Falling-in type pivoting structure of stationary bicycle

Abstract

An exercise machine may include a frame. The frame may include a base portion, an upright portion coupled to the base portion, and a pivot joint connecting the upright portion to the base portion. The pivot joint may include a drop-in shaft connected to the upright portion and a drop-in receptacle connected to the base portion. The drop-in shaft may be removably received in the drop-in receiver.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the applicant being Aikang Co., Ltd., the application date being October 19, 2017, the invention title being "Drop-in Pivot Structure of a Stationary Bicycle", and the application number being 201780067149.3.

[0002] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the priority of a U.S. patent application entitled "Drop - in Pivot Structure of a Stationary Bicycle", serial number 62 / 415,941, filed on November 1, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This application relates to the field of fitness equipment. Background Art

[0005] Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves a person's cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and providing other benefits to the body. Aerobic exercise typically involves low - intensity physical exertion over a long duration. Generally, the human body can adequately supply enough oxygen to meet the demands of the body at the intensity levels of aerobic exercise involved in aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include activities such as running, jogging, swimming, and cycling. In contrast, anaerobic exercise typically involves high - intensity exercise over a short duration. Popular forms of anaerobic exercise include strength training and short - distance running.

[0006] One popular form of aerobic exercise is cycling. Cycling is typically performed on an indoor stationary bicycle or on a bicycle ridden on the outside streets or off - road. In the case of a traditional upright bicycle, the user places his or her full weight on a small portion of the bicycle seat, handlebars, and pedals. In the case of an upright bicycle, the user typically leans forward while pedaling. Another form of cycling is recumbent cycling. In the case of a recumbent bicycle, the user often reclines in a seat with a backrest that distributes the user's weight over a larger area including the user's back.

[0007] One type of riding is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,497,426 to James L. Vanpelt et al. In that reference, a bicycle is provided with a frame having a front frame portion and a rear frame portion that are selectively attached to and detached from each other in an upright position and a recumbent position. In the upright position, a crank is connected to a gearbox that is adapted to drive a typical sprocket. In the recumbent position, the crank is removed from the rear gearbox and attached to the front gearbox. A drive shaft is positioned between the gearboxes such that a bicycle rider can power the bicycle through the front gearbox. The bicycle can also be configured to be used in cooperation with a second set of cranks attached to the rear gearbox. Other types of riding devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,648,353 to Pedro Pablo Cabal and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0260964 to Benjamin Chia, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one embodiment, the fitness device includes a frame. The frame includes a base portion, an upright portion coupled to the base portion, and a pivot joint connecting the upright portion to the base portion. The pivot joint includes a drop-in shaft connected to the upright portion and a drop-in receiving portion connected to the base portion. The drop-in shaft is removably received in the drop-in receiving portion.

[0009] The fitness device can include a movable element that moves relative to the frame during exercise.

[0010] The movable element can include a crank assembly connected to the upright portion. The crank assembly can include: a crankshaft; a first crank arm attached to a first side of the crankshaft; and a second crank arm attached to a second side of the crankshaft.

[0011] The fitness device can include a housing that covers at least a portion of the crankshaft. The drop-in shaft can be located outside the housing.

[0012] The crankshaft can be independent of the drop-in shaft.

[0013] The fitness device can include a flywheel that resists the movement of the movable element during exercise.

[0014] The fitness device can include a tilt actuator that connects the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame and determines the angle formed by the upright portion relative to the base portion.

[0015] The flywheel can be located on a distal side of the fitness device away from the tilt actuator, and the flywheel is a counterweight for the tilt actuator.

[0016] The upright portion of the frame is pivotable about a drop-in shaft. The upright portion may have a pivot range within negative 20 degrees and positive 20 degrees.

[0017] The fitness apparatus can be a stationary bicycle.

[0018] The drop-in shaft can be located on the distal end portion of the upright portion.

[0019] The drop-in receiving portion can be a sliding bracket.

[0020] The base portion can include a horizontal frame member, and the drop-in receiving portion is directly mounted to the horizontal frame member.

[0021] The fitness apparatus can include a wheel attached to the horizontal frame member.

