Input assembly for an exercise machine and method of assembling an input assembly for an exercise machine

Abstract

An input assembly for an exercise machine. The input assembly has a housing with a keypad window, an insert in the housing, and a keypad in the keypad window, the keypad being sandwiched between the housing and the insert such that a seal is formed therebetween, the seal being configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing via the keypad window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to exercise machines, and more specifically, to input components for exercise machines and methods for assembling input components for exercise machines. Background Technology

[0002] The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] US Patent No. 9646781 discloses a button encoder comprising a button, a base supporting the button, and a printed circuit board. Pressing the button engages the printed circuit board, causing it to output an electrical signal. A spring elastically supports the printed circuit board relative to the base, allowing the printed circuit board to move relative to the base when the button is pressed.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0242511 discloses a user interface method and apparatus for controlling an exercise device. An example user interface includes exercise parameter input and an indicator associated with the exercise parameter input, as well as a control unit for activating the indicator in response to a training routine to prompt the user of the exercise device to adjust the operation of the exercise device via the exercise parameter input.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0283465 discloses a fitness machine providing solid-state control. The fitness machine includes a frame and a movable portion supported by the frame that moves relative to the frame. An adjustment device regulates the movement of the movable portion. A control console has a display for showing information during use of the fitness machine. An input device receives user input movement for controlling the adjustment device. The input device includes a contact surface that detects the direction of the user input movement thereon, and the input device includes a motion simulation indicator that generates a display. A control system is coupled to the input device and the adjustment device. The control system controls the adjustment device based on the direction of the user input movement received by the input device. The control system causes the display of the motion simulation indicator to move in the direction of the user input movement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is provided to illustrate the concept choices further described in the following detailed description. The present invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In the non-limiting examples disclosed herein, the input component is used in an exercise machine. The input component has a housing with a keyboard window, an insert in the housing, and a keyboard in the keyboard window, the keyboard being sandwiched between the housing and the insert such that a seal is formed therebetween, the seal being configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the keyboard window.

[0008] In the non-limiting examples disclosed herein, the housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are ultrasonically welded together along a seam. The housing may extend from an open end to a closed end, and the seam may extend along opposite sides of the housing and along the closed end. An insert inserted into the housing may compress the keyboard between the housing and the insert, thereby forming a seal. The housing may include a window frame extending around the keyboard window, wherein the insert includes a compression surface, and wherein the insert inserted into the housing clamps the keyboard between the compression surface and the window frame, thereby forming a seal.

[0009] The keyboard may include channels, and the window frame may include a lip. When the insert is inserted into the housing, the lip is received in the channels, thereby forming a seal. The lip may extend around the periphery of the window frame, and the channels may extend around the periphery of the keyboard.

[0010] A retaining device may be provided to hold the insert within the housing. The retaining device may include a rib on the housing that engages with the insert when it is inserted into the housing.

[0011] A guiding device may be provided to guide the insert to a predetermined orientation within the housing when the insert is inserted into the housing. The guiding device may include a protrusion on the insert that is received in a channel within the housing.

[0012] In the non-limiting examples disclosed herein, a method of assembling an input component includes providing a housing having an open end, a closed end, and a keyboard window; inserting a keyboard into the housing through the open end and aligning the keyboard with the keyboard window; inserting an insert into the housing through the open end and thereby pressing the keyboard against the housing; forming a seal between them that is configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the keyboard window. The housing can be provided by ultrasonically welding a first housing portion and a second housing portion together along a seam.

[0013] Various other features, purposes, and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] This disclosure is described with reference to the following drawings. The same numerals are used in the drawings to label similar features and similar parts.

[0015] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of an example exercise machine incorporating example input components according to this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged isometric view of the example input component within centerline 2-2.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A breakdown diagram of the input components.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of an example keyboard based on this disclosure.

[0019] Figures 5 to 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an example input component, depicting an exemplary sequence of components for the input component.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of an example input component detached from the handle.

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Example input component along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line 9-9. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The inventors have identified problems with fitness machines or exercise machines currently known in the art, particularly with the input devices used to control the operation of such machines. Known input devices for controlling exercise machines include, but are not limited to, push-button switches, slide switches, selector switches (e.g., knobs or levers with multiple positions), levers (e.g., limit switches), and / or other switching mechanisms. In the example of a stationary bicycle, the input device is typically used to adjust the resistance of one or more wheels and / or switch electronic exercise settings. Other uses of input devices for exercise machines include, for example, adjusting the resistance, incline, and / or stride length of rowing devices, treadmills, stair climbers, upright or recumbent stationary bicycles, or elliptical trainers. It should be recognized that these are merely examples, and other features of exercise machines known in the art can also be adjusted via input devices.

