WO2000062865A1 - Exercise machine in particular for creating a motion similar to that of walking or running - Google Patents

Exercise machine in particular for creating a motion similar to that of walking or running Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000062865A1
WO2000062865A1 PCT/GB2000/001405 GB0001405W WO0062865A1 WO 2000062865 A1 WO2000062865 A1 WO 2000062865A1 GB 0001405 W GB0001405 W GB 0001405W WO 0062865 A1 WO0062865 A1 WO 0062865A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
foot
exercise machine
link
linkage
machine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/001405
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew Clive Michell
Daniel Roy Jones
Richard Cyril John
Mark David Bertorelli
Mark Haddrell
Richard Arthur Sacks
Original Assignee
Powersport International Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Powersport International Limited filed Critical Powersport International Limited
Priority to AU39820/00A priority Critical patent/AU3982000A/en
Publication of WO2000062865A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000062865A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
    • A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
    • A63B21/4047—Pivoting movement
    • 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
    • A63B22/0015—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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B2022/0682—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 with support elements being cantilevered, i.e. the elements being supported only on one side without bearing on tracks on the floor below the user
    • 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
    • A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
    • A63B21/0053—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using alternators or dynamos
    • 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
    • A63B22/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
    • A63B22/201—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising for moving a support element in reciprocating translation, i.e. for sliding back and forth on a guide track
    • A63B22/203—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising for moving a support element in reciprocating translation, i.e. for sliding back and forth on a guide track in a horizontal plane