[0022] The upright portion can include a seat frame member, and the console frame member can be connected to the seat frame member. The seat frame member and the console frame member can form a Y shape.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fitness apparatus can include a frame. The frame can include a base portion, an upright portion coupled to the base portion, and a pivot joint connecting the upright portion to the base. The pivot joint can include a drop-in shaft connected to the upright portion and a drop-in receiving portion connected to the base portion. The drop-in shaft can be removably received in the drop-in receiving portion. The fitness apparatus can include a movable element that moves relative to the frame during exercise. The movable element can include a crank assembly connected to the upright portion. The crank assembly can include: a crankshaft; a first crank arm attached to a first side portion of the crankshaft; and a second crank arm attached to a second side portion of the crankshaft.

[0024] The fitness apparatus can include a flywheel that resists the movement of the movable element during exercise.

[0025] The fitness apparatus can include a tilt actuator that connects the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame and determines the angle formed by the upright portion relative to the base portion.

[0026] The flywheel can be located on the distal side of the fitness apparatus away from the tilt actuator, and the flywheel is a counterweight for the tilt actuator.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fitness apparatus includes a frame. The frame includes a base portion, an upright portion coupled to the base portion, and a pivot joint connecting the upright portion to the base portion. The pivot joint may include a drop-in shaft connected to the upright portion and a drop-in receptacle connected to the base portion. The drop-in shaft may be removably received in the drop-in receptacle. The fitness apparatus may include a movable element that moves relative to the frame during exercise. The movable element may include a crank assembly connected to the upright portion. The crank assembly may include: a crankshaft; a first crank arm attached to a first side of the crankshaft; and a second crank arm attached to a second side of the crankshaft. The fitness apparatus may include: a flywheel that resists the movement of the movable element during exercise; and a tilt actuator that connects the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame and determines the angle formed by the upright portion relative to the base portion. The flywheel may be located on a distal side of the fitness apparatus away from the tilt actuator, and the flywheel is a counterweight for the tilt actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the device and are part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the device and do not limit its scope.

[0029] Figure 1 A side view showing an example of a fitness apparatus in an upright riding mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A side view showing an example of a fitness apparatus in a horizontal riding mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 An enlarged side view showing a part of an example of a fitness apparatus in a storage mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view showing an example of a fitness apparatus in an upright riding mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view showing connection points of an example of a fitness apparatus in a horizontal mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 A side view showing an example of a fitness apparatus in an upright riding mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A side view showing an example of a fitness apparatus in a horizontal mode according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals indicate similar but not necessarily identical elements. Detailed implementation manners

[0037] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "aligned" means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle less than 35.0 degrees. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "lateral" means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 degrees and 125.0 degrees. Moreover, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "length" means the longest dimension of an object. Moreover, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "width" means the dimension of an object from one side to the other side. Generally, the width of an object is lateral to the length of the object. Additionally, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "snug fit receptacle" generally refers to a receptacle that is configured to receive a complementary object for attachment by lowering the object into the receptacle.

[0038] In particular, with reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 an example of an exercise machine 100 is depicted. The exercise machine 100 includes a frame 102 that has a base portion 104 and an upright portion 106. The upright portion 106 of the frame 102 includes a seat member 108 and a console member 110. A seat 112 is attached to the seat member 108, and a console 114 is attached to the console member 110. In this example, a handle 116 is attached to the console member 110.

[0039] At least a portion of the upright portion 106 of the frame 102 is covered by a housing 118 that hides at least some of the internal components of the exercise machine 100. In this example, a rotational resistance mechanism 120 is disposed within the housing 118 and attached to a crank assembly 122. In this example, the rotational resistance mechanism 120 includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit positioned adjacent to the flywheel that resists the movement of the flywheel. The crank assembly 122 includes a crankshaft 124 that is connected to a first crank arm 126 and a second crank arm (not shown). During exercise on the exercise machine 100, a user pushes a first pedal 128 connected to the first crank arm 126 and a second pedal (not shown) connected to the second crank arm.

[0040] The upright portion 106 of the frame 102 is connected to the base portion 104 of the frame 102 at a pivot joint 130. The pivot joint 130 includes a snug fit shaft ( Figure 2 216 in) that is removably attached to a snug fit receptacle ( Figure 2 218 in). An inclination actuator 136 connects the base portion 104 of the frame 102 to the upright portion 106 of the frame 102. The rotational resistance mechanism 120 is located on a distal side portion 138 of the exercise machine 100 that is remote from the inclination actuator 136 and is a counterweight on the other side of the pivot joint 130 relative to the inclination actuator 136.

