HK1019861B - Stationary exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Stationary exercise machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an improved stationary exercise machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved exercise machine that allows a user to move their feet along a predetermined closed trajectory that more accurately represents the physical movements associated with climbing stairs.

Background

Stair climbing is a common form of exercise for exercising the cardiovascular system. Climbing stairs, however, may use overloaded ankles, knees, and other joints for an extended period of time. Walking is also a popular form of fitness but it does not produce movement of the cardiovascular system to the extent that it can climb stairs. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved stationary exercise machine that can generate a load on the cardiovascular system that is equivalent to climbing stairs, but does not overload or overstress the ankle, knee, and other joints. The prior stair climbing device has two common defects. First, they require excessive knee lifting or excessive vertical movement of the lower part of the leg. See, for example, US3,316,898; US4,949,993; US4,989,857; and US5,135,477. Second, the instrument may promote more natural movement of the knee joint, but the ankle joint is difficult to go up and down due to the structure of the instrument. See, for example, US5,242,343.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved stationary exercise machine that allows the foot, ankle, and leg to move in a more natural, rhythmic manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention proposes an exercise machine comprising: a stand having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor; first and second reciprocating members, each reciprocating member having first and second ends and an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion of each reciprocating member adapted to be rotatably supported by said frame; connecting means for moving said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members along a generally circular path about a common axis with said first end of each of said first and second reciprocating members following a predetermined closed elliptical path; a first link assembly having a first foot member and a first arm member, said first foot member being pivotally connected to said first end of said first reciprocating member and the other end of said first foot member being pivotally connected to one end of said first arm member, said first arm member being pivotally connected to said frame proximate the other end of said first arm member; and a second linkage assembly having a second foot member rotatably connected to said second reciprocating member proximate said first end thereof and a second arm member having an opposite end rotatably connected to one end of said second arm member, said second arm member rotatably connected to said frame proximate an opposite end of said second arm member, wherein each foot of a user of the apparatus moves generally along said closed elliptical path and each hand of the user moves generally along an arcuate path, said first and second reciprocating members each including a non-aligned portion; the apparatus further comprises means for introducing a controllable resistance to control the resistance to rotation of the first and second reciprocating members.

Briefly, the present invention is directed to an improved stationary exercise machine. A stand is provided that includes a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor, a middle portion, and an upper portion. A connecting assembly is coupled to the bracket, the assembly including a pulley defining an axis of rotation. Two reciprocating members are disposed alternately at the base portion of the bracket.

In a preferred embodiment, each reciprocating member includes a rearwardly curved portion and is supported by a roller from a base portion proximate the junction of the curved and vertical portions of each reciprocating member. The other end or front end of each reciprocating member is directly or indirectly connected to a pulley of the linkage assembly. Thus, the rotation of the pulley causes one end of each reciprocating member to rotate in a circular motion, while the other end of each reciprocating member follows a predetermined closed path.

The preferred embodiment also includes a pair of linkage assemblies. Each of the connecting assemblies includes a first link and a second link. One end of the first link is rotatably connected to the rear end of the corresponding reciprocating member. The first link also includes a foot pad. The second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod, and the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the upper part of the bracket. The second link may include a handle portion for grasping by a user. Each linkage assembly thus functions to establish a predetermined closed path of foot pad movement as the foot pad moves relative to the bracket. Additionally, movement of the second link in each linkage assembly may serve to rotate the handle portion.

In another embodiment, each reciprocating member comprises two non-column line members fixedly coupled to each other. A roller is attached to each shuttle of the fixed connection of the two non-column line elements. The roller engages an inclined surface of the base portion of the bracket. As with the preferred embodiment, this alternative also includes a pair of linkage assemblies, each including two links. The first link includes a foot pad that rotatably connects the proximal end of the first link to a corresponding reciprocating member at the distal end of the connecting assembly. The second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod, which is far away from the foot pad, and the second connecting rod rotatably connects the rotatably connected far end of the first connecting rod to the upper part of the bracket. As in the preferred embodiment, the second link may include a handle portion.

In yet another embodiment, the reciprocating member comprises two non-column line members fixedly connected at one end. A roller is also connected to the fixed connection of each reciprocating member. The roller also acts in conjunction with the inclined surface of the base portion of the carriage. However, in this embodiment, the inclined surface functions to lift from the connection assembly in the forward direction. That is, unlike the other embodiments described above, the user may face away from the connection assembly.

As in the first alternative embodiment, this second alternative embodiment also includes a pair of rotating linkage assemblies including a first linkage and a second linkage. Each foot link includes a foot pad. The forward end of each reciprocating member distal from the connecting assembly is rotatably connected to the proximal end of each first link. The other end of each first link is rotatably connected to one end of the second link. Each second link, in turn, rotatably connects a distal end of the pivotal connection to the first link, to the upper portion of the bracket. As in the case of the above-described embodiment, the second connecting portion includes a handle portion.

