APPARATUS FOR COOLING AN EXERCISER HAVING MANUAL LOCAL CONTROL OF AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO DISCRETE COOLING ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A cooling assembly is disclosed for cooling an exerciser while exercising. The cooling assembly includes a plurality of air outlets supported by at least one extended cooling structure, and includes at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet is in airflow communication with a cooling air input. The plurality of air outlets is arranged along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with cooling air. Each extended cooling structure is cooperative with at least one support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure. Each at least one cooling air input is connectable to a cooling air source for supplying a flow of cooling air. At least partially surrounding the exerciser with cooling air results in more comfortable exercise sessions, while also saving energy by more efficient cooling of each exerciser as compared with typical gym cooling systems.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/001,003, filed Dec. 7, 2007, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed Nov. 22, 2010, entitled APPARATUS FOR

COOLING AN EXERCISER HAVING CONVENIENT CENTRALIZED CONTROL OF AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO A STATIONARY EXERCISE DEVICE, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/001,003, filed Dec. 7, 2007. U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed Nov. 22, 2010, entitled APPARATUS FOR SURROUNDING AN EXERCISER WITH COOLING AIR HAVING MANUAL LOCAL CONTROL OF AIR OUTLETS BUILT INTO A STATIONARY EXERCISE DEVICE, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/001,003, filed Dec. 7, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and particularly to cooling devices for use during exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise is generally known to have many benefits for individuals of all ages. These benefits include improved cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, prevention of bone and muscle loss, maintenance of a healthy weight, improved psychological heath, and many others.

However, exercise is generally accompanied by a certain degree of discomfort, including overheating, sweating, fatigue, etc, and this leads to a significant reduction in the amount of exercise undertaken by many individuals, thereby reducing the health benefits derived from exercise.

Because of weather variability, convenience, and time constraints, exercise often takes place indoors using a stationary exercise device such as a stepper, stationary bicycle, elliptical machine, treadmill, free weight machine, exercise ball, or exercise mat, for example. Attempts are sometimes made to increase the comfort of exercising individuals in these environments by optimizing the surrounding temperature. But this can be largely unsatisfactory, because exercisers generally require different degrees of cooling depending on individual physiology and on how long and how vigorously they have been exercising. If the surrounding air is warm enough to be comfortable for individuals just beginning an exercise session, it will likely be too warm for individuals well into a vigorous session. And if the surrounding air is cool enough to be comfortable for an individual who has been exercising vigorously for a significant amount of time, it will likely be too cold for individuals not exercising or just beginning to exercise.

Although fans are known to be used for cooling an exerciser, they work by helping sweat to evaporate, which provides evaporative cooling only after the exerciser has heated up enough to have started sweating. Such heat and sweating can be felt as uncomfortable, leading to a significant reduction in the amount of exercise undertaken by the exerciser,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments provide a number of advantages over prior systems. For example, as recognized by the invention, preferred embodiments employ cooling air to improve the exerciser's experience. Humans generally perspire so that perspiration evaporates off of the skin, removing heat from the exerciser. In some cases, however, excessive perspiration fails to fully evaporate, and thus fails to remove sufficient heat from the exerciser. Excessive perspiration can be uncomfortable for the exerciser, unsanitary, and generally undesirable. Moreover, if sufficient heat is not removed from the exerciser, serious heat-related illnesses can develop, such as heat stress, heat stroke, and nausea.

Generally, in similar temperature conditions, the presence or absence of airflow, or the particular flow rate, can be the determining factor as to whether the exerciser perspires. In typical exercise environments, such as the common gym, for example, the environment is designed to regulate the temperature of the gym as a whole. Sometimes, free-standing fans are included to help improve the air circulation within the gym.

However, as described in more detail below, preferred embodiments offer an exerciser a significant improvement in comfort, thereby tending to increase the amount of exercise and the benefits derived therefrom, while also reducing risk of heat-related illnesses and/or excessive sweating. For example, in preferred embodiments, cooling air flow is directed so as to mostly surround an exerciser, for example a well-conditioned exerciser exercising at maximum aerobic capacity, and this reduces by a significant amount the propensity of the exerciser to perspire. The exerciser does not overheat and perspires much less, and consequently the exercise is limited primarily by the amount of work the exerciser can do, and not by the discomfort of overheating and the risk of heat-related illness.

Additionally, preferred embodiments help reduce excessive sweating as well as the symptoms of heat-related illness, or its onset. For example, preferred embodiments tend to reduce nausea while exercising, decrease perspiration dripping over the exercise machine and floor, and reduce nausea after exercising.

Additionally, for certain exercisers, preferred embodiments eliminate the tendency to perspire entirely. For example, preferred embodiments prevent an average exerciser of modest aerobic capacity, who is not working near their maximum, from any perspiration at all. Eliminating perspiration can provide a number of additional benefits.

For example, perspiration typically causes body odor. As such, typical exercisers tend to bathe after exercise. But without perspiration, bathing is less necessary, which reduces hot water consumption as exercisers take fewer showers, and shortens the total time required to visit the gym and engage in a workout. Additionally, certain gyms do not have bathing facilities. Eliminating perspiration eliminates the need for an exerciser to exercise hard, get soaked in perspiration, and then drive home. Consequently, gyms could generally maintain higher exercise room temperatures thereby reducing energy costs.

Additionally, overweight people generally have a body mass relative to surface area that makes heat loss particularly difficult. Preferred embodiments can greatly reduce heat stress in the obese during exercise. Reducing the risk of heat-related illness, and generally making exercise more comfortable, could be the difference that allows and/or encourages certain obese people to exercise effectively, helping them to lose weight.

Preferred embodiments incorporating the SurroundCool™ effect, described in more detail below, affect a greater surface area of an exerciser than known approaches to cooling an exerciser, thereby improving the transfer of heat away from the exerciser. Additionally, because the SurroundCool™ effect operates upon a greater surface area than known approaches, preferred embodiments provide superior perspiration evaporation.

A general aspect of the invention is a cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a stationary exercise device. The cooling assembly includes a plurality of air outlets; at least one extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of air outlets; and at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a cooling air input. The plurality of air outlets is arranged along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with cooling air. Each extended cooling structure is cooperative with at least one support mechanism for supporting and attaching the at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise device. Each at least one cooling air input is connectable to a cooling air source. The cooling air source is capable of supplying a flow of cooling air.

In preferred embodiments, at least one air outlet has a fan for blowing cooling air out of the air outlet.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one support mechanism stabilizes and supports the at least one extended cooling structure.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one support mechanism includes a support leg for supporting at least a portion of the at least one extended cooling structure.

In preferred embodiments, the stationary exercise device is one of: a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a stationary exercise cycle, a weight bench, a weight machine, a stair climbing machine, and a rowing machine.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable portion of the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be aimed only within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air outlet.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet can be manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air outlet.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling structure can pivot upward so as to allow the exerciser more easy access to and from the stationary exercise device.