[0023] The inventors have recognized that, particularly for exercise machines, input devices tend to be damaged or otherwise fail, especially during user exercise (such as cycling), where the input devices are susceptible to the ingress of liquids (such as beverages, cleaning agents, water, and / or sweat) due to heavy use and / or operation. For example, input devices known in the art typically have moving parts, seams, and other connections, and therefore have an inherently limited lifespan. This is further exacerbated by input devices for exercise machines used in commercial environments (e.g., in fitness centers), which are exposed to greater usage and thus wear. Similarly, the inventors have determined that the ingress of any water, sweat, and / or dirt can cause malfunctions in moving or adjacent parts of the input device (and / or any internal electrical components contained therein), resulting in input device failure. Replacing these input devices is often expensive and requires installation by a technician rather than the owner of the exercise machine, adding further costs and longer downtime. Some input devices may be combined with or embedded in other components (e.g., the panel of an inseparable input device), making it impossible to replace a faulty input device without replacing the entire assembly.

[0024] Through experimentation and development, the inventors have invented a novel input component with an input device that solves or at least reduces the severity of the aforementioned problems.

[0025] Figure 1 An example exercise machine 10 is shown, comprising a recumbent bicycle similar to those currently known in the art but incorporating one or more input components 30 according to this disclosure. The exercise machine 10 has a frame 11 that supports other components of the exercise machine 10 (described below) and further supports the user. One or more ground-engaging wheels and / or support legs 12 are coupled to the frame 11 and configured to prevent the exercise machine 10 from tilting. In use, the user sits on a seat assembly 13, which is selectively movable along a track 14 coupled to the frame 11. The user can move the seat assembly 13 along the track 14 in a first direction toward the pedals 17 or in a second direction away from the pedals 17. Optionally, the seat assembly 13 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the position of the seat assembly 13 relative to the track 14 and the pedals 17. A resistance device 90 is coupled to the pedals 17 and contained within a housing 18. The resistance device 90 is configured to resist movement of the pedals 17 about an axis 15. The resistance device 90 may include, for example, eddy current braking, magnetic braking, or friction braking. The user can adjust the resistance device 90 via the display panel 19 or the input component 30, thereby changing the resistance applied to the foot pedal 17 by the resistance device 90. The display panel 19 may be a touch screen display or an LED display with mechanical and / or tactile buttons.

[0026] The seat assembly 13 includes a seat base 21, a seat back 22, a cup holder 23, and a pair of handles that are part of a handle 24. In use, the user can engage the handle 24 to maintain balance on the seat assembly 13. An auxiliary handle 25 is attached to the frame 11 near the display panel 19 and is used to assist the user when moving onto or off the seat assembly 13.

[0027] Each handle 24 or grip may include one or more sensors 26 (e.g., heart rate sensors and / or similar sensors) that provide user feedback signals to the control system 100. Note that the control system 100 is schematically depicted as part of the display panel 19. The control system 100 processes the feedback signals to display information to the user, customize exercise programs, and / or adjust the resistance generated by the resistance device 90.

[0028] The handle 24 also includes one or more novel input components 30 configured according to this disclosure, specifically for receiving user input and generating input signals for communication with the control system 100. The control system 100 processes the input signals and displays information to the user, and / or customizes exercise programs, and / or adjusts the resistance generated by the resistance device 90. Note that in other examples, the auxiliary handle 25 may also include one or more sensors 26 and / or one or more input components 30.

[0029] Now go to Figure 2 The example input component 30 of this disclosure is described in more detail. Input component 30 includes a first end 38 with an opening (see also...). Figure 3 ) and the closed second end 39 opposite the open first end 38 (see also) Figure 3 The input assembly 30 also includes a first side 36 and an opposing second side 37, both extending between a first end 38 and a second end 39. A seam 35 extends along the first side 36, the second side 37, and along the second end 39. The input assembly 30 is coupled to the handle 24 and has a housing 31 that defines a keyboard window 32 in which an input device, such as a keyboard 70, is positioned. The user of the exercise machine 10 can use the keyboard 70 to generate an input signal (as described above), which is then sent to the control system 100. Figure 1 ).exist Figure 2 In the example shown, keyboard 70 includes a directional keyboard that allows the user to change the movement of exercise machine 10. Figure 1 The volume of the sound produced and / or switching between different items on the exercise machine 10 (e.g., audio tracks, exercise settings, resistance settings). Figure 1 ).

