WO2025126165A1

WO2025126165A1 - Exercise machine cover assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2025126165A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/062724
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nikola Bosko PETRICEVIC
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-12-14
Filing date: 2024-12-16
Publication date: 2025-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-14

Abstract

This disclosure describes cover assemblies for an exercise machine. The cover assembly can include a cover configured to connect to an exercise machine. The cover can include first and second parts. The first and second parts can be configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine. The cover assembly may be used with an exercise machine, and the cover assembly and exercise machine may be implemented in a workout system.

Description

EXERCISE MACHINE COVER ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/609,948, filed on December 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to exercise systems and, more particularly, to cover assemblies for exercise machines.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditionally, frame and turbine/flywheel covers on exercise machines are used to shield assemblies therebetween. However, these traditional covers are designed to limit their number of components. A conventional cover includes simply splitting a cover into left- and right-hand sides to minimize the cost of manufacturing the cover.

[0004] Disadvantageously, minimizing component parts focusing exclusively on cost savings comes with an attendant increase in the time it takes to remove and re-apply the poorly designed conventional split covers when access beneath the covered assemblies is necessary.

[0005] These conventional split covers, once assembled on the exercise machine, have not been designed to allow for ease of removal and returning in order to provide convenient access to the covered assemblies. This often leads to the necessity to dismantle other exercise machine components to enable access to the targeted covered assemblies.

[0006] For example, in order to assemble the conventional left- and right-hand (split) covers on exercise machines, many other mechanical components (including, but not limited to, components of the underlying covered assemblies, cranks, pedals, locomotion/drive arms, transmission shafts/connectors, cables, drive shafts, linkages, chains/belts, sprockets, drive pulleys, frame components, flange connectors, electronic wiring, and flywheels/turbines) need to be disassembled and reassembled in the process of removing the covers for service or other access and then replacing the covers afterwards. [0007] Therefore, what is needed are cover assemblies for exercise machines, uniquely designed, so that they can easily and quickly be removed for full, quick, unimpeded service/maintenance access, repair work, or other access, without dismantling other components of the exercise machine.

[0008] Thus, it is desirable to provide an alternative cover assembly for an exercise machine that is able to overcome the above disadvantages.

[0009] Advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the detailed description of the invention hereinbelow.

SUMMARY

[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a cover assembly for an exercise machine. The cover assembly can comprise a cover configured to connect to an exercise machine. The cover can comprise first and second parts. The first and second parts can be configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second parts can be further configured to be removably connected to each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, when the first and second parts are removably connected to each other, the first and second parts, in combination, can comprise an aperture configured to surround at least a portion of a crank arm of the exercise machine.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first part can be further configured to be connected to a side of the exercise machine, the second part can be further configured to be removably connected to the first part, and the first and second parts can be further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine, when the first part is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second parts can be further configured to be spaced from each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine. [0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, each of the first and second parts can be further configured to be connected to the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover can be further configured to connect to a side of the exercise machine, and the first and second parts can be further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover can be a first side cover and the side of the exercise machine can be a first side of the exercise machine, and the cover assembly can further comprise a second side cover configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine.

[0018] In any of the embodiments described herein, the second side cover can be further configured to be connected to the first part of the first side cover, when the first part of the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

[0019] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a cover assembly for an exercise machine. The cover assembly can comprise: a first side cover which can be configured to connect to a first side of an exercise machine; and a second side cover which can be configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine. The first side cover can be further configured to cover at least a portion of the first side of the exercise machine when the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine. The second side cover can be further configured to cover at least a portion of the second side of the exercise machine when the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

[0020] In any of the embodiments described herein, the second side cover can be further configured to be connected to the first side cover, when the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

[0021] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover assembly can be configured to at least partly surround rotating rotor blades of the exercise machine. [0022] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a workout system which can comprise an exercise machine and a cover assembly. The cover assembly can comprise a cover configured to connect to the exercise machine. The cover can comprise first and second parts. The first and second parts can be configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0023] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second parts can be further configured to be removably connected to each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0024] In any of the embodiments described herein, when the first and second parts are removably connected to each other, the first and second parts, in combination, can comprise an aperture configured to surround at least a portion of a crank arm of the exercise machine.

