Lateral elliptical exercise machine
The present invention is an exercise machine providing elliptical strides in substantially lateral directions. The elliptical motion of the pedals is basically a combination of a looped motion of a loop motion means and a reciprocating motion set by a motion guide means following a predefined path. The loop motion means connects the motion of a left pedal to the motion of a right pedal so that the movement of both pedals is dependent. Substantially lateral motions of the left pedal and the right pedal follow lateral predefined paths set by a left motion guide means and a right motion guide means. The motion guide means can be a simple reciprocating arm that rotates about a pivot point on a base frame and its distal end guiding the motion of the pedal; a track that is either fixed on or moving in reference to the base frame; a linkage system, such as a four bar linkage system, pivotally fixed at two or more points on the base frame providing a point, on the linkage system, that moves in reference to the base frame and provides a specific predefined path; or a combination of any two or all of above creating a mechanism that produces a desired path for a point in the motion guide means.
This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/398,748, filed on Jun. 30, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to exercise equipment to simulate a lateral motion exercise for development of a user's muscle groups involving legs, glut, mid-portion, and even arms.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Many elliptical exercise machines and lateral motion exercise machines have been introduced in the field of the art in the past. Some of prior arts display simple mechanisms to achieve the continuous elliptical strides for the exercise for the users. Among them is Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,343, which teaches an simple forward and backward elliptical motion exercise and includes a pair of foot engaging link. The first end of each link is supported for rotational motion about a pivot axis and a second end of each foot link is guided in a reciprocal path of travel. The combination of these foot link motions permits the users foot to travel in an inclined, oval path of travel. Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,756, also teaches a compact elliptical motion exercise in a simple front and back motion in a device that includes a frame having a set of guide links pivotally supported thereupon. Each guide link supports a foot engaging link at one end thereof. The guide links are reciprocated back and forth by a set of intermediate links which engage a set of cranks which rotate about a second pivot point. A control link joins the foot link to the intermediate link and operates to vary the angle between the guide links and the foot links, as the guide links reciprocate. Chu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,935 teaches a lateral elliptical training apparatus that includes rotating gears positioned in a generally horizontal plane. Linear supporting struts are pivotally attached to the gears for movement therewith and a motion restricting device is engaging with the liner supporting struts and adapted for restricting the linear supporting struts to a combination of pivotal and linear translational motion. Pivots engage the linear supporting struts and restrict it to pivotal motion as one end. Foot rests are mounted on the linear supporting struts at an end opposite to the pivots. The rotating gears, linear supporting struts, motion restricting device and pivots are mutually interconnected for moving the foot rests in a lateral elliptical motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention is an exercise machine with elliptical strides in substantially lateral directions. The strides of pedals are cyclic by employing a loop motion means in the mechanism. The elliptical motion of the pedals is basically a combination of a looped motion of a loop motion means and a reciprocating motion set by a motion guide means following a predefined path. The loop motion means provide a closed loop motion that can be a circular shape provided by a simple crank commonly found in a bicycle with two crank arms sticking out with their angular positions about 180 degree apart or an elliptical shape provided by a moving point on a linkage system comprising a crank arm and a reciprocating mechanism commonly found in elliptical exercise machines. The loop motion means connects the motion of a left pedal to the motion of a right pedal so that the movement of both pedals is dependent: A motion on the left pedal causes a counter-motion on the right pedal. Substantially lateral motions of the left pedal and the right pedal follow lateral predefined paths set by a left motion guide means and a right motion guide means. The motion guide means can be a simple reciprocating arm that rotates about a pivot point on a base frame and its distal end guiding the motion of the pedal; a track that is either fixed on or moving in reference to the base frame; a linkage system, such as a four bar linkage system, pivotally fixed at two or more points on the base frame providing a point, on the linkage system, that moves in reference to the base frame and provides a specific predefined path; or a combination of any two or all of above creating a mechanism that produces a desired path for a point in the motion guide means.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide such a device that simulates a lateral motion exercise with each pedal moving in an elliptical path.
Another objective is to provide such a device that is simple in structure that is relatively easy to manufacture and keep the cost low.
Another objective is to provide such a system that provides an easy dependent movement for a user to minimize the time for the learning curve.
Another objective is to provide such a system that provides the user cyclic motion with a mechanism comprising a crank system creating a loop path for an accommodation of a flywheel that turns generally in one direction once the exercise starts for easy braking control.
Another objective is to provide a system that eliminates stick points in the exercise movement for an easy start at any pedal position or at any angular position of the crank system.
