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Device and method for limiting travel in an exercise device, and an exercise device including such a limiting device

Device and method for limiting travel in an exercise device, and an exercise device including such a limiting device description/claims

This application is a nonprovisional application claiming the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/909,027, filed Mar. 30, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a combination treadmill and stair-climbing machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to limiting travel for such an exercise device.

Conventional combination treadmill and stair-climbing machines typically include a frame, a treadle assembly pivotally coupled to a base of the frame, and a resistance element coupled to the treadle assembly and an upright portion of the frame. The treadle assembly is configured to travel a distance in a generally upward direction and a generally downward direction relative to the base of the frame. A piston rod of the resistance element extends when the treadle assembly is in the upward direction. When the treadle assembly travels in the downward direction, the piston rod is retracted or pushed into the resistance element.

There exists in the art a need for a device to manipulate or adjust the distance traveled by a treadle assembly in the upward and downward directions.

Embodiments may provide an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus may include: a frame; a treadle assembly operably coupled to the frame to travel in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction; a resistance device operably coupling the treadle assembly to the frame and configured to provide resistance as the treadle travels in the first direction and the second direction; and means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device to thereby limit movement of the treadle assembly.

In embodiments, the frame may include a base and at least one upright extending substantially vertically from the base. In such embodiments, the resistance device may operably couple the treadle assembly to the at least one upright.

In embodiments, the treadle assembly may include a first treadle assembly and a second treadle assembly. The resistance device may include a first resistance element operably coupling the first treadle assembly to the frame and a second resistance element operably coupling the second treadle assembly to the frame. The means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may include means for selectively limiting movement of one of the first and second resistance elements to thereby limit movement of one of the first and second treadle assemblies. Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may include means for selectively limiting movement of the first resistance element and means for selectively limiting movement of the second resistance element to thereby limit movement of the first and second treadle assemblies.

In embodiments, the resistance device may be configured to be movable between a maximum upper limit and a maximum lower limit. In such embodiments, the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may be configured to set an upper limit for movement of the resistance device that is less than the maximum upper limit.

In embodiments, the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may comprise a spacer or a plurality of spacers. Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may comprise a bracket configured to engage the resistance device in a plurality of vertical positions.

Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may comprise a movable bracket. In such embodiments, the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device may further comprise means for selectively moving the movable bracket. In embodiments, the means for selectively moving the movable bracket may comprises a gear assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively moving the movable bracket may comprise a pair of pivoting links.

Embodiments may provide an exercise apparatus including: a treadle assembly configured to travel in an upward direction and a downward direction; and means for selectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly in the upward and downward directions during operation of the exercise apparatus. In embodiments, the means for selectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly may comprise at least one spacer. Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly may comprises a bracket including a plurality of vertical positions. Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly may comprise a movable bracket.

Embodiments may provide a method of selectively adjusting a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise apparatus. The method may comprise selectively positioning a means to determine a distance traveled by the treadle assembly in upward and downward directions during operation of the exercise apparatus. In embodiments, selectively positioning the means may comprise selectively limiting movement of a resistance device operably coupled to the treadle assembly.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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