Another general aspect of the invention is a cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while exercising. where the cooling assembly includes: a plurality of air outlets; at least one extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of air outlets; and at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a cooling air input, the plurality of air outlets being arranged along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with cooling air. Each extended cooling structure is cooperative with at least one support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure, each at least one cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a respective cooling air input.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling structure can pivot upward so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access a stationary exercise device used by the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, the cooling air source is one of: a fresh air conduit, a dehumidifier, a high-velocity cooling source, a window air conditioner, a free-standing room air conditioner, and a central air conditioner.

In preferred embodiments, the cooling air source is able to supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary exercise devices, the cooling air being supplied at pressures and flow rates that meet the cooling requirements and preferences of exercisers using at least a subset of the exercise devices.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling structure is an extended cooling structure that substantially surrounds the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling structure mounts to one or more of: a floor stand, a wall mount, and a suspended overhead mount.

In preferred embodiments, the exerciser is exercising using a stationary exercise device; the stationary exercise device being one of a plurality of stationary exercise devices, which plurality includes a first stationary exercise device, and a second stationary exercise device in nearest neighbor relationship with the first stationary exercise device; and the at least one extended cooling structure is one of a plurality of extended cooling structures, at least one extended cooling structure of the plurality extended cooling structures being located between the first stationary exercise device and the second stationary exercise device, the at least one extended cooling structure supporting a plurality of air outlets arranged along both sides of the at least one extended cooling structure so as to be able to direct cooling air toward and partially surrounding both a first exerciser and a second exerciser while each is exercising on the first exercise device and the second exercise device, respectively, an other extended cooling structure of the plurality of extended cooling structures supporting a plurality of air outlets arranged along a least one side of the other extended cooling structure, so as to be able to direct additional cooling air towards and partially surrounding the first exerciser while exercising on the first exercise device, thereby contributing to substantially surrounding the first exerciser with cooling air.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one support mechanism for supporting the at least one extended cooling structure includes: an elongated common support member capable of supporting a plurality of extended cooling structures. In further preferred embodiments, the elongated common support member is supported by at least one of: a floor stand, a wall mount, a suspended overhead mount, a stationary exercise device.

Another general aspect of the invention is a cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a stationary exercise device, where the cooling assembly includes: at least one extended cooling structure; at least one cooling air input; and at least a pair of air outlets, each extended cooling structure having at least one support mechanism for attaching the at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise device so as to support the at least one extended cooling structure, each at least one cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air, each air outlet being in airflow communication with at least one cooling air input, each air outlet being positioned and oriented so as to direct cooling air toward the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one extended cooling structure is a vertical extended cooling structure having at least two air outlets.

In preferred embodiments, the cooling assembly further includes: at least one conductive cooling applicator, the conductive cooling applicator being capable of providing cooling by thermal conduction due to a flow of cooling air flowing within the conductive cooling applicator, the conductive cooling applicator being in airflow communication with the cooling air source. In further preferred embodiments, the conductive cooling applicator is included in at least one of: a handle, a seat, and a backrest.

Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for cooling a plurality of exercisers while using a corresponding plurality of stationary exercise devices, where the apparatus includes: a plurality of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure having a support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure in mutual symmetric relationship with at least one other extended cooling structure about a stationary exercise device, such that each exercise device is located between a pair of extended cooling structures, a plurality of the plurality of extended cooling structures having air outlets on both a right side and a left side of each extended cooling structure, each air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding each exerciser with cooling air.

In preferred embodiments, each extended cooling structure has an air inlet for supplying cooling air to the plurality of air outlets.

In preferred embodiments, at least one air outlet is a directable nozzle.

In preferred embodiments, the support mechanism for supporting each extended cooling structure includes a pair of support legs attached to the extended cooling structure so as to stabilize and support the extended cooling structure.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of being manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of being manually aimed within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the body of the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air outlet.

In preferred embodiments, each air outlet is capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air outlet.

Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for cooling an exerciser while using a stationary exercise device, where the apparatus includes: a pair of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure being cooperative with a support mechanism for supporting the pair of extended cooling structures in mutual symmetric relationship about an exerciser to be located between the pair of extended cooling structures, the support mechanism including a connector for attaching the extended cooling structures to the stationary exercise device so as to stabilize and support the extended cooling structures. Each extended cooling structure has a plurality of cooling air outlets, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to substantially surround the exerciser with cooling air, each cooling air outlet being capable of being manually aimed within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the exerciser. Also, each extended cooling structure has an air inlet for supplying cooling air to the plurality of cooling air outlets.

In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of one extended cooling structure is able to swing up so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access the stationary exercise device.

In preferred embodiments, the connector for attaching at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise device includes a mechanism to allow the extended cooling structure to swing up so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access the stationary exercise device.

Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for cooling a plurality of exercisers while using a corresponding plurality of stationary exercise devices, where the apparatus includes: at least one spine module able to connect to a cooling air source, each at least one spine module being able to support a pair of extended cooling structures, each at least one spine module being able to interlock with at least one other spine module; and a plurality of extended cooling structures including at least a pair of extended cooling structures. Each extended cooling structure is supported by at least one spine module. Each extended cooling structure is supported in mutual symmetric relationship with at least one other extended cooling structure about a stationary exercise device, such that each stationary exercise device is located between a pair of extended cooling structures. Each extended cooling structure has cooling air outlets, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding with cooling air each exerciser using a stationary exercise device.

In preferred embodiments, at least one of the plurality of extended cooling structures has cooling air outlets on both a right side and a left side of the extended cooling structure, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding with cooling air an exerciser both to the right and to the left of the extended cooling structure.

In preferred embodiments, at least one spine module has a plurality of cooling air outlets.

In preferred embodiments, at least one spine module has an extended member having a plurality of cooling air outlets.

In preferred embodiments, each extended cooling structure has an air inlet for receiving cooling air from the cooling air source.

In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlet is capable of being manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlet is capable of being manually aimed within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the body of the exerciser.

In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlets is capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air outlet.

In preferred embodiments, each cooling air outlets is capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that includes an air conditioner attached to a stationary exercise device, the air conditioner being connected to a heat exhausting duct, the embodiment further including a built-in cooling air outlet with a fan;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that includes an air conditioner separate from a stationary exercise device, and a cooling air outlet with a fan, which is attached to the stationary exercise device;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that includes an air conditioner separate from a stationary exercise device and a built-in cooling air outlet with a fan;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that includes an air conditioner separate from a stationary exercise device, a plurality of cooling air outlets built into the deck of the stationary exercise device (here, a treadmill), and an air characteristic controller that allows the exerciser to adjust the flow rate and temperature of the cooling air;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment that includes a cooling air source located outside of an exercise room, the cooling air source being able to supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary exercise devices within the exercise room;

FIG. 4A is a functional diagram illustrating flow of cooling air through cooling air outlets having adjustable louvers;

FIG. 4B is a functional diagram illustrating an air conditioner that includes a thermally conductive pipe cooled by a cooling liquid, cooling air being cooled by flowing past the thermally conductive pipe;