All embodiments can function to exercise the upper and lower bodies simultaneously. The user's feet move through a closed trajectory that more accurately represents the preferred anatomical motion of the ankle and knee joints. Meanwhile, the upper body muscle group can be exercised through the curvilinear motion of the handles.

The more important features of the invention are summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description of the invention may be better understood. Naturally, further features of the invention will be disclosed hereinafter, which will also form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

Drawings

For a more complete description of the drawings used in the detailed description of the invention, each of which is briefly described.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a stand 10 is shown including a base portion 12, a middle portion 14 and an upper portion 16. A connecting assembly or system 20 is secured to the bracket and includes a pulley 22 and crank member 24. Also shown is a resistance braking system 26 including a pulley 28 and a belt 30. Two reciprocating members 32 are located at the lower end of the carriage 10. Each reciprocating member 32 has a curved (non-column line) portion 32a opposite to a straight portion 32 b. The other end 38 of each reciprocating member is rotatably connected to one end of the crank 24. The other end of crank 24 is connected to pulley 22 by pivot 27 of linkage system 20. Pivot 27 is the axis of rotation of pulley 22.

The preferred embodiment also includes a pair of connecting rod assemblies 41. Each linkage assembly 41 includes a foot member 40 and an arm member 42. A foot pad 50 is attached to one end of each foot member 40. Distal end 37 of each reciprocating member 32 is pivotally connected to an end of foot member 40 adjacent foot pad 50 by pivot 39. The other end 43 of each foot member 40 is pivotally connected to one end of arm member 42 by a connection point 45. Each arm member is then connected to the upper portion 16 of the frame 10 by a connection point 47. As shown, each foot member 40 may include a curved portion 54 that functions to guide each footpad 50 so that each foot of the user is in a slightly inclined position when the footpad is at the highest point along the path 102.

Additionally, as shown, the upper half of each arm member 42 can be releasably separated from the proximate attachment point 47.

In carrying out the preferred embodiment, the user "u" climbs onto the apparatus from the rear or side and initiates a climbing motion which results in movement of each shuttle 32 relative to the roller 36. At the same time, a cyclic motion occurs at the second end of each reciprocating member 32. It may also cause point 39 at the end 37 of each reciprocating member (and the corresponding end of foot member 40) to rotate along a predetermined closed elliptical path 102. This may allow the foot, ankle and leg to move in a more natural and rhythmic manner. In this way, the user can achieve excellent cardiovascular exercise results comparable to ladder climbers, but without the awkward and unnatural movements of the feet, ankles and legs associated with prior devices. At the same time, the user's arms move through the arcuate path 104, which enhances cardiovascular motion to the upper body muscle groups.

The resistive braking system 26 is moved in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The resistive braking system 26 functions to increase or decrease the load on the pulley 22 via a pulley 28/belt 30 arrangement. Thus, resistance brake 26 may function to increase or decrease the degree of cardiovascular exercise.

Referring to fig. 2, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the same two digit numbering may be used to indicate similar elements as in the preferred embodiment described above, but prefixed by a 100 series. The bracket 110 includes a lower portion 112, a middle portion 114, and an upper portion 116. One attachment system 120 is included having the same components of attachment system 20 as the preferred embodiment described above. Additionally, the connection system 120 operates in the same manner as the connection system 20 of the preferred embodiment described above.

A pair of reciprocating members 132 are also included. Each reciprocating member is composed of two non-column line members 132a and 132b, which are fixedly connected together by a joint 133. A roller 136 is also rotatably coupled to each reciprocating member 132 at the coupling portion 133. Each roller engages and rolls on the tilting member 113 of the bracket 110. The other end 138 of the reciprocating member 132 is rotatably connected to one end of each crank 124.

Referring to FIG. 2, this alternative embodiment further includes a pair of linkage assemblies 141, each including a foot member 140 and an arm member 142. Each foot member 140 further includes a foot pad 150 secured to an end of the foot member. Reciprocating member 132 is rotatably coupled to an end of foot member 140 having foot pad 150 via connection point 139. The other end of each foot member 140 is pivotally connected at 145 to arm member 142. Each arm member 142 is in turn pivotally connected to upper portion 116 of stand 110 at point 147. Arm member 142 may include a handle portion 151.

In use of the alternative preferred embodiment, the user "u" climbs the apparatus from the side or back of the apparatus, places both feet on the footpads 150, grasps the handles 151, and initiates the climbing motion. At this time, the roller 136 of each reciprocating member 132 moves in a linear manner along the member 113. As in the preferred embodiment, the end 138 of each reciprocating member 132 moves in a circular motion about the pulley 122. This movement of reciprocating members 132 may also cause points 139 at the distal end of each reciprocating member and corresponding foot member 140 to rotate along a predetermined, and preferably closed, elliptical trajectory 202. This trajectory allows the foot, ankle and leg to move in a more natural manner, similar to that in the preferred embodiment. In addition, the user's hands move along an arcuate trajectory 204. Thus, the combined motion of the trajectories 202 and 204 may provide superior exercise for the cardiovascular system of the upper body muscle group of the lower body.