[0041] Figure 2Depicts an example of a fitness machine 200, where a portion of the housing 202 is removed for illustrative purposes. In this example, the frame 204 includes an upright portion 206 that has a seat member 208 and a console member 210. The seat member 208 and the console member 210 are rigidly connected and form a "Y" shape. In an alternative example, the connection between the console member 210 and the seat member 208 can form a "V" shape, a "T" shape, another shape with a single lower point, or a combination thereof.

[0042] In the example shown, the upright portion 206 of the frame 204 includes a distal end 212 that is proximal to the base portion 214 of the frame 102. A drop-in shaft 216 is located at the distal end 212 of the upright portion 206 of the frame 204. In this example, the drop-in shaft 216 includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending beyond a first side of the seat member 208, and the second portion extending beyond a second side of the seat member 208. The drop-in shaft 216 is positioned within a drop-in receptacle 218. In this example, the drop-in receptacle 218 includes a sliding bracket 220 into which the drop-in shaft can be slid into place. The drop-in receptacle 218 allows the drop-in shaft 216 to rotate. In some examples, the drop-in receptacle 218 allows the drop-in shaft 216 to rotate freely without limitation. In other examples, the drop-in receptacle 218 limits the range within which the drop-in shaft 216 can rotate.

[0043] The tilt actuator 222 can control the range within which the drop-in shaft 216 can rotate. In the example shown, the tilt actuator 222 includes a first end 224 attached to the upright portion 206. Although the example shown depicts the first end 224 attached to the seat member 208 of the upright portion 206, the first end 224 can be attached to the console member 210 of the upright portion 206 or another component. The second end 228 of the tilt actuator 222 is connected to the base portion 214 of the frame. Although the second end 228 is depicted as being connected to the crossbeam 232 of the base portion, the second end 230 can be directly connected to at least one of the horizontal member 234 of the base portion 214 of the frame 204 or another component.

[0044] The tilt actuator 222 can include an extensible portion 236 located between the first end 226 and the second end 230 of the tilt actuator. The extensible portion 236 can include a single-stage cylinder (single-stroke rod), a multi-stage cylinder, a threaded rod, a solenoid, a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, a linear actuator, another type of actuator, or a combination thereof.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the resistance mechanism for the movement of the first and second crank arms during exercise includes a flywheel 238. The flywheel 238 is attached to a flywheel shaft 240 that is connected to a console member 210 of the upright portion 206 by a flywheel bracket 242, and the flywheel 238 rotates about the flywheel shaft 240. The rotation of the flywheel 238 is selectively resisted by a magnetic unit 244. The intensity of the magnetic flux applied to the flywheel can be adjusted by changing the position of the magnetic unit 244 or by changing the electrical power level of the magnetic unit to change the magnetic field strength of the magnetic unit.

[0046] In the depicted example, the flywheel 238 is located on the side of the exercise machine 100 opposite the tilt actuator 222. In this example, the position of the flywheel 238 reduces the load on the tilt actuator 222 by the weight on the upright portion 206 of the counterweight balance frame 102. For example, the loads applied by the weights of the flywheel 238 and the tilt actuator 222 can be balanced about the insertion axis.

[0047] Figure 3 An example of a pivot joint 300 is depicted. In this example, the pivot joint 300 includes a drop-in shaft 302 that is capable of being inserted into a drop-in receptacle 304 that is connected to a base portion 306 of the frame. The drop-in receptacle 304 is attached to a horizontal member 310 of the base portion 306. The drop-in receptacle 304 includes a sliding bracket 312 having a low profile 314. The low-profile sliding bracket 312 allows the pivot axis (formed by the pivot joint) to be at a height that is flush, substantially flush, close, or substantially close to the horizontal member 310.

[0048] By lowering the drop-in shaft 302 into the space between the sidewalls 320 of the sliding bracket 312, the drop-in shaft 302 can be slid and / or dropped into the sliding bracket 312. When the drop-in shaft 302 is inserted into the sliding bracket 312, the drop-in shaft 302 can be additionally fastened in place, for example, by a lid that prevents the drop-in shaft 302 from moving upward out of the drop-in receptacle 304.

