and asecond end 212 that is disposed above thefirst end 211 thereof. Each of the left and right arcuate legs of therear frame member 22 is connected to a respective one of the left and right arcuate legs of thefront frame members 21, and has a first end 221 (only thefirst end 211 of the left arcuate leg of therear frame member 22 is shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ) that is disposed on the flat surface, and asecond end 222 that is disposed above thefirst end 221 thereof. - The
base frame 20 further includes anupright frame member 213 that is mounted securely on thefront frame member 21 thereof. - The exercising machine further includes a
console 24 that is mounted on an upper end portion of theupright frame member 213 of thebase frame 20, and that is used by the user (not shown) for monitoring and controlling operations of the exercising machine, in a manner well known in the art. - The exercising machine further includes a pair of
stationary grips 25 that are mounted on the upper end portion of theupright frame member 213 of thebase frame 20. - The resistance-imparting
rotary member 23 is mounted rotatably on thefront frame member 21 of thebase frame 20, has left and right sides 231 (only theleft side 231 of therotary member 23 is shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ), is operable so as to impart a resistance, and defines an axis of rotation. Since the construction of therotary member 23 is known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description of the same will be dispensed with herein for the sake of brevity. - With further reference to
FIG. 4 , the left and rightrocker link units 50 constitute a four-bar linkage, and are connected pivotably and respectively to the left and right arcuate legs of thefront frame member 21 of thebase frame 20. In particular, the leftrocker link unit 50 includes front andrear rocker links lower end portions upper end portion rear rocker links rocker link unit 50 has a top end that is connected pivotably to the left arcuate leg of thefront frame member 21 of thebase frame 20. Thelower end portion rear rocker links rocker link unit 50 has afirst segment upper end portion rear rocker links second segment first segment rocker link unit 50. - The
front rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50, as best shown inFIG. 5 , has a plurality ofengaging segments 513 that are disposed along the length thereof. In this embodiment, each of theengaging segments 513 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50 is formed with anengaging hole 5130. - Since the construction of the right
rocker link unit 50 is similar to that of the leftrocker link unit 50, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. - The exercising machine further includes left and
right handle units 32, each of which is coupled to thefront rocker link 51 of a respective one of the left and rightrocker link units 50 so to be co-rotatable therewith. In particular, as best shown inFIG. 6 , theleft handle unit 32 includes atubular member 321 that extends from theupper end portion 511 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50, ahandle 322 that extends removably into thetubular member 321, and aretainer 323, such as a screw, that extends into thetubular member 321 and that engages threadedly thehandle 322. - Since the construction of the
right handle unit 32 is similar to that of theleft handle unit 32, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. - The
left foot pedal 33, as best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , includes abottom part 331 that has front and rear ends, each of which is sleeved rotatably on thesecond segment lower end portion rear rocker links rocker link unit 50, and atop part 332 that is disposed on thebottom part 331. - Since the construction of the
right foot pedal 33 is similar to that of theleft foot pedal 33, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. - The
left cross link 41 has front andrear end portions segments 413 that are disposed along the length of the front end portion thereof, as best shown inFIG. 7 . In this embodiment, each of the engagingsegments 413 of theleft cross link 41 is formed with an engaginghole 4130. - Since the construction of the
right cross link 41 is similar to that of theleft cross link 41, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. - The
front coupling unit 42 includes left andright couplers 421. In this embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 7 , theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 includes afront pivoting member 422, a front pivot joint 424, and afront fastening member 423. Thefront pivot joint 424 of theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 defines a first pivot axis (A), and interconnects theleft side 231 of therotary member 23 and thefront pivoting member 422 of theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42. In particular, the front pivot joint 424 is connected fixedly to theleft side 231 of therotary member 23, while thefront pivoting member 422 is sleeved rotatably on the front pivot joint 424. - The
front fastening member 423 of theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 is operable so as to fasten releasably thefront pivoting member 422 of theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 to a selected one of the engagingsegments 413 of theleft cross link 41. In particular, thefront fastening member 423 of theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 includes afront bolt 4231 that is attached, such as by welding, to thefront pivoting member 422, and that extends through the engaginghole 4130 in the selected one of the engagingsegments 413 of theleft cross link 41, and afront nut 4232 that engages threadedly thefront bolt 4231. - Since the construction of the
right coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 is similar to that of theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. - The
rear coupling unit 43 includes left andright couplers 431. In this embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 5 , theleft coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43 includes arear pivoting member 432, a rear pivot joint 434, and arear fastening member 433. Therear pivot joint 434 of theleft coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43 defines a second pivot axis (B), and interconnects a rear end of therear end portion 412 of theleft cross link 41 and therear pivoting member 432 of theleft coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43. Therear fastening member 433 of theleft coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43 is operable so as to fasten releasably therear pivoting member 432 to a selected one of the engagingsegments 513 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50. In particular, therear fastening member 433 of theleft coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43 includes arear bolt 4331 that is attached, such as by welding, to therear pivoting member 432, and that extends through the engaginghole 5130 in the selected one of the engagingsegments 513 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50, and arear nut 4332 that engages threadedly therear bolt 4331. - Since the construction of the
right coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43 is similar to that of theleft coupler 431 of therear coupling unit 43, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. - From the above description, as illustrated in
FIG. 8 , when thefront pivoting member 422 of each of the left andright couplers 421 of the front coupling unit 42 (only theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 is shown inFIG. 8 ) is fastened to theengaging region 413 that is closest to a front end of thefront end portion 411 of a respective one of the left and right cross links 41 (only theleft cross link 41 is shown inFIG. 8 ), the exercising machine of this invention is adjusted to a minimum stride height (Hi), as best shown inFIG. 9 . As such, when the exercising machine of this invention is in operation, that is, when the user steps on the left andright foot pedals 33, the striding movement performed by the user corresponds more to motion made while walking. On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 10 , when thefront pivoting member 422 of each of the left andright couplers 421 of the front coupling unit 42 (only theleft coupler 421 of thefront coupling unit 42 is shown inFIG. 10 ) is fastened to theengaging region 413 that is farthest from the front end of thefront end portion 411 of the respective one of the left and right cross links 41 (only theleft cross link 41 is shown inFIG. 10 ), the exercising machine of this invention is adjusted to a maximum stride height, as best shown inFIG. 11 . As such, when the exercising machine of this invention is in operation, the striding movement performed by the user corresponds more to motion made while climbing. - In addition, as best shown in
FIG. 9 , when it is desired to adjust the exercising machine of this invention to a minimum stride length (L1), as illustrated inFIG. 12 , therear pivoting member 432 of each of the left andright couplers 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 (only theleft coupler 431 is shown inFIG. 12 ) is simply fastened to theengaging region 513 that is closest to the top end of theupper end portion 511 of thefront rocker link 51 of the respective one of the left and right rocker link units 50 (only the leftrocker link unit 50 is shown inFIG. 12 ). On the other hand, as best shown inFIG. 13 , when it is desired to adjust the exercising machine of this invention to a maximum stride length (L2), as illustrated inFIG. 12 , therear pivoting member 432 of each of the left andright couplers 431 of therear coupling unit 43 is simply fastened to theengaging region 513 that is farthest from the top end of theupper end portion 511 of thefront rocker link 51 of the respective one of the left and rightrocker link units 50. - It is noted herein that the exercising machine of this invention is configured such that, when in operation, the first pivot axis (A) is always located above the second axis (B). In other words, as illustrated in
FIG. 3 , an imaginary line (L), which interconnects the first and second pivot axes (A, B), always forms an angle (θ), relative to a horizontal line (H), that is greater than zero. As such, dead center positions of therotary member 23 are bypassed, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the exercising machine of this invention. -
FIG. 14 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to this invention. When compared to the previous embodiment, each of the left and right rocker link units 50 (only the leftrocker link unit 50 is shown inFIG. 14 ) dispenses with the rear rocker link 52 (seeFIG. 2 ). Thebottom part 331 of theleft foot pedal 33 is mounted securely on thesecond segment 5122 of thelower end portion 512 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50. In particular, with further reference toFIG. 15 , thebottom part 331 of theleft foot pedal 33 is formed with anelongate groove 3311. Thesecond segment 5122 of thelower end portion 512 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50 is disposed in theelongate groove 3311 in thebottom part 331 of theleft foot pedal 33. Theleft foot pedal 33 further includes a pair ofscrews 333, each of which extends through thebottom part 331 of theleft foot pedal 33 and engages threadedly thesecond segment 5122 of thelower end portion 512 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50. - The
left foot pedal 33 further includes pair ofcushioning members 334, each of which is disposed on a respective one of the front and rear ends of thebottom part 331 of theleft foot pedal 33. - The
top part 332 of theleft foot pedal 33 is disposed on thecushioning members 334, and is provided with a pair ofears 3321 that are sleeved rotatably on thesecond segment 5122 of thelower end portion 512 of thefront rocker link 51 of the leftrocker link unit 50 and that is retained thereon with the use of ascrew 3322. - Since the construction the
right foot pedal 33 is similar to that of theleft foot pedal 33 of this embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity. - From the above description, when the exercising machine of this invention is in use, the
top part 332 of each of the left andright foot pedals 33 alternately presses against thecushioning members 334 of a respective one of the left andright foot pedals 33, thereby providing comfort for the user. - While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.
Claims (9)
1. An exercising machine, comprising:
a base frame;
a resistance-imparting rotary member mounted rotatably on said base frame, and having left and right sides;
left and right rocker link units, each of which is coupled pivotably to said base frame and each of which has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof;
left and right foot pedals, each of which is coupled pivotably to a respective one of said left and right rocker link units;
left and right cross links, each of which has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof;
a front coupling unit including left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of said left and right sides of said rotary member to a selected one of said engaging segments of a respective one of said left and right cross links; and
a rear coupling unit including left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably the respective one of said left and right cross links to a selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right rocker link units.
2. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said left and right couplers of said front coupling unit includes
a front pivoting member,
a front pivot joint that interconnects the respective one of said left and right sides of said rotary member and said front pivoting member, and
a front fastening member that is operable so as to fasten releasably said front pivoting member to the selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right cross links.
3. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 2 , wherein each of said engaging segments of each of said left and right cross links is formed with an engaging hole, said front fastening member of each of said left and right couplers including
a front bolt that is provided on said front pivoting member of the respective one of said left and right couplers, and that extends through said engaging hole in the selected one of the engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right cross links, and
a front nut that engages threadedly said front bolt.
4. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said left and right couplers of said rear coupling unit includes
a rear pivoting member,
a rear pivot joint that interconnects the respective one of said left and right cross links and said rear pivoting member, and
a rear fastening member that is operable so as to fasten releasably said rear pivoting member to the selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right rocker link units.
5. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 4 , wherein each of said engaging segments of each of said left and right rocker link units is formed with an engaging hole, each of said rear fastening member of each of said left and right couplers including
a rear bolt that is provided on said rear pivoting member of a respective one of said left and right couplers, and that extends through said engaging hole in the selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right rocker link units, and
a rear nut that engages threadedly said rear bolt.
6. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising left and right handle units, each of which is coupled to a respective one of said left and right rocker link units so to be co-rotatable therewith, each of said left and right handle units including
a tubular member that extends from the respective one of said left and right rocker link units,
a handle that extends removably into said tubular member, and
a retainer that extends into said tubular member and that engages said handle.
7. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said front and rear coupling units defines a pivot axis, said pivot axis of said front coupling unit being disposed above said pivot axis of said rear coupling unit.
8. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said left and right rocker link units constitute a four-bar linkage.
9. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said left and right foot pedals includes
a bottom part that is mounted securely on the respective one of said left and right rocker link units,
a cushioning member that is disposed on said bottom part, and
a top part that is disposed on said cushioning member and that is coupled pivotably to said bottom part.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/741,368 US20080269022A1 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2007-04-27 | Exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/741,368 US20080269022A1 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2007-04-27 | Exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080269022A1 true US20080269022A1 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
Family
ID=39887678
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/741,368 Abandoned US20080269022A1 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2007-04-27 | Exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height |
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US (1) | US20080269022A1 (en) |
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US2453771A (en) * | 1946-11-29 | 1948-11-16 | White Pauline Arnold | Exerciser |
US4509742A (en) * | 1983-06-06 | 1985-04-09 | Cones Charles F | Exercise bicycle |
US5529555A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1996-06-25 | Ccs, Llc | Crank assembly for an exercising device |
US5823914A (en) * | 1997-09-16 | 1998-10-20 | Chen; Chih-Liang | Exercising device |
US6652423B1 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2003-11-25 | High Spot Industrial Co., Ltd. | Exercise machine provided with means to enhance operational stability thereof |
US6719665B1 (en) * | 2002-12-14 | 2004-04-13 | Fen-Ying Lai | Step simulator having pace adjustment device |
US20040224825A1 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2004-11-11 | Cybex International, Inc. | Cross trainer exercise apparatus |
US20050075217A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2005-04-07 | Stevens Kerry Peters | Adjustable pedal assembly for exercise devices |
US6905442B1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-06-14 | Sunny Lee | Elliptical exercising apparatus |
US7278955B2 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2007-10-09 | Cybex International Inc. | Exercise device for cross training |
US20070238582A1 (en) * | 2006-04-07 | 2007-10-11 | Lung-Huei Lee | Elliptical exercise apparatus |
US7300387B2 (en) * | 2005-12-08 | 2007-11-27 | Leao Wang | Treadle assembly of an exercise equipment |
-
2007
- 2007-04-27 US US11/741,368 patent/US20080269022A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2453771A (en) * | 1946-11-29 | 1948-11-16 | White Pauline Arnold | Exerciser |
US4509742A (en) * | 1983-06-06 | 1985-04-09 | Cones Charles F | Exercise bicycle |
US5529555A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1996-06-25 | Ccs, Llc | Crank assembly for an exercising device |
US5823914A (en) * | 1997-09-16 | 1998-10-20 | Chen; Chih-Liang | Exercising device |
US20040224825A1 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2004-11-11 | Cybex International, Inc. | Cross trainer exercise apparatus |
US7278955B2 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2007-10-09 | Cybex International Inc. | Exercise device for cross training |
US6652423B1 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2003-11-25 | High Spot Industrial Co., Ltd. | Exercise machine provided with means to enhance operational stability thereof |
US6719665B1 (en) * | 2002-12-14 | 2004-04-13 | Fen-Ying Lai | Step simulator having pace adjustment device |
US20050075217A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2005-04-07 | Stevens Kerry Peters | Adjustable pedal assembly for exercise devices |
US6905442B1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-06-14 | Sunny Lee | Elliptical exercising apparatus |
US7300387B2 (en) * | 2005-12-08 | 2007-11-27 | Leao Wang | Treadle assembly of an exercise equipment |
US20070238582A1 (en) * | 2006-04-07 | 2007-10-11 | Lung-Huei Lee | Elliptical exercise apparatus |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |