US20230398402A1

US20230398402A1 - Vibration isolation exercise machine

Info

Publication number: US20230398402A1
Application number: US18/207,512
Authority: US
Inventors: Wei Chuang
Original assignee: Ifit Inc
Current assignee: Ifit Inc
Priority date: 2022-06-08
Filing date: 2023-06-08
Publication date: 2023-12-14

Abstract

An exercise apparatus with suspension system is provided. The exercise apparatus may include one or more of the following; a frame suspension system, a base suspension system, a deck suspension system, or a chassis dampening system. The advantage of exercising apparatus with suspension system is that it may prevent or mitigate vibration and sound disturbances of the exercise apparatus when it is used.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/350,072, filed on Jun. 8, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Exercise is popular activity that many people perform to improve their physical and/or mental health. Exercise devices are often utilized to allow a person to exercise a variety of muscles of muscle in a variety of activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an apparatus for exercising comprises a chassis, a frame suspension system, wherein the frame suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, and wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid, and a deck movably connected to the chassis via the frame suspension system.
In other embodiments, an exercise apparatus for reducing vibration to ground includes a chassis, a chassis support system, wherein the chassis support system is configured to support the chassis relative to ground, and a chassis dampening system connected to the chassis support system.
In yet other embodiments, a method for adjusting dampening force on a dampening system of an exercise apparatus comprises detecting a trigger to adjust a first dampening force and increasing a magnetic field intensity to solidify a magnetorheological fluid to generate a second dampening force, and wherein the second dampening force is less than the first dampening force.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3-1 is a cross sectional view of a deck of an exercise apparatus without any force applied on it, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3-2 is a cross sectional view of the deck of an exercise apparatus with force applied on it, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a representation of a chassis support system of an exercise apparatus, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of a chassis dampening system having a magnetic suspension system, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of a chassis dampening system having an air suspension system, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view of a chassis dampening system having a spring dampening system, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of a chassis dampening system having a shock absorption system, according to at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the method of adjusting dampening force on a dampening system of an exercise apparatus, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross/sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to an exercise device having a suspension system. Many people buy home exercise devices not realizing that both the vibration and the sound of using it may disturb neighbors, especially in an apartment building. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, various suspension systems to mitigate both the vibration and sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus are disclosed.
Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 100 for exercising, according to at least one embodiment. The apparatus 100 includes a chassis 102, a deck 104, and a frame suspension system 106. The frame suspension system 106 includes a chamber 108 and a piston 110, wherein the chamber 108 is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid 112. The magnetorheological fluid 112 may include metal particles. The deck 104 is movably connected to the chassis 102 via the frame suspension system 106. For example, the deck 104 may move downwards when force is applied to the deck 104. In some embodiments, more than one frame suspension systems 106 is connected to the chassis 102 and the deck 104. For example, there may be four frame suspension systems 106 connected to each corner of the chassis 102.
The piston 110 may include one or more piston channels 126, and the magnetorheological fluid 112 may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels 126 when the piston 110 moves inside of the frame suspension system 106. In some embodiments, the chamber 108 is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid 112. In some embodiments, the chamber 108 is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 112. In some embodiments, the chamber 108 is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 112. In some embodiments, the chamber 108 is 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 112. The level of magnetorheological fluid 112 in the chamber 108 may affect the dampening force of the frame suspension system 106.
In some embodiments, the piston moves from an up position to a down position as shown by arrow 124. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the frame suspension system 106 as discussed in connection with FIG. 6 .
In some embodiments, the piston 110 is connected to the deck 104 via an arm 118 while the opposite end of the frame suspension system 106 is connected to the chassis 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first end of the arm 130 is connected to the piston 110 and a second end of the arm 132 is connected to the deck 104. For example, the second end of the arm 132 may be connected to a side of the deck 120. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm 132 is connected to a bottom plane of the deck 122. For example, the second end of the arm 132 may connect to a bottom portion (e.g., surface) of the deck 122. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm 132 is connected to both the side of the deck 120 and to the bottom plane of the deck 122.
In some embodiments, the frame suspension system 106 is connected to a sidewall 114 of the chassis 102. For example, the frame suspension system 106 may be connected to the surface of the sidewall 114. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system 106 is connected to a bottom wall 116 of the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system 106 is connected to both the sidewall 114 and the bottom wall 116 of the chassis 102.
When force is applied to an upper plane of the deck 128, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm 118 pushes the piston 110 downwards inside of the frame suspension system 106. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system 106 allows the deck 104 to move relative to the chassis 102 when the piston 110 moves inside of the frame suspension system 106. As the magnetorheological fluid 112 travels through the piston channels 126, the magnetorheological fluid 112 dampens out some of the force applied on the deck 104. In some embodiments, the piston 110 includes an electromagnetic coil 134. The electromagnetic coil 134 may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil 134. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels 126 and interacts with the magnetorheological fluid 112 (e.g., the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid) creating a dampening force. For example, variations in current may vary the magnetic field creating a variable dampening force. The dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid 112 is free to travel through the piston channels 126. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 112 line up with the magnetic field restricting movement of the magnetorheological fluid 112 through the piston channels 126 and hence preventing the piston 110 from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field (e.g., the dampening force of the suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’).
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by adjusting the electrical signal (e.g., applying different voltages (or currents)). A high voltage (or current) will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field (e.g., the dampening force is greater with a high intensity value of magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field). For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all (e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field).
The advantages of at least one embodiment of a frame suspension system described herein are that it provides fully adjustable variable damping force between the deck and the chassis that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of at least one embodiment of a frame suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system facilitates 100 adjustments per second. An advantage of at least one embodiment of this type of frame suspension is that each frame suspension system that connects the deck and the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot contacts the deck at any specific point in time, only that side of the deck may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
In some embodiments, a base suspension system 138 is installed to the chassis 102 of the apparatus 100 of exercise, as further described in connection with FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, a chassis dampening system 152 is connected to the chassis 102 of the apparatus 100 of exercise, as further described in connection with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A to 5D. In some embodiments, both the base suspension system 138 and the chassis dampening system 152 are connected to the chassis 102. In some embodiments, more than one chassis dampening system 152 is connected to the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 152 includes a magnetic suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 152 includes an air suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 152 includes a spring suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 152 may be manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as rubber or silicone, as further described in connection with FIG. 5D. For example, the chassis dampening system may be a shock absorption system that absorbs the shock when the apparatus is being used.
In some embodiments, a similar suspension system as described in connection to FIG. 1 may be installed inside of a deck, such as deck 104 in FIG. 1 , as further described in connection with FIG. 3 .
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment. The apparatus 200 includes a chassis 202, and at least one base suspension system 238 connected to the chassis 202. The base suspension system 238 includes a chamber 208 and a piston 210, wherein the chamber 208 is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid 212. The piston 210 may include one or more piston channels 226, and the magnetorheological fluid 212 may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels 226 when the piston 210 moves inside of the base suspension system 238. The magnetorheological fluid 212 may include metal particles. In some embodiments, the chamber 208 may be fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid 212. In some embodiments, the chamber 208 may be 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 212. In some embodiments, the chamber 208 may be 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 212. In some embodiments, the chamber 208 may be 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 212. The level of magnetorheological fluid 212 in the chamber 208 may affect the dampening force of the base suspension system 238.