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an exercise machine, specifically to a machine to exercise the body by providing an orbital motion of the feet, primarily fore and aft, but with a significant vertical component.
  • the known machines suffer from various drawbacks.
  • the action of the foot is unsatisfactory, for example because the vertical motion of the heel relative to the toe is too great, too small or because the orbit does not follow natural movement.
  • Achieving an optimal orbit for the foot movement has tended to require the provision of unduly large or cumbersome machines, demanding a large amount of floor space.
  • a further problem with known machines is that the geometry of the motion is fixed or not conveniently adjustable so that, for example, the length of stride cannot readily be changed.
  • Prior proposals to change the length of stride have tended to impose adverse changes on the vertical and angular movements of the foot. It is a further object of the invention to provide for a wide range of orbital adjustments.
  • an exercise machine which comprises a base frame, two movable foot-links with foot-plates which follow oval orbital paths 180° out of phase with each other, and a crank mechanism to define the shape of the oval orbital paths, characterised in that the crank mechanism operates through two separate linkages for each of the foot-links, the first linkage providing part of the up and down motion of the foot-link and the second linkage providing at least the greater part of its fore and aft motion.
  • the provision according to the invention of separate linkages for the respective fore and aft and up and down movements of the foot offers great flexibility in the extent of these movements and thus permits adjustment of the machine to match the natural movements of the user.
  • a particular advantage of the invention is that it permits the configuration and settings of the two linkages to be chosen independently.
  • the second linkage can be adjusted to increase or decrease the stride length without changing the up and down range imposed by the first linkage.
  • the first linkage can be adjusted to increase or decrease the up and down range without changing the stride length.
  • the first linkage moves about 90° out of phase with the second linkage. This ensures that when the foot-link is at the ends of the up and down motion imparted by the first linkage it is midway through the fore and aft motion imparted by the second linkage. Similarly when the foot-link is at the ends of the fore and aft motion imparted by the second linkage it is midway through the up and down motion imparted by the first linkage. If the phasing between the linkages is increased from 90° the oval motion becomes more flattened and the major axis of the oval becomes inclined away from the horizontal.
  • the crank mechanism for each of the foot-links typically includes a crankshaft and a supporting member such as a crank web which carries one or two crank pins for the two linkages.
  • a crankshaft and a supporting member such as a crank web which carries one or two crank pins for the two linkages.
  • the configuration of the portions to which the crank pins are attached is not critical but can conveniently be a simple web extending in a radial direction from the axis of the shaft.
  • a single crank pin serves for both linkages of a foot-link.
  • the crank mechanism is typically attached to the frame via bearings such as ball-bearing plumber blocks.
  • the first linkage comprises a connecting rod from the crank pin to a connection at or near one end of a pivoted rocker assembly and the other end of the said assembly supports the underside of the foot-link, thereby raising and lowering the foot-link as the connecting rod moves to and fro.
  • the support is conveniently provided via one or more vertically disposed wheels or rollers (referred to below as support wheels), which may be mounted either on or near the end of the rocker assembly or on the foot-link.
  • the rocker assembly is typically pivoted to the base frame.
  • the support wheels are mounted on the foot-link it may be desirable to include in the first linkage a support bar pivotally linked to the raising and lowering end of the rocker assembly.
  • the support bar may additionally be linked to a separate pivoted bar to assist in keeping the support bar in a substantially horizontal disposition.
  • the first linkage is provided by a support wheel directly mounted on the crank pin.
  • the crank mechanism it is necessary for the crank mechanism to be located immediately below the foot-link. While this embodiment simplifies the first linkage, the location of the crank mechanism makes it necessary to employ larger components for the second linkage. The overall effect of this combination of linkages is however to reduce the floor space required for the machine.
  • the crank mechanism includes a crankshaft with a cam-shaped web which bears upon a cooperating surface on the first linkage.
  • the cooperating surface may for example be a circular member rotating about a central pivot pin on a beam in the first linkage.
  • the second linkage conveniently comprises a connecting rod from the crank pin to a connection to a swinging arm which supports the forward end of the foot-link, typically via a horizontal pivot pin, and is mounted on the frame via a pivot point higher than the foot-link.
  • the pivot points on the frame for the swinging arms of both the foot-links may be on a common horizontal axle extending transversely across the frame at the appropriate height.
  • the connecting rod may be directly pivoted to a pin on the swinging arm or may be indirectly connected to the swinging arm via a pivot pin on a side branch of the swinging arm.
  • the side branch can be attached to the swinging arm at its pivot point or at a lower level.
  • the swinging arm undergoes angular motion as the connecting rod from the crank pin moves to and fro such that the forward end of the foot-link moves correspondingly in a generally fore and aft direction.
  • the foot-link carries a footplate (pedal) at or near its rear end.
  • the required oval orbital path of the foot plate is created by the combined effects of the generally up and down movement imparted by the first linkage and the generally fore and aft movement imparted by the second linkage.
  • the shape of the oval path can be adjusted by changing various elements of the geometry of the linkages.
  • the height of the oval can be changed by altering the distance between pivot points on the first linkage and the length of the oval can be changed by altering the distance between pivot points on the second linkage.
  • the angle of the major axis of the oval relative to the horizontal can be changed by moving a pivot point on the first linkage to change the position at which the first linkage supports the footplate.
  • the foot-link is normally pivoted to a horizontal pin on the second linkage.
  • the foot- links and are thus cantilevered backwards from the forward end of the machine, making it possible for them to extend over clear floor space. With the footplates disposed at the rear of the foot-links the machine presents an easy and open access to the user who simply steps from the rear directly from the floor on to the footplates.
  • the foot-link being pivoted to a horizontal pin on the second linkage puts the oval of foot motion in a vertical plane.
  • the foot-link can be inclined to the horizontal by attaching it to a pivot at an angle to the horizontal, an thereby inclining the oval at an angle to the vertical.
  • the inclination can be chosen such that the footplate moves laterally outwards as it rises and laterally inwards as it descends, more closely resembling a typical walking action and more particularly resembling a typical running action.
  • This configuration also offers an advantage over machines with foot movement in a vertical plane. For safety reasons the footplates in vertical plane machines have to be separated laterally to avoid the danger of trapping body parts between them.
  • the angled planes permitted by the present invention allow movement akin to a natural running stride, in which there is very little lateral separation of the footprints, while retaining throughout the respective foot movements a sufficient lateral clearance between the footplates.
  • the foot-link largely dependent on whether or not it carries a vertical support wheel. If it does carry such a wheel then it can be of simple configuration, for example a bar with its forward end pivotally attached to the swinging arm and with its rear end supported by the support associated with the first linkage.
  • the underside of the foot-link must be of a smooth configuration which can run freely fore and aft with the movement of the second linkage.
  • the length of the underside that contacts the wheel can have a flat surface, either parallel to the footplate or inclined to it, or can be curved so as to impose some variation in up and down motion as the surface runs over the wheel.
  • the inclination is preferably such that the toe end of the footplate is closer than the heel end to the underside. This offers the further advantage that the toe end of the footplate follows a follows a more shallow oval than the heel end, giving a good toe and heel motion more closely resembling natural foot movement. .
  • An inclined underside of the foot-link also provides a second way of inclining the oval path followed by the foot.
  • a curved underside to the foot-link most suitably presents a convex surface to the wheel.
  • the curvature of this surface makes the oval flatter on its lower side and more curved on its top side, once again more closely resembling natural foot movement. Increasing the curvature increases the extent of the respective lower flatness and upper curvature.
  • the foot-link comprises a foot-plate mounted on an inverted channel member and the interior of the channel member carries a curved ramp plate to run across the vertical wheel.
  • lateral stability for the foot-link can conveniently be provided by small horizontal wheels mounted on the first linkage which fit within the channel in loose contact with its inner sides.
  • a hand lever is attached to the upper end of the swinging arm of the second linkage.
  • the hand levers can similarly extend from the axle but in an upwards direction.
  • the machine preferably includes a work mechanism to take up the work exerted by a user.