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2An exploded view of the input component 30 shown. The housing 31 of the input component 30 includes an upper first housing portion 33 and a lower second housing portion 34. The first housing portion 33 and the second housing portion 34 have peripheries 44 that are adjacent to and / or abut each other, thereby forming a seam 35 along the first side 36 and the second side 37 and along the second end 39 (see also). Figure 2 Each periphery 44 has a melting element 49 that protrudes outward from the periphery 44 and extends the length of the periphery 44 (note that the melting element 49 of the periphery 44 of the first housing portion 33 is not shown). When the first housing portion 33 and the second housing portion 34 are joined together and ultrasonic energy is applied, the melting elements 49 of each of the first housing portion 33 and the second housing portion 34 melt and fuse together, thereby forming a liquid-impermeable seal between the first housing portion 33 and the second housing portion 34. The first housing portion 33 and the second housing portion 34 define a cavity 45. Figure 5 The keyboard 70 and insert 110 (both described in detail below) are received in the cavity 45. The second housing portion 34 includes a hole 47 and one or more longitudinally extending guides 46 (e.g., protrusions, fins) extending toward the first housing portion 33 (note, Figure 3 Only one of the guide devices 46 is shown. One or more retaining devices 48 (see Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 6 (For example, ribs, curved triangular prism-shaped elastic tabs) are located on the inner surfaces of the first housing portion 33 and the second housing portion 34.

[0031] The following will refer to Figure 4 right Figure 3The keyboard 70 depicted is described in more detail below. The keyboard 70 comprises multiple layers joined together (as described below). Each layer of the keyboard 70 is described as starting from a lower first end 71 of the keyboard 70 and extending axially (see central axis 73) toward the opposite second end 72 of the keyboard 70. A backing layer 75 is formed of a rigid and non-flexible material (e.g., polycarbonate). An adhesive layer 76 is adhered to the upper surface of the backing layer 75, and a circuit layer 77 is disposed on top of the adhesive layer 76. The circuit layer 77 includes printed circuitry and has a tail 77A with an electromechanical connector 77B for connection to a circuit system (not shown) of the exercise machine 10. The circuit layer 77 also includes one or more dome switches 77C and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 77D. The LEDs 77D are oriented such that light is directed inward toward the center of the circuit layer 77 (see arrow L, which depicts the direction in which light from the LEDs 77D is directed). The inventors have discovered that the aforementioned orientation of the light-emitting diode 77D advantageously distributes and diffuses light from the light-emitting diode 77D uniformly onto the inner surface of the silicone pad layer 81 (further described herein) without forming light "hot spots." A transparent spacer layer 78 is adjacent to the upper surface of the circuit layer 77 and is designed to allow activation of the dome switch 77C and to hold the dome switch 77C in proper position on the circuit layer 77. A transparent cover layer 79 is placed on the spacer layer 78 and is designed to further hold the dome switch 77C in proper position on the circuit layer 77. An adhesive ring layer 80 is placed on the cover layer 79. Finally, an optical silicone pad layer 81 is placed on top of the adhesive ring layer 80, such that all the aforementioned layers are joined together to form an integral keyboard 70. In use, the user engages one or more portions of the upper surface 82 of the optical silicone pad layer 81, thereby compressing and activating one or more dome switches 77C. When each dome switch 77C is compressed, the circuit layer 77 generates a corresponding signal, which is transmitted to the exercise machine 10 via the tail 77A and connector 77B. Figure 1 The control system 100 (see) Figure 1 ) communication.