In some embodiments, more than one base suspension system 238 is connected to the chassis 202. For example, there may be four base suspension systems 238 connected to each corner of the chassis 202. In some embodiments, the base suspension system 238 is further connected to a chassis dampening system 252. For example, the chassis dampening system 252 may be an air suspension system, such as further described in connection with FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 252 is a spring suspension system, such as further described in connection with FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 252 is a magnetic suspension system, such as further described in connection with FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 252 is manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as silicone or rubber, as further described in connection with FIG. 5D. For example, the chassis dampening system may be a shock absorption system that absorbs the shock when the apparatus is being used.
In some embodiments, the piston 210 moves from an up position to a down position as shown by arrow 224. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the base suspension system such as discussed in connection with FIG. 6 .
In some embodiments, the piston 210 is connected to the chassis 202 via an arm 218. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the first end of the arm 230 is connected to the piston 210 and a second end of the arm 232 is connected to the chassis 202. For example, the second end of the arm 232 may be connected to a bottom of the chassis 240. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm 232 is connected to a side of the chassis 242. For example, the second end of the arm 232 may be connected to a side (e.g., surface) of the chassis 242. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm 232 is connected to both the side of the chassis 242 and to the bottom of the chassis 240.
When force is applied to the chassis 202, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm 218 pushes the piston 210 downwards inside of the base suspension system 238. In some embodiments, the base suspension system 238 allows the chassis 202 to move relative to the ground 254 or the chassis dampening system 252, when the piston 210 moves inside of the base suspension system 238. As the magnetorheological fluid 212 travels through the piston channels 226, the magnetorheological fluid 212 dampens out some of the force applied on the chassis 202. In some embodiments, the piston 210 includes an electromagnetic coil 234. The electromagnetic coil 234 may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil 234. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels 226 and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 212 creating variable disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil 234), the magnetorheological fluid 212 is free to travel through the piston channels 226. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil 234), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 212 will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid 212 less capable of moving through the piston channels 226 and hence preventing the piston 210 from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the base suspension system 238 is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 234 will make the base suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 234 will make the base suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity value of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantages of this type of base suspension system are that it provides fully adjustable variable damping force between the chassis and ground that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of base suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the base suspension system allows 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of suspension is that each base suspension system connected the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the exercise apparatus at any specific point in time, only that side of the chassis may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
FIG. 3-1 is a cross sectional view of a deck of an exercise apparatus without any force applied on it, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 3-2 is a cross sectional view of the deck of an exercise apparatus with force applied on it, according to at least one embodiment. The exercise apparatus comprises a deck 304 and a deck suspension system 348 connected to the deck 304 and inside of the deck 304. The deck suspension system 348 includes a chamber 308 and a piston 310, and wherein the chamber 308 is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid 312. In some embodiments, the chamber 308 is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 312. In some embodiments, the chamber 308 is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 312. In some embodiments, the chamber 308 is 80-90% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 312. The level of magnetorheological fluid 312 in the chamber 308 may affect the dampening force of the deck suspension system 348.
The piston 310 may include one or more piston channels 326, and the magnetorheological fluid 312 may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels 326 when the piston 310 moves inside of the deck suspension system 348. The magnetorheological fluid 312 may include metal particles.
In some embodiments, the piston 310 moves from an up position to a down position as shown by arrow 324. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the deck suspension system such as discussed in connection with FIG. 6 .
In some embodiments, the deck 304 includes a top plane of the deck 344 and a deck frame 346. The deck frame 346 may provide support for the deck 344. For example, in use, the top plane of the deck 344 may move while the deck frame 346 may remain rigid. In some embodiments, the piston 310 is connected to the top plane of the deck 344 via an arm 318. In some embodiments, more than one arm 318 connects the piston 310 and the top plane of the deck 344. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3-1 and FIG. 3-2 , there are two arms 318 connecting the piston 310 and the top plane of the deck 344. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3-1 and FIG. 3-2 , the first end of the arm 330 is connected to the piston 310 and a second end of the arm 332 is connected to the top plane of the deck 344.
When force is applied to the top plane of the deck 344, such as when a user is jogging or running, the top plane of the deck 344 moves downwards towards the deck frame 346. In some embodiments, the top plane of the deck slides inside of the deck frame 346 as the arm 318 pushes the piston 310 downwards inside of the deck suspension system 348, such as shown in FIG. 3-2 .
In some embodiments, the deck suspension system 348 allows the top plane of the deck 344 to move relative to the deck frame 346 when the piston 310 moves inside of the deck suspension system 348. As the magnetorheological fluid 312 travels through the piston channels 326, the magnetorheological fluid 312 dampens out some of the force applied on the top plane of the deck 344. In some embodiments, the piston 310 includes an electromagnetic coil 334. The electromagnetic coil 334 may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil 334. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels 326 and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 312 creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil 334), the magnetorheological fluid 312 is free to travel through the piston channels 326. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil 334), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 312 will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid 312 less capable of moving through the piston channels 326 and hence preventing the piston 310 from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the deck suspension system 348 is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 334 will make the deck suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of the magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 334 will make the deck suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity value of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantage of this type of deck suspension system is that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the top plane of the deck and the deck frame that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of deck suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the deck suspension system allows 100 adjustments per second.
FIG. 4 is a representation of a chassis support system of an exercise apparatus, according to at least one embodiment. An exercise apparatus 400 includes a chassis 402, a chassis support system 450, and a chassis dampening system 452 connected to the chassis support system 450. The chassis support system 450 is configured to support the chassis 402 relative to the ground 454. The chassis dampening system 452 is connected and inside of the chassis support system 450 and the chassis dampening system 452 is configured to provide dampening force. In some embodiments, there are two or more chassis support systems connected to the chassis. For example, there may be four chassis support systems connected to each four corners of the chassis in case of a treadmill.
In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 452 includes a magnetic suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 452 includes an air suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 452 includes a spring suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 452 is manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as rubber or silicone, as further described in connection with FIG. 5D. For example, the chassis dampening system may be a shock absorption system that absorbs the shock when the apparatus is being used. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 452 includes two or more different dampening.
FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D are a cross sectional view of four different chassis dampening systems connected to a chassis support system, such as the chassis dampening system 452 on FIG. 4 . In FIG. 5A, the chassis dampening system 552 is a magnetic suspension system. For example, the chassis dampening system 552 includes a first magnet 556-1 and second magnet 556-2 and a space 558 between the first magnet 556-1 and the second magnet 556-2, wherein the first magnet 556-1 and the second magnet 556-2 have same polarity (e.g., the first magnet 556-1 and the second magnet 556-2 repel against each other). For example, the first magnet 556-1 and the second magnet 556-2 both have positive polarity. In another example, the first magnet 556-1 and the second magnet 556-2 both have negative polarity. When a force is applied on the chassis dampening system 552, the repelling force of the first magnet 556-1 and the second magnet 556-2 will increase and the repelling force will eventually exceed the force applied on the chassis dampening system 552 and prevent any further movement of the first magnet and/or the second magnet from moving closer to each other.