  • This can typically include an alternator, which can be driven by an arrangement of pulleys and belts. It may also include a flywheel, which provides the advantage of assisting smooth and steady operation of the machine.
  • the alternator and flywheel can be disposed at any convenient point on the frame, although because of their relatively heavy weight they are preferably located near to floor level.
  • a drive pulley is disposed on the crankshaft and transmits the work via a belt to a pulley on the work mechanism.
  • An electronic control unit is preferably included both to control the operation of the work mechanism and the machine in general and to display data about the progress of the exercise.
  • the control unit is desirably mounted on the frame at a height close to the head height of a typical user.
  • the torque required to turn the alternator is dependent on the excitation current provided by the electronic control unit, such that the electronic control unit is able to vary the resistive force felt by the user.
  • the electrical power generated by the alternator is dissipated, for example in a low value resistor connected across its output.
  • the frame should be of a size and disposition to give the machine lateral and longitudinal stability and should have high structural rigidity, which can if necessary be enhanced by additional bracing. It can conveniently be provided, typically at the base corners, with support feet. At least some of the support feet should desirably be adjustable so as to permit the frame to be placed firmly on a uneven floor surface.
  • a protective housing is preferably provided around the working parts of the machine forward of the footplates and any hand levers. Rearwards of the housing the machine preferably includes side bars located approximately at the waist height of the user.
  • Suitable constructional materials for most of the structural parts of the machine include mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
  • rubber is the preferred material.
  • the footplate can suitably be a metal plate in a rubber moulding.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of an exercise machine according to the invention. Most of the structural components are formed of mild steel.
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the exercise machine illustrated in Figure 1.
  • Figures 3 a to 3d are side views of the exercise machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, with the moving components shown in various positions through the exercise cycle.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
  • the version of exercise machine illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 has a static base frame 1 comprising generally horizontal side beams 2 and 2' attached by transverse beams 3 and 4. Adjustable rubber feet 5 & 5' are attached to the underside of the transverse beam 3 near its ends and to the underside of side beams 2 and 2' near their ends remote from the beam 3.
  • the base frame 1 further comprises a pair of support beams 10 & 10' which extend upwards from the transverse beam 4, being located equidistant from its centre and nearer to the centre than to its ends.
  • a further pair of support beams 11 and 11' extend upwards from the transverse beam 3, at a similar equal distance apart as for beams 10 and 10' .
  • Beams 10 and 10' are straight and generally vertical but beams 11 and 11 ' have two angled portions, their lower portions being of a similar height to beams 10, 10' and leaning towards them whereas the upper portions extend to a higher level than beams 10, 10' and lean away from them.
  • the beams 11 and 11 ' jointly support a column 18 which carries an electronic control unit 19.
  • the base frame 1 comprises strengthening tie beams 12 and 12' which extend from the upper ends of respectively beams 10 and 10' to a slightly lower height on respectively beams 11 and 11 ' and comprises support plates 13 & 14 and 13' & 14' which extend between and at right angles to the transverse beams 3 and 4.
  • Rocker frames 20 and 20' are pivotally attached to the base frame 1. Because Figures 1 and 3 show only the half of the machine nearest to the observer the following description mainly describes the rocker frame 20 but it will be understood that the various components 21, 22, 23 etc. on rocker frame 20 are matched by equivalent components on the rocker frame 20' .
  • the rocker frame 20 is mounted on a height-adjustable rocker pin 21 extending between the support plates 13 and 14. The adjustment is provided by the rocker pin 21 being attached to the support plates 13 and 14 by ball screws (not shown) .
  • the frame 20 includes two sturdy beams 22 and 23 joined at an obtuse angle and laterally offset from one another. The beam 22 extends beyond the point at which it joins the beam 23 and the extension includes holes in its side walls to receive the pin 21.
  • a brace rod 24 is attached to the pivot end of the beam 22 and to the beam 23 to give added strength to the frame 20.
  • a transverse pivot pin 25 is adjustably attached by a ball screw (not shown) to the end of the beam 23 and wheels 26, 27 and 28 are mounted near the end of the beam 22.
  • the wheel 26 is disposed vertically on a transverse axle in such a position that the top of the wheel 26 protrudes above the beam 22.
  • the wheels 27 and 28 are disposed on vertical axles in such positions that they protrude laterally beyond the respective sides of the beam 22.
  • Ball bearing blocks 14 & 14' are attached to the beams 11 & 11' and carry a horizontal transverse crankshaft 30.
  • Mounted centrally on the crankshaft 30 is a large diameter pulley 35 whose perimeter is shaped to take a V-belt 60.
  • the ends of the crankshaft 30 are tapered and keyed and carry crank webs 36 & 36' outboard of the blocks 14 and 14' .
  • the web 36 carries a crank pin 37 at its end remote from the crankshaft 30.
  • a first connecting rod 38 links the web 36 to the rocker beam 23 via respectively the crank pin 37 and pivot pin 25.
  • the web 36' has similar components.
  • the vertical beams 10 and 10' carry at their upper end a transverse horizontal axle 41. Swing arms 42 and 42' pivot on the ends of the axle 41.
  • the swing arm 42 is connected via a pivot pin 43 and a second connecting rod 39 to the crank pin 37 on the web 36.
  • the pivot pin 43 is adjustably mounted to the swing arm 42 by a ball screw (not shown) .
  • the swing arm 42 has attached to its upper end a hand lever 44, which is thus similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 41.
  • the swing arm 42' has equivalent links and attachments to those of the swing arm 42.
  • the swing arm 42 carries a pivot pin 45 which supports one end of a foot-link 50.
  • the foot-link 50 comprises a shaped channel member 51 which fits loosely over the rocker beam 22, its lateral disposition being determined by the wheels 26 and 27 which are placed so as to just to contact the respective inner sides of the channel member 51.
  • a curved ramp plate 52 which is fixed within the channel member 51 and extends along its full length rests on the wheel 26. The vertical position of the plate 52 at the point where it rests on the wheel 26 is determined by the height of the wheel 26 which moves upwards and downwards according to the position of the rocker frame 20.
  • the channel member 51 carries a foot-plate 55 formed of a steel plate in a rubber moulding.
  • a second foot-link 50' disposed on the other side of the machine includes equivalent components to those of the foot-link 50.
  • the respective linkages from the foot-links 50 and 50' are disposed so as to move half a cycle out of phase with each other.
  • the pulley 35 is connected via a V-belt 60 to an alternator 61 (not shown in Figure 2) which has an associated flywheel 66.
  • the belt 60 is kept taut by a tightening mechanism comprising an idler pulley 62 mounted on a lever arm 63 which is pivoted at one end on a rod 64 disposed laterally between the beams 11 and 11'.
  • a tension spring 65 between the other end of the lever arm 63 and the tie beam 12 takes up any slack in the belt 60.
  • a protective housing (hot shown in the Figures) formed of moulded plastic encloses the forward part of the base frame 1, extending upwards to beyond the pulley 35 and backwards to a position in line with the vertical beams 10 and 10'.
  • Curved side bars (also not shown) extend backwards from the housing at approximately waist height towards the rear ends of the side beams 2 and 2' .
  • the side bars include a vertical portion extending upwards from the rear end of the respective side beams 2 and 2'.
  • a person using the machine stands on the foot-plates 55 and 55' facing the control unit 19 and holds the hand levers 44 and 44' . As the user moves these plates and levers the movement is transmitted by the respective linkages to rotate the crankshaft 30 and thus to drive the alternator 61 and flywheel 66.
  • the movement of the linkages is described below mainly with reference to the right hand side of the machine as viewed by the user. The left hand side undergoes equivalent movement half a cycle out of phase with the right hand side.
  • a force applied to the hand lever 44 is similarly transferred through the second connecting rod 39 and web 36 to rotate the crankshaft 30 such that in practice the movement of the crankshaft 30 is effected by a combination of the work applied to both the foot-plate 55 and the hand lever 44 and of the parallel work applied to the equivalent foot-plate 55' and hand lever 44'.
  • the plate 52 running fore and aft over the wheel 26 on the rocker frame 20.
  • the fore and aft motion of the foot-plate 55 is thus primarily achieved via the linkage associated with the second connecting rod 39 and its up and down motion is primarily achieved via the linkage associated with the first connecting rod 38.
  • the said linkages operate out of phase (in the illustrated version about l ⁇ of a cycle out of phase), thereby generating an oval orbital motion of the foot-plate 55.
  • the heel end of the foot-plate 55 rises and falls more than the toe, thereby replicating a natural foot movement.
  • the hand lever 44 moves fore and aft in the opposite direction to the foot, as in natural walking.
  • the shape and inclination to the vertical of the oval path through which the foot-plate moves can be adjusted by one or more of the adjustable pivot pins 21, 25 and 43.
  • the height of the oval can be increased by moving the pivot pin 25 towards the pivot pin 21; the length of the oval can be increased by moving the pivot pin 43 towards the axle 41; and moving the pivot pin 21 upwards changes the angle of the foot-link 50 and thus of the major axis of the oval.