FIG. 4C is a functional diagram illustrating injection of cooling mist into a flow of cooling air through the cooling air outlet of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment in which the back of an exerciser is cooled by a flow of cooling air directed onto the exerciser from a cooling air outlet attached to the rear of the exercise device;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment in which an exerciser is cooled by conduction through contact with a seat, a backrest, and handles, each of which is cooled by a cooling fluid;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating cooling of the handles by the cooling fluid in the embodiment of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the back of an exerciser is cooled by a plurality of flows of cooling air from a plurality of cooling air outlets attached to the rear of a stationary exercise device;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise device having attached extended cooling structures;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a stationary exercise device having attached extended cooling structures, the extended cooling structures having upper and lower air outlets;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of several stationary exercise devices, equipped with attached extended cooling structures as shown in FIG. 6A, the extended cooling structures being attached to a common remote cooling air source;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise device with attached extended cooling structures, including floor supports for the extended cooling structures;

FIG. 7B is a side view looking down the length of the extended cooling structure, the extended cooling structure being supported by a sigmoidal support that connects the extended cooling structure to the exercise machine of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise device substantially surrounded by a plurality of free-standing extended cooling structures, the extended cooling structures being arranged so as to create a personal cooling environment substantially surrounding an exerciser, the stationary exercise device shown being a cross-country ski machine;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the free-standing extended cooling structures of FIG. 8A, cooling an exerciser performing aerobic exercise, such as by using an exercise step device, or other exercise equipment, such as the illustrative examples as shown;

FIG. 9A is a perspective side view of a cooling air outlet having mechanically adjustable air-directing louvers, the louvers being adjusted by manipulation of a central tab;

FIG. 9B is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped upward;

FIG. 9C is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped downward;

FIG. 9D is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped to the right;

FIG. 9E is a perspective side drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 7A with the louvers being shown tipped to the left;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a plurality of stationary exercise devices with a plurality of extended cooling structures on floor stands, the extended cooling structures not being attached to the stationary exercise devices;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a plurality of stationary exercise devices with a plurality of extended cooling structures, the extended cooling structures being attached to a common spine supported by at least two floor stands, and the extended cooling structures not being attached to the treadmills;

FIG. 10C is an overhead view of a row of closely spaced stationary exercise devices, with a plurality of spine modules, each spine module being attached to a respective stationary exercise device, each spine module interlocking with at least one neighboring spine module, each spine module also being connected to two extended cooling structures, the spine modules and extended cooling structures together forming a modularly expandable SurroundCool™ personal cooling system for multiple stationary exercise devices;

FIG. 10D is an overhead view of a single stationary exercise device using the spine module and extended cooling structures of FIG. 10C, the spine module being attached to the stationary exercise device and the extended cooling structures being attached to the spine module;

FIG. 10E is a front perspective view of the single stationary exercise device of FIG. 10D;

FIG. 10F is a front perspective view of a single stationary exercise device using a single spine module and a pair of extended cooling structures, the spine module and extended cooling structures together forming a free-standing modular cooling unit, the modular cooling unit being supported by a plurality of legs instead of being attached to the single exercise device;

FIG. 10G is a side view of the stationary exercise device of FIG. 10D, shown without the spine module and extended cooling structures;

FIG. 10H is a side view of the stationary exercise device of FIG. 10D, shown with the spine module and extended cooling structures attached;

FIG. 10I is a side view of the stationary exercise device of FIG. 10D, shown with one extended cooling structure removed, so as to show the air outlets of the other extended cooling structure;

FIG. 10J is an exploded overhead view, showing the spine module and two extended cooling structures of FIG. 10D, the spine module and two extended cooling structures being in detached relationship;

FIG. 10K is a perspective view of a plurality of treadmills with a plurality of extended cooling structures, the extended cooling structures being attached to a plurality of spine modules, each spine module being attached to a wall near a respective stationary exercise device, each spine module interlocking with at least one neighboring spine module, each spine module also being connected to two extended cooling structures, the spine modules and extended cooling structures together forming a modularly expandable SurroundCool™ personal cooling system for multiple stationary exercise devices;

FIG. 10L is an overhead view of the row of closely spaced stationary exercise devices of FIG. 10K;

FIG. 10M is an overhead view of a row of closely spaced stationary exercise devices, with a plurality of spine modules, the plurality of spine modules being supported by a plurality of stands, each spine module interlocking with at least one neighboring spine module, each spine module also being connected to two extended cooling structures, at least one of the two extended cooling structures also being supported by at least one stand, the spine modules and extended cooling structures together forming a modularly expandable SurroundCool™ personal cooling system for multiple stationary exercise devices;

FIG. 10N is a perspective view of a plurality of elliptical machines each elliptical machine being flanked by a pair of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure being attached to and supported by a single spine, the single spine being attached to each of the elliptical machines, and a single cooling air source being connected to each of the extended cooling structures;

FIG. 10O is a perspective view of a plurality of elliptical machines with a single spine, the single spine being attached to a single cooling air source, the single spine being supported by at least two floor stands, and a plurality of extended cooling structures being attached to the single spine;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an elliptical machine having attached extended cooling structures, with an enlarged view of a cooling air outlet adapted for manual local control of cooling air flow direction and cooling air flow rate;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an elliptical machine have a single attached vertical extended cooling structure, the vertical extended cooling structure being attached so as to direct cooling air toward the front of the exerciser;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an elliptical machine have a pair of attached vertical extended cooling structures, the vertical extended cooling structures being attached so as to direct cooling air toward the front and sides of the exerciser, and each vertical extended cooling structure being separately attached to the elliptical machine at the same point on the elliptical machine;

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of an elliptical machine have a pair of attached vertical extended cooling structures, the vertical extended cooling structures being attached so as to direct cooling air toward the front and sides of the exerciser, and each vertical extended cooling structure being separately attached to a respective handle of the elliptical machine;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a stationary exercise bike having attached movable extended cooling structures;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the stationary bike of FIG. 113A, showing one of the extended cooling structures rotated upward to improve access to the stationary exercise bike;

FIG. 13C is an overhead view of the mechanism for rotating the extended cooling structures shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B;

FIGS. 13D and 13E are side views of the mechanism for rotating the extended cooling structures shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the plurality of elliptical machines of FIG. 10N, showing two of the extended cooling structures rotated upward to improve access to respective exercise devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an air conditioner 100, or other cooling fluid source, that is attached to a stationary exercise device 102. The air conditioner 100 supplies air that is cooler than the ambient air surrounding the stationary exercise device 102 to a cooling air outlet 104. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling air outlet 104 includes a fan. One skilled in the art will understand that cooling air outlet 104 can be configured with or without a fan, or with additional or alternate features, as described in more detail below.

Cooling air outlet 104 serves as the applicator of the cooling air by directing a flow of cooling air toward the front of an individual (not shown) using the device. Warm air resulting from the air cooling process is exhausted from the air conditioner 100 through an air duct 106.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2A, the apparatus includes an air conditioner 200 that is not attached to the stationary exercise device 102. Air conditioner 200 supplies cooling air thorough a hose 202 to a cooling air outlet 104, which is attached to the stationary exercise device 102. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling air outlet 104 includes a fan that can be used to control the flow rate of the cooling air leaving cooling air outlet 104. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2A, except that cooling air outlet 104 is built into stationary exercise device 102.