In FIG. 5B, the chassis dampening system 552 is an air suspension system. The chassis dampening system 552 includes an air supply unit 560, an air reservoir 562, an air spring 564, and a foot 536. The air supply unit 560 provides air to the air reservoir 562, and the air reservoir 562 provides air to the air spring 564 as needed. For example, when a user wishes to have a more rigid suspension system, the air supply unit 560 may provide additional air to the air reservoir 562 and the air reservoir 562 may provide additional air to the air spring. In another example, when a user wishes to have a less rigid suspension system, the air spring may release excess air back to air reservoir. In some embodiments, the air suspension system is an open system, where the excess air in the air spring 564 is released to the atmosphere, when no longer needed in the air spring 564. In some embodiments, the air suspension system is a closed system, where the excess air in the air spring 564 is released back to the air reservoir 562 when it's not needed in the air spring 564. The benefit of the closed air suspension system is that since the air reservoir already holds needed air, the system is much quicker to respond to different air suspension needs. In addition, the closed system is much quieter than the open system, as there is no need to release the excess air outside of the system.
In FIG. 5C, the chassis dampening system 552 is a spring suspension system. The chassis dampening system 552 includes a first element 566, a second element 568, and a space 558 between the first element 566 and the second element 568. The chassis dampening system further includes a spring 570. The spring 570 is located between the first element 566 and the second element 568 and is configured to provide spring force towards the first element 566 and the second element 568. When a force is applied on the chassis dampening system 552, the spring force will increase and may eventually exceed the force applied on the chassis dampening system 552 and prevent any further movement of the first element 566 and the second element 568 from moving closer to each other.
In FIG. 5D, the chassis dampening system 552 is a shock absorption system. The chassis dampening system 552 includes a first element 566, a second element 568, and a shock absorbing material 572 located between the first element 566 and the second element 568. The shock absorbing material 572 may be rubber, silicone, a combination of rubber and silicone, or any other material capable of absorbing shock. When a force is applied on the chassis dampening system 552, the shock absorbing material 572 will dampen the force applied and may prevent some or all of it to transfer to the ground 554.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the method of adjusting dampening force on a dampening system of an exercise apparatus. At step 674 a trigger is detected to adjust a first dampening force. In one embodiment, the first dampening force may be created by providing a first magnetic field intensity in the dampening system, such as the frame suspension system of 106 in FIG. 1 , the base suspension system 238 in FIG. 2 , or deck suspension system 348 in FIG. 3-1 and FIG. 3-2 . At step 675 a second dampening force is generated by increasing a magnetic field intensity to solidify a magnetorheological fluid, wherein the second dampening force is less than the first dampening force. In one embodiment, the increased magnetic field is a second magnetic field. For example, in one embodiment, the first magnetic field intensity is zero and the second magnetic field intensity is greater than zero. In one embodiment, the first magnetic field intensity is greater than zero and the second magnetic field intensity is greater than the first magnetic field intensity. In one embodiment, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted with electromagnetic coil, such as the electromagnetic coil 134 in FIG. 1 , the electromagnetic coil 234 in FIG. 2 , or the electromagnetic coil 334 in FIG. 3 .
In one embodiment, the trigger is received by a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch could be triggered by a user by pressing, sliding, rotating, or providing any other type of motion on a button. The benefit of having a mechanical switch to trigger a change in the dampening force is to allow the user to manually adjust the suspension system as they wish. For example, if the user is walking, they might prefer to use a lower dampening force than when they are running, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the trigger is received from an automatic detection system. For example, the automatic detection system comprises analyzing user data and adjusting the dampening force based on a change in the user data. In one embodiment, the user data comprises at least one of a user weight, a user identity, an exercise program being performed, a force exerted to the dampening system, and audio signals received. The benefit of having an automatic detection system to trigger a change in the dampening force is intelligently adjusting the suspension system in case a triggering event is detected. For example, if the user is walking on a treadmill the automatic detection system may analyze the exercise program being performed and when there is a change in the walking speed the automatic detection system may trigger a change to the dampening force.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 700 for exercising, according to at least one embodiment. The apparatus 700 includes a chassis 702, a deck 704, and a frame suspension system 706. The frame suspension system 706 includes a chamber 708 and a piston 710, wherein the chamber 708 is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid 712. The magnetorheological fluid 712 may include metal particles. The deck 704 is movably connected to the chassis 702 via the frame suspension system 706. For example, the deck 704 may move downwards when a force is applied on the deck 704. In some embodiments, there is more than one frame suspension systems 706 connected to the chassis 702 and the deck 704. For example, there may be four frame suspension systems 706 connected to each corner of the chassis 702.
The piston 710 may include one or more piston channels 726, and the magnetorheological fluid 712 may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels 726 when the piston 710 moves inside of the frame suspension system 706. In some embodiments, the chamber 708 is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid 712. In some embodiments, the chamber 708 is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 712. In some embodiments, the chamber 708 is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 712. In some embodiments, the chamber 708 is 80-90% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 712. The level of magnetorheological fluid 712 in the chamber 708 may affect the dampening force of the frame suspension system 706.
In some embodiments, the piston 710 moves from an up position to a down position as shown by arrow 724. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the frame suspension system 706 as discussed in connection with FIG. 6 .
In some embodiments, the piston 710 is connected to the chassis 702 via an arm 718, while the opposite end 774 of the frame suspension system 706 is connected to the deck 704. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the first end of the arm 730 is connect to the piston 710 and a second end of the arm 732 is connected to the chassis 702. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the opposite end 774 of the frame suspension system 706 is connected to the bottom plane of the deck 722. In some embodiments, the opposite end 774 of the frame suspension system 706 is connected to the side of the deck 720. In some embodiments, the opposite end 774 of the frame suspension system 706 is connected to both the bottom plane of the deck 722 and the side of the deck 720.
When force is applied to an upper plane of the deck 728, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm 718 pushes the piston 710 upwards inside of the frame suspension system 706. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system 706 allows the deck 704 to move relative to the chassis 702 when the piston 710 moves inside of the frame suspension system 706. As the magnetorheological fluid 712 travels through the piston channels 726, the magnetorheological fluid 712 dampens out some of the force applied on the deck 704. In some embodiments, the piston 710 includes an electromagnetic coil 734. The electromagnetic coil 734 may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil 734. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels 726 and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 712 creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid 712 is free to travel through the piston channels 726. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 712 will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid 712 less capable of moving through the piston channels 726 and hence preventing the piston 710 from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field, which will reduce piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of the magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantages of this type of frame suspension system are that they provide fully adjustable variable dampening force between the deck and the chassis that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of frame suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system allows 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of frame suspension is that each frame suspension system that connects the deck and the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the deck at any specific point in time, only that side of the deck may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
In some embodiments, a base suspension system 738 is connected to the chassis 702 of the apparatus 700 of exercise, as further described in connection with FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, a chassis dampening system 752 is connected to the chassis 702 of the apparatus 700 of exercise, as further described in connection with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A to 5D. In some embodiments, both the base suspension system 738 and the chassis dampening system 752 is connected to the chassis 702. In some embodiments, there is more than one chassis dampening systems 752 connected to the chassis 702. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 752 includes a magnetic suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 752 includes an air suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 752 includes a spring suspension system, as further described in connection with FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 752 is manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as rubber or silicone, as previously described in connection with FIG. 5D.
In one embodiment, the dampening system is a frame suspension system (such as the frame suspension system 106 in FIG. 1 ) located between a chassis and a deck of the exercise apparatus. In one embodiment, the dampening system is a base suspension system (such as the base suspension system 238 in FIG. 2 ) located between a chassis of the exercise apparatus and ground. In one embodiment, the dampening system is a deck suspension system (such as the deck suspension system 348 in FIG. 3 ) located inside of a deck of the exercise apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment. The apparatus 800 includes a chassis 802, and at least one base suspension system 838 connected to the chassis 802. The base suspension system 838 includes a chamber 808 and a piston 810, wherein the chamber 808 is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid 812. The piston 810 may include one or more piston channels 826, and the magnetorheological fluid 812 may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels 826 when the piston 810 moves inside of the base suspension system 838. The magnetorheological fluid 812 may include metal particles. In some embodiments, the chamber 808 is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid 812. In some embodiments, the chamber 808 is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 812. In some embodiments, the chamber 808 is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 812. In some embodiments, the chamber 808 is 80-90% filled with the magnetorheological fluid 812. The level of magnetorheological fluid 812 in the chamber 808 may affect the dampening force of the base suspension system 838.