  • An inclination of the path to the vertical can be achieved by differential adjustment of the ball screws on the support plates 13 and 14: a requirement of a path inclined inwards towards its lower end can be met by setting the ball screw on plate 14 at a slightly higher level than the ball screw on plate 13.
  • the user enters the illustrated machine directly from the rear and faces no barriers whatsoever in gaining access to the footplates and hand levers.
  • the machine thus presents a user-friendly appearance, inviting the potential user to approach the working parts with ease and to give them a try.
  • Figures 3 a to 3d show the exercise machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, with the moving components in various positions through the exercise cycle.
  • the foot-link 50 is at the extreme forward position of its travel but the foot plate 55 is at intermediate height, representing the forward end of the generally elliptical curve followed by the foot.
  • the hand lever 44 is correspondingly at its most rearward position.
  • the footplate 55 is at its lowest position and the hand lever 44 is half-way towards the front of the machine.
  • Figure 3c the footplate 55 has reached its most rearward position and the hand lever 44 has reached it forward position.
  • the footplate 55 is at its highest position and the hand lever 44 is half-way back towards the rear of the machine.
  • the cycle is completed by the components returning to the positions shown in Figure 3a.
  • Figures 4 to 7 show side views of four further versions of exercise machine according to the invention. Because the differences from the machine of Figures 1 to 3 reside in the features of the first and second linkages, certain ancillary features which are generally the same or similar as those of the of Figures 1 to 3 machine (for example the base feet, the V-belt tightening mechanism and the electronic control unit) are not shown. As for Figures 1 and 3, the description relates primarily to the right hand side of the machine, although it will be understood that equivalent components and features are present on the unseen left-hand side. Some unseen features are nevertheless mentioned and denoted by a reference numeral with a dash.
  • the machine of which a side view is shown in Figure 4 comprises a static base frame 401 comprising generally horizontal side beams 402 and 402' attached by transverse beams 403 and 404.
  • the base frame 401 further comprises a pair of support beams 410 & 410' which extend upwards from the transverse beam 404.
  • a further pair of support beams 411 and 411 ' extend upwards from the transverse beam 403 and slope towards and join the upper ends of beams 410 and 410' .
  • An angled rocker beam 420 is pivotally attached near its centre to the base frame 401 by a pivot pin 421 on a support bar 419.
  • the beam 420 includes a transverse pivot pin 425 near its forward end and a wheel 426 near its rear end.
  • the wheel 426 is disposed vertically on a transverse axle with its top protruding above the beam 420.
  • the beams 411 & 411' carry a horizontal transverse crankshaft 430 on which is mounted a large diameter pulley 435 whose perimeter which drives an alternator 461 and flywheel 466 via a V-belt (not shown) .
  • the crankshaft 430 also carries a crank web 436 which in turn carries a crank pin 437 at its end remote from the crankshaft 430.
  • a first connecting rod 438 links the web 436 to the rocker beam 420 via respectively the crank pin 437 and pivot pin 425.
  • the beams 410 and 410' carry a transverse horizontal axle 441.
  • a second linkage associated with the crankshaft 430 is provided by a long connecting rod 439 from the crank pin 437, a lever arm 440 and an associated swing arm 442 which pivot on the axle 441, and a pivot pin 445 which supports the forward end of a foot-link 450.
  • the swing arm 442 has attached to its upper end a hand lever 444, which is thus similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 441.
  • the use of the long connecting rod 439 is advantageous in creating smooth motion in the fore and aft directions.
  • the foot-link 450 comprises footplate 455 and a shaped channel with a shaped underside 452.
  • the portion of the underside 452 which in use runs over the wheel 426 has a convex curve in a downward direction, thereby imposing a decreasing upward motion on the footplate 455 as the foot-link 450 moves from its aft to forward position.
  • the Figure 4 machine operates in a similar manner to the previously described version and represents an extremely compact configuration for a machine which produces is capable of producing oval orbital motion of the feet.
  • the device shown in Figure 5 is also a very compact configuration for a machine capable of producing oval orbital foot motion. It comprises a static base frame 501 comprising two short vertically extending support beams 510 & 510' and two longer upward-extending support beams 511 & 511' which slope slightly towards the rear of the machine.
  • crankshaft 530 extends trans versally between the support beams 510 and 510', i.e. fairly close to floor level.
  • a crank web 536 extends from the crankshaft 530 and carries a crank pin 537 from which the first linkage comprises simply a support wheel 526 directly mounted thereon.
  • the crankshaft 530 also carries a medium-sized pulley 535 which drives an alternator 561 and flywheel 566 via V-belts 560 and 562 and intermediate small and medium pulleys 567 and 568.
  • a second linkage associated with the crankshaft 530 includes a connecting rod 539 from the crank pin 537 and a t-shaped swing arm 542.
  • the swing arm 542 includes near its upper end a side arm 540 carrying a pivot pin 543 and at its lower end a pivot pin 545 which supports the forward end of a foot-link 550.
  • the swing arm 542 has attached to its upper end a hand lever 544, similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 541.
  • the foot-link 550 comprises a footplate 555 and an angled underside 542.
  • the angled underside 552 imposes an upward motion on the footplate 555 as the foot-link 450 moves its aft to forward position.
  • the use of a long connecting rod (in this case 539) is advantageous in creating smooth motion in the fore and aft directions.
  • the Figure 5 machine is also advantageous in that by using small pulleys the required floor area is even more reduced and in that the rearward contact of the first linkage reduces the stresses on the foot-link 550.
  • the device shown in Figure 6 comprises a base frame 601 with a pair of support beams 610 & 610' which extend upwards and with a slight backwards slope from a transverse beam 603.
  • the machine comprises a horizontal transverse crankshaft 630 on the beams 610 and 610' .
  • a large diameter pulley 635 which drives an alternator 661 and a flywheel 666 via a V-belt (not shown) .
  • the crankshaft also carries a crank web 636 and a pivot pin 637.
  • the first linkage comprises a connecting rod 638 from the web 636 to a combined rocker plate 623 and rocker bar 622 which are pivoted to an adjustable pivot pin 621. At its upper end the rocker bar 622 has a pivot pin 634. Additionally the first linkage comprises a plate member 633 and a second rocker bar 632. The second rocker bar 632 has an adjustable lower pivot 631 and an upper pivot 636. The plate 633 and the rocker bars 622 and 632 thus move in unison, always presenting a substantially flat surface in the fore and aft directions.
  • the second linkage comprises a swing arm 642 pivoting from the end of a transverse horizontal axle 641.
  • a connecting rod 638 is connected at its other end to a pivot 643 on a side arm 640 of the swing arm 642.
  • the swing arm 642 has a universal joint 645 connecting it to the forward end of a foot-link 650.
  • the swing arm 642 is attached to a hand lever 644.
  • the foot-link 650 which is in the form of a simple bar with a footplate 655 located on its inner side, carries at its rear end a support wheel 626, which runs on the upper surface of the plate 633.
  • the Figure 6 machine offers great flexibility in lateral adjustment of the oval orbit.
  • inclining the angle of the wheel 626 by adjustment of the universal joint 645 can be accompanied by a matching change in the angle of the plate 633 by adjusting the pivots 621 and 631.
  • the Figure 6 machine is thus especially well suited to applications in which an angled motion is required, particularly to bring the foot inwards on the down stroke and outwards on the up stroke.
  • the Figure 7 machine is generally similar to that of Figures 1 to 3, except for the first linkage. It includes a very similar frame 701, comprising upwardly extending support beams 710 & 710' and 711 & 711' , the latter supporting a column 718 which carries an electronic control unit 719, and further comprising tie beams 712 and 712' .
  • the machine again comprises as part of the first linkage a rocker frame 720 pivotally attached at 721 to the base frame 701 and including two sturdy beams 722 and 723 and a brace rod 724.
  • the rear end of the beam 722 carries wheels 726 and 727, the former being disposed vertically in such a position that its top protrudes above the beam 722.
  • the wheel 727 is one of two that give lateral stability to a foot-link 750.
  • a horizontal transverse crankshaft 730 is again provided and again carries a large diameter pulley 735 which drives an alternator 761 and flywheel 766.
  • a swing arm 742 pivots on the end of a transverse axle 741 and is connected via a pivot pin 743 and a connecting rod 739 to a crank pin 737 on a crank web 736.
  • the upper end of the swing arm 742 is attached to a hand lever 744, similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 741.
  • the lower end the swing arm 742 carries a pivot pin 745 which supports the forward end of the foot-link 750.
  • the rear end of the foot- link 750 carries a footplate 755.
  • a curved ramp plate 752 within the foot-link 750 rests on the wheel 726.
  • the crank web 736 has a circular shape and carries the pivot pin 737 at its centre. The periphery of the web 736 bears against a wheel 738 which rotates freely about a pivot pin 725 at the forward end of the beam 723.
  • connection between the crank mechanism and the rocker frame 720 is provided by rolling contact between the web 736 and the wheel 738. This gives an especially smooth action in the transfer from the footplate 755 to the crankshaft 730 of work generated by the user, such foot-generated work usually representing the greater proportion of the work entered into the machine.