[0049] Figure 4 An example of an exploded view of a drop-in shaft 403 removed from a drop-in receptacle 402 is depicted. In this example, the drop-in shaft 403 can be lowered into the space defined between the sidewalls of the sliding bracket.

[0050] As shown, the drop-in shaft 403 includes a fixed portion 404 and a rotatable portion 400. When the drop-in shaft 403 is received inside the drop-in receptacle 402, the fixed portion 404 can be secured in place by a fastener 406. The pivot housing 410 can be fixed to the outside of the drop-in shaft 403. In this example, an opening 412 is defined in the member of the upright portion, and an intermediate section of the drop-in shaft is received within the opening during assembly. The end of the drop-in shaft can extend beyond the side of the frame member. In an alternative example, the drop-in shaft can be attached to the outside of the frame member. For example, a first portion of the drop-in shaft can be welded to a first side of the frame member, and a second portion of the drop-in shaft can be welded to a second side of the frame member. In other examples, the drop-in shaft is a single member welded to the outside of the frame member.

[0051] Figure 5 An example of an incline actuator 500 is depicted. In this example, the incline actuator 500 is connected to the upright portion 502 of the frame at a first end 506 and to the base portion 508 at a second end 510. The incline actuator 500 includes a housing 512 that includes an internal motor that adjusts the distance between the first end and the second end of the incline actuator 500. The incline actuator 500 can shorten or extend its length according to the desired incline angle.

[0052] Figure 6 An example of an upright portion 600 pivoting about a drop-in shaft 602 is depicted. In this example, the length of the incline actuator 604 is extended such that the upright portion tilts forward. In some examples, the upright portion 600 can pivot about a pivot joint 606 within a pivot range that includes +20 degrees and -20 degrees.

[0053] Figure 7 An example of an upright portion 700 pivoting about a drop-in shaft 702 is depicted. In this example, the length of the incline actuator 704 is shortened such that the upright portion tilts backward.

[0054] Although the above examples have been described in terms of various components, angles, connection points, and parts, any suitable type and orientation of components, angles, connection points, parts, etc. can be used in accordance with the principles described herein. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments merely represent some examples of the present invention and do not exhaustively describe all possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] General description

[0056] Generally, the inventions disclosed herein can provide an exercise machine for a user that can pivot about a single pivot joint to change the difficulty of exercising on the exercise machine. In some cases, the exercise machine is a stationary bicycle. The principles described herein can be applied to any suitable exercise machine. For example, a non-exhaustive list of exercise machines that can be compatible with the principles described herein includes stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, stair climbers, rowing machines, treadmills, other types of machines, or combinations thereof.

[0057] In one example, the exercise machine can include a frame member. An upright portion of the frame of the exercise machine can be pivotally attached to a base portion of the frame such that the upright portion can tilt in a forward direction or a backward direction. In some examples, the upright portion of the exercise machine can tilt forward at least +20 degrees. In another example, the upright portion can tilt forward at least +15 degrees. In yet another example, the upright portion can tilt forward at least +10 degrees. Additionally, the upright portion can tilt forward at least +5 degrees. In some examples, the upright portion of the exercise machine can tilt backward at least -20 degrees. In another example, the upright portion can tilt backward at least -15 degrees. In yet another example, the upright portion can tilt backward at least -10 degrees. Additionally, the upright portion can tilt backward at least -5 degrees.

[0058] The upright portion of the frame can be associated with a seat member and a console member. In some examples, the seat member and the console member are attached to each other. In some cases, the seat member and the console member are rigidly connected and form a "Y" shape. In alternative examples, the connection between the console member and the seat member can form a "V" shape, a "T" shape, another shape with a single lower connection point, or a combination thereof. In another example, the seat member and the console member are independent of each other.

[0059] A seat can be attached to the seat member. Any suitable type of seat can be attached to the seat member. In some cases, the seat includes a handle, a backrest, a water holder, padding, other features, or a combination thereof. The seat can position the user such that the user can sit in an upright position, where the seat is positioned above the crank assembly. In other examples, the seat is positioned such that the seat is laterally positioned relative to the crank assembly, allowing the user to pedal in a recumbent position. In some cases, the seat height is adjustable.