[0032] The optical silicone pad layer 81 includes a periphery 84 having a protruding lip 86 extending axially away from the periphery 84. A channel 85 is defined between the lip 86 and a sidewall 88 of the optical silicone pad layer 81. Note that the channel 85 extends along all sides of the optical silicone pad layer 81. The optical silicone pad layer 81 may also include a protrusion 87 extending from the upper surface 82, thereby separating different areas of the upper surface 82 from each other. In a non-limiting example, the optical silicone pad layer 81 is formed of transparent silicone, and the upper surface 82 is coated such that markings (e.g., a plus sign, a speaker symbol) are visible to an operator. The upper surface 82 and / or other outer surfaces of the optical silicone pad layer 81 are coated black, and the markings are coated white. The now-coated optical silicone pad layer 81 is then processed by a laser etching paint removal apparatus to remove the paint from the optical silicone pad layer 81 at designated locations. For example, the laser etching coating removal apparatus can remove coating along the periphery of the optical silicone pad layer 81 and / or around the protrusion 87. In the case of coating removal, light from the light-emitting diode 77D (as described above) illuminates the transparent optical silicone pad layer 81 at the location where the coating was removed by the laser etching coating removal apparatus. After the coating is removed by the laser etching coating removal apparatus, the entire optical silicone pad layer 81 can be coated with a top coating to prevent residual coating from accidentally detaching from the optical silicone pad layer 81.

[0033] Return to reference Figure 3 The input component 30 includes an insert 110, which is received into the cavity 45. Figure 5 Insert 110 clamps keyboard 70 between first housing portion 33 and insert 110, thereby forming a liquid-impermeable seal between first housing portion 33 and keyboard 70, preventing liquid from entering cavity 45 through keyboard window 32. Figure 5 This protects the sensitive circuitry of the keyboard 70 from damage and short circuits that could otherwise be caused by liquid entering the cavity 45. The insert 110 includes a compression surface 111 that contacts the keyboard 70 and an elongated body 112 having a front first body portion 113 and a rear second body portion 115. The compression surface 111 is on the first body portion 113, and one or more guide devices 117 (e.g., protrusions, fins) extend away from the first body portion 113 in a direction away from the compression surface 111. The first body portion 113 also includes a ramp surface 114 configured to engage the keyboard 70 and the insert 110 into the cavity 45. Figure 5 When the input component 30 is attached to the handle 24, the first body portion 113 at the front slides below the keyboard 70. The second body portion 115 includes a plurality of compression ribs 116, which cause compression when the input component 30 is attached to the handle 24 (see...). Figures 8 to 9The second body portion 115 also includes one or more holes 121 and one or more locking devices 119, such as protruding tabs (these features are further described herein).

[0034] Figures 5 to 7 An example sequence for assembling input component 30 is shown. Figure 5 A first housing portion 33 and a second housing portion 34 are depicted joined together, such that peripheries 44 are adjacent to each other, and a liquid-proof sealing joint 35 extends along the first side 36, the second side 37, and the second end 39. Figure 2 The keyboard 70 is inserted into the cavity 45 (see arrow A indicating the direction in which the keyboard 70 is inserted into the cavity 45), such that the tail 77A extends through the cavity 45 and the electromechanical connector 77B is outside the cavity 45. The keyboard 70 is further moved into the keyboard window 32 (see arrow B indicating the direction in which the keyboard 70 moves into the keyboard window 32), until it is aligned with... Figure 6 Similar positions are shown. In some examples, the sidewall 88 frictionally engages with the window frame 40, such that when the user inserts the insert 110 (described below), the keyboard 70 is frictionally held in the keyboard window 32.

[0035] Figure 6 An insert 110 is shown partially inserted into cavity 45 (see arrow A). Electromechanical connector 77B rests on the second body portion 115 of insert 110, and ramp surface 114 engages keyboard 70 and pushes keyboard 70 toward keyboard window 32 (see arrow B). Ramps surface 114 also prevents insert 110 from pushing keyboard 70 toward the second end 39 of housing 31. When ramp surface 114 engages keyboard 70, the lip 41 of window frame 40 is received into a channel 85 defined along the periphery 84 of keyboard 70, causing a seal to begin forming between window frame 40 and keyboard 70. Note that... Figure 6 The guide device 117 of the insert 110 is depicted sliding along the guide device 46 of the second housing portion 34, such that the guide devices 117 and 46 together guide the insert 110 to the appropriate position within the cavity 45.