Abstract

A user-friendly exercise machine which offers great flexibility in the forward and upward movements of the foot comprises a base frame, two movable foot-links with foot-plates which follow oval orbital paths 180° out of phase with each other, and a crank mechanism to define the shape of the oval orbital paths. The machine is characterised by the crank mechanism operating through two separate linkages for each of the foot-links, the first linkage providing at least the greater part of the up and down motion of the foot-link and the second linkage providing at least the greater part of the fore and aft motion. The machine is adjustable to match the natural movements of the user, the configuration and settings of the two linkages being capable of being chosen independently.

Description

EXERCISE MACHINE IN PARTICULAR FOR CREATING A MOTION SIMILAR TO THAT OF WALKING OR RUNNING
This invention relates to an exercise machine, specifically to a machine to exercise the body by providing an orbital motion of the feet, primarily fore and aft, but with a significant vertical component.
Many previous proposals and types of exercise machines have been made which provide for an orbital motion of the feet, the objective being to create a motion similar to that of walking or running. Some machines also include moving handles to provide related upper body exercise.
The known machines suffer from various drawbacks. In many cases the action of the foot is unsatisfactory, for example because the vertical motion of the heel relative to the toe is too great, too small or because the orbit does not follow natural movement. Achieving an optimal orbit for the foot movement has tended to require the provision of unduly large or cumbersome machines, demanding a large amount of floor space. There may also be difficulties in gaining access to the working position: the user may have to climb into the machine from the side in order to avoid bulky machine components or may have to enter via a platform before stepping on to the foot supports. It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise machine which provides easy and inviting access for the user.
A further problem with known machines is that the geometry of the motion is fixed or not conveniently adjustable so that, for example, the length of stride cannot readily be changed. Prior proposals to change the length of stride have tended to impose adverse changes on the vertical and angular movements of the foot. It is a further object of the invention to provide for a wide range of orbital adjustments. According to the present invention there is provided an exercise machine which comprises a base frame, two movable foot-links with foot-plates which follow oval orbital paths 180° out of phase with each other, and a crank mechanism to define the shape of the oval orbital paths, characterised in that the crank mechanism operates through two separate linkages for each of the foot-links, the first linkage providing part of the up and down motion of the foot-link and the second linkage providing at least the greater part of its fore and aft motion.
The provision according to the invention of separate linkages for the respective fore and aft and up and down movements of the foot offers great flexibility in the extent of these movements and thus permits adjustment of the machine to match the natural movements of the user. A particular advantage of the invention is that it permits the configuration and settings of the two linkages to be chosen independently. Thus the second linkage can be adjusted to increase or decrease the stride length without changing the up and down range imposed by the first linkage. Similarly the first linkage can be adjusted to increase or decrease the up and down range without changing the stride length.
By appropriate selection of the two linkage settings it is thus possible to achieve a wide range of oval shapes for the foot movement, from a shallow or deep elongated oval to a shallow or deep short-length oval. Although some of the linkage settings are fixed by the dimensions of the components used in a given machine, several of them have the additional advantage of being adjustable in use. In general the rear end of the foot-link is supported by the first linkage and the forward end of the foot-link is supported by the second linkage.
Most suitably the first linkage moves about 90° out of phase with the second linkage. This ensures that when the foot-link is at the ends of the up and down motion imparted by the first linkage it is midway through the fore and aft motion imparted by the second linkage. Similarly when the foot-link is at the ends of the fore and aft motion imparted by the second linkage it is midway through the up and down motion imparted by the first linkage. If the phasing between the linkages is increased from 90° the oval motion becomes more flattened and the major axis of the oval becomes inclined away from the horizontal.
The crank mechanism for each of the foot-links typically includes a crankshaft and a supporting member such as a crank web which carries one or two crank pins for the two linkages. The configuration of the portions to which the crank pins are attached is not critical but can conveniently be a simple web extending in a radial direction from the axis of the shaft. Preferably a single crank pin serves for both linkages of a foot-link. The crank mechanism is typically attached to the frame via bearings such as ball-bearing plumber blocks.
In one convenient embodiment of the invention the first linkage comprises a connecting rod from the crank pin to a connection at or near one end of a pivoted rocker assembly and the other end of the said assembly supports the underside of the foot-link, thereby raising and lowering the foot-link as the connecting rod moves to and fro. The support is conveniently provided via one or more vertically disposed wheels or rollers (referred to below as support wheels), which may be mounted either on or near the end of the rocker assembly or on the foot-link. The rocker assembly is typically pivoted to the base frame.
If the support wheels are mounted on the foot-link it may be desirable to include in the first linkage a support bar pivotally linked to the raising and lowering end of the rocker assembly. The support bar may additionally be linked to a separate pivoted bar to assist in keeping the support bar in a substantially horizontal disposition.
In another embodiment of the invention the first linkage is provided by a support wheel directly mounted on the crank pin. In this embodiment it is necessary for the crank mechanism to be located immediately below the foot-link. While this embodiment simplifies the first linkage, the location of the crank mechanism makes it necessary to employ larger components for the second linkage. The overall effect of this combination of linkages is however to reduce the floor space required for the machine. In a further embodiment of the invention the crank mechanism includes a crankshaft with a cam-shaped web which bears upon a cooperating surface on the first linkage. The cooperating surface may for example be a circular member rotating about a central pivot pin on a beam in the first linkage.
The second linkage conveniently comprises a connecting rod from the crank pin to a connection to a swinging arm which supports the forward end of the foot-link, typically via a horizontal pivot pin, and is mounted on the frame via a pivot point higher than the foot-link. The pivot points on the frame for the swinging arms of both the foot-links may be on a common horizontal axle extending transversely across the frame at the appropriate height. The connecting rod may be directly pivoted to a pin on the swinging arm or may be indirectly connected to the swinging arm via a pivot pin on a side branch of the swinging arm. The side branch can be attached to the swinging arm at its pivot point or at a lower level.
The swinging arm undergoes angular motion as the connecting rod from the crank pin moves to and fro such that the forward end of the foot-link moves correspondingly in a generally fore and aft direction.
The foot-link carries a footplate (pedal) at or near its rear end. The required oval orbital path of the foot plate is created by the combined effects of the generally up and down movement imparted by the first linkage and the generally fore and aft movement imparted by the second linkage. The shape of the oval path can be adjusted by changing various elements of the geometry of the linkages. The height of the oval can be changed by altering the distance between pivot points on the first linkage and the length of the oval can be changed by altering the distance between pivot points on the second linkage. The angle of the major axis of the oval relative to the horizontal can be changed by moving a pivot point on the first linkage to change the position at which the first linkage supports the footplate. The foot-link is normally pivoted to a horizontal pin on the second linkage. The foot- links and are thus cantilevered backwards from the forward end of the machine, making it possible for them to extend over clear floor space. With the footplates disposed at the rear of the foot-links the machine presents an easy and open access to the user who simply steps from the rear directly from the floor on to the footplates.
The foot-link being pivoted to a horizontal pin on the second linkage puts the oval of foot motion in a vertical plane. In the machines according to the invention the foot-link can be inclined to the horizontal by attaching it to a pivot at an angle to the horizontal, an thereby inclining the oval at an angle to the vertical. The inclination can be chosen such that the footplate moves laterally outwards as it rises and laterally inwards as it descends, more closely resembling a typical walking action and more particularly resembling a typical running action. This configuration also offers an advantage over machines with foot movement in a vertical plane. For safety reasons the footplates in vertical plane machines have to be separated laterally to avoid the danger of trapping body parts between them. The angled planes permitted by the present invention allow movement akin to a natural running stride, in which there is very little lateral separation of the footprints, while retaining throughout the respective foot movements a sufficient lateral clearance between the footplates.
A variety of configurations are possible for the foot-link, largely dependent on whether or not it carries a vertical support wheel. If it does carry such a wheel then it can be of simple configuration, for example a bar with its forward end pivotally attached to the swinging arm and with its rear end supported by the support associated with the first linkage.
If the vertical support wheel is not carried on the foot-link but rather is associated with the first linkage then the underside of the foot-link must be of a smooth configuration which can run freely fore and aft with the movement of the second linkage. Depending on the desired path of the footplate the length of the underside that contacts the wheel can have a flat surface, either parallel to the footplate or inclined to it, or can be curved so as to impose some variation in up and down motion as the surface runs over the wheel.
With a foot-link having an inclined underside, the inclination is preferably such that the toe end of the footplate is closer than the heel end to the underside. This offers the further advantage that the toe end of the footplate follows a follows a more shallow oval than the heel end, giving a good toe and heel motion more closely resembling natural foot movement. . An inclined underside of the foot-link also provides a second way of inclining the oval path followed by the foot.
A curved underside to the foot-link most suitably presents a convex surface to the wheel. The curvature of this surface makes the oval flatter on its lower side and more curved on its top side, once again more closely resembling natural foot movement. Increasing the curvature increases the extent of the respective lower flatness and upper curvature.