[0060] The console can be connected to the console member. In some cases, a handle is attached to the console member. The height of the console member can be adjustable. In some cases, no console is connected to the console member. In examples of these types, at least one handle, work station, water bottle holder, mobile device holder, display, input station, or other features can be connected to the console member.

[0061] At least a portion of the upright portion of the frame is covered by a housing that hides at least some of the internal components of the exercise machine. In this example, a rotational resistance mechanism can be disposed within the housing and attached to the crank assembly. The rotational resistance mechanism can include a flywheel and a magnetic unit positioned adjacent the flywheel that resists movement of the flywheel. The crank assembly includes a crankshaft connected to a first crank arm and a second crank arm. During exercise on the exercise machine, a user pushes a first pedal connected to the first crank arm and a second pedal connected to the second crank arm. The crank assembly can be attached to the console member, the seat member, another component of the upright portion, or a combination thereof.

[0062] The crank assembly can be connected to the resistance mechanism. In some examples, a transmission connects the crankshaft to the resistance mechanism. Thus, when the crank assembly rotates, the transmission transfers resistance from the resistance mechanism to the crank assembly. The resistance mechanism can include a flywheel adjacent a magnetic unit that resists movement of the flywheel. In examples where the magnetic unit presents a consistent magnetic field, the amount of resistance applied to the flywheel can be changed by moving the magnetic unit toward or away from the flywheel. For example, the resistance applied to the flywheel can be increased by moving the magnetic unit closer to the flywheel. In other examples, the resistance applied to the flywheel can be decreased by moving the magnetic unit closer to the flywheel. In some cases, the magnetic unit can emit a variable amount of magnetic resistance by applying a variable amount of electrical power to the magnetic unit. Although this example has been described with reference to a resistance mechanism including a flywheel and a magnetic unit, any suitable type of resistance unit can be used in accordance with the principles described herein. A non-exhaustive list of resistance mechanisms that can be used includes air resistance mechanisms, fans, hydraulic mechanisms, pneumatic mechanisms, another type of resistance mechanism, or a combination thereof.

[0063] The upright portion of the frame can be connected to the base portion of the frame at a pivot joint. The pivot joint includes a drop-in shaft removably attached to a drop-in receiving portion. A tilt actuator can connect the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame. The flywheel can be located distally from the tilt actuator on the exercise machine and is a counterweight on the opposite side of the pivot joint relative to the tilt actuator.

[0064] In some cases, the upright portion of the frame includes a distal end portion proximate to the base portion of the frame, and the drop-in shaft is located at the distal end portion of the upright portion of the frame. In this example, the drop-in shaft can include a first portion extending beyond a first side of the seat member and a second portion extending beyond a second side of the seat member. The drop-in shaft can be positioned within and secured to a drop-in receptacle.

[0065] Any suitable type of drop-in receptacle can be used in accordance with the principles described herein. In one example, the drop-in receptacle includes a sliding bracket into which the drop-in shaft can be slid into place. In another example, the drop-in receptacle includes a slot defined in at least one of a horizontal frame member, a crossbar of the base portion, another portion of the base portion, or a combination thereof. In an example, the drop-in receptacle includes a groove defined in a component of the base portion.

[0066] Any suitable type of base portion can be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, the base portion can include a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member aligned with the first horizontal member. Each of the first horizontal frame member and the second horizontal frame member can connect a front crossbar of the base portion to a rear crossbar of the base portion. In some cases, at least one of the front crossbar and the rear crossbar can include at least one wheel to facilitate moving the fitness apparatus across a support surface. At least one of the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, the front crossbar, the rear crossbar, another crossbar, or a combination thereof can include a gripping feature that stabilizes the fitness apparatus when positioned for exercise.

[0067] The drop-in receptacle can be secured to the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, the front crossbar, the rear crossbar, another crossbar, another component of the base portion, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the drop-in receptacle is oriented transversely with respect to the length of the horizontal member and is connected to both the first horizontal member and the second horizontal member. In some cases, the drop-in receptacle is attached in an intermediate region of the horizontal member.