Another objective is to provide a three dimensional motion for the exercise that involves more muscle groups of the user.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
The elliptical pedal motion shown in the invention is a combined motion of a looped movement and a reciprocating movement in a line or an arc. The two different movements can be combined by connecting the two movements with a link in between and a properly selected point, where the pedal is attached or linked, on the link is observed to follow an elliptical path. The lateral elliptical exercise machine here demonstrates a lateral motion of the pedals when the looped movement and the reciprocating movement are arranged in certain angular positions in the three dimensional space. The above described drawing
In
Loop motion means 40 is a mechanical system that creates a closed loop motion path and can be, in the simplest form, a crank with two crank arms fixed to each other at about 180 degree angular offset as shown in
Loop motion means 40 can also be an elliptical system, now well known in the field of the art, that provides a moving support structure for joints 46, 54 to follow a pair of closed loop paths as shown in
Motion guide means 100, 102 provide a reciprocating motion to a left arm joint 64 and a right arm joint 74.
Motion guide means 100, 102 can be other types of mechanical guide to direct the movement of arm joints 64, 74 in generally lateral directions such as a pair of rails that arm joints 64, 74 can ride and follow in a reciprocating motion as shown in
A first point on a left arm 62 of left arm assembly 60 is pivotally attached to loop motion means 40 at left joint 46 which provides an enclosed loop motion to the left arm assembly and a second point on left arm 62 is pivotally joined to left motion guide means 100 at left arm joint 64. Left pedal 120 is mounted on left arm 62 near and either side of left arm joint 64 to move in a lateral elliptical motion. A first point on a right arm 72 of right arm assembly 70 is pivotally attached to loop motion means 40 at right joint 54 which provides an enclosed loop motion to the right arm assembly and a second point on right arm 72 is pivotally joined to right motion guide means 102 at right arm joint 74. Right pedal 122 is mounted on right arm 72 near and either side of right arm joint 74 to move in a lateral elliptical motion.
For a good lateral exercise motion, it is preferable to set the motion path of each pedal such that when the pedal is near the mid-plane of the machine its vertical position is generally higher than that of the same pedal when it is further away from the mid-plane. This can be achieved by making motion guide means 100, 102 direct the motions of arm joints 64, 74 upward as they move toward the mid-plane. When the motion guide means are a pair of reciprocating arms as shown in
Crank Pivot 24 is a simple single axle pivot. Left joint 46 and right joint 54 can be ball joints or combinations of two or three axles substantially orthogonal to each other, such as a universal joint. When the substantially orthogonal axles are combined to create a ball joint like movement or a universal joint movement, all the axles do not need to be at one point: The axes of the combined axles do not need to cross. As long as a correct number of axles are placed somewhere between two connecting parts, whether they are closely placed together or not, to create the necessary freedom of the movement, the parts are allowed to move and rotate in a designed fashion.
To operate the lateral elliptical exercise machine, the user simply steps onto the pedals and moves them laterally while using the lower portion of the elliptical path for moving away from the mid-plane of the machine and using the upper portion of the path for moving toward the mid-plane. Once the exercise starts, the loop motion means rotates in one direction throughout the exercise period as long as the exercise motion is continuous. The user may adjust and change the resistance force applied on the flywheel to make the exercise movement easy or hard.
Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the embodiments shown and described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.
CALL OUT LIST OF THE ELEMENT
- 10 Lateral elliptical Exercise Machine
- 20 Base Frame
- 22 Base Bottom Structure
- 24 Crank Pivot
- 26 Base Upright Structure
- 40 Loop Motion Means
- 42 Crank Pulley
- 44 Left Crank Arm
- 45 Left Crank Joint
- 46 Left Joint
- 48 Belt
- 50 Flywheel
- 52 Right Crank Arm
- 53 Right Crank Joint
- 54 Right Joint
- 56 Left Elliptical Link
- 57 Left Guided Point
- 58 Right Elliptical Link
- 59 Right Guided Point
- 60 Left Aim Assembly
- 62 Left Arm
- 64 Left Arm Joint
- 70 Right Arm Assembly
- 72 Right Arm
- 74 Right Arm Joint
- 100 Left Motion Guide Means
- 102 Right Motion Guide Means
- 104 Left Guide Pivot
- 106 Right Guide Pivot
- 120 Left Pedal
- 122 Right Pedal
- 200 Base Handle
- 202 Left Handle
- 204 Right Handle
- 220 Cross Joint
- 222 Pivot Axle
- 224 Pivot Flange
- 226 Rod
- 230 Flanged Axle
Claims
1. A lateral elliptical exercise machine comprising:
- a. a base frame for supporting the lateral elliptical exercise machine on a floor,
- b. a loop motion means comprising a crank with its pivot rotatably fixed at a location on the base frame and providing a closed looped motion at a left connecting joint and at a right connecting joint, and
- c. a left motion guide means providing a substantially lateral motion with its motion path angled between 45 and 135 degree angle from the mid-plane of the machine, a right motion guide means providing a substantially lateral motion with its motion path angled between 45 and 135 degree angle from the mid-plane of the machine, wherein the left motion guide means and the right motion guide are structurally supported by the base frame, and
- d. a left arm pivotally joined to the loop motion means and to the left motion guide means and supporting a left pedal such that the left pedal moves in an elliptical motion substantially in lateral direction, a right arm pivotally joined to the loop motion means and to the right motion guide means and supporting a right pedal such that the right pedal moves in an elliptical motion substantially in lateral direction, wherein the left pedal and the right pedal are synchronized such that when the left pedal is urged to move, the right pedal also moves and left pedal and, the left and right motion guide means are positioned such that the left and right pedals generally move upward as they move toward the mid-plane of the machine.
2. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the left motion guide means and the right motion guide means structurally supported by the base frame are a pair of reciprocating arms mechanically connecting the base frame and the left and right arms.
3. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the left motion guide means and the right motion guide means structurally supported by the base frame are a pair of tracks on which the left and right arms slides.
4. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the loop motion means is a simple crank arm with a left crank arm pivotally connected to the left arm and a right crank arm pivotally connected to the right arm.
5. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the loop motion means is an elliptical system comprising a crank and links to provide elliptical looped motion at the joining points for the left arm and the right arm.
6. A lateral elliptical exercise machine comprising:
- a. a base frame for supporting the lateral elliptical exercise machine on a floor,
- b. a loop motion means comprising a crank, having a left crank arm and a right crank arm, with its pivot rotatably fixed at a location on the base frame and providing a closed looped motion at a joint on the left crank arm and at a joint on the right crank arm, and
- c. a left motion guide means providing a substantially lateral motion with its motion path substantially orthogonal to the mid-plane of the machine, a right motion guide means providing a substantially lateral motion with its motion path substantially orthogonal to the mid-plane of the machine, wherein the left motion guide means and the right motion guide are structurally supported by the base frame, and
- d. a left arm pivotally joined to the loop motion means and to the left motion guide means and supporting a left pedal such that the left pedal moves in an elliptical motion substantially in lateral direction, a right arm pivotally joined to the loop motion means and to the right motion guide means and supporting a right pedal such that the right pedal moves in an elliptical motion substantially in lateral direction, wherein the left pedal and the right pedal are synchronized such that when the left pedal is urged to move, the right pedal also moves and left pedal, and the left and right motion guide means are positioned such that the left and right pedals generally move upward as they move toward the mid-plane of the machine.
7. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 6 wherein the left motion guide means and the right motion guide means structurally supported by the base frame are a pair of reciprocating arms mechanically connecting the base frame and the left and right arms.
8. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 6 wherein the left motion guide means and the right motion guide means structurally supported by the base frame are a pair of tracks on which the left and right arms slides.
9. A lateral elliptical exercise machine comprising:
- a. a base frame for supporting the lateral elliptical exercise machine on a floor,
- b. a crank, having a left crank arm and a right crank arm, with its pivot rotatably fixed at a location on the base frame and providing a closed looped motion at a left joint on the left crank arm and at a right joint on the right crank arm, and
- c. a left reciprocating arm providing a substantially lateral motion with its motion path substantially orthogonal to the mid-plane of the machine, a right reciprocating arm providing a substantially lateral motion with its motion path substantially orthogonal to the mid-plane of the machine, wherein the left reciprocating arm and the right reciprocating arm are structurally supported by the base frame, and
- d. a left arm pivotally joined to the crank and to the left reciprocating arm at a left arm joint and supporting a left pedal such that the left pedal moves in an elliptical motion substantially in lateral direction, a right arm pivotally joined to the crank and to the right reciprocating arm at a right arm joint and supporting a right pedal such that the right pedal moves in an elliptical motion substantially in lateral direction, wherein the left pedal and the right pedal are synchronized such that when the left pedal is urged to move, the right pedal also moves, and the joints of left and right reciprocating arms to the base frame are positioned away from the mid-plane of the machine such that the left and right pedals generally move upward as they move toward the mid-plane.
10. The lateral elliptical exercise machine of claim 9 wherein at least one of the left joint and the left arm joint is a pivot with two degree of freedom and at least one of the right joint and the right arm joint is a pivot with two degree of freedom.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 30, 2011
Publication Date: Jan 5, 2012
Inventor: Yong S. Chu (Whittier, CA)
Application Number: 13/135,337