In one particularly convenient configuration the foot-link comprises a foot-plate mounted on an inverted channel member and the interior of the channel member carries a curved ramp plate to run across the vertical wheel. With this channel configuration, lateral stability for the foot-link can conveniently be provided by small horizontal wheels mounted on the first linkage which fit within the channel in loose contact with its inner sides.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention a hand lever is attached to the upper end of the swinging arm of the second linkage. In the case of the swinging arms being disposed on a common horizontal axle the hand levers can similarly extend from the axle but in an upwards direction.
The machine preferably includes a work mechanism to take up the work exerted by a user. This can typically include an alternator, which can be driven by an arrangement of pulleys and belts. It may also include a flywheel, which provides the advantage of assisting smooth and steady operation of the machine. The alternator and flywheel can be disposed at any convenient point on the frame, although because of their relatively heavy weight they are preferably located near to floor level.
In a preferred arrangement a drive pulley is disposed on the crankshaft and transmits the work via a belt to a pulley on the work mechanism. An electronic control unit is preferably included both to control the operation of the work mechanism and the machine in general and to display data about the progress of the exercise. The control unit is desirably mounted on the frame at a height close to the head height of a typical user. The torque required to turn the alternator is dependent on the excitation current provided by the electronic control unit, such that the electronic control unit is able to vary the resistive force felt by the user. The electrical power generated by the alternator is dissipated, for example in a low value resistor connected across its output.
The frame should be of a size and disposition to give the machine lateral and longitudinal stability and should have high structural rigidity, which can if necessary be enhanced by additional bracing. It can conveniently be provided, typically at the base corners, with support feet. At least some of the support feet should desirably be adjustable so as to permit the frame to be placed firmly on a uneven floor surface.
A protective housing is preferably provided around the working parts of the machine forward of the footplates and any hand levers. Rearwards of the housing the machine preferably includes side bars located approximately at the waist height of the user.
Suitable constructional materials for most of the structural parts of the machine include mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. For support feet, rubber is the preferred material. The footplate can suitably be a metal plate in a rubber moulding.
The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an exercise machine according to the invention. Most of the structural components are formed of mild steel. Figure 2 is a plan view of the exercise machine illustrated in Figure 1. Figures 3 a to 3d are side views of the exercise machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, with the moving components shown in various positions through the exercise cycle. Figure 4 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
Figure 5 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
Figure 6 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention. Figure 7 is a side view of another version of exercise machine according to the invention.
In all of the Figures certain components of the exercise machine are not illustrated which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention and which would mask the key components or their operation. In particular the side views show only the half of the machine nearest to the observer and omit features such as an electronic control unit. Equivalent components on the respective sides of the machine have equivalent reference numerals with the proviso that those on the left hand side of the machine as viewed by a person undertaking the intended exercise are distinguished by a dash (') .
The version of exercise machine illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 has a static base frame 1 comprising generally horizontal side beams 2 and 2' attached by transverse beams 3 and 4. Adjustable rubber feet 5 & 5' are attached to the underside of the transverse beam 3 near its ends and to the underside of side beams 2 and 2' near their ends remote from the beam 3.
The base frame 1 further comprises a pair of support beams 10 & 10' which extend upwards from the transverse beam 4, being located equidistant from its centre and nearer to the centre than to its ends. A further pair of support beams 11 and 11' extend upwards from the transverse beam 3, at a similar equal distance apart as for beams 10 and 10' . Beams 10 and 10' are straight and generally vertical but beams 11 and 11 ' have two angled portions, their lower portions being of a similar height to beams 10, 10' and leaning towards them whereas the upper portions extend to a higher level than beams 10, 10' and lean away from them. At their upper end the beams 11 and 11 ' jointly support a column 18 which carries an electronic control unit 19.
Finally the base frame 1 comprises strengthening tie beams 12 and 12' which extend from the upper ends of respectively beams 10 and 10' to a slightly lower height on respectively beams 11 and 11 ' and comprises support plates 13 & 14 and 13' & 14' which extend between and at right angles to the transverse beams 3 and 4.
Rocker frames 20 and 20' are pivotally attached to the base frame 1. Because Figures 1 and 3 show only the half of the machine nearest to the observer the following description mainly describes the rocker frame 20 but it will be understood that the various components 21, 22, 23 etc. on rocker frame 20 are matched by equivalent components on the rocker frame 20' .
The rocker frame 20 is mounted on a height-adjustable rocker pin 21 extending between the support plates 13 and 14. The adjustment is provided by the rocker pin 21 being attached to the support plates 13 and 14 by ball screws (not shown) . The frame 20 includes two sturdy beams 22 and 23 joined at an obtuse angle and laterally offset from one another. The beam 22 extends beyond the point at which it joins the beam 23 and the extension includes holes in its side walls to receive the pin 21. A brace rod 24 is attached to the pivot end of the beam 22 and to the beam 23 to give added strength to the frame 20.
At the respective extremes of the rocker frame 20 a transverse pivot pin 25 is adjustably attached by a ball screw (not shown) to the end of the beam 23 and wheels 26, 27 and 28 are mounted near the end of the beam 22. The wheel 26 is disposed vertically on a transverse axle in such a position that the top of the wheel 26 protrudes above the beam 22. The wheels 27 and 28 are disposed on vertical axles in such positions that they protrude laterally beyond the respective sides of the beam 22. Ball bearing blocks 14 & 14' are attached to the beams 11 & 11' and carry a horizontal transverse crankshaft 30. Mounted centrally on the crankshaft 30 is a large diameter pulley 35 whose perimeter is shaped to take a V-belt 60. The ends of the crankshaft 30 are tapered and keyed and carry crank webs 36 & 36' outboard of the blocks 14 and 14' .
The web 36 carries a crank pin 37 at its end remote from the crankshaft 30. In a first linkage associated with the crankshaft 30, a first connecting rod 38 links the web 36 to the rocker beam 23 via respectively the crank pin 37 and pivot pin 25. The web 36' has similar components.
The vertical beams 10 and 10' carry at their upper end a transverse horizontal axle 41. Swing arms 42 and 42' pivot on the ends of the axle 41. Thus in a second linkage associated with the crankshaft 30, the swing arm 42 is connected via a pivot pin 43 and a second connecting rod 39 to the crank pin 37 on the web 36. The pivot pin 43 is adjustably mounted to the swing arm 42 by a ball screw (not shown) . The swing arm 42 has attached to its upper end a hand lever 44, which is thus similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 41. The swing arm 42' has equivalent links and attachments to those of the swing arm 42.
At its lower end the swing arm 42 carries a pivot pin 45 which supports one end of a foot-link 50. The foot-link 50 comprises a shaped channel member 51 which fits loosely over the rocker beam 22, its lateral disposition being determined by the wheels 26 and 27 which are placed so as to just to contact the respective inner sides of the channel member 51. A curved ramp plate 52 which is fixed within the channel member 51 and extends along its full length rests on the wheel 26. The vertical position of the plate 52 at the point where it rests on the wheel 26 is determined by the height of the wheel 26 which moves upwards and downwards according to the position of the rocker frame 20.
At the end remote from the pivot pin 45 the channel member 51 carries a foot-plate 55 formed of a steel plate in a rubber moulding. A second foot-link 50' disposed on the other side of the machine includes equivalent components to those of the foot-link 50. The respective linkages from the foot-links 50 and 50' are disposed so as to move half a cycle out of phase with each other.
The pulley 35 is connected via a V-belt 60 to an alternator 61 (not shown in Figure 2) which has an associated flywheel 66. The belt 60 is kept taut by a tightening mechanism comprising an idler pulley 62 mounted on a lever arm 63 which is pivoted at one end on a rod 64 disposed laterally between the beams 11 and 11'. A tension spring 65 between the other end of the lever arm 63 and the tie beam 12 takes up any slack in the belt 60.
A protective housing (hot shown in the Figures) formed of moulded plastic encloses the forward part of the base frame 1, extending upwards to beyond the pulley 35 and backwards to a position in line with the vertical beams 10 and 10'. Curved side bars (also not shown) extend backwards from the housing at approximately waist height towards the rear ends of the side beams 2 and 2' . The side bars include a vertical portion extending upwards from the rear end of the respective side beams 2 and 2'.
A person using the machine stands on the foot-plates 55 and 55' facing the control unit 19 and holds the hand levers 44 and 44' . As the user moves these plates and levers the movement is transmitted by the respective linkages to rotate the crankshaft 30 and thus to drive the alternator 61 and flywheel 66. The movement of the linkages is described below mainly with reference to the right hand side of the machine as viewed by the user. The left hand side undergoes equivalent movement half a cycle out of phase with the right hand side.
Downward force on the foot-plate 55 moves the rocker beam 22 downwards, pivoting the rocker frame 20 so that the first connecting rod 38 moves the crank web 36 and rotates the crankshaft 30. As the crankshaft 30 rotates it moves the second connecting rod 39, causing the swing arm 42 and the hand lever 44 to reciprocate through an angle of about 45°. As the lower end of the swing arm 42 moves rearwards the upper end of the hand lever 44 moves forwards, and vice versa. It will be appreciated that a force applied to the hand lever 44 is similarly transferred through the second connecting rod 39 and web 36 to rotate the crankshaft 30 such that in practice the movement of the crankshaft 30 is effected by a combination of the work applied to both the foot-plate 55 and the hand lever 44 and of the parallel work applied to the equivalent foot-plate 55' and hand lever 44'.