FIG. 2C illustrates a preferred embodiment that includes an air conditioner 200 that is not attached to the stationary exercise device 102. Air conditioner 200 supplies cooling air thorough a hose 202 to a conduit (not shown) in the body of stationary exercise device 102. The conduit directs the received cooling air to a series of cooling air outlets 204A-H, which are located along the deck of the stationary exercise device 102. Cooling air outlets 204A-H direct cooling air upward from below toward an exerciser using stationary exercise device 102. Cooling air outlets 204A-D direct cooling air upon the exerciser from along the right side of stationary exercise device 102. Cooling air outlets 204E-H direct cooling air upon the exerciser from along the left side of stationary exercise device 102. An air characteristic controller 206 on the front of the stationary exercise device 102 allows the exerciser (not shown) to control the overall flow rate and temperature of the cooling air.

The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2B, except that the cooling air source is located outside of the room. Cooling air is supplied through a connection 300 in the wall of the room to a manifold 302, and from the manifold 302 to a plurality of stationary exercise devices 304. Each exercise device 304 has a cooling air outlet 305 that directs the cooling air toward the face, neck, and upper torso of an exerciser using stationary exercise device 102.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 3, except that cooling air outlet 305 has been replaced by a plurality of cooling air outlets 306. In a preferred embodiment, each cooling air outlet of the plurality of cooling air outlets 306 is independently directable so as to collectively direct cooling air toward a plurality of respective portions of the exerciser, consistent with the SurroundCool™ concept described above.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are functional diagrams that illustrate cooling air outlets in two respective preferred embodiments. In FIG. 4A, cooling air 400 flows through a duct 402 and exits from a cooling air outlet 404 through a set of air directing louvers 406. The direction of the louvers 406 can be controlled by rotating a wheel 408 located below the louvers 406. In FIG. 4B, cool water flows through a pipe 410 to a heat exchange device 412, having a large surface area. Fan 416 pulls cooling air 414 across the heat exchange device 412, thereby cooling the cooling air 418, which is then directed toward an exerciser.

FIG. 4C illustrates the injection of a cooling mist 420 into the cooling air 400 of FIG. 4A. Water travels through a hose 422 to a spray nozzle 424, which transforms the water into mist droplets 420. The mist droplets 420 enter a mixing chamber 426, where the mist droplets 420 mix with the flow of cooling air 400 and are carried through cooling air outlet 404 by the cooling air 400.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5A, a cooling fluid source 500 supplies cool liquid through a set of hoses 502 to a heat exchange device and fan 504 similar to the device and fan shown in FIG. 4B. The heat exchange device and fan 504 is attached to the back of a stationary exercise device 506, on which an individual 508 is exercising, and directs a flow of cooled air 510 onto the exercising individual 508 from behind. In this embodiment, the source of cooling fluid 500 is a closed loop liquid chiller and circulator with a self contained cooling liquid reservoir that is accessible through a hatch 512 on the top. Typically, a mixture of water and anti-freeze with anti-corrosion properties is used as the cooling liquid. The cooling fluid could also be Freon.

The preferred embodiment of FIG. 5B uses a liquid chiller 500 similar to the chiller of FIG. 5A, but the chilled liquid is supplied to a plurality of conductive cooling applicators, such as the handles 514, the seat 516, and the backrest 518 of the stationary exercise device 506. The exerciser 508 using the stationary exercise device 506 is cooled by direct conductive thermal contact with the cooled handles 514, seat 516, and backrest 518. In some situations, it may be desirable to have only conductive cooling applicators, without any cooling air outlets and/or fans to provide convective cooling. The exerciser 508 can manually control these conductive cooling applicators by rotating the handles 415 thereby controlling the flow of the cooling liquid to the conductive cooling applicators. For example, by rotating the left one of the handles 514, the flow rate of cooling fluid to the seat 516 can be adjusted. By rotating the right one of the handles 415, the flow rate of cooling fluid to the handles 514 can be adjusted. The exerciser 508 can adjust the cooling effect of the backrest 518 simply by leaning forward so as to reduce thermal contact with the backrest 518.

Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that air is a fluid, just as water is a fluid, and therefore, a flow of cooling air can be used to cool the plurality of conductive cooling applicators, such as the handles 514, the seat 516, and the backrest 518 of the stationary exercise device 506. Using air as the cooling fluid is particularly advantageous for use with cooling air outlets that direct air convectively towards an exerciser. Thus, the same cooling air that is provided by the cooling air outlets can be used to cool the conductive cooling applicators by flowing through the conductive cooling applicators.

FIG. 5C illustrates the cooling of the handles by the chilled liquid in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5B. The chilled liquid flows into and up supporting arm 518, which supports the two hand grips 514, through the two hand grips 514, and then down the other supporting arm 520. In this illustrated embodiment, the two hand grips 514 are metal and provide good thermal contact with the chilled liquid. The interiors of the supporting arms 518 and 520, and the cross brace 522 between the two hand grips 514 are thermally insulated so as to avoid warming of the chilled liquid as it flows up to and down from the handles, and to avoid water condensation on the supporting arms 518 and 520 and the cross brace 522.

Various preferred embodiments include both cooling air outlets which provide flows of cooling air 504, and conductive cooling applicators 514, 516, 518 which provide cooling by thermal conduction due to a flow of cooling fluid (such as cooling air) flowing therewithin, whereby the exerciser can select and control which types of cooling are to be applied, and how much of each. Of course, it is also possible to include only the conductive cooling applicators 514, 516, 518 which provide cooling by thermal conduction due to a flow of cooling air or water flowing therewithin, whereby the exerciser can select and control how much conductive cooling is desired.

The embodiment of FIG. 5D uses a liquid chiller 500 similar to the chiller of FIG. 5A, but the chilled liquid is supplied to cooling air outlets 504A-D, wherein air is cooled by the chilled liquid in a manner similar to the outlet of FIG. 4B, the cooling air outlets being part of the backrest 510 of the stationary exercise device 506. Cooling air outlets 504A-D direct cooling air from backrest 510 toward the back, head, and neck of the exerciser 508.

FIG. 6A illustrates an apparatus for cooling an exerciser, while the exercise is using treadmill 600. Treadmill 600 can be any treadmill having a structure, such as support legs 608A, 608B, that can be used to attach the apparatus to treadmill 600. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, attachments 606 support the apparatus. Generally, the apparatus includes extended cooling structures having a cooling air input and a plurality of cooling air outlets.

Specifically, the apparatus includes extended cooling structures 602A, 602B and cooling air conduits 610A, 610B, that connect extended cooling structures 602A, 602B to a cooling air source 612. In this illustrated embodiment, extended cooling structures 102A, 102B include air outlets 104A-1041, which direct cooling air received from the cooling air source 112 to various parts of the exerciser's body. In alternate embodiments, extended cooling structures 102A, 1028 can include a plurality of air outlets arranged in other configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling air conduits 610A, 610B are hoses connected between the cooling air source 612 and the extended cooling structures 602A, 602B. In alternate embodiments, extended cooling structures 602A, 602B include cooling air inputs that can connect with a variety of cooling air sources.