[0025] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first part can be further configured to be connected to a side of the exercise machine, the second part can be further configured to be removably connected to the first part, and the first and second parts can be further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine, when the first part is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

[0026] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second parts can be further configured to be spaced from each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0027] In any of the embodiments described herein, each of the first and second parts can be further configured to be connected to the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

[0028] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover can be further configured to connect to a side of the exercise machine, and the first and second parts can be further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

[0029] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover can be a first side cover and the side of the exercise machine can be a first side of the exercise machine, and the cover assembly can further comprise a second side cover configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine. [0030] In any of the embodiments described herein, the second side cover can be further configured to be connected to the first part of the first side cover, when the first part of the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

[0031] These and other aspects of the present invention are described in the Detailed Description below and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in concert with the figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates a left side view of a workout system which includes a bionic (i.e., dual action) cycle showing both a first part and a second part of a left side cover in place, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. IB illustrates a left side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 1A showing the first part of the left side cover in place and the second part of the left side cover removed.

[0035] FIG. 1C illustrates a left side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 1A showing the first part of the left side cover in phantom and the second part of the left side cover in place. [0036] FIG. ID illustrates a perspective right side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 1A showing a first part of a right side cover in place and a second part of the right side cover in place.

[0037] FIG. IE illustrates a perspective right side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 1A showing the first part of the right side cover removed and the second part of the right side cover in place.

[0038] FIG. IF illustrates a perspective right side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 1A showing both the first part and the second part of the right side cover removed.

[0039] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a workout system which includes a ski ergometer showing both a first (left) part and a second (right) part of a front cover in place with the first part of the front cover in phantom, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the workout system shown in FIG. 2A showing the second part of the front cover in phantom.

[0041] FIG. 3A illustrates a left side view of a workout system which includes a rowing ergometer showing both a first (left) part and a second (right) part of a left side cover in place with the second part of the left side cover in phantom, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 3B illustrates a left side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 3A showing the first part of the left side cover in phantom.

[0043] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective left side view of a workout system which includes a cycle ergometer showing both a first (left) part and a second (right) part of a front cover in place with the first part of the front cover in phantom, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective right side view of the workout system shown in FIG. 4A showing the second part of the front cover in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the present disclosure, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. The components, steps, and materials described hereinafter as making up various elements of the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components, steps, and materials that would perform the same or similar functions as the components, steps, and materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other components, steps, and materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components or steps that are developed after development of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0046] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. In other words, the terms a, an, and the do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0047] As used herein, the term “and/or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” it may mean exclusive-or” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but not all,” it may mean “neither,” and/or it may mean “both. ” The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or. ”

[0048] Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is to be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “various embodiments,” etc. , indicate that the embodiment(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0049] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Further, the term “about” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e. , the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within an acceptable standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to ±20%, preferably up to ±10%, more preferably up to ±5%, and more preferably still up to ± 1 % of a given value . Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 2- fold, of a value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” is implicit and in this context means within an acceptable error range for the particular value.

[0050] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc. , as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2. 7, 3, 4, 5, 5. 3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0051] By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named component, element, or method step is present in the system, device, or method, but does not exclude the presence of other elements, components, or method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

[0052] For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "cover", "shield", "cage", and "shroud" may be used interchangeably.

[0053] Embodiments of this disclosure provide cover assemblies for exercise machines, uniquely designed, so that they can easily and quickly be partially or totally removed for full, quick, unimpeded service/maintenance access, repair work, or other access, without dismantling other components of the exercise machine, including but not limited to, cranks, pedals, locomotion/drive arms, transmission shafts/connectors, cables, drive shafts, linkages, chains/belts, sprockets, drive pulleys, frame components, flange connectors, electronic wiring and flywheels/turbines.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 1A, the figure illustrates a left side view of a workout system 1000 which includes a bionic (i.e., dual action) cycle 150 and a cover assembly 100. The cover assembly includes both a left side cover 110 and a right side cover 120 (FIG. ID). FIG. 1A shows a first part 111 and a second part 112 of the left side cover 110 in place. The first part 111 and second part 112 can comprise underlying portions and overlying portions. In an example, and with further reference to FIG. IB, the first part 111 can include underlying portions l l lu while the second part 112 can include overlying portions 112v. Overlying portions 112v overlap underlying portions l l lu for fastening together the first part 111 and the second part 112 via screws (or other fasteners) placed through cover apertures (such as first part cover apertures 11 lea and second part cover apertures 112ca). It is noted that FIG. IB shows the first part 111 of the left side cover 110 in place and the second part 112 of the left side cover 110 removed, and FIG. 1C shows the first part of the left side cover 110 in phantom and the second part 112 of the left side cover 110 in place. FIGS. 1A-1C show the first part 111 under the second part 112, but the second part 112 can alternatively be under the first part 111.