As the lower end of the swing arm 42 moves fore and aft it moves the foot-link 50 in a generally horizontal direction, the plate 52 running fore and aft over the wheel 26 on the rocker frame 20. The fore and aft motion of the foot-plate 55 is thus primarily achieved via the linkage associated with the second connecting rod 39 and its up and down motion is primarily achieved via the linkage associated with the first connecting rod 38.
The said linkages operate out of phase (in the illustrated version about lΛ of a cycle out of phase), thereby generating an oval orbital motion of the foot-plate 55. The heel end of the foot-plate 55 rises and falls more than the toe, thereby replicating a natural foot movement. Furthermore, the hand lever 44 moves fore and aft in the opposite direction to the foot, as in natural walking.
The shape and inclination to the vertical of the oval path through which the foot-plate moves can be adjusted by one or more of the adjustable pivot pins 21, 25 and 43. For example, the height of the oval can be increased by moving the pivot pin 25 towards the pivot pin 21; the length of the oval can be increased by moving the pivot pin 43 towards the axle 41; and moving the pivot pin 21 upwards changes the angle of the foot-link 50 and thus of the major axis of the oval. An inclination of the path to the vertical can be achieved by differential adjustment of the ball screws on the support plates 13 and 14: a requirement of a path inclined inwards towards its lower end can be met by setting the ball screw on plate 14 at a slightly higher level than the ball screw on plate 13.
As can be seen from Figure 2 the user enters the illustrated machine directly from the rear and faces no barriers whatsoever in gaining access to the footplates and hand levers. The machine thus presents a user-friendly appearance, inviting the potential user to approach the working parts with ease and to give them a try.
Figures 3 a to 3d show the exercise machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, with the moving components in various positions through the exercise cycle. In Figure 3a the foot-link 50 is at the extreme forward position of its travel but the foot plate 55 is at intermediate height, representing the forward end of the generally elliptical curve followed by the foot. The hand lever 44 is correspondingly at its most rearward position. Continued movement of the foot and hand bring the components to the position shown in Figure 3b. Here the footplate 55 is at its lowest position and the hand lever 44 is half-way towards the front of the machine. In Figure 3c the footplate 55 has reached its most rearward position and the hand lever 44 has reached it forward position. In Figure 3d the footplate 55 is at its highest position and the hand lever 44 is half-way back towards the rear of the machine. The cycle is completed by the components returning to the positions shown in Figure 3a.
Figures 4 to 7 show side views of four further versions of exercise machine according to the invention. Because the differences from the machine of Figures 1 to 3 reside in the features of the first and second linkages, certain ancillary features which are generally the same or similar as those of the of Figures 1 to 3 machine (for example the base feet, the V-belt tightening mechanism and the electronic control unit) are not shown. As for Figures 1 and 3, the description relates primarily to the right hand side of the machine, although it will be understood that equivalent components and features are present on the unseen left-hand side. Some unseen features are nevertheless mentioned and denoted by a reference numeral with a dash.
The machine of which a side view is shown in Figure 4 comprises a static base frame 401 comprising generally horizontal side beams 402 and 402' attached by transverse beams 403 and 404. The base frame 401 further comprises a pair of support beams 410 & 410' which extend upwards from the transverse beam 404. A further pair of support beams 411 and 411 ' extend upwards from the transverse beam 403 and slope towards and join the upper ends of beams 410 and 410' .
An angled rocker beam 420 is pivotally attached near its centre to the base frame 401 by a pivot pin 421 on a support bar 419. The beam 420 includes a transverse pivot pin 425 near its forward end and a wheel 426 near its rear end. The wheel 426 is disposed vertically on a transverse axle with its top protruding above the beam 420.
The beams 411 & 411' carry a horizontal transverse crankshaft 430 on which is mounted a large diameter pulley 435 whose perimeter which drives an alternator 461 and flywheel 466 via a V-belt (not shown) . The crankshaft 430 also carries a crank web 436 which in turn carries a crank pin 437 at its end remote from the crankshaft 430. In a first linkage associated with the crankshaft 430, a first connecting rod 438 links the web 436 to the rocker beam 420 via respectively the crank pin 437 and pivot pin 425.
At their upper ends the beams 410 and 410' carry a transverse horizontal axle 441. A second linkage associated with the crankshaft 430 is provided by a long connecting rod 439 from the crank pin 437, a lever arm 440 and an associated swing arm 442 which pivot on the axle 441, and a pivot pin 445 which supports the forward end of a foot-link 450. The swing arm 442 has attached to its upper end a hand lever 444, which is thus similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 441.
The use of the long connecting rod 439 is advantageous in creating smooth motion in the fore and aft directions.
The foot-link 450 comprises footplate 455 and a shaped channel with a shaped underside 452. The portion of the underside 452 which in use runs over the wheel 426 has a convex curve in a downward direction, thereby imposing a decreasing upward motion on the footplate 455 as the foot-link 450 moves from its aft to forward position. The Figure 4 machine operates in a similar manner to the previously described version and represents an extremely compact configuration for a machine which produces is capable of producing oval orbital motion of the feet.
The device shown in Figure 5 is also a very compact configuration for a machine capable of producing oval orbital foot motion. It comprises a static base frame 501 comprising two short vertically extending support beams 510 & 510' and two longer upward-extending support beams 511 & 511' which slope slightly towards the rear of the machine.
In this version of machine a crankshaft 530 extends trans versally between the support beams 510 and 510', i.e. fairly close to floor level. A crank web 536 extends from the crankshaft 530 and carries a crank pin 537 from which the first linkage comprises simply a support wheel 526 directly mounted thereon. The crankshaft 530 also carries a medium-sized pulley 535 which drives an alternator 561 and flywheel 566 via V-belts 560 and 562 and intermediate small and medium pulleys 567 and 568.
At their upper ends the beams 511 and 511' carry a transverse horizontal axle 541. A second linkage associated with the crankshaft 530 includes a connecting rod 539 from the crank pin 537 and a t-shaped swing arm 542. The swing arm 542 includes near its upper end a side arm 540 carrying a pivot pin 543 and at its lower end a pivot pin 545 which supports the forward end of a foot-link 550. The swing arm 542 has attached to its upper end a hand lever 544, similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 541.
The foot-link 550 comprises a footplate 555 and an angled underside 542. The angled underside 552 imposes an upward motion on the footplate 555 as the foot-link 450 moves its aft to forward position.
As in the Figure 4 machine, the use of a long connecting rod (in this case 539)is advantageous in creating smooth motion in the fore and aft directions. The Figure 5 machine is also advantageous in that by using small pulleys the required floor area is even more reduced and in that the rearward contact of the first linkage reduces the stresses on the foot-link 550.
The device shown in Figure 6 comprises a base frame 601 with a pair of support beams 610 & 610' which extend upwards and with a slight backwards slope from a transverse beam 603.
The machine comprises a horizontal transverse crankshaft 630 on the beams 610 and 610' . Mounted centrally on the crankshaft 630 is a large diameter pulley 635 which drives an alternator 661 and a flywheel 666 via a V-belt (not shown) . The crankshaft also carries a crank web 636 and a pivot pin 637.
The first linkage comprises a connecting rod 638 from the web 636 to a combined rocker plate 623 and rocker bar 622 which are pivoted to an adjustable pivot pin 621. At its upper end the rocker bar 622 has a pivot pin 634. Additionally the first linkage comprises a plate member 633 and a second rocker bar 632. The second rocker bar 632 has an adjustable lower pivot 631 and an upper pivot 636. The plate 633 and the rocker bars 622 and 632 thus move in unison, always presenting a substantially flat surface in the fore and aft directions.
The second linkage comprises a swing arm 642 pivoting from the end of a transverse horizontal axle 641. A connecting rod 638 is connected at its other end to a pivot 643 on a side arm 640 of the swing arm 642. At its lower end, the swing arm 642 has a universal joint 645 connecting it to the forward end of a foot-link 650. At its upper end the swing arm 642 is attached to a hand lever 644.
The foot-link 650, which is in the form of a simple bar with a footplate 655 located on its inner side, carries at its rear end a support wheel 626, which runs on the upper surface of the plate 633. In addition to the oval orbital foot motion of the invention, the Figure 6 machine offers great flexibility in lateral adjustment of the oval orbit. Thus inclining the angle of the wheel 626 by adjustment of the universal joint 645 can be accompanied by a matching change in the angle of the plate 633 by adjusting the pivots 621 and 631. The Figure 6 machine is thus especially well suited to applications in which an angled motion is required, particularly to bring the foot inwards on the down stroke and outwards on the up stroke.
The Figure 7 machine is generally similar to that of Figures 1 to 3, except for the first linkage. It includes a very similar frame 701, comprising upwardly extending support beams 710 & 710' and 711 & 711' , the latter supporting a column 718 which carries an electronic control unit 719, and further comprising tie beams 712 and 712' .
The machine again comprises as part of the first linkage a rocker frame 720 pivotally attached at 721 to the base frame 701 and including two sturdy beams 722 and 723 and a brace rod 724. The rear end of the beam 722 carries wheels 726 and 727, the former being disposed vertically in such a position that its top protrudes above the beam 722. The wheel 727 is one of two that give lateral stability to a foot-link 750.
A horizontal transverse crankshaft 730 is again provided and again carries a large diameter pulley 735 which drives an alternator 761 and flywheel 766.
In the second linkage a swing arm 742 pivots on the end of a transverse axle 741 and is connected via a pivot pin 743 and a connecting rod 739 to a crank pin 737 on a crank web 736. The upper end of the swing arm 742 is attached to a hand lever 744, similarly pivoted about the end of the axle 741. The lower end the swing arm 742 carries a pivot pin 745 which supports the forward end of the foot-link 750. The rear end of the foot- link 750 carries a footplate 755. A curved ramp plate 752 within the foot-link 750 rests on the wheel 726. In this instance the crank web 736 has a circular shape and carries the pivot pin 737 at its centre. The periphery of the web 736 bears against a wheel 738 which rotates freely about a pivot pin 725 at the forward end of the beam 723.
Thus in the first linkage the connection between the crank mechanism and the rocker frame 720 is provided by rolling contact between the web 736 and the wheel 738. This gives an especially smooth action in the transfer from the footplate 755 to the crankshaft 730 of work generated by the user, such foot-generated work usually representing the greater proportion of the work entered into the machine.