In some embodiments, more than one base suspension systems 838 is connected to the chassis 802. For example, there may be four base suspension systems 838 connected to each corner of the chassis 802. In some embodiments, the base suspension system 838 is further connected to a chassis dampening system 852. For example, the chassis dampening system 852 may be an air suspension system, such as previously escribed in connection with FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 852 is a spring suspension system, such as previously described in connection with FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 852 is a magnetic suspension system, such as previously described in connection with FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system 852 is manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as silicone or rubber, as previously described in connection with FIG.
In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves from an up position to a down position as shown by arrow 824. In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston 810 moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the base suspension system such as discussed in connection with FIG. 6 .
In some embodiments, the opposite end 874 of the base suspension system 838 is connected to the chassis 802, while the piston 810 is facing the ground 854. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the piston 810 is connected to the chassis dampening system 852 via an arm 818. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the first end of the arm 830 is connected to the piston 810 and a second end of the arm 832 is connected to the chassis dampening system 852.
When force is applied to the chassis 802, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm 818 pushes the piston 810 downwards inside of the base suspension system 838. In some embodiments, the base suspension system 838 allows the chassis 802 to move relative to the ground 854 when the piston 810 moves inside of the base suspension system 838. As the magnetorheological fluid 812 travels through the piston channels 826, the magnetorheological fluid 812 dampens out some of the force applied on the chassis 802.
In some embodiments, the piston 810 includes an electromagnetic coil 834. The electromagnetic coil 834 may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil 834. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels 826 and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 812 creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil 834), the magnetorheological fluid 812 is free to travel through the piston channels 826. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil 834), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid 812 will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid 812 less capable of moving through the piston channels 826 and hence preventing the piston 810 from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the base suspension system 838 is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by providing a signal with different voltages (or currents). A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 834 will make the base suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of the magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field (e.g., the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the base suspension system). In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 834 will make the base suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity value of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantage of at least one embodiment of this type of base suspension system is that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the chassis and ground or the chassis and the chassis dampening system, that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of at least one embodiment of this type of base suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the base suspension system allows 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of suspension is that each base suspension system connected the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the exercise apparatus at any specific point in time, only that side of the chassis may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for exercising, according to at least one embodiment. The apparatus 900 includes a chassis 902, a deck 904, and one or more frame suspension systems 906. In one embodiment, the frame suspension system 906 may be a frame suspension system 106 as discussed in connection with FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the frame suspension system 906 may be a frame suspension system 706 as discussed in connection with FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the apparatus 900 further includes one or more base suspension systems 938. In one embodiment, the base suspension system 938 is a base suspension system 238 as discussed in connection with FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the base suspension system 938 is a base suspension system 838 as discussed in connection with FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the apparatus 900 further includes a deck suspension system 948, such as the deck suspension system 348 in FIG. 3-1 and FIG. 3-2 . In some embodiments, the apparatus 900 further includes a chassis dampening system 952, such as the chassis dampening system 552 in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 900 includes a chassis 902, a deck 904, and one or more of a frame suspension system, a base suspension system, a deck suspension system and a chassis dampening system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This disclosure generally relates to an exercise device having a suspension system. Many people buy home exercise devices not realizing that both the vibration and the sound of using it may disturb neighbors, especially in an apartment building. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, various suspension systems to mitigate both the vibration and sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus are disclosed.
An apparatus includes a chassis, a deck, and a frame suspension system. The frame suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid. The magnetorheological fluid may include metal particles. The deck is movably connected to the chassis via the frame suspension system. For example, the deck may move downwards when force is applied on the deck. In some embodiments, more than one frame suspension systems is connected to the chassis and the deck. For example, there may be four frame suspension systems connected to each corner of the chassis.
The piston may include one or more piston channels, and the magnetorheological fluid may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. The level of magnetorheological fluid in the chamber may affect the dampening force of the frame suspension system.
In some embodiments, the piston moves from an up position to a down position. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the frame suspension system.
In some embodiments, the piston is connected to the deck via an arm while the opposite end of the frame suspension system is connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, the first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the deck. For example, the second end of the arm may be connected to a side of the deck. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm is connected to a bottom plane of the deck. For example, the second end of the arm may be connected to a bottom portion (e.g., surface) of the deck. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm is connected to both the side of the deck and to the bottom plane of the deck.
In some embodiments, the frame suspension system is connected to a sidewall of the chassis. For example, the frame suspension system may be connected to the surface of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system is connected to a bottom wall of the chassis. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system is connected to both the sidewall and the bottom wall of the chassis.
When force is applied to an upper plane of the deck, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm pushes the piston downwards inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system allows the deck to move relative to the chassis when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system. As the magnetorheological fluid travels through the piston channels, the magnetorheological fluid dampens out some of the force applied on the deck. In some embodiments, the piston includes an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid is free to travel through the piston channels. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid will line up with the magnetic field (i.e., solidifying it) making the magnetorheological fluid less capable of moving through the piston channels and hence preventing the piston from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantage of this type of frame suspension system is that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the deck and the chassis that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of frame suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system may allow 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of frame suspension is that each frame suspension system that connects the deck and the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the deck at any specific point in time, only that side of the deck may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
In some embodiments, a base suspension system may be installed to the chassis of the apparatus of exercise. In some embodiments, a chassis dampening system may be connected to the chassis of the apparatus of exercise. In some embodiments, both the base suspension system and the chassis dampening system may be connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, there may be more than one chassis dampening systems connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes a magnetic suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes an air suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes a spring suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as rubber or silicone. For example, the chassis dampening system may be a shock absorption system that absorbs the shock when the apparatus is being used.
In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a chassis, and at least one base suspension system connected to the chassis. The base suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid. The piston may include one or more piston channels, and the magnetorheological fluid may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the base suspension system. The magnetorheological fluid may include metal particles. In some embodiments, the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. The level of magnetorheological fluid in the chamber may affect the dampening force of the base suspension system.
