U.S. patent application number 09/733712 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-14 for pathfinder elliptical exercise machine.
Invention is credited to Eschenbach, Paul William.
Application Number | 20020019298 09/733712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27399983 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020019298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eschenbach, Paul William |
February 14, 2002 |
Pathfinder elliptical exercise machine
Abstract
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus
that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise
machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm
exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Elliptical
trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve
to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing
elliptical trainers consume excessive floorspace and often lack
adjustable pedal motion. The present invention is an improved
elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with
adjustable pedal motion during operation. Further, the pedal stride
length and pedal lift height are independently adjustable. The
intermediate portion of a foot support member is guided by a guide
member and drives a crank linkage on one end with pedal on the
other end. The resulting pedal motion is foot friendly. Handles are
connected to the crank linkage for coordinated arm exercise.
Inventors: |
Eschenbach, Paul William;
(Moore, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul W. Eschenbach
Applicant
143 Lakeland Ave.
Moore
SC
29369
US
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Family ID: |
27399983 |
Appl. No.: |
09/733712 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09733712 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
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09416122 |
Oct 12, 1999 |
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6168552 |
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09416122 |
Oct 12, 1999 |
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09246889 |
Feb 8, 1999 |
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6024676 |
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09246889 |
Feb 8, 1999 |
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08871371 |
Jun 9, 1997 |
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5957814 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 ;
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2022/0676 20130101;
A63B 2022/206 20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 2022/002
20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 21/0053 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 22/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/51 ;
482/52 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise machine comprising: a framework, said framework
configured to be supported by the floor; a pair of foot support
members, each having a first portion, a second portion and a foot
engaging pedal; a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said
framework projecting outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof; a
pair of path generating mechanisms, each said path generating
mechanism including a plurality of links operably associated with
said crank and said framework to support said first portion of said
foot support member; a pair of tracks, each said track operably
associated with said foot support member and said framework to
cause said second portion of said foot member to have a back and
forth movement; a means for stride adjustment, said means for
stride adjustment operably associated with said path generating
mechanisms to vary the stride length of said pedal; said pedal
configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of the
user is rotating said crank whereby said pedal follows an oblong
curve path.
2. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said oblong
curve path is generally elliptical in shape.
3. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein each said path
generating mechanism comprises a linkage, said linkage including a
rocker link pivotally connected to said framework and, a coupler
link operably associated with said crank and said rocker link, said
linkage configured to guide said first portion of said foot support
member.
4. The exercise machine according to claim 3 wherein said means for
stride adjustment is operably associated with said coupler link and
said rocker link to change the position of said rocker link
relative to said coupler link causing a change in pedal motion.
5. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
roller, said roller rotatably connected to said second portion of
said foot support member and in rollable contact with said
track.
6. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably
associated with said path generating mechanism.
7. The exercise machine according to claim 6 wherein said means for
arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle
pivotally connected to said framework and a pair of connector
links, each said connector link operably associated with said
handle and said path generating mechanism.
8. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
flywheel, said flywheel rotatably connected to said framework and
operably associated with said crank.
9. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
load resistance, said load resistance operably associated with said
crank, a means for adjustment of said load resistance and, a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby said load resistance can be varied during
operation of said exercise machine.
10. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said foot
support member is configured with said pedal on one end and said
first portion at the other end with said second portion positioned
intermediate the ends.
11. The exercise machine according to claim 5 wherein said track is
curved to support said roller.
12. The exercise machine according to claim 3 wherein said crank is
connected to said coupler link at a crank pivot, said foot support
member is connected to said coupler link at a foot support pivot
and, said rocker link is connected to said coupler at a rocker
pivot positioned offset relative to a line connecting said crank
pivot and said foot support pivot.
13. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
means for pedal lift adjustment, said means for pedal lift
adjustment operably associated with said track and, a control
system, said control system positioned within reach of the operator
and operably associated with said means for pedal lift adjustment
whereby the position of said track can be varied during operation
of said exercise machine.
14. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said track is
curved and movable horizontally back and forth relative to said
frame to change the pedal motion of said exercise machine.
15. The exercise machine according to claim 13 wherein said means
for pedal lift adjustment can change the angular orientation of
said track to change the pedal motion of said exercise machine.
16. The exercise machine according to claim 13 wherein said means
for stride adjustment and said means for pedal lift adjustment are
independently operative to adjust either the stride or lift height
of said pedal motion.
17. An exercise machine comprising: a framework, said framework
configured to be supported by the floor; a pair of foot support
members, each having a first portion, a second portion and a foot
engaging pedal; a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said
framework projecting outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof; a
pair of path generating mechanisms, each said path generating
mechanism including a plurality of links operably associated with
said crank and said framework to support said first portion of said
corresponding foot support member along an elongate curve path; a
pair of tracks, each said track operably associated with said foot
support member and said framework to cause said second portion of
said foot member to have a back and forth movement; a pair of
rollers, each said roller rollably attached to said second portion
of said foot support member and in rollable contact with said
track; a first means for adjustment, said first means for
adjustment operably associated with said track and said framework
to change the pedal lift height; a second means for adjustment,
said second means for adjustment operably associated with said path
generating mechanisms to change pedal stride length; said pedal
configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of the
user is rotating said crank whereby either said means for
adjustment can be adjusted to change the pedal motion of said
exercise machine.
18. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein each said
path generating mechanism comprises a linkage, said linkage
including a rocker link pivotally connected to said framework and,
a coupler link operably associated with said crank and said rocker
link, said linkage configured to guide said first portion of said
foot support member.
19. The exercise machine according to claim 17 further comprising a
means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably
associated with said path generating mechanism.
20. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein said means
for arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle
pivotally connected to said framework and a pair of connector
links, each said connector link operably associated with said
handle and said path generating mechanism.
21. The exercise machine according to claim 17 further comprising a
flywheel, said flywheel rotatably connected to said framework and
operably associated with said crank.
22. The exercise machine according to claim 17 further comprising a
load resistance, said load resistance operably associated with said
crank, a means for adjustment of said load resistance and, a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby said load resistance can be varied during
operation of said exercise machine.
23. The exercise machine according to claim 18 wherein said second
means for adjustment is operably associated with said coupler link
and said rocker link to change the position of said rocker link
relative to said coupler link causing a change in pedal motion.
24. The exercise machine according to claim 18 wherein said crank
is connected to said coupler link at a crank pivot, said foot
support member is connected to said coupler link at a foot support
pivot and, said rocker link is connected to said coupler at a
rocker pivot positioned offset relative to a line connecting said
crank pivot and said foot support pivot.
25. The exercise machine according to claim 17 further comprising a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby either said means for adjustment can be varied
during operation of said exercise machine to change the pedal
motion.
26. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein said track
is curved to support said roller.
27. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein said track
is curved and movable horizontally back and forth relative to said
frame by said first means for adjustment to change the pedal motion
of said exercise machine.
28. An exercise machine comprising: a framework, said framework
configured to be supported by the floor; a pair of foot support
members, each having a first portion, a second portion and a foot
engaging pedal; a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said
framework projecting outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof; a
pair of path generating mechanisms, each said path generating
mechanism including a plurality of links operably associated with
said crank and said framework to support said first portion of said
corresponding foot support member along an elongate curve path; a
pair of tracks, each said track operably associated with said foot
support member and said framework to cause said second portion of
said foot member to have a back and forth movement; a pair of
rollers, each said roller rollably attached to said second portion
of said foot support member and in rollable contact with said
curved track; a pair of adjustment means, each said adjustment
means operably associated with at least one of said links of said
path generating mechanism to vary said elongate curve path; said
pedal configured to move relative to said framework when the foot
of the user is rotating said crank whereby said means for
adjustment can be adjusted to change the pedal motion of said
exercise machine.
29. The exercise machine according to claim 28 wherein each said
path generating mechanism comprises a linkage, said linkage
including a rocker link pivotally connected to said framework and,
a coupler link operably associated with said crank and said rocker
link, said linkage configured to guide said first portion of said
foot support member.
30. The exercise machine according to claim 28 further comprising a
means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably
associated with said path generating mechanism.
31. The exercise machine according to claim 30 wherein said means
for arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle
pivotally connected to said framework and a pair of connector
links, each said connector link operably associated with said
handle and said corresponding path generating mechanism.
32. The exercise machine according to claim 28 further comprising a
flywheel, said flywheel rotatably connected to said framework and
operably associated with said crank.
33. The exercise machine according to claim 28 further comprising a
load resistance, said load resistance operably associated with said
crank, a means for adjustment of said load resistance and, a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby said load resistance can be varied during
operation of said exercise machine.
34. The exercise machine according to claim 28 further comprising a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby said adjustment means can be varied during
operation of said exercise machine to change the pedal motion.