Claims

1. An exercise machine which comprises a base frame, two movable foot- links with foot-plates which follow oval orbital paths 180° out of phase with each other, and a crank mechanism to define the shape of the oval orbital paths, characterised in that the crank mechanism operates through two separate linkages for each of the foot-links, the first linkage providing at least part of the up and down motion of the foot-link and the second linkage providing at least the greater part of its fore and aft motion.
2. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the first linkage moves about 90° out of phase with the second linkage.
3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the crank mechanism for each of the foot-links includes a crankshaft and a supporting member for one or two crank pins for the two linkages.
4. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 3, in which the crank pins are attached to a simple web on the crankshaft which extends in a radial direction from the axis of the crankshaft.
5. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, in which a single crank pin serves for both linkages of a foot-link.
6. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first linkage comprises a connecting rod from a crank pin on a crank web to a connection at or near one end of a pivoted rocker assembly and the other end of the said assembly supports the underside of the foot-link, thereby raising and lowering the foot-link as the connecting rod moves to and fro.
7. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 6, in which the support is provided via one or more vertically disposed wheels mounted either on or near the end of the rocker assembly or on the foot-link.
8. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which the rocker assembly is pivoted to the base frame.
9. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 7, in which the support wheel or wheels are mounted on the foot-link and there is included in the first linkage a support bar pivotally linked to the raising and lowering end of the rocker assembly.
10. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, in which the first linkage is provided by a wheel directly mounted on the crank pin.
11 An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the crank mechanism includes a crankshaft with a cam-shaped web which bears upon a cooperating surface on the first linkage.
12. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the foot-links are cantilevered backwards from the forward end of the machine and extend over clear floor space.
13. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second linkage comprises a connecting rod from the crank pin to a connection to a swinging arm which supports the forward end of the foot-link and is mounted on the frame via a pivot point higher than the foot-link.
14. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 13, in which the swinging arms of both the second linkages pivot about a common horizontal axle.
15. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, in which the connecting rod is directly pivoted to a pin on the swinging arm.
16. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, in which the connecting rod is indirectly connected to the swinging arm via a pivot pin on a side branch of the swinging arm.
17. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the foot-link carries a vertical support wheel and is formed of a bar with its forward end pivotally attached to the swinging arm and with its rear end supported by the support associated with the first linkage.
18. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 17, in which the foot-link is attached to the swinging arm by a pivot at an angle to the horizontal.
19. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a vertical support wheel is associated with the first linkage and the underside of the foot- link is inclined relative to a footplate on the foot-link.
20. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, in which a vertical support wheel is associated with the first linkage and the underside of the foot- link has a downward convex curve relative to a footplate on the foot-link.
21. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 20, in which the foot-link comprises a footplate mounted on an inverted channel member and the interior of the channel member carries a curved ramp plate to run across the vertical wheel.
22. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 21 , in which lateral stability for the foot-link is provided by small horizontal wheels mounted on the first linkage which fit within the channel in loose contact with its inner sides.
23. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18, in which a hand lever is attached to the upper end of the swinging arm of the second linkage.
24. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, which includes a work mechanism to take up the work exerted by a user.
25. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 24 in which the work mechanism includes an alternator and/or a flywheel.
26. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, in which a drive pulley is disposed on the crankshaft and transmits the work via a belt to a pulley on the work mechanism.
27. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 26, which includes an electronic control unit.
28. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, which includes a protective housing around the working parts of the machine forward of the footplates and any hand levers.
29. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 28, which includes side bars located approximately at waist height.
PCT/GB2000/001405 1999-04-20 2000-04-13 Exercise machine in particular for creating a motion similar to that of walking or running WO2000062865A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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AU39820/00A AU3982000A (en) 1999-04-20 2000-04-13 Exercise machine in particular for creating a motion similar to that of walking or running

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9909047.4A GB9909047D0 (en) 1999-04-20 1999-04-20 Exercise machine
GB9909047.4 1999-04-20

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2036593A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-18 Jin Chen Chuang Elliptical exercise device
US9108081B2 (en) 2001-11-13 2015-08-18 Cybex International, Inc. Exercise apparatus

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102523805A (en) * 2012-01-19 2012-07-04 西南大学 Power travelling device for rice transplanter

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5527246A (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-06-18 Rodgers, Jr.; Robert E. Mobile exercise apparatus
US5611756A (en) * 1996-02-08 1997-03-18 Miller; Larry Stationary exercise device
US5779599A (en) * 1997-08-19 1998-07-14 Chen; Paul Stationary exerciser
US5792026A (en) * 1997-03-14 1998-08-11 Maresh; Joseph D. Exercise method and apparatus
US6024676A (en) * 1997-06-09 2000-02-15 Eschenbach; Paul William Compact cross trainer exercise apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5527246A (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-06-18 Rodgers, Jr.; Robert E. Mobile exercise apparatus
US5611756A (en) * 1996-02-08 1997-03-18 Miller; Larry Stationary exercise device
US5792026A (en) * 1997-03-14 1998-08-11 Maresh; Joseph D. Exercise method and apparatus
US6024676A (en) * 1997-06-09 2000-02-15 Eschenbach; Paul William Compact cross trainer exercise apparatus
US5779599A (en) * 1997-08-19 1998-07-14 Chen; Paul Stationary exerciser

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9108081B2 (en) 2001-11-13 2015-08-18 Cybex International, Inc. Exercise apparatus
EP2036593A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-18 Jin Chen Chuang Elliptical exercise device

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AU3982000A (en) 2000-11-02
GB9909047D0 (en) 1999-06-16

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