| Exercise machine -> Monitor Keywords |
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Exercise machineExercise machine description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080064571, Exercise machine. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]1. Field of the Invention [0002]The invention relates to an exercise machine, more particularly to an elliptical trainer. [0003]2. Description of the Related Art [0004]As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional elliptical trainer 10 includes a base 11, a first support frame 12 mounted proximate to and extending upwardly from a front end of the base 11, two swing handles 13 (only one is shown) mounted rotatably to the first support frame 12, an electric motor 14 mounted to the front end of the base 11, a second support frame 15 mounted to the base 11 proximate to a rear end of the base 11, a flywheel unit 16 mounted rotatably to the second support frame 15 and coupled to the electric motor 14 for assisting in rotation of the flywheel unit 16, a crank wheel unit 17 mounted rotatably to the second support frame 15 and disposed rearward of the flywheel unit 16, a pressure wheel unit 18 provided pivotally on the second support frame 15, and two pedal assemblies 19 (only one is shown), each of which is mounted pivotally to the crank wheel unit 17 and a respective one of the swing handles 13. The flywheel unit 16 includes large and small flywheels 161, 162, and first and second transmission belts 163, 164. The crank wheel unit 17 includes a crank wheel 171, and two cranks 172 mounted pivotally to a center of the crank wheel 171 and to a respective one of the pedal assemblies 19 at opposite ends thereof. The first transmission belt 163 is trained on the large flywheel 161 and the electric motor 14. The second transmission belt 164 is trained on the small flywheel 162 and the crank wheel 171 such that rotation of the small flywheel 162 results in rotation of the crank wheel 171. The crank wheel 171 drives the cranks 172 to rotate, which in turn rotates the pedal assemblies 19 in swinging motion. [0005]Moreover, when the crank wheel 171 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction by rotation of the flywheel unit 16, which is driven by the electric motor 14, an upper segment of the second transmission belt 164 is tensed and a lower segment of the second transmission belt 164 becomes loose. However, when the user pedals to rotate the crank wheel 171 counterclockwise through the motion of the pedal assemblies 19, the lower segment of the second transmission belt 164 is tensed and the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164 becomes loose. Having a loose upper segment in the second transmission belt 164 easily affects overall transmission of rotation performed by the second transmission belt 164. Therefore, the pressure wheel unit 18 serves the purpose of pressing and tensing the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164. The pressure wheel unit 18 includes a moving plate 181 having a first end mounted pivotally to the second frame support 15, a biasing member 183 coupled to a second end of the moving plate 181 opposite to the first end, and a pressure wheel 182 mounted rotatably to the moving plate 181 between the first and second ends. The biasing member 183 biases the pressure wheel 182 toward the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164. [0006]Although the pressure wheel unit 18 is capable of pressing and tensing the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164, some drawbacks still exist that require improvement. Rotation of the crank wheel unit 17 is not only affected by drive of the electric motor 14, but is also affected by the user's weight. In other words, the crank wheel 171 is connected to the pedal assemblies 19 via the cranks 172 such that the user's weight on the pedal assemblies 19 exerts a downward force on the cranks 172 and the crank wheel 171. When one of the cranks 172 is rotated from position (I') to position (II'), the user's weight on the corresponding pedal assembly 19 exerts an auxiliary force that tends to rotate the crank wheel 171 in the counterclockwise direction such that the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164 is loose and the lower segment of the second transmission belt 164 is tense. Under this circumstance, the pressure wheel unit 18 is capable of pressing and tensing the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164 so as to ensure smooth transmission of rotation performed by the second transmission belt 164. However, when the other one of the cranks 172 is moved from the position (II') to the position (I'), the user's weight on the corresponding pedal assembly 19 can exert an auxiliary force that tends to rotate the crank wheel 171 in a clockwise direction. If the drive of the electric motor 14 is unable to overcome this auxiliary force, then the auxiliary force would result in tension in the upper segment of the second transmission belt 164 and slackening in the lower segment of the second transmission belt 164. Since no component is provided for tensing the lower segment, slippage of the second transmission belt 164 can easily occur such that transmission of power is disturbed, resulting in hindering or stopping of movement of the pedal assemblies 19. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007]Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an exercise machine that eliminates slippage of a transmission belt thereof. [0008]According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise machine that includes a base, a support frame, a flywheel unit, a crank wheel unit, a transmission belt, and a pressurizing wheel mechanism. The support frame is mounted to the base. The flywheel unit is mounted rotatably to the support frame. The crank wheel unit is mounted rotatably to the support frame. The transmission belt is trained on the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit. The pressurizing wheel mechanism includes a mounting seat, upper and lower pressure wheel units, and upper and lower limiting members. The mounting seat is mounted to the support frame, and is disposed proximate to the transmission belt. The upper pressure wheel unit is provided pivotally on the mounting seat, and has an upper pressure wheel biased to move in a first direction so as to press and tense an upper segment of the transmission belt that extends between the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit. The lower pressure wheel unit is provided pivotally on the mounting seat, and has a lower pressure wheel biased to move in a second direction so as to press and tense a lower segment of the transmission belt that extends between the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit below the upper segment. The upper limiting member is mounted to the mounting seat to limit movement of the upper pressure wheel unit in a direction opposite to the first direction. The lower limiting member is mounted to the mounting seat to limit movement of the lower pressure wheel unit in a direction opposite to the second direction. [0009]According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise machine that includes a base, a support frame, a flywheel unit, a crank wheel unit, a transmission belt, and a pressurizing wheel mechanism. The support frame is mounted to the base. The flywheel unit is mounted rotatably to the support frame. The crank wheel unit is mounted rotatably to the support frame. The transmission belt is trained on the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit. The pressurizing wheel mechanism includes a mounting seat, a pressure wheel unit, and a limiting member. The mounting seat is mounted to the support frame, and is disposed proximate to the transmission belt. The pressure wheel unit is provided pivotally on the mounting seat, and has a pressure wheel biased to move in a first direction so as to press and tense a segment of the transmission belt that extends between the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit. The limiting member is mounted to the mounting seat to limit movement of the pressure wheel unit in a direction opposite to the first direction. [0010]According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise machine that includes a base, a support frame, a flywheel unit, a crank wheel unit, a transmission belt, and a pressurizing wheel mechanism. The support frame is mounted to the base. The flywheel unit is mounted rotatably to the support frame. The crank wheel unit is mounted rotatably to the support frame. The transmission belt is trained on the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit. The pressurizing wheel mechanism includes a mounting seat, and upper and lower pressure wheel units. The mounting seat is mounted to the support frame, and is disposed proximate to the transmission belt. The upper pressure wheel unit is provided pivotally on the mounting seat, and has an upper plate holding an upper pressure wheel biased to move in a first direction so as to press and tense an upper segment of the transmission belt that extends between the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit. The lower pressure wheel unit is provided pivotally on the mounting seat, and has a lower plate holding a lower pressure wheel biased to move in a second direction so as to press and tense a lower segment of the transmission belt that extends between the flywheel unit and the crank wheel unit below the upper segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011]Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: [0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional elliptical trainer; [0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an exercise machine according to the present invention; [0014]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary schematic view of the preferred embodiment; [0015]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top view of the preferred embodiment; [0016]FIG. 5 is an assembled schematic view of a pressurizing wheel mechanism according to the preferred embodiment; [0017]FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pressurizing wheel mechanism according to the preferred embodiment, taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4; [0018]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the preferred embodiment in a state of use; [0019]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating counterclockwise rotational force resulting from a user's weight exerted on a crank wheel unit; [0020]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the pressurizing wheel mechanism when the preferred embodiment is under the state shown in FIG. 8; [0021]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating clockwise rotational force resulting from the user's weight exerted on the crank wheel unit; Continue reading about Exercise machine... Full patent description for Exercise machine Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Exercise machine patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20090291810 - Pedal exercise machine having arc trajectory - A pedal exercise machine with pedals and arm levers operated in conjunction with each other. A base, a front frame and a center frame are coupled to each other and a pair of pedals move upwards and downwards in alternating directions. Pedal links connect the pedals to the base, arm ... 20090291807 - Step exercise and physical therapy device - Certain muscle conditions such as Piriformis Syndrome can be treated in physical therapy by means of this invention, and certain training goals can be reached as well. An improved step exercise platform is presented, that can be used to address specific muscle groups in the legs. 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Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Exercise machine or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Coupling assembly Next Patent Application: Exercising device with combined stepping and twisting functions Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Exercise machine patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.16191 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , 174 |
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