For example, cooling air source 612 can be a high-velocity cooling system, or a central air conditioning system, or a window air conditioner with an adapter, or any other suitable cooling air source.

Cooling air source 612 and conduits 610A, 610B can be any design and size sufficient to function as described in this document. For example, in one embodiment, conduits 610A, 610B are about 4″ in diameter, and cooling air source 612 includes a 14″ radius high-speed fan able to provide sufficient air flow to allow a person using treadmill 600 to adjust air outlets 604A-6041 to move air in a desired configuration for comfortable exercise. Alternatively, a high-velocity cooling air source provides cooling air to cooling air source 612 through conduits 2″ in diameter, and cooling air source 612 provides the cooling air to extended cooling structures 602A, 602B through conduits less than 4″ in diameter, providing cooling air at a rate and pressure useable by the exerciser via the extended cooling structures 602A, 602B.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a stationary exercise device having attached extended cooling structures, the extended cooling structures having upper and lower cooling air outlets 604A-L. As shown, the cooling air outlets 604A-L can be round air outlets, as described below in more detail with respect to FIGS. 9A-E. Alternatively, cooling air outlets 604A-L can be nozzles such as are commonly found above the passenger seats in typical commercial aircraft. Generally, cooling air outlets 604A-L allow the exerciser to independently and manually control the direction and/or flow rate of the cooling air directed at the exerciser from each cooling air outlet individually.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of several stationary exercise devices 600A-D, each equipped with attached extended cooling structures as shown in FIG. 6A, the extended cooling structures being connected to a common remote cooling air source. In some embodiments, the extended cooling structures each connect individually to a central manifold or trunk, such as trunk 616, for example. In alternate embodiments, the extended cooling structures each connect individually to the cooling air source. Generally, the cooling air source is able to provide sufficient cooling air flow to allow a person using treadmill 600 to adjust air outlets 604A-6041 so as to move air in a desired SurroundCool™ configuration for comfortable exercise.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another embodiment of a cooling apparatus attached to a treadmill 600. Extended cooling structures 700A, 700B each include air outlets 704A-704G, each of the air outlets 704A-704G being individually adjustable so as to provide a desired air flow surround pattern for a person using the treadmill 600.

The extended cooling structures 700A, 700B are supported partially by support legs 702A, 702B that are located and sized so as to help support the portion of each of the extended cooling structures 700A, 700B that is farthest from where it is attached to the treadmill 600. A strap 706, cooperative with a sigmoidal support 710, supports the portion of each of the extended cooling structures 700A, 700B that is closest to the treadmill 600 to respective treadmill supports 608A, 608B, as shown in FIG. 7B.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the sigmoidal support 710 attaches to the extended cooling structure 700A via attachment hardware 708 (also shown in FIG. 7A). Sigmoidal support 710 is also attached to the strap 706 via support 712. The weight of the extended cooling structure 700A causes the foot 714 to press against the support leg 608A of the treadmill 60, thereby attaching, supporting, and stabilizing the extended cooling structure 700A. Thus, using a strap 706 and a sigmoidal support 710, each extended cooling structure 700A, 700B can be easily attached to a standard treadmill.

With reference to FIG. 8A, some embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of free-standing extended cooling structures 810, 812, 814, 816, each of which receives cooled and/or dried air through hoses 610A-F connected to a cooling air source 612, and each of which includes a plurality of cooling air outlets 816A-D. The extended cooling structures 810-816 have been arranged in the embodiment of FIG. 8A so as to surround an exerciser 822 while exercising on a NordicTrack™ ski exercise machine. The extended cooling structures 810-816 are easily moved and rearranged so as to surround the exerciser as desired while performing any type of exercise on a device of any size and shape, such as lifting free weights, which requires the exerciser's arms to be fully outstretched, using a device which exercises the shoulders and/or back muscles, or performing crunches on a ball or planks on a mat.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the extended cooling structures 810, 812, 814, 816 are each supported by two legs, each leg having an upper portion 818 which is telescopically inserted into a lower portion 816 and locked in place at a desired height by a locking knob 820. Graduated marks are included on the upper portion 818 so as to facilitate adjustment of all of the legs to the same height. The heights of the extended cooling structures 810-816 are thereby easily adjustable, so as to provide optimal cooling for people of all heights and/or for exercise activities which take place at differing heights. For example, the extended cooling structures 810-816 can be raised or lowered so as to accommodate an exerciser of any height, whether performing an exercise in a sitting or prone position, such as crunches on an exercise ball or mat on the floor, or exercising in a fully upright position. While FIG. 8A illustrates the embodiment surrounding a single exerciser, the embodiment can also accommodate more than one exerciser.

FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 8A surrounding an exerciser 824 performing aerobic exercises on an exercise stool 826. Various other types of exercise devices are provided outside of the exercise environment as examples of some of the exercise devices that can be utilized in this environment, including barbells 828, a stretching/elastic cord with handles 830, an exercise ball 832, and an exercise mat 834. These are simply examples of a very wide variety of types of exercise devices which can easily be brought into and subsequently removed from the region surrounded by the extended cooling structures 810-816. Further, for certain exercises, such as exercises performed while sitting on the ball 832 or while lying on the mat 834, the exerciser 824 may wish to accordingly lower the heights of the extended cooling structures 810-816.

FIGS. 9A-9E show an embodiment of cooling air outlet 900 similar to many of the cooling air outlets mentioned above. Of course, air-flow rate and air-flow direction adjustment mechanisms of a different form than, but similar function to, exemplary cooling air outlets 900 each with adjustment knob 904 can be used to provide individually adjustable air flow to a person using a stationary exercise device without departing from the scope of the invention. Cooling air outlets 900 are each attached to an air supply 906 via a connector 902.

Adjustment knob 904 can be moved to direct air flow from air cooling air outlet (also called a “vent”) 900, with the airflow generally coaxial with the direction of adjustment knob 904. For example, adjustment knob 904 can be pushed upward, as shown in FIG. 9B, resulting in a airflow in a more upward direction than that in FIG. 9A. Similarly, the airflow of air outlet 900 in FIG. 9C will be more downward, the airflow of air outlet 900 in FIG. 9D rightward, and the airflow of air outlet 900 in FIG. 9E leftward.

Turning to FIG. 10A, three treadmills 600A, 600B, 600C are each flanked by a pair of extended, separately supported cooling structures selected from extended cooling structures 1000, 1002, 1004, 1006. The two outer extended cooling structures 1000, 1006 include air outlets 1000A-1000D, 1006A-1006D, respectively, only on an inward-facing side so as to provide airflow to a person on the nearest treadmill 600A and 600C. The two inner extended cooling structures 1002, 1004 each include air outlets on both sides, so as to provide individually controllable airflow for each of the treadmills flanking each extended cooling structure. The extended cooling structures 1000, 1002, 1004, 1006 are supplied with air through conduits 1010A-1010D from a supply line 1008, which can be attached to an HVAC system or to a large fan box, or any other conditioned air supply device.