[0055] FIG. ID illustrates a perspective right side view of the workout system 1000 shown in FIG. 1A showing a first part 121 of a right side cover 120 in place and a second part 122 of the right side cover 120 in place. The second part 122 is shown under the first part 121, but the first part 121 can alternatively be under the second part 122. FIG. IE shows the first part of the right side cover 120 removed and the second part 122 of the right side cover 120 in place. FIG. IF shows both the first part and the second part of the right side cover 120 removed, and a full display of components of the cycle 150 that underlie the right side cover 120 is also shown.

[0056] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure can comprise innovative cover assemblies that have, for example, underlying portions and overlying (or adjacent) portions. Any of these portions can alternatively or additionally attach to a frame or other portion of an exercise machine directly, and/or parts of the cover assembly can connect to each other at interconnecting edge portions of parts of the cover. As mentioned in this disclosure, parts of the cover can have underlying portions and overlying portions which can be reversed (i.e., the overlying portion can be replaced with an underlying portion, and the underlying portion can be replaced with an overlying portion) and can alternatively use other types of connection interfaces such as abutting edges placed side by side from each other. The connection mechanisms used to connect the underlying portions and overlying portions can be screws or other fasteners and may employ apertures within edges portions of the cover parts for the screws to pass through for securement. Other connection mechanism can be employed such as snap-fit connection interfaces.

[0057] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the left side cover 110 and the right side cover 120 can be connected to each other via any connection mechanism such as screws/apertures connection interfaces or snap-fit connection interfaces. For example, the connection mechanism can be a thread directly within or connected to the material of the underlying part itself at the points of connection. The overlying connection mechanism can be matching holes which can facilitate connection to the underlying part with fasteners that can threadingly engage the threads and pass through the matching holes.

[0058] In another exemplary embodiment, the underlying part and overlying part can interconnect with a female groove/channel at the interconnection edge of one of the parts, and which receives a male interlocking part edge of the other, matching portion.

[0059] With exemplary reference to workout systems 1000, 2000, 3000 shown in FIGS. 1A-3B, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a cover assembly 100, 200, 300 for an exercise machine 150, 250, 350. The cover assembly 100, 200, 300 can comprise a cover 110, 210, 310 configured to connect to an exercise machine 150, 250, 350. The cover 110, 210, 310 can comprise a first part 111, 211, 311 and a second part 112, 212, 312. The first and second parts can be configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350 (such as crank arm 156 as shown in FIG. ID) when the cover 110, 210, 310 is connected to the exercise machine 150, 250, 350.

[0060] In any of the embodiments described herein, and with exemplary reference to workout systems 1000, 2000 shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, the first part 111, 211 and second part 112, 212 can be further configured to be removably connected to each other when the cover 110, 210 is connected to the exercise machine 150, 250.

[0061] In any of the embodiments described herein, when the first and second parts 111, 112 are removably connected to each other, the first and second parts 111, 112, in combination, can comprise an aperture 155 (FIG. ID) configured to surround at least a portion of a crank arm 156 of the exercise machine 150. [0062] In any of the embodiments described herein, and again with exemplary reference to workout systems 1000, 2000 shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, the first part 111, 211 can be further configured to be connected to a side of the exercise machine 150, 250, the second part 112, 212 can be further configured to be removably connected to the first part 111, 211, and the first 111, 211 and second parts 112, 212 can be further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine 150, 250, when the first part 111, 211 is connected to the side of the exercise machine 150, 250. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the side of the exercise machine 150, 250 is a front side of the exercise machine 150, 250.

[0063] In any of the embodiments described herein, and with exemplary reference to workout system 3000 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first and second parts 311, 312 of left side cover 310 of cover assembly 300 can be further configured to be spaced from each other when the cover 310 is connected to the exercise machine 350.

[0064] Each of the first and second parts 311, 312 can be further configured to be connected to the exercise machine 350 when the cover 310 is connected to the exercise machine 350. For example, first part 311 can be connected to the exercise machine 350 via apertures 311a and corresponding screws or other fasteners (not shown). And second part 312 can be connected to the exercise machine 350 via apertures 312a and corresponding screws or other fasteners (not shown).

[0065] In any of the embodiments described herein, and with exemplary reference to workout systems 1000, 2000, 3000 shown in FIGS. 1A-3B, the cover 110, 210, 310 can be further configured to connect to a side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350, and the first 111, 211, 311 and second parts 112, 212, 312 can be further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350 when the cover 110, 210, 310 is connected to the side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350.

