Linkage based exercise machine

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/392,371, filed Mar. 29, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/192,977, filed Jul. 29, 2005, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,615, filed Jul. 30, 2004 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/732,873, filed Nov. 2, 2005, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to elliptical exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to elliptical exercise machines featuring articulating linkages that generate foot traces for a user and that can be adjusted to vary the foot traces from generally horizontal to generally vertical.

2. Description of the Related Art

Most previous elliptical exercise machines have employed guides or tracks that forced one end of a foot support to move in a substantially linear manner while the other end of the foot support rotated about a crank axis. A user\'s foot would be positioned at an intermediate location along the foot support. As a result of this construction, the movement of the user\'s foot would generate a generally elliptical trace. Moreover, as a result of this construction, the user\'s foot would generate a generally horizontal foot trace.

Many exercise enthusiasts vary their workouts by switching the motions used during cardiovascular training. For instance, on one day, the workout features cardiovascular exercise on an elliptical machine and, on the next day, the workout features cardiovascular exercise on a stair climbing machine. Similarly, some individuals use both a stair climbing machine and an elliptical machine on the same visit to the gym so that they target different muscles while obtaining a sufficient cardiovascular workout.

In order to accommodate such diversity in workouts, gyms must maintain a wide array of machines. Many gyms, whether commercial or home, feature elliptical machines, stair climbing machines (e.g., stepper machines), treadmills and skier machines. Obtaining and maintaining such a diverse array of machines increases the operating costs of the gym.

Accordingly, an elliptical exercise machine has been developed that can provide varying foot traces. In accordance with one embodiment of the machine, the foot traces can be varied between a generally vertical foot trace and a generally horizontal foot trace.

In accordance with one embodiment of the machine, a linkage assembly that constrains a pair of foot pedals for elliptical movement is positioned entirely ahead of a rearmost portion of the foot pedals. In other words, the foot pedals or foot supports are cantilevered to a location rearward of the linkage assembly. At least a portion of the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the foot trace from a first generally horizontal orientation to a second generally vertical orientation.

One aspect of the present invention involves an exercise machine that comprises a generally stationary frame assembly. An operating linkage is supported by the frame assembly. The operating linkage is connected to a foot support. The foot support is adapted to receive a user\'s foot. The operating linkage comprises a first crank and a second crank. The first crank is rotatable about a first axis and the second crank is rotatable about a second axis. A bell crank assembly comprises bell crank that is rotatable with the first crank and a lever arm that is connected to the bell crank such that rotation of the bell crank causes oscillation of the lever arm. The lever arm is connected to the foot support. A first connecting beam is connected to the first crank and a second connecting beam is connected to the second crank. The first and second connecting beams also are connected to the foot support such that the first and second connecting beams generate a generally circular movement at the foot support and such that the lever arm generates a generally linear movement at the foot support.

Another aspect of the present invention involves an exercise machine that comprises a generally stationary frame assembly. An operating linkage is supported by the frame assembly. The operating linkage comprises a first crank. The first crank has a first end that is connected to a first pivot axis and a second end that is connected to a first end of a first connecting beam. The operating linkage also comprises a second crank. The second crank has a first end that is connected to a second pivot axis and a second end that is connected to a first end of a second connecting beam. A foot beam is connected to a second end of the first connecting beam and a second end of the second connecting beam. A first end of a bell crank is rotatable with the first crank. A foot pad is supported by the foot beam. A second end of the bell crank is connected to a first end of a connecting rod. A second end of the connecting rod is connected to a first end of a lever arm. A lever arm pivot is positioned between the first end of the lever arm and a second end of the lever arm. The second end of the lever arm is connected to at least one component selected from the group consisting of the first connecting beam, the second connecting beam, and the foot beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These features, aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings comprise twenty-six figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1.

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Exercise methods and apparatus
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