Although FIG. 10A illustrates the embodiment applied to a plurality of exercise devices where each exercise device is situated between two extended cooling structures with air outlets facing each exercise device, this embodiment can also be used along only one side of a single exercise device, or between two exercise devices, thereby providing cooling to one side of each exerciser. Also note that each extended cooling structure in FIG. 10A is free-standing, and not attached to the machine used by the exerciser. Consequently, this embodiment can be used with existing exercise machines without any modification to the exercise machine.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the cooling air source 612 is now present in the room, and the legs 1036 support a “spine” 1030 that supports a plurality of extended cooling structures 1012-1020 of the cooling apparatus, the legs 1036 being bolted to the floor, each leg having a very thin base so as to be practically flush with the floor, the base 1034 of each leg also having a very small footprint so as to ensure that it will not interfere with foot traffic near the apparatus. The spine 1030 also supports a plurality of front-facing shorter extended cooling structures 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, each of which includes two front-facing air outlets for cooling the front of an exerciser.

Additional front cooling air outlets 1022A-1022B, 1024A-1024B, 1026A-1026B, 1028A-1028B are shown on the plurality of front-facing shorter extended cooling structures 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, respectively. Supply conduit 1032 feeds a central plenum within the spine 1030, which then supplies cooling air to each of the extended cooling structures and air outlets, so as to provide cooled and/or dried air for individuals using treadmills 600A-600D.

Referring to FIG. 10C, individual conduits 1010A-1010D separately supply the respective extended cooling structures that substantially surround each treadmill. In particular, the cooling air source 612 supplies cooling air via the main hose 1032 to a main feeder conduit 1008. The main feeder conduit supplies a flow of cooling air via individual conduits 1010A, 10108, 1010C, 1010D to each of a connected series of spine modules 1030A-1030D. Each of the spine modules 1030A-1030D is mechanically connected to a respective treadmill 600A-600D, and to two extended cooling structures 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018 which each receive cooling air from the spine modules, for substantially surrounding an exerciser using a treadmill 600A-600D with cooling air. Each extended cooling structure 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018 includes air outlets that face the exerciser using the treadmill 600A. The front-facing air outlets 1022A and 10228, as well as the lower front air outlet 1022C, also receive cooling air from a respective spine module 1030A-1030D, and contribute to substantially surrounding the exerciser with cooling air. Note that additional spine modules can be added, along with corresponding extended cooling structures and front-facing air outlets, as more treadmills are added to the treadmills shown. In fact, only one additional extended cooling structure and respective front-facing air outlets are needed for each additional spine module.

Thus, FIG. 10C is a top view of a preferred embodiment in which a plurality of stationary exercise devices 600A-D are cooled by a plurality of cooling modules which are attached to the stationary exercise devices and which interconnect to form a continuous series of modules. Each cooling modular unit includes a spine module 1030A-D which is connected by a hose 1010A-D to a cooling air supply manifold 1008 which receives cooled and/or dehumidified air from a cooling air source 612 through a main hose 1032. Cooling air is directed onto exercisers from the front by air outlets 1022A-1028B included in the spine modules 1030A-D. Cooling air is directed onto the sides of exerciser's using the stationary exercise devices 600A-D by extended cooling structures 1012-1020 which function as manifolds, and extend between the stationary exercise devices 600A-D. Extended cooling structures 1012, 1020 are located on the ends of the series of modules, and include cooling air outlets only on their inward-facing surfaces, and supply cooling air to only one exercise device 600A, 600D. Inner extended cooling structures 1014-1018 include cooling air outlets on both sides, and supply cooling air to the stationary exercise devices which are located on either side 600A-D. Note that additional stationary exercise devices can be accommodated by the series simply by adding additional spine modules 1030A-D and inner extended cooling structures 1014-1018.

FIG. 10D is a top view of a single stationary exercise device 600 cooled by a single cooling modular unit 612 of the embodiment of FIG. 10C. Since there is only one exercise device 600, the modular unit includes a single spine module 1030 and a pair of outer extended cooling structures 1012, 1020, without any inner extended cooling structures 1014-1018. Also included are the front-facing air outlets 1022A, 10228, 1022C of the front extended cooling structure 1022. The hose 1032 provides the cooling air to the single spine module 1030, which is in air-flow communication with the extended cooling structures 1012 and 1020, and with the front extended cooling structure 1022.

FIG. 10E is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 10D.

FIG. 10F is a front perspective view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 10E, but wherein the cooling modular unit is not attached to the stationary exercise device 600, but which is instead free standing and supported on legs 1036 that support the extended cooling structures 1012, 1020, and the spine module 1030 that connects, and is in air-flow communication with, the extended cooling structures 1012, 1020. Thus, the treadmill can be equipped with a SurroundCool™ system without any modification to the treadmill itself.

FIG. 10G is a side view of the stationary exercise device 600 of FIG. 10D, without the cooling modular unit attached, where the cooling modular unit includes the single spine module 1030, which is connected to and in air-flow communication with the extended cooling structures 1012 and 1020, and with the front extended cooling structure 1022

FIG. 10H is a side view of the stationary exercise device 600 of FIGS. 10D and 10G, with the cooling modular unit attached, in air-flow communication with a cooling air supply line 1008 via hose 1010. The cooling modular unit includes the extended cooling structure 1020, showing the side without air outlets.

FIG. 10I is a side view of the stationary exercise device 600 of FIG. 10D, with the nearest extended cooling structure 1020 removed, so that the farther extended cooling structure 1012 and it's air outlets, and the remainder of the cooling modular unit and the exercise device 600, can be more clearly seen. The air outlets 1012A-1012D and the air outlets 1022A-1022C can be manually adjustable regarding air flow direction and air flow rate. Or, they can be fixed and non-adjustable, or just have an on/off adjuster, without any control over air flow rate or direction. In other embodiments, the adjustability of the air flow direction can be restricted so as to ensure that the cooling air flow can only be directed upon the exerciser, as opposed to out into the room generally. This feature is advantageously combined with an air flow rate adjustment that allows the exerciser to restrict or stop the flow of cooling air from a particular air outlet if the cooling air is causing discomfort somewhere on the exerciser's body. The air flow rate adjustment can adjust the air flow rate from fully on to fully off. Alternatively, it is useful to include louvers that can be adjusted such that when they are adjusted to change their direction enough to take a flow of cooling air off of the body of the exerciser, it will stop the flow of cooling air entirely. These features ensure that the flow of cooling air will either be on the person or shut off, which means that the cooling air is only used to cool the exerciser, and not just the room, thereby saving energy. These remarks regarding air outlets are applicable to all embodiments of the invention described herein.