[0066] The cover 110, 210, 310 can be a first side cover and the side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350 can be a first side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350, and the cover assembly 100, 200, 300 can further comprise a second side cover 120 (note the second side cover may exist (and is exists can be either in single or multi -part form) but is not numbered in FIGS. 2A-3B) configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350 that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350.

[0067] The second side cover can be further configured to be connected to the first part 111, 211, 311 of the first side cover 110, 210, 310, when the first part 111, 211, 311 ofthe first side cover 110, 210, 310 is connected to the first side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350 and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350.

[0068] With exemplary reference to workout system 4000 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a cover assembly 400 for an exercise machine 450. The cover assembly 400 can comprise: a first side cover 410 which can be configured to connect to a first side of an exercise machine 450; and a second side cover 420 which can be configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine 450 that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine 450. The first side cover 410 can be further configured to cover at least a portion of the first side of the exercise machine 450 when the first side cover 410 is connected to the first side of the exercise machine 450. The second side cover 420 can be further configured to cover at least a portion of the second side of the exercise machine 450 when the second side cover 420 is connected to the second side of the exercise machine 450.

[0069] The second side cover 420 can be further configured to be connected to the first side cover 410, when the first side cover 410 is connected to the first side of the exercise machine 450 (using, for example, apertures 410ba within bracket 410b, and apertures 410a) and the second side cover 420 is connected to the second side of the exercise machine 450 (using, for example, apertures 420ba within bracket 420b, and apertures 420a).

[0070] The cover assembly 400 can be configured to at least partly surround rotating rotor blades of the exercise machine 450. With this configuration, airflow is allowed to pass through the cover assembly 400, while protecting the user from the rotating rotor blades. It is noted that this particular benefit is also present when employing cover assemblies 200, 300 shown in FIGS. 2A-3B.

[0071] With exemplary reference again to FIGS. 1A-3B, yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a workout system 1000, 2000, 3000 which can comprise an exercise machine 150, 250, 350, and a cover assembly 100, 200, 300. The cover assembly 100, 200, 300 can comprise a cover 110, 210, 310 configured to connect to the exercise machine 150, 250, 350. The cover 110, 210, 310 can comprise a first part 111, 211, 311 and a second part 112, 212, 312. The first and second parts can be configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine 150, 250, 350 when the cover 110, 210, 310 is connected to the exercise machine 150, 250, 350. Example Method

[0072] Conventional covers lead to a relatively complex, lengthy disassembly/reassembly process. For example, in order to remove the turbine (rotor blade system) covers on a bionic (i.e., dual arm/leg action) cycle to gain service access in order to inspect the turbine for troubleshooting and/or repair, the following complex, time-consuming, and highly excessive disassembly and reassembly actions are traditionally normally required:

(i) use a crank puller to remove the crank from the bike; and then

(ii) remove the footrest and locking nut at the pivot point at the base of the upright upper body drive arms; and then

(iii) remove the upper body drive arms and locomotion arms (connecting the drive arms to the cranks); and then

(iv) remove the side cover of the bike; and then

(v) repeat steps (i)-(iv) on the other side of the bike; and then

(vi) release the turbine belt/chain from the intermediate pulley/sprocket; and then

(vii) remove any hub covers that cover the turbine shaft/axle; and then

(viii) remove the mounting nut from the turbine shaft/axle; and then

(ix) undo the fasteners that connect the turbine cover to the main frame; and then

(x) pull the turbine cover, with the turbine itself, as well as the belt/chain altogether; and then

(xi) undo the fasteners to make it possible to split the turbine cover, to give the required access to the turbine; and then

(xii) inspect the turbine and other related and interconnection mechanical components; and then

(xiii) repair the turbine, or remove and repair other mechanical components, as required; and then

(xiv) in order to test the turbine, reassembly of the turbine on the machine is necessary; and then

(xv) reassembly of all the other mechanical components previously removed is necessary, all while leaving the frame covers and turbine cover off. (xvi) As if this process is not already tortured enough, next the turbine needs to be removed again;

(xvii) as well as all the other mechanical components mentioned above, as all these components need to be reassembled with covers at the same time; and

(xviii) then, and only then, can one finally begin to fully reassemble the machine, including the frame covers and turbine cover.