[0036] refer to Figure 7 The insert 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 45. When the insert 110 is removed from... Figure 6 The partial insertion position shown is moved to Figure 7 When fully inserted as shown, the compression surface 111 extends along the lower end 71 of the keyboard 70. Figure 4The insert 110 slides, causing it to compress the keyboard 70 into the first housing portion 33, thereby forming a seal between the keyboard 70 and the first housing portion 33. That is, the lip 41 of the window frame 40 is fully received into the channel 85 of the keyboard 70, thus forming a liquid-proof seal, and the first body portion 113 is adjacent to the second end 39 of the housing 31. When the insert 110 moves... Figure 7 In the indicated position, the first body portion 113 elastically deforms / compresses the retaining device 48 until the first body portion 113 disengages from the retaining device 48. The retaining device 48 then returns to its original orientation (e.g., the retaining tab 48 "clicks" back), thereby retaining the insert 110 within the housing 31. The hole 121 of the second body portion 115 aligns with the hole 47 in the second housing portion 34. The tail portion 77A extends along the second body portion 115. Note that the second body portion 115 has a transition surface 118 along which the tail portion 77A extends, preventing the tail portion 77A from being affected by edges that could damage the circuitry within it. The second body portion 115 includes an elongated recess 122 in which the tail portion 77A is located.

[0037] After assembling input component 30 (as mentioned above) Figures 5 to 7 (as described above), the input component 30 is connected to the end of the handle 24 or the grip. Figure 8 The input component 30, separate from the handle 24, is depicted (see also...). Figure 3 , Figure 3 The components of handle 24 are depicted. Before the input assembly 30 is attached to handle 24, locking device 119 is aligned with slot 27 in handle 24, such that input assembly 30 is properly oriented relative to handle 24. Input assembly 30 is then pushed onto handle 24 (see arrow C), such that locking device 119 is in slot 27, and the open end 38 of input assembly 30 abuts or is adjacent to the corresponding edge 28 of handle 24. As described above, pressing rib 116 presses and frictionally engages handle 24. To secure input assembly 30 to handle 24 (see...), Figure 8 The fastener 120 (e.g., a screw) is inserted through the hole 47 in the second housing portion 34, the hole 29 in the end of the handle 24, and the hole 121 in the insert 110.

[0038] Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in some examples, this disclosure provides a novel input component for an exercise machine having a housing with a keyboard window, an insert in the housing, and a keyboard in the keyboard window. The keyboard is clamped between the housing and the insert, such that a seal is formed therebetween, and the seal is configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the keyboard window. Optionally, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are ultrasonically welded together along a seam. Optionally, the housing extends from an open end to a closed end, and the seam extends along opposite sides of the housing and along the closed end. Optionally, the housing extends from the open end to the closed end, and the insert is inserted into the housing to compress the keyboard between the housing and the insert, thereby forming a seal. Optionally, the housing includes a window frame extending around the keyboard window, and the insert includes a compression surface, the insert being inserted into the housing to clamp the keyboard between the compression surface and the window frame, thereby forming a seal. Optionally, the keyboard includes a channel, and the window frame includes a lip that is received in the channel when the insert is inserted into the housing, thereby forming a seal. Optionally, the lip extends around the periphery of the window frame, and the channel extends around the periphery of the keyboard.

[0039] Optionally, a retaining device holds the insert within the housing. Optionally, the retaining device includes a rib on the housing that engages with the insert when it is inserted into the housing. Optionally, a guiding device guides the insert into a predetermined orientation within the housing when it is inserted into the housing. Optionally, the guiding device includes a protrusion on the insert that interacts with the guiding device within the housing. Optionally, the insert includes an elongated body having a first body portion and a second body portion, and a compression surface on the first body portion. Optionally, a ramp surface is on the first body portion, and the ramp surface is configured to engage the keyboard and facilitate sliding of the first body portion beneath the keyboard when the insert is inserted into the housing. Optionally, a handle is included, and a plurality of compression ribs on the second body portion are configured to apply compression when the input component is attached to the handle, thereby causing frictional engagement between the input component and the handle. Optionally, the input component includes a handle, and the housing is secured to an end of the handle by fasteners extending through the housing and the insert.

[0040] In some examples, the method of assembling the input component includes providing a housing having an open end, a closed end, and a keyboard window; inserting the keyboard into the housing via the open end and aligning the keyboard with the keyboard window; and inserting an insert into the housing via the open end, thereby pressing the keyboard against the housing and forming a seal therebetween, the seal being configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing via the keyboard window. Optionally, the method includes providing the housing by ultrasonically welding a first housing portion and a second housing portion together along a seam. Optionally, the insert is inserted into the housing to clamp the keyboard between a compression surface of the insert and the window frame of the housing, thereby forming a seal. Optionally, the insert snaps into the housing upon insertion. Optionally, the insert is rotatably locked into a predetermined orientation within the housing upon insertion.