FIG. 10J is a top exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 10C-10F, and 10H-10I, with the extended cooling structures 1012, 1020 and the front facing air outlets 1026A-1026C of front extended cooling structure 1022, which in this embodiment is integral with the spine module 1030 and shown separated from the stationary exercise device 600. The locations of the cooling air outlets 1012A-H of the extended cooling structures 1012, 1020 are indicated. The full shape of the front-facing extended cooling structure 1022 can be seen, including the extensions that represent the spine module 1030 which interlocks with the extended cooling structures 1012, 1020, and can interlock with other spine modules attached to other exercise machines, as needed.

FIG. 10K is similar to FIG. 10B, except that the modular “spine” 1030A-1030D of the cooling modules is mounted to a wall. Also, the front-facing extended cooling structures 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, each having a pair of front-facing air outlets, are respectively attached to the spine modules 1030A-1030D, which are cooperative with treadmills 600A-600D.

FIG. 10L is a top view of FIG. 10K, showing the modular “spine” 1030A-1030D of the cooling modules, and the wall to which it's mounted. Also, shown is a top view of the front-facing extended cooling structures 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, each having a pair of front-facing air outlets, and that they are respectively attached to the spine modules 1030A-1030D, which are cooperative with treadmills 600A-600D.

FIG. 10M is similar to FIG. 10L, except that instead of being mounted to the wall, the interconnected cooling modules are free-standing, supported by the six legs 1034. All other features are as explained above.

FIG. 10N is similar to the cooling apparatus of FIG. 10K, except it is used with elliptical machines 1038A-1038D, and the spine attached to the wall is used only for mechanical support of the extended cooling structures 1012-1020, while the cooling air is connected separately to each of the extended cooling structures 1012-1020 by means of a plurality of separate hoses connected to a cooling air distribution manifold 1008.

FIG. 10O is essentially the cooling apparatus of FIG. 10B, except used with elliptical machines 1038A-1038D. The support legs have been bolted flat to the floor so as to reduce their footprint.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of single elliptical machine 1100 having a pair of extended cooling structures 1102A and 1102B attached to a central post 1110 of the machine 1100. Each extended cooling structure 1102A and 1102B has five cooling air outlets 1104A-1104E and 1104F-11041, respectively. This single elliptical machine 1100 includes a built-in air conditioner with an air intake port 1105. Each of the cooling air outlets, such as the cooling air outlet 1104A, includes a manual control for adjusting the cooling air flow rate 408A, from full on to full off, and all flow rates between. The cooling air outlet 1104A also includes a manual control for adjusting the direction of air flow 408B which controls the louvers 406. The direction of flow can be adjusted up and down, and/or right and left.

In some embodiments, the directional adjustments 408B are limited so as to ensure that the cooling air must be directed only to some portion of the user's body. This requires the user to adjust the intensity of the cooling by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling air using the adjustment wheel 408A of each of the cooling air outlets, thereby preventing cooling air (and energy) from being wasted by deflecting the cooling air into the room without directly cooling the exerciser. In other embodiments, only the direction of the air 408B can be adjusted, and in some of these embodiments the flow of cooling air can be stopped by moving the direction adjustment 408B to an extreme position, whereby the lovers 406 are closed against each other. While the cooling air outlets shown in FIG. 11 are essentially rectangular, in various preferred embodiments, the cooling air outlets are round, or take on other shapes and control configurations known in the art.

Brackets 1106A and 1106B attach the extended cooling structures 1102A and 1102B to the central post 1110 of the machine 1100 so that either one of the extended cooling structures 1102A and/or 1102B can be raised by rotating at least one of the brackets 1106A and 1106B, as shown in FIGS. 13B-13E, and 14, so as to allow an exerciser to more easily get on and off of the machine 1100 from either side.

Turning now to FIG. 12A, a vertical extended cooling structure 1200 is attached to a central post of an elliptical machine 1100 by a strap 1108 and support brace 1204. The extended cooling structure 1200 has two air outlets 1202A and 1202B that are supplied with cooling air via the air conduit 1032.

FIG. 12B illustrates a similar embodiment with two vertical extended cooling structures 1200A, 1200B with additional air outlets 1202C-1202D.

FIG. 12C shows an embodiment having two vertical extended cooling structures 1200A and 1200B, except they are attached by straps 1208A and 1208B to stationary grips 1210A and 1210B, respectively, of elliptical machine 1100. The straps 1208A, 1208B include frictional pads which press against the stationary grips 1210A, 1210B and provide frictional attachment thereto. The vertical extended cooling structures 1200A, 1200B are thereby easily mounted and dismounted to the elliptical machine 1100, without damaging or cosmetically blemishing the elliptical machine 1100.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a cooling device attached to an exercise bicycle, the cooling device having extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B each having air outlets 1304A-1304H, which surround exerciser 1301 with individually adjustable conditioned air, in a similar manner to any of the embodiments discussed above. As shown in FIG. 13B, the extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B can be rotationally coupled to the exercise cycle 1300 to allow the exerciser easy access to exercise cycle 1300.

FIG. 13C illustrates the rotational coupling of the extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B. Strap 1308 can include support flanges 1312A and 1312B. Pairs of detent plates for each extended cooling structure, detent plates 1314A and 1316A for extended cooling structure 1302A and detent plates 1314B and 1316B for extended cooling structure 1302B, can provide sufficient frictional engagement with cooperative detent indentions and protrusions to allow extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B to rotate, with cooperative detent plates rotating and holding at different rotational positions as the detents engage.

FIGS. 13D-13E show two positions of the extended cooling structure 13028 in different rotational positions. In the FIGS. 13D-13E, extended cooling structures 1302A and 1302B are connected to the detent plates through support braces 1306A and 1306B, respectively.

FIG. 14 illustrate an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 10O, except that each extended cooling structure 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018,1020 is able to swing up so as to allow easy access to each of the elliptical machines 1038A-1038D.

While the description above generally focuses on extended cooling structures having a plurality of air outlets, the extended cooling structures being attached to an exercise machine and/or supported by the floor, such extended cooling structures can also be partially suspended from the ceiling. Also, the extended cooling structures can be connected to a free-standing air conditioner, a window air conditioner, an air supply box, or can be connected to a central HVAC system, or any other suitable air supply system, such as a high velocity cooling system. In embodiments which provide cooling to a plurality of stationary exercise devices from a common source of cooling air, regulation can be included so as to provide a desired pressure and flow of cooling air to each of the stationary exercise devices, regardless of how much cooling air is flowing to the other stationary exercise devices, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a stationary exercise device, the cooling assembly comprising:

a plurality of air outlets;

at least one extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of air outlets; and

at least one cooling air input, each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets being in airflow communication with a cooling air input, the plurality of air outlets being arranged along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with cooling air, each extended cooling structure being cooperative with at least one support mechanism for supporting and attaching the at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise device, each at least one cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air.

2. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one air outlet has a fan for blowing cooling air out of the air outlet.

3. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one support mechanism stabilizes and supports the at least one extended cooling structure.

4. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one support mechanism includes a support leg for supporting at least a portion of the at least one extended cooling structure.

5. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the stationary exercise device is one of:

a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a stationary exercise cycle, a weight bench, a weight machine, a stair climbing machine, and a rowing machine.

6. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable portion of the exerciser.

7. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be aimed only within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the exerciser.

8. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air outlet.

9. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein each air outlet can be manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air outlet.

10. The cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one extended cooling structure can pivot so as to allow the exerciser more easy access to and from the stationary exercise device.

11. A cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while exercising, the cooling assembly comprising:

a plurality of air outlets;

at least one extended cooling structure supporting the plurality of air outlets; and

at least one cooling air input, each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets being in airflow communication with a cooling air input, the plurality of air outlets being arranged along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with cooling air, each extended cooling structure being cooperative with at least one support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure, each at least one cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air.

12. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein each air outlet of the plurality of air outlets is in airflow communication with a respective cooling air input.

13. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one extended cooling structure can pivot so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access a stationary exercise device used by the exerciser.

14. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the cooling air source is one of:

a fresh air conduit, a dehumidifier, a high-velocity cooling source, a window air conditioner, a free-standing room air conditioner, and a central air conditioner.

15. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the cooling air source is able to supply cooling air to a plurality of stationary exercise devices, the cooling air being supplied at pressures and flow rates that meet the cooling requirements and preferences of exercisers using at least a subset of the exercise devices.

16. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one extended cooling structure is an extended cooling structure that substantially surrounds the exerciser.

17. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one extended cooling structure mounts to one or more of:

a floor stand, a wall mount, and a suspended overhead mount.

18. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein:

the at least one extended cooling structure is cooperative with a stationary exercise device,

the stationary exercise device being one of a plurality of stationary exercise devices, which plurality includes a first stationary exercise device, and a second stationary exercise device in nearest neighbor relationship with the first stationary exercise device; and

the at least one extended cooling structure is one of a plurality of extended cooling structures, a first extended cooling structure of the plurality extended cooling structures being located between the first stationary exercise device and the second stationary exercise device, the first extended cooling structure supporting a plurality of air outlets arranged along both sides of the first extended cooling structure so as to be able to direct cooling air toward and partially surrounding both a first exerciser and a second exerciser while exercising on the first exercise device and the second exercise device, respectively, a second extended cooling structure of the plurality of extended cooling structures supporting a plurality of air outlets arranged along only one side of the second cooling structure, so as to be able to direct additional cooling air towards and partially surrounding the first exerciser while exercising on the first exercise device, thereby contributing to substantially surrounding the first exerciser with cooling air.

19. The cooling assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one support mechanism for supporting the at least one extended cooling structure includes:

an elongated common support member capable of supporting a plurality of extended cooling structures.

20. The cooling assembly of claim 19, wherein the elongated common support member is supported by at least one of:

a floor stand;

a wall mount;

a suspended overhead mount; and

at lease one stationary exercise device.

21. A cooling assembly for cooling an exerciser while the exerciser uses a stationary exercise device, the cooling assembly comprising:

at least one extended cooling structure;

at least one cooling air input; and

at least a pair of air outlets, each extended cooling structure having at least one support mechanism for attaching the at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise device so as to support the at least one extended cooling structure, each cooling air input being connectable to a cooling air source, the cooling air source being capable of supplying a flow of cooling air, each air outlet being in airflow communication with at least one cooling air input, each air outlet being positioned and oriented so as to direct cooling air toward the exerciser.

22. The cooling assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one extended cooling structure is a vertical extended cooling structure having at least two air outlets.

23. The cooling assembly of claim 21, further comprising:

at least one conductive cooling applicator,

the conductive cooling applicator being capable of providing cooling by thermal conduction due to a flow of cooling air flowing within the conductive cooling applicator,

the conductive cooling applicator being in airflow communication with the cooling air source.

24. The cooling assembly of claim 23, wherein the conductive cooling applicator is included in at least one of:

a handle, a seat, and a backrest.

25. An apparatus for cooling a plurality of exercisers while using a corresponding plurality of stationary exercise devices, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure having a support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure in mutual symmetric relationship with at least one other extended cooling structure about a stationary exercise device, such that each exercise device is located between a pair of extended cooling structures, at least one of the plurality of extended cooling structures having air outlets on both a right side and a left side of each extended cooling structure, each air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding each exerciser with cooling air.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, each extended cooling structure having an air inlet for supplying cooling air to the plurality of air outlets.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets being a directable nozzle.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, the support mechanism for supporting at least one of the extended cooling structures including a support leg attached to the extended cooling structure so as to stabilize and support the extended cooling structure.

29. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets being capable of being manually directed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.

30. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets being capable of being manually directed within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the body of the exerciser.

31. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets being capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air outlet.

32. The apparatus of claim 25, at least one of the air outlets being capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air outlet.

33. An apparatus for cooling an exerciser while using a stationary exercise device, the apparatus comprising:

a pair of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure being cooperative with a support mechanism for supporting the pair of extended cooling structures in mutual symmetric relationship about an exerciser to be located between the pair of extended cooling structures, the support mechanism including a connector for attaching the extended cooling structures to the stationary exercise device so as to stabilize and support the extended cooling structures,

each extended cooling structure having a plurality of cooling air outlets, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to substantially surround the exerciser with cooling air,

each extended cooling structure having an air inlet for receiving cooling air to be supplied to the plurality of cooling air outlets.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of one extended cooling structure is able to swing up so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access the stationary exercise device.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the connector for attaching at least one extended cooling structure to the stationary exercise device includes a mechanism to allow the extended cooling structure to swing up so as to allow the exerciser to more easily access the stationary exercise device.

36. An apparatus for cooling a plurality of exercisers while using a corresponding plurality of stationary exercise devices, the apparatus comprising:

at least one spine module able to connect to a cooling air source, each at least one spine module being able to support a pair of extended cooling structures, each at least one spine module being able to interlock with at least one other spine module; and

a plurality of extended cooling structures including at least a pair of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure being supported by at least one spine module, each extended cooling structure being supported in mutual symmetric relationship with at least one other extended cooling structure about a stationary exercise device, such that each stationary exercise device is located between a pair of extended cooling structures, each extended cooling structure having cooling air outlets, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding with cooling air each exerciser using a stationary exercise device.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one of the plurality of extended cooling structures has cooling air outlets on both a right side and a left side of the extended cooling structure, each cooling air outlet being able to provide a flow of cooling air so as to contribute to substantially surrounding with cooling air an exerciser both to the right and to the left of the extended cooling structure.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one spine module has a plurality of cooling air outlets.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein at least one spine module has an extended member having a plurality of cooling air outlets.

40. The apparatus of claim 36, each extended cooling structure having an air inlet for receiving cooling air from the cooling air source.

41. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlet being capable of being manually aimed so as to provide a flow of cooling air to a selectable portion of the body of the exerciser.

42. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlet being capable of being manually aimed within a bounded range of directions so as to provide a flow of cooling air only to selectable portions of the body of the exerciser.

43. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlets being capable of being manually adjusted so as to change a rate of air flow from the air outlet.

44. The apparatus of claim 36, each cooling air outlets being capable of being manually controlled so as to substantially block air flow from the air outlet.