Pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser having a handle rod and a crank. A pair of handles is arranged on top of the handle rod. A sliding rod with pedals is connected to the crank by a pivoting mechanism while the other end of the sliding rod slides along a sliding base. Moreover, a driving mechanism is linked to a shaft connected with the crank. The pivoting mechanism includes a sleeve with bearings and a projecting collar disposed on the sleeve and having a mounting hole with inner diameter larger than outer diameter of the projecting collar. One end of the crank inserts through the bearings and the projecting collar is fitted into the sliding rod. A fixing bolt is inserted through the sliding rod and the projecting collar so that the projecting collar is movable with the sliding rod.

1 . A pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser having a handle rod pivoted on a main body, a pair of handles disposed on top of the handle rod, a link rod positioned on bottom of the handle rod and movably coupled to a sliding rod with pedals, a driving mechanism mounted on the main body and linked to a shaft with one end connected with a crank, the crank being connected to one end of the sliding rod by a pivoting mechanism while the other end of the sliding rod is movable in a guiding slot on a sliding base, the pivoting mechanism comprising: 
 a) a sleeve mounted on the crank with bearings disposed within the sleeve;    b) a projecting collar perpendicularly extended from one side of the sleeve, wherein the sliding rod has a mounting hole with a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the projecting collar such that a clearance is formed between the sliding rod and the projecting collar when the projecting collar is fitted in the sliding rod; and    c) a pivotal rod for pivoting the sliding rod and the projecting collar such that the projecting collar is movable rotatable with the sliding rod.    
     
     
         2 . The pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of elastic strips are positioned on the inner wall of the mounting hole of the sliding rod.  
     
     
         3 . The pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting hole of the sliding rod has an elliptic cross-section.  
     
     
         4 . The pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting hole of the sliding rod has an orthogonal cross-section.  
     
     
         5 . The pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the two sides of the projecting collar have an arched cross-section, and wherein the projecting collar is slightly rotatable about the pivotal rod.  
     
     
         6 . The pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the a projecting collar has a mounting hole with a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the sliding rod such that a clearance is formed between the sliding rod and the projecting collar when the sliding rod is fitted in the projecting collar.  
     
     
         7 . The pivoting mechanism for a link rod of an elliptical exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pivotal rod is a bolt.