[0041] This document cites numerous references. All cited references are incorporated herein by reference. If a term's definition in this specification differs from that in a cited reference, the definition in this specification shall prevail.

[0042] In this specification, certain terms are used for the purpose of brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations beyond the requirements of the prior art are to be inferred from these terms, as they are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be interpreted broadly. The various apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein can be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is anticipated that various equivalents, substitutions, and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, but may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An input component for an exercise machine, characterized in that, The input component includes: The casing has a keyboard window; Insert, located within the housing; and A keyboard, located in the keyboard window, is sandwiched between the housing and the insert, forming a seal therebetween. The seal is configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the keyboard window. The housing extends from an open end to a closed end. The keyboard and the insert are inserted into the housing through the open end. A seam extends along opposite sides of the housing and along the closed end.

2. The input component according to claim 1, wherein, The housing provides a handle extending between the open end and the closed end, and the keyboard window is formed by the handle.

3. An input component for an exercise machine, characterized in that, The input component includes: The casing has a keyboard window; Insert, located within the housing; and A keyboard, located in the keyboard window, is sandwiched between the housing and the insert, thereby forming a seal therebetween. The seal is configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the keyboard window, wherein the housing extends from an open end to a closed end, and wherein the insert is inserted into the housing to compress the keyboard between the housing and the insert, thereby forming the seal.

4. The input component according to claim 3, wherein, The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are ultrasonically welded together along a seam.

5. The input component according to claim 3, wherein, The housing provides a handle extending between the open end and the closed end, and the keyboard window is formed by the handle.

6. A method for assembling an input component for an exercise machine, characterized in that, The method includes: A housing is provided that extends from an open end to a closed end and has a keyboard window between the open end and the closed end; The keyboard is inserted into the housing via the opening end, and the keyboard is aligned with the keyboard window; and An insert is inserted into the housing via the open end, thereby pressing the keyboard against the housing and forming a seal therebetween, the seal being configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the keyboard window.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes providing the housing by ultrasonically welding the first housing portion and the second housing portion together along the seam.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The insert is inserted into the housing to clamp the keyboard between the compression surface of the insert and the window frame of the housing, thereby forming the seal.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The insert engages with the housing when it is inserted into the housing.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The insert is rotatably locked in a predetermined orientation within the housing when it is inserted into the housing.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The housing provides a handle extending between the open end and the closed end, and the keyboard window is formed by the handle.

12. An input component for an exercise machine, characterized in that, The input component includes: The casing has a keyboard window; Insert, located within the housing; and A keyboard, located in the keyboard window, is sandwiched between the housing and the insert, such that a seal is formed therebetween, the seal being configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing via the keyboard window, wherein the housing extends from an open end to a closed end and includes a window frame extending around the keyboard window; The insert includes a compression surface; and The insert is inserted into the open end to clamp the keyboard between the compression surface and the window frame, thereby forming the seal.

13. The input component according to claim 12, wherein, The keyboard includes a channel, and the window frame includes a lip that is received in the channel when the insert is inserted into the housing, thereby forming the seal.

14. The input component of claim 13, wherein, The lip extends around the periphery of the window frame, and the channel extends around the periphery of the keyboard.

15. The input component according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a retaining device that holds the insert in the housing.

16. The input component of claim 15, wherein, The retaining device includes ribs on the housing, which engage with the insert when the insert is inserted into the housing.

17. The input component according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a guiding device that guides the insert into a predetermined orientation within the housing when the insert is inserted into the housing.

18. The input component of claim 17, wherein, The guiding device includes a protrusion on the insert that interacts with the guiding device in the housing.

19. The input component of claim 12, wherein, The insert includes an elongated body having a first body portion and a second body portion; and The compression surface is located on the first body portion.

20. The input component according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes a ramp surface on the first body portion, the ramp surface being configured to engage the keyboard and facilitate the sliding of the first body portion under the keyboard when the insert is inserted into the housing.

21. The input component according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a handle and a plurality of compression ribs on the second body portion, the plurality of compression ribs being configured to apply compression when the input component is attached to the handle, thereby causing the input component to frictionally engage with the handle.

22. The input component according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes handles; and The housing is fastened to the end of the handle by fasteners extending through the housing and the insert.

23. The input component according to claim 12, wherein, The housing provides a handle extending between the open end and the closed end, and the keyboard window is formed by the handle.

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