Elliptical trainer variable stride

Abstract

An elliptical trainer includes a base frame, a swing unit axially mounted at the base frame, a pedal unit axially mounted at the swing unit, a damping unit for providing a damping resistance to the swing unit, a guiding unit and an elastic device unit. The guiding unit includes a pair of cranks respectively connected to the damping unit and a pair of guide brackets respectively pivotally connected to the cranks. Each guide bracket includes a guide wheel slidably coupled to the base frame and a bearing member for supporting one respective stepping bar. The elastic potential energy of the elastic device set constantly keeps the rear end portions of the stepping bars in proximity to the base frame and the stepping bars in abutment against the bearing members. The matching arrangement of the guiding unit and the base frame achieves high operating smoothness and supporting stability.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to fitness equipment technology and more particularly, to an elliptical trainer with enhanced stability. Priority is claimed of TW Application No. 104124939 filed Jul. 31, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,165, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses an elliptical trainer, entitled “elliptical exercise machine”, which comprises a base frame, a flywheel set axially mounted at the base frame, two swinging rods pivotally connected to the base frame, two pedal sets respectively pivotally connected to the bottom ends of the swinging rods, two rockers respectively pivotally connected between the pedal sets and the base frame, and two crank sets respectively pivotally connected between the flywheel set and the pedal sets.[0005]When the user keeps stepping on...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is an elliptical trainer that has high operating smoothness and stability. It uses an elastic device that constantly keeps the stepping bars in proximity to the base frame and in abutment against the bearing members. This ensures a matching arrangement between the base frame and the guiding unit, resulting in a high level of operating smoothness and stability. Additionally, the elastic device also enhances the operating smoothness of the trainer due to its elastic potential energy.

Problems solved by technology

The aforesaid prior art elliptical trainer can achieve the expected purpose of use, however, because the stepping bars are suspended above the base frame, the rockers can be dragged by the stepping bars to move back and forth relative to the base frame when the user is operating the elliptical trainer, and thus, the rockers bear a high stress, adversely affecting structural stability.

Further, the arrangement with the rockers respectively pivotally connected between the stepping bars and the base frame will also affect the operating smoothness of the elliptical trainer.

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