[0068] The components of the drop-in receptacle can be covered by a pivot housing. The pivot housing can be a housing separate from the housing that covers most of the upright portion of the frame, the resistance mechanism, or a combination thereof. The pivot housing can impede debris and other objects that may come into contact with the components of the pivot joint. In those examples where the components of the pivot joint are lubricated with grease, the housing can help retain the grease or other lubricant and help keep the lubricant clean.

[0069] In some cases, the drop-in receptacle allows the insertable shaft to rotate. In some examples, the drop-in receptacle allows the insertable shaft to rotate freely without limitation. In other examples, the drop-in receptacle limits the range in which the insertable shaft can rotate.

[0070] In other examples, the drop-in shaft does not rotate relative to the base portion of the frame. In some embodiments, a sleeve surrounds the drop-in shaft. In these embodiments, the drop-in shaft can be fixed in place while still allowing the sleeve to rotate around the drop-in shaft. In other cases, the distal end portion of the frame member of the upright portion is rotationally isolated relative to the drop-in shaft. As a result, the drop-in shaft can remain stationary relative to the base portion while the upright portion of the frame rotates around the drop-in shaft.

[0071] The tilt actuator can control the range in which the upright portion can rotate. The tilt actuator can include a first end attached to the upright portion. Although the above example includes the first end attached to the seat member of the upright portion, the first end can be attached to a console member of the upright portion or another component. The second end of the tilt actuator is connected to the base of the frame. Although the second end is depicted as being connected to the crossbeam of the base portion, the second end can be directly connected to at least one of a horizontal member of the base portion of the frame or another component.

[0072] The tilt actuator can include an extensible portion located between the first end and the second end of the tilt actuator. The extensible portion can include a single-stage cylinder (single-stroke rod), a multi-stage cylinder, a threaded rod, a solenoid, a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, a linear actuator, another type of actuator, or a combination thereof.

[0073] In some examples, a resistance mechanism can resist the movement of the first crank arm and the second crank arm during the performance of an exercise. A flywheel can be attached to a flywheel shaft that is connected to a console member of the upright portion by a flywheel bracket, and the flywheel can rotate around the flywheel shaft. The rotation of the flywheel is resisted by a magnetic unit. The intensity of the magnetic flux applied to the flywheel can be adjusted by changing the position of the magnetic unit or by changing the level of electrical power that causes the magnetic intensity to change.

[0074] In some cases, the flywheel is located on the side of the exercise machine opposite the tilt actuator. The position of the flywheel can reduce the load on the tilt actuator by counterbalancing the weight on the upright portion of the frame with a counterweight. For example, the load applied by the weight of the flywheel and the tilt actuator can be balanced about the pivot joint. In the case where the counterweight is loaded onto the pivot joint, the tilt actuator can be configured to handle the load where the tilt actuator is under a tensile load rather than primarily under a compressive load. Under a tensile load, the tilt actuator is not required to generate a force sufficient to move the weight of the upright portion because the gravity on the flywheel generates a force sufficient to move the upright portion of the exercise machine. Instead, the tilt actuator resists the tensile force of the flywheel rather than generates that force.

[0075] In some examples, the pivot axis is less than six inches from the horizontal member of the base portion. Keeping the pivot axis close to the horizontal member provides a longer moment arm about which the tilt actuator can move the upright portion, which reduces the load required to move the upright portion or to prevent the upright portion from moving.

[0076] In examples having a console, the console can include a pair of handles that a user can grasp during exercise. The console can include a display screen that indicates at least one operating parameter of the fitness machine or a physiological parameter of the user during exercise. For example, the display screen can depict the setting of the resistance mechanism, the speed at which the user operates the fitness machine, the current exercise mode of the fitness machine, an estimated calorie burn of the user's exercise, the user's heart rate, the time of day, the duration of the exercise, other operating parameters, other physiological parameters of the user, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the estimated calorie burn can be based on information collected from the operating parameters of the fitness machine. In some cases, at least some of the information used to estimate the calorie burn is based on a user profile that includes personal information about the user, such as height, weight, age, gender, health status, body composition, other types of personal information, or a combination thereof. The personal information can be entered into the console of the fitness machine. In other examples, the console can communicate with a remote device that includes the user profile. For example, the console can communicate wirelessly with a personal computer, a mobile device, a data center, a website, a network device, other types of devices, or a combination thereof that includes at least one piece of personal information about the user.