Referring to fig. 3, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As above, similar parts are indicated by the same two-digit numbering as in the preferred embodiment, but here prefixed by a 200 series. The bracket 210 also includes a base portion 212, a middle portion 214, and an upper portion 216. A connection system 220 is also provided, which is identical in structure and function to the connection system 20 of the preferred embodiment. This other embodiment also includes a pair of reciprocating members 232. Each reciprocating member is composed of two non-column line members 232a and 232b, which are fixedly connected together by a connecting portion 233. The roller 236 is also rotatably coupled to the coupling portion 233 of each reciprocating member 232. Each roller 236 engages and rolls on the tilting member 213 of the bracket 210. Each reciprocating member 232 includes a second end 238 rotatably coupled to an end of the crank 224.

As shown in fig. 3, this other embodiment includes a pair of pivot link assemblies 241, as was the case in the previous embodiment. Each pivot link assembly 241 is comprised of a foot member 240 and an arm member 242. A foot pad 250 is coupled to one end of each foot member 240. One member 232a of each reciprocating member 232 is rotatably coupled to a coupling point 239 near one end of foot member 240. The other end of each member 240 is rotatably connected to arm member 241 by point 245. Each arm member 241 is in turn pivotally connected to the upper portion 216 of the stand 210 via point 247.

In use of the other embodiments, the user "u" climbs the instrument from the side or back of the instrument, grasps the handle 257, and begins a climbing motion. Unlike the previous embodiment, the user is facing away from the connection system 220, which has several advantages, particularly in terms of producing the device. As the user begins the climbing motion, the roller 236 of each reciprocating member 232 moves in a linear motion along the member 213, while the tip 238 of each reciprocating member 232 moves in a generally circular motion. At the same time, the point 239 of each reciprocating member 232 moves along a predetermined closed trajectory 302, while the handle 251 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory 304. As is the case in the preferred embodiment, such trajectories 302 and 304 may produce preferred anatomical motion of the ankle and knee, thereby producing superior cardiovascular motion of the lower and upper body muscle groups.

In the above three preferred implementations, only a substantially central portion of each reciprocating member 32/132/232 rotatably engages the base bracket. In two other embodiments, the intermediate portion is more clearly defined by the location of rollers 136 and 236. For the preferred embodiment, the rollers 36 secured to the base member 12 of the carriage 10 are adapted to engage an intermediate portion of each reciprocating member 32, as generally indicated by the displacement variations shown for the two reciprocating members 32 in FIG. 1.

An improved stationary exercise machine is disclosed that maximizes cardiovascular motion while minimizing stress on critical joints, particularly the ankle and knee joints. It is evident that modifications and variations of the embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present specification. It is emphasized, however, that all such variations and modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims (7)

1. An exercise machine comprising:

a stand having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor;

first and second reciprocating members, each reciprocating member having first and second ends and an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion of each reciprocating member adapted to be rotatably supported by said frame;

connecting means for moving said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members along a generally circular path about a common axis with said first end of each of said first and second reciprocating members following a predetermined closed elliptical path;

a first link assembly having a first foot member and a first arm member, said first foot member being pivotally connected to said first end of said first reciprocating member and the other end of said first foot member being pivotally connected to one end of said first arm member, said first arm member being pivotally connected to said frame proximate the other end of said first arm member; and

a second linkage assembly having a second foot member rotatably connected to the second reciprocating member proximate the first end thereof and a second arm member having an opposite end rotatably connected to one end of the second arm member rotatably connected to the frame proximate the opposite end of the second arm member,

wherein each foot of a user of the instrument moves generally along said closed elliptical path and each hand of the user moves generally along an arcuate path, said first and second reciprocating members each including a non-aligned section; the apparatus further comprises means for introducing a controllable resistance to control the resistance to rotation of the first and second reciprocating members.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said frame includes at least one member inclined relative to the floor for supporting said reciprocating member.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the first reciprocating member is adapted to move linearly at a joint portion on the support near the non-column line portion;

the second reciprocating member is adapted to move linearly at a joint portion of the holder near a non-column line portion of the second reciprocating member; and

the coupling means has a pulley defining a common axis of rotation and supported by said frame, and means for coupling the second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley such that rotation of said pulley causes the second ends of said reciprocating members to move in a generally circular path about said axis.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said frame includes at least one member inclined relative to the floor for supporting said reciprocating member.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for coupling said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley comprises:

a first element having one end connected proximate said common axis of rotation and another end connected to a second end of said first reciprocating member; and

a second element having one end connected to said pulley proximate said common axis of rotation and another end connected to said second end of said second reciprocating member.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the first and second reciprocating members are adapted to linearly move on the support in proximity to the junctions of the non-column line portions.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said frame includes at least one member inclined relative to the ground to support said reciprocating member.