[0073] Embodiments of the disclosure are distinct from the above conventional cover and method of assembly/disassembly of the cover, by providing an innovative cover assembly, which is not only split simply as left and right covers, but also each left and/or right side (or front and/or back side) side cover is also split into at least two parts, which enables the following highly simplified, quick, and significantly abbreviated process in order to gain service access to inspect the turbine for troubleshooting and repair, or other access, on a Bionic Cycle (or other exercise machine for that matter):

(i) remove the turbine cover by simply undoing just the fasteners connecting the turbine covers and shaft/axle hub covers to the frame;

(ii) inspect the turbine without having to remove any other frame side covers, or related/connecting mechanical components;

(ii)(a) In the event that the problem either does not appear to exist specifically within the turbine itself and one needs to proceed with inspecting other components or one needs to remove the turbine for any reason, then one potentially need only remove a single part of the side cover as necessary, without needing to remove any other mechanical components or other parts of the side cover. For complete access to all mechanical components, both parts of the side covers can be removed, also without needing to remove any other mechanical components;

(iii) remove, repair, replace and/or test mechanical components, without needing to remove any other additional exercise machine parts or parts of the side cover; and

(iv) replace cover including its cover parts on completion.

[0074] Similar benefits can of course be made when using a cover assembly, described in any of the above embodiments, for other types of exercise machines such as a ski ergometer (e.g., FIG. 2A-2B), rowing ergometer (e.g., FIG. 3A-3B), cycle ergometer (e.g., FIG. 4A-4B), etc.

[0075] It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

[0076] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

[0077] Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. Instead, it is intended that the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A cover assembly for an exercise machine, the cover assembly comprising: a cover configured to connect to an exercise machine; wherein the cover comprises first and second parts; and wherein the first and second parts are configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second parts are further configured to be removably connected to each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

3. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein when the first and second parts are removably connected to each other, the first and second parts, in combination, comprise an aperture configured to surround at least a portion of a crank arm of the exercise machine.

4. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the first part is further configured to be connected to a side of the exercise machine, the second part is further configured to be removably connected to the first part, and the first and second parts are further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine, when the first part is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

5. The cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second parts are further configured to be spaced from each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

6. The cover assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second parts is further configured to be connected to the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

7. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover is further configured to connect to a side of the exercise machine, and wherein the first and second parts are further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

8. The cover assembly of claim 7, wherein the cover is a first side cover and the side of the exercise machine is a first side of the exercise machine, and wherein the cover assembly further comprises a second side cover configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine.

9. The cover assembly of claim 8, wherein the second side cover is further configured to be connected to the first part of the first side cover, when the first part of the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

10. A cover assembly for an exercise machine, the cover assembly comprising: a first side cover configured to connect to a first side of an exercise machine; and a second side cover configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine; wherein the first side cover is further configured to cover at least a portion of the first side of the exercise machine when the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine, and wherein the second side cover is further configured to cover at least a portion of the second side of the exercise machine when the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

11. The cover assembly of claim 10, wherein the second side cover is further configured to be connected to the first side cover, when the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

12. The cover assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover assembly is configured to at least partly surround rotating rotor blades of the exercise machine.

13. A workout system comprising : an exercise machine; and a cover assembly comprising: a cover configured to connect to the exercise machine; wherein the cover comprises first and second parts; and wherein the first and second parts are configured to cover different portions of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

14. The workout system of claim 13, wherein the first and second parts are further configured to be removably connected to each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

15. The workout system of claim 14, wherein when the first and second parts are removably connected to each other, the first and second parts, in combination, comprise an aperture configured to surround at least a portion of a crank arm of the exercise machine.

16. The workout system of claim 13, wherein the first part is further configured to be connected to a side of the exercise machine, the second part is further configured to be removably connected to the first part, and the first and second parts are further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine, when the first part is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

17. The workout system of claim 13, wherein the first and second parts are further configured to be spaced from each other when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

18. The workout system of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second parts is further configured to be connected to the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the exercise machine.

19. The workout system of claim 13, wherein the cover is further configured to connect to a side of the exercise machine, and wherein the first and second parts are further configured to cover different portions of the side of the exercise machine when the cover is connected to the side of the exercise machine.

20. The workout system of claim 19, wherein the cover is a first side cover and the side of the exercise machine is a first side of the exercise machine, and wherein the cover assembly further comprises a second side cover configured to connect to a second side of the exercise machine that is opposite to the first side of the exercise machine.

21. The workout system of claim 20, wherein the second side cover is further configured to be connected to the first part of the first side cover, when the first part of the first side cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine and the second side cover is connected to the second side of the exercise machine.