In some embodiments, there may be more than one base suspension systems connected to the chassis. For example, there may be four base suspension systems connected to each corner of the chassis. In some embodiments, the base suspension system is further connected to a chassis dampening system. For example, chassis dampening system may be an air suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be a spring suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be a magnetic suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as silicone or rubber. For example, the chassis dampening system may be a shock absorption system that absorbs the shock when the apparatus is being used.
In some embodiments, the piston moves from an up position to a down position. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the base suspension system.
In some embodiments, the piston is connected to the chassis via an arm. In some embodiments, the first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the chassis. For example, the second end of the arm may be connected to a bottom of the chassis. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm is connected to a side of the chassis. For example, the second end of the arm may be connected to a side (e.g., surface) of the chassis. In some embodiments, the second end of the arm is connected to both the side of the chassis and to the bottom of the chassis.
When force is applied to the chassis, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm pushes the piston downwards inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the base suspension system allows the chassis to move relative to ground or the chassis dampening system, when the piston moves inside of the base suspension system. As the magnetorheological fluid travels through the piston channels, the magnetorheological fluid dampens out some of the force applied on the chassis. In some embodiments, the piston includes an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid creating variable disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid is free to travel through the piston channels. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid less capable of moving through the piston channels and hence preventing the piston from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the base suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the base suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the base suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all (e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity value of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field).
The advantages of this type of base suspension system are that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the chassis and ground that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of base suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the base suspension system may allow 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of suspension is that each base suspension system connected to the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the exercise apparatus at any specific point in time, only that side of the chassis may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises a deck and a deck suspension system connected to the deck and inside of the deck. The deck suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, and wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 80-90% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. The level of magnetorheological fluid in the chamber may affect the dampening force of the deck suspension system.
The piston may include one or more piston channels, and the magnetorheological fluid may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the deck suspension system. The magnetorheological fluid may include metal particles.
In some embodiments, the piston moves from an up position to a down position. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the deck suspension system.
In some embodiments, the deck includes a top plane of the deck and a deck frame. The deck frame may provide support for the deck. For example, in use, the top plane of the deck may move while the deck frame may remain rigid. In some embodiments, the piston is connected to the top plane of the deck via an arm. In some embodiments, there may be more than one arm connecting the piston and the top plane of the deck. For example, in some embodiments, there are two arms connecting the piston and the top plane of the deck. In the embodiments, the first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the top plane of the deck.
When force is applied to the top plane of the deck, such as when a user is jogging or running, the top plane of the deck moves downwards towards the deck frame. In some embodiments, the top plane of the deck may slide inside of the deck frame as the arm pushes the piston downwards inside of the deck suspension system.
In some embodiments, the deck suspension system allows the top plane of the deck to move relative to the deck frame when the piston moves inside of the deck suspension system. As the magnetorheological fluid travels through the piston channels, the magnetorheological fluid dampens out some of the force applied on the top plane of the deck. In some embodiments, the piston includes an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid is free to travel through the piston channels. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid less capable of moving through the piston channels and hence preventing the piston from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the deck suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the deck suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of the magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the deck suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the deck suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity value of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantages of this type of deck suspension system are that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the top plane of the deck and the deck frame that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of deck suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the deck suspension system may allow 100 adjustments per second.
In some embodiments, an exercise apparatus includes a chassis, a chassis support system and a chassis dampening system connected to the chassis support system. The chassis support system is configured to support the chassis relative to the ground. The chassis dampening system is connected to and inside of the chassis support system and the chassis dampening system is configured to provide dampening force. In some embodiments, there may be two or more chassis support systems connected to the chassis. For example, there may be four chassis support systems connected to each four corners of the chassis in case of a treadmill.
In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may include a magnetic suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may include an air suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes a spring suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as rubber or silicone. For example, the chassis dampening system may be a shock absorption system that absorbs the shock when the apparatus is being used. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may include two or more different dampening.
In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system is a magnetic suspension system. For example, the chassis dampening system includes a first magnet and second magnet and a space between the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet have same polarity (e.g., the first magnet and the second magnet repel against each other). For example, the first magnet and the second magnet both have positive polarity. In another example, the first magnet and the second magnet both have negative polarity. When a force is applied on the chassis dampening system, the repelling force of the first magnet and the second magnet will increase and the repelling force will eventually exceed the force applied on the chassis dampening system and prevent any further movement of the first magnet and/or the second magnet from moving closer to each other.
In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system is an air suspension system. The chassis dampening system includes an air supply unit, an air reservoir, an air spring, and a foot. The air supply unit provides air to the air reservoir, and the air reservoir provides air to the air spring as needed. For example, when a user wishes to have more rigid suspension system, the air supply unit may provide additional air to the air reservoir and the air reservoir may provide additional air to the air spring. In another example, when a user wishes to have less rigid suspension system, the air spring may release excess air back to air reservoir. In some embodiments, the air suspension system may be an open system, where the excess air in the air spring is released to the atmosphere, when no longer needed in the air spring. In some embodiments, the air suspension system may be a closed system, where the excess air in the air spring is released back to the air reservoir when it's not needed in the air spring. The benefit of the closed air suspension system is that since the air reservoir already holds needed air, the system is much quicker to respond to different air suspension needs. In addition, the closed system is much quieter than the open system, as there is no need to release the excess air outside of the system.
In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system is a spring suspension system. The chassis dampening system includes a first element, a second element and a space between the first element and the second element. The chassis dampening system further includes a spring. The spring is located between the first element and the second element and is configured to provide spring force towards the first element and the second element. When a force is applied on the chassis dampening system, the spring force will increase and may eventually exceed the force applied on the chassis dampening system and prevent any further movement of the first element and the second element from moving closer to each other.
In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system is a shock absorption system. The chassis dampening system includes a first element, a second element, and a shock absorbing material located between the first element and the second element. The shock absorbing material may be rubber, silicone, a combination of rubber and silicone, or any other material capable of absorbing shock. When a force is applied on the chassis dampening system, the shock absorbing material will dampen the force applied and may prevent some or all of it to transfer to ground.
In some embodiments, a method of adjusting dampening force on a dampening system of an exercise apparatus is provided. First, a trigger is detected to adjust a first dampening force. In one embodiment, the first dampening force may be created by providing a first magnetic field intensity in the dampening system, the base suspension system, or deck suspension system. Second, a second dampening force is generated by increasing a magnetic field intensity to solidify a magnetorheological fluid, wherein the second dampening force is less than the first dampening force. In one embodiment, the increased magnetic field is a second magnetic field. For example, in one embodiment, the first magnetic field intensity is zero and the second magnetic field intensity is greater than zero. In one embodiment, the first magnetic field intensity is greater than zero and the second magnetic field intensity is greater than the first magnetic field intensity. In one embodiment, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted with electromagnetic coil.