[0077] In some examples, the console can communicate with a remote device that operates a fitness tracking program. In some types of examples, some personal information can be received from the fitness tracking program. Also, in some cases, the console can send information about the user's exercise to the fitness tracking program. The exercise information can include the type and duration of the exercise, the resistance setting, an estimated number of calories burned, other types of information, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The console can also include at least one input mechanism for inputting information into the console. For example, a user can control the operating parameters of the fitness machine through the console. In some cases, the user can control the resistance setting through the console. Moreover, the user can raise and lower the seat by means of commands input through the console. Additionally, in some examples, the user can control the position of the console member and / or the console tilt angle through the console. The input mechanism of the console can include buttons, levers, dials, touchscreens, keyboards, microphones, another type of input mechanism, cameras, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the user can command the fitness machine to change from one exercise mode to another. In this type of example, the fitness machine can change the seat position, console tilt angle, console member position, and any other position to place the fitness machine in a desired exercise mode or storage mode without further input from the user.

Claims

1. A fitness device, comprising: A frame, the frame comprising: A base portion; An upright portion, the upright portion being coupled to the base portion at a single pivot point, wherein the upright portion includes a seat frame member, a seat of the fitness device being attached to the seat frame member at a first end of the seat frame member, and the upright portion includes a console frame member connected to the seat frame member; A pivot joint, the pivot joint connecting the upright portion to the base portion at the single pivot point; The pivot joint includes: A drop-in shaft, the drop-in shaft being connected to the upright portion and including a fixed portion and a rotatable portion; and A drop-in receptacle, the drop-in receptacle being connected to the base portion; Wherein the drop-in shaft is removably received in the drop-in receptacle, and wherein the fixed portion is fixed to the drop-in receptacle by a fastener transverse to a pivot axis of the drop-in shaft; and A movable element, the movable element being attached to the frame, wherein the movable element is configured to move relative to the frame during exercise, the movable element including: A crank assembly, the crank assembly including a crankshaft, the crankshaft being independent of the drop-in shaft, Wherein: The seat frame member and the console frame member form a V-shaped configuration, and The seat frame member includes an opening at a second end of the seat frame member opposite the first end of the seat frame member, the opening being configured to receive an intermediate section of the drop-in shaft.

2. The fitness device according to claim 1, wherein, The console frame member is connected to the seat frame member between the drop-in shaft and the crankshaft, and wherein each of the seat frame member and the console frame member is an approximately straight member of the upright portion.

3. The fitness device according to claim 1, wherein, The crank assembly is connected to both the seat frame member and the console frame member, the crank assembly further including: A first crank arm, the first crank arm being attached to a first side of the crankshaft; and A second crank arm, the second crank arm being attached to a second side of the crankshaft.

4. The fitness device according to claim 3, further comprising: A housing, the housing covering at least a portion of the crankshaft, Wherein the drop-in shaft is located outside the housing.

5. The fitness device according to claim 1, further comprising a flywheel, the flywheel resisting the movement of the movable element during the exercise.

6. The fitness device according to claim 5, further comprising: An incline actuator, the incline actuator connecting the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame and determining an angle formed by the upright portion relative to the base portion, Wherein the incline actuator is directly connected to the seat frame member.

7. The fitness device according to claim 6, wherein, The flywheel is located on a distal side of the fitness device away from the incline actuator, and the flywheel is a counterweight for the incline actuator.

8. The fitness device according to claim 6, wherein, The upright portion of the frame is capable of pivoting about the drop-in shaft, and wherein the tilt actuator controls the range within which the drop-in shaft can rotate such that the upright portion has a pivoting range within negative 20 degrees and positive 20 degrees.

9. The fitness device according to claim 1, wherein, The fitness apparatus includes an exercise bike, wherein the drop-in shaft is located on a distal end portion of the upright portion, and wherein the drop-in receptacle includes a sliding bracket.

10. The fitness device according to claim 1, wherein, The base portion includes a horizontal frame member, and the drop-in receptacle is mounted directly to the horizontal frame member, and wherein the fitness apparatus further includes a wheel attached to the horizontal frame member.

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