In one embodiment, the trigger is received by a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch could be triggered by a user by pressing, sliding, rotating, or providing any other type of motion on a button. The benefit of having a mechanical switch to trigger a change in the dampening force is to allow the user to manually adjust the suspension system as they wish. For example, if the user is walking, they might prefer to use a lower dampening force than when they are running, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the trigger is received from an automatic detection system. For example, the automatic detection system comprises analyzing user data and adjusting the dampening force based a change in the user data. In one embodiment, the user data comprises at least one of a user weight, a user identity, an exercise program being performed, a force exerted to the dampening system, and audio signals received. The benefit of having an automatic detection system to trigger a change in the dampening force is intelligently adjust the suspension system in case a triggering event is detected. For example, if the user is walking on a treadmill the automatic detection system may analyze the exercise program being performed and when there is a change in the walking speed the automatic detection system may trigger a change to the dampening force.
In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a chassis, a deck, and a frame suspension system. The frame suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid. The magnetorheological fluid may include metal particles. The deck is movably connected to the chassis via the frame suspension system. For example, the deck may move downwards when a force is applied on the deck. In some embodiments, there may be more than one frame suspension systems connected to the chassis and the deck. For example, there may be four frame suspension systems connected to each corner of the chassis.
The piston may include one or more piston channels, and the magnetorheological fluid may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. The level of magnetorheological fluid in the chamber may affect the dampening force of the frame suspension system.
In some embodiments, the piston moves from an up position to a down position. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the frame suspension system.
In some embodiments, the piston is connected to the chassis via an arm, while the opposite end of the frame suspension system is connected to the deck. In some embodiments, the first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, the opposite end of the frame suspension system is connected to the bottom plane of the deck. In some embodiments, the opposite end of the frame suspension system is connected to the side of the deck. In some embodiments, the opposite end of the frame suspension system is connected to both the bottom plane of the deck and the side of the deck.
When force is applied to an upper plane of the deck, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm pushes the piston upwards inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system allows the deck to move relative to the chassis when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system. As the magnetorheological fluid travels through the piston channels, the magnetorheological fluid dampens out some of the force applied on the deck. In some embodiments, the piston includes an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid is free to travel through the piston channels. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid will line up with the magnetic field (i.e., solidify) making the magnetorheological fluid less capable of moving through the piston channels and hence preventing the piston from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field, which will reduce piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of the magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field. For example, the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system. In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantages of this type of frame suspension system are that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the deck and the chassis that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of frame suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the frame suspension system may allow 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of frame suspension is that each frame suspension system that connects the deck and the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the deck at any specific point in time, only that side of the deck may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
In some embodiments, a base suspension system may be installed to the chassis of the apparatus of exercise. In some embodiments, a chassis dampening system may be connected to the chassis of the apparatus of exercise. In some embodiments, both the base suspension system and the chassis dampening system may be connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, there may be more than one chassis dampening systems connected to the chassis. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes a magnetic suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes an air suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system includes a spring suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as rubber or silicone.
In one embodiment, the dampening system is a frame suspension system located between a chassis and a deck of the exercise apparatus. In one embodiment, the dampening system is a base suspension system located between a chassis of the exercise apparatus and ground. In one embodiment, the dampening system is a deck suspension system located inside of a deck of the exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a chassis, at least one base suspension system connected to the chassis. The base suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid. The piston may include one or more piston channels, and the magnetorheological fluid may be configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the base suspension system. The magnetorheological fluid may include metal particles. In some embodiments, the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. In some embodiments, the chamber is 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid. The level of magnetorheological fluid in the chamber may affect the dampening force of the base suspension system.
In some embodiments, there may be more than one base suspension systems connected to the chassis. For example, there may be four base suspension systems connected to each corner of the chassis. In some embodiments, the base suspension system is further connected to a chassis dampening system. For example, chassis dampening system may be an air suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be a spring suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be a magnetic suspension system. In some embodiments, the chassis dampening system may be manufactured from a material that absorbs shock, such as silicone or rubber.
In some embodiments, the piston moves from an up position to a down position. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves only in 20% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a user adjusts how much the piston is allowed to move inside of the base suspension.
In some embodiments, the opposite end of the base suspension system is connected to the chassis, while the piston is facing ground. In some embodiments, the piston is connected to the chassis dampening system via an arm. In some embodiments, the first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the chassis dampening system.
When force is applied to the chassis, such as when a user is jogging or running, the arm pushes the piston downwards inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, the base suspension system allows the chassis to move relative to ground when the piston moves inside of the base suspension system. As the magnetorheological fluid travels through the piston channels, the magnetorheological fluid dampens out some of the force applied on the chassis.
In some embodiments, the piston includes an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is run through the electromagnetic coil. The generated magnetic field passes through the piston channels and interacts with the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid creating variable dampening force. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus.
In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’ (e.g., no current running through the electromagnetic coil), the magnetorheological fluid is free to travel through the piston channels. In some embodiments, when the magnetic field is ‘ON’ (e.g., current running through the electromagnetic coil), the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid will line up with the magnetic field making the magnetorheological fluid less capable of moving through the piston channels and hence preventing the piston from moving as much as when there is no magnetic field. For example, the dampening force of the base suspension system is higher when the magnetic field is ‘ON’, than when the magnetic field is ‘OFF’.
In some embodiments, the magnetic field intensity is adjusted by running current with different voltages. A high voltage will generate a high intensity value of the magnetic field which will reduce a piston movement inside of the base suspension system. In some embodiments, a high intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the base suspension more rigid than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field, e.g., the dampening force is greater with high intensity value of the magnetic field than with a low intensity value of the magnetic field (e.g., the low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the base suspension system). In some embodiments, a low intensity value of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil will make the base suspension more rigid than with no magnetic field applied at all, e.g., the dampening force is greater with low intensity value of the magnetic field than with no magnetic field.
The advantages of this type of base suspension system are that it provides fully adjustable variable dampening force between the chassis and ground or the chassis and the chassis dampening system, that can be actively controlled. The variable dampening force may mitigate vibration and/or sound disturbances of an exercise apparatus. Another advantage of this type of base suspension system is that it is very quick to change one dampening force to another (higher or lower) level. In some embodiments, the base suspension system may allow 100 adjustments per second. Another advantage of this type of suspension is that each base suspension system connected the chassis may be adjusted individually, instead of having the same dampening force on all. For example, when a user is jogging or running on the treadmill, and only one foot makes contact with the exercise apparatus at any specific point in time, only that side of the chassis may need to be adjusted to have higher dampening force than the other side.
In some embodiments, apparatus includes a chassis, a deck, and one or more frame suspension systems. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include one or more base suspension systems. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a deck suspension system. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a chassis dampening system.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a chassis, a deck, and one or more of a frame suspension system, a base suspension system, a deck suspension system and a chassis dampening system.
Following are sections in accordance with the present disclosure:

- A1. An apparatus for exercising, comprising:
  - a chassis;
  - a frame suspension system, wherein the frame suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, and wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid; and
  - a deck movably connected to the chassis via the frame suspension system.
- A2. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the piston includes one or more piston channels.
- A3. The apparatus of section A2, wherein the magnetorheological fluid is configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system.
- A4. The apparatus of section A3, wherein the piston moves in 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system.
- A5. The apparatus of section A3, wherein the piston moves in 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system.
- A6. The apparatus of section A3, wherein the piston moves in 20% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system.
- A7. The apparatus of section A3, wherein the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system.
- A8. The apparatus of section A3, wherein the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system.
- A9. The apparatus of section A3, wherein the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the frame suspension system.
- A10. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the frame suspension system is connected to at least one of a sidewall of the chassis and a bottom wall of the chassis.
- A11. The apparatus of section A1, further including an arm, wherein a first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the deck.
- A12. The apparatus of section A11, wherein the second end of the arm is connected to a side of the deck.
- A13. The apparatus of section A11, wherein the second end of the arm is connected to a bottom plane of the deck.
- A14. The apparatus of section A10, wherein the frame suspension system allows the deck to move relative to the chassis when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system.
- A15. The apparatus of section A10, wherein the piston includes an electromagnetic coil.
- A16. The apparatus of section A15, wherein the electromagnetic coil is configured to generate a magnetic field.
- A17. The apparatus of section A16, wherein a high intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the frame suspension system, and wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system.
- A18. The apparatus of section A16, wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the frame suspension system, and wherein a no magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system.
- A19. The apparatus of section A16, wherein intensity of the magnetic field is adjusted with adjusting a voltage.
- A20. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the magnetorheological fluid includes metal particles.
- A21. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- A22. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- A23. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- A24. The apparatus of section A1, wherein the chamber is 80-90% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- A25. The apparatus of section A1, further including at least one chassis support system connected to the chassis.
- A26. The apparatus of section A25, wherein the at least one chassis support system includes a chassis dampening system.
- A27. The apparatus of section A26, wherein the chassis dampening system is a magnetic suspension system.
- A28. The apparatus of section A26, wherein the chassis dampening system is a spring suspension system.
- A29. The apparatus of section A26, wherein the chassis dampening system is an air suspension system.
- A30. The apparatus of section A26, wherein the chassis dampening system is a shock absorption system.
- A31. The apparatus of section A30, wherein the shock absorption system includes one or more of rubber or silicone.
- A32. The apparatus of section A1, further including at least one base suspension system connected to the chassis.
- A33. The apparatus of section A32, wherein the at least one base suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, and wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid.
- B1. An apparatus for exercising, comprising:
  - a chassis; and
  - a base suspension system including a chamber and a piston, and wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid; and
  - wherein the base suspension system is connected to the chassis.
- B2. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the piston includes one or more piston channels.
- B3. The apparatus of section B2, wherein the magnetorheological fluid is configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the base suspension system.
- B4. The apparatus of section B3, wherein the piston moves in 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system.
- B5. The apparatus of section B3, wherein the piston moves in 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system.
- B6. The apparatus of section B3, wherein the piston moves in 20% of a range available inside of the base suspension system.
- B7. The apparatus of section B3, wherein the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the base suspension system.
- B8. The apparatus of section B3, wherein the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system.
- B9. The apparatus of section B3, wherein the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the base suspension system.
- B10. The apparatus of section B3, further including an arm, wherein a first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the chassis.
- B11. The apparatus of section B10, wherein the second end of the arm is connected to a side of the chassis.
- B12. The apparatus of section B10, wherein the second end of the arm is connected to a bottom of the chassis.
- B13. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the base suspension system allows the chassis to move relative to the base suspension system when the piston moves inside of the base suspension system.
- B14. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the piston includes an electromagnetic coil.
- B15. The apparatus of section B14, wherein the electromagnetic coil is configured to generate a magnetic field.
- B16. The apparatus of section B15, wherein a high intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the base suspension system, and wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the base suspension system.
- B17. The apparatus of section B15, wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the base suspension system, and wherein a no magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the base suspension system.
- B18. The apparatus of section B15, wherein intensity of the magnetic field is adjusted with adjusting a voltage.
- B19. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the magnetorheological fluid includes metal particles.
- B20. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- B21. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- B22. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- B23. The apparatus of section B1, wherein the chamber is 80-90% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- B24. The apparatus of section B1, further including at least one chassis dampening system connected to the base suspension system.
- B25. The apparatus of section B24, wherein the at least one chassis dampening system is a magnetic suspension system.
- B26. The apparatus of section B24, wherein the at least one chassis dampening system is a spring suspension system.
- B27. The apparatus of section B24, wherein the at least one chassis dampening system is an air suspension system.
- B28. The apparatus of section B24, wherein the at least one chassis dampening system is a shock absorption system.
- B29. The apparatus of section B28, wherein the shock absorption system includes one or more of rubber or silicone.
- C1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
  - a deck;
  - a deck suspension system connected to the deck and including a chamber and a piston; and
  - wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid;
  - wherein the deck suspension system is inside of the deck.
- C2. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the piston includes one or more piston channels.
- C3. The exercise apparatus of section C2, wherein the magnetorheological fluid is configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the deck suspension system.
- C4. The exercise apparatus of section C3, wherein the piston moves in 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system.
- C5. The exercise apparatus of section C3, wherein the piston moves in 50% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system.
- C6. The exercise apparatus of section C3, wherein the piston moves in 20% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system.
- C7. The exercise apparatus of section C3, wherein the piston moves between 20% and 50% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system.
- C8. The exercise apparatus of section C3, wherein the piston moves between 50% and 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system.
- C9. The exercise apparatus of section C3, wherein the piston moves between 20% and 80% of a range available inside of the deck suspension system.
- C10. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the deck further includes a top plane of the deck and a deck frame.
- C11. The exercise apparatus of section C10, further including an arm, wherein a first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the top plane of the deck.
- C12. The exercise apparatus of section C11, wherein the deck suspension system allows the top plane of the deck to move relative to the deck frame when the piston moves inside of the deck suspension system.
- C13. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the piston includes an electromagnetic coil.
- C14. The exercise apparatus of section C13, wherein the electromagnetic coil is configured to generate a magnetic field.
- C15. The exercise apparatus of section C14, wherein a high intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the deck suspension system, and wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the deck suspension system.
- C16. The exercise apparatus of section C14, wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the deck suspension system, and wherein a no magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the deck suspension system.
- C17. The exercise apparatus of section C14, wherein intensity of the magnetic field is adjusted with adjusting a voltage.
- C18. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the magnetorheological fluid includes metal particles.
- C19. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the chamber is fully filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- C20. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the chamber is 98% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- C21. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the chamber is 95% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- C22. The exercise apparatus of section C1, wherein the chamber is 80-99% filled with the magnetorheological fluid.
- D1. An exercise apparatus for reducing vibration to ground, comprising:
  - a chassis;
  - a chassis support system, wherein the chassis support system is configured to support the chassis relative to ground; and
  - a chassis dampening system connected to the chassis support system.
- D2. The exercise apparatus of section D1, wherein the chassis dampening system is a magnetic suspension system.
- D3. The exercise apparatus of section D2, wherein the chassis dampening system includes a first magnet and a second magnet and a space between the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet have same polarity.
- D4. The exercise apparatus of section D1, wherein the chassis dampening system is an air suspension system.
- D5. The exercise apparatus of section D4, wherein the chassis dampening system includes an air supply unit, an air reservoir and air spring, wherein the air supply unit provides air to the air reservoir and the air reservoir provides air to the air spring.
- D6. The exercise apparatus of section D1, wherein the chassis dampening system is a spring suspension system.
- D7. The exercise apparatus of section D6, wherein the chassis dampening system includes a first element, a second element, and a spring located between the first element and the second element, wherein the spring is configured to provide force towards the first element and the second element.
- D8. The exercise apparatus of section D1, wherein the chassis dampening system is a shock absorption system.
- D9. The exercise apparatus of section D8, wherein the chassis dampening system includes a first element, a second element and a shock absorbing material located between the first element and the second element.
- D10. The exercise apparatus of section D9, wherein the shock absorbing material includes one or more of rubber or silicone.
- E1. A method for adjusting dampening force on a dampening system of an exercise apparatus, comprising:
  - detecting a trigger to adjust a first dampening force; and
  - increasing a magnetic field intensity to solidify a magnetorheological fluid to generate a second dampening force, and wherein the second dampening force is less than the first dampening force.
- E2. The method of section E1, wherein the first dampening force is created by providing a first magnetic field intensity in the dampening system.
- E3. The method of section E2, wherein the second dampening force is created by providing a second magnetic field intensity in the dampening system.
- E4. The method of section E3, wherein the first magnetic field intensity is zero and the second magnetic field intensity is greater than zero.
- E5. The method of section E3, wherein the first magnetic field intensity is greater than zero and the second magnetic field intensity is greater than the first magnetic field intensity.
- E6. The method of section E1, wherein the magnetic field intensity is adjusted with electromagnetic coil.
- E7. The method of section E1, wherein the trigger is received from a mechanical switch.
- E8. The method of section E1, wherein the trigger is received from an automatic detection system.
- E9. The method of section E8, wherein the automatic detection system comprises analyzing user data and adjusting the first dampening force based on a change in the user data.
- E10. The method of section E9, wherein the user data comprises at least one of a user weight, a user identity, an exercise program being performed, a force exerted to the dampening system of the exercise apparatus, and audio signals received.
- E11. The method of section E1, wherein the dampening system is a suspension system located between a chassis and a deck of the exercise apparatus.
- E12. The method of section E1, wherein the dampening system is a base suspension system between a chassis and at least one foot of the exercise apparatus.
- E13. The method of section E1, wherein the dampening system is deck suspension system located inside of a deck of the exercise apparatus.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.
A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for exercising, comprising:

a chassis;

a frame suspension system, wherein the frame suspension system includes a chamber and a piston, and wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a magnetorheological fluid; and

a deck movably connected to the chassis via the frame suspension system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piston includes one or more piston channels.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the magnetorheological fluid is configured to flow through the one or more piston channels when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame suspension system is connected to at least one of a sidewall of the chassis and a bottom wall of the chassis.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including an arm, wherein a first end of the arm is connected to the piston and a second end of the arm is connected to the deck.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the frame suspension system allows the deck to move relative to the chassis when the piston moves inside of the frame suspension system.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the piston includes an electromagnetic coil.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electromagnetic coil is configured to generate a magnetic field.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a high intensity value of the magnetic field reduces a piston movement inside of the frame suspension system, and wherein a low intensity value of the magnetic field increases the piston movement inside of the frame suspension system.

10. An exercise apparatus for reducing vibration to ground, comprising:

a chassis;

a chassis support system, wherein the chassis support system is configured to support the chassis relative to ground; and

a chassis dampening system connected to the chassis support system.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the chassis dampening system is a magnetic suspension system.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the chassis dampening system includes a first magnet and a second magnet and a space between the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet have same polarity.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the chassis dampening system is an air suspension system.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the chassis dampening system includes an air supply unit, an air reservoir and air spring, wherein the air supply unit provides air to the air reservoir and the air reservoir provides air to the air spring.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the chassis dampening system is a spring suspension system.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the chassis dampening system includes a first element, a second element, and a spring located between the first element and the second element, wherein the spring is configured to provide force towards the first element and the second element.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the chassis dampening system is a shock absorption system.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the chassis dampening system includes a first element, a second element and a shock absorbing material located between the first element and the second element.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18, wherein the shock absorbing material includes one or more of rubber or silicone.

20. A method for adjusting dampening force on a dampening system of an exercise apparatus, comprising:

detecting a trigger to adjust a first dampening force; and

increasing a magnetic field intensity to solidify a magnetorheological fluid to generate a second dampening force, and wherein the second dampening force is less than the first dampening force.