35. The exercise machine according to claim 28 further comprising a
second means for adjustment, said second means for adjustment
operably associated with said track and, a control system, said
control system positioned within reach of the operator and operably
associated with said second means for adjustment whereby the
position of said track can be varied during operation of said
exercise machine.
36. The exercise machine according to claim 28 wherein said track
is curved and movable horizontally back and forth relative to said
frame to change the pedal motion of said exercise machine.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application
Ser. No. 09/416,122 filed Oct. 6, 1999 which is a
Continuation-in-Part of Ser. No. 09/246,889 filed Feb. 8, 1999
which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,814.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a standup exercise
apparatus that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm
exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet
and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Pedal
stride and lift are adjustable.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] The benefits of regular exercise to improve overall health,
appearance and longevity are well documented in the literature. For
exercise enthusiasts the search continues for safe apparatus that
provides full body exercise for maximum benefit in minimum
time.
[0006] Recently, a new category of exercise equipment has appeared
on the commercial market called elliptical cross trainers. These
cross trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped
curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Generally
they are large exercise machines using long cranks to generate a
long foot stride. There is a need for a more compact elliptical
exercise machine capable of a similar long stride using a linkage
to modify the crank.
[0007] Recently, there has been an effort to improve the up and
down motion of stair climbers by the addition of horizontal
movements. Habing in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,299,993 and 5,499,956 offers
an articulated linkage controlled through cables by motor to move
pedals through an ovate path. Both pedal pivots follow basically
the same guidance path curve directed by a motor controller.
Stearns in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,290,211 and 5,299,993 shows a stair
stepping exercise machine which incorporates horizontal movement
using a combination of vertical parallelogram linkage and
horizontal parallelogram linkage to guide the foot pedals. The
parallelogram linkages serve to maintain the pedal at a constant
angle relative to the floor during a pedal cycle. The pedal pivots
move through similar undefined guide paths.
[0008] Standup cycling is described in various patents such as U.S.
Pat. No. 3,563,541 (Sanquist) which uses weighted free pedals as
load resistance and side to side twisting motion. Also U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,519,603 and 4,477,072 by DeCloux describe standup cycling
with free pedals in a lift mode to simulate body lifting.
Eschenbach in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,529 shows several embodiments of
elliptical pedal motion configured to maintain the heel of the user
on the pedal during a substantial portion of the pedal cycle.
[0009] Standup pedal exercise is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,419
(Hyde) and by Jarriel et al. In U.S. Pat. No. D330,236 where pedal
platforms move by dual crank motion but remain parallel to the
floor. Knudsen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,680 shows an elliptical path
generating mechanism with pedals having only one pivot allowing the
pedal to rotate unconstrained about the pivot as in a bicycle
crank.
[0010] Standup pedal exercise combined with arm levers attached to
the pedals is shown in Kummerlin et al. German Pat. No. 2,919,494
and in Geschwender U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,050. Standup pedal exercise
coupled with oscillating swing arms is shown in Miller U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,242,343 and 5,383,829 and in Eschenbach U.S. Pat. No.
5,423,729. All of these exercise machines use pedals having two
pedal pivots which are guided by a first circular guide path curve
generated by a crank which rotates through one full revolution
during a pedal cycle and a second arc guide path curve generated by
a rocker link or track.
[0011] Recently, numerous elliptical exercise machines have
appeared in the patent literature. Rogers, Jr. in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,527,246, 5,529,555, 5,540,637, 5,549,526, 5,573,480, 5,591,107,
5,593,371, 5,593,372, 5,595,553, 5,611,757, 5,637,058, 5,653,662
and 5,743,834 shows elliptical pedal motion by virtue of various
reciprocating members and geared linkage systems. Miller in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,518,473, 5,562,574, 5,611,756, 5,518,473, 5,562,574,
5,577,985, 5,755,642 and 5,788,609 also shows elliptical pedal
motion using reciprocating members and various linkage mechanisms
along with oscillating guide links with control links to determine
pedal angles. Ryan et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,833 shows an
elliptical cross trainer having a forward crank driving a pedal
linkage underneath the operator.
[0012] Chang in U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,872 and Yu et al. in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,800,315 show a pedal supported by a rocker link and driven
with a pair of links located under the pedal pivotally connected to
a crank. Maresh et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,026 show a foot
support member supported by a rocker link and driven by a double
crank mechanism. Maresh in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,463 shows a foot
platform with parallel movement as the the foot platform follows an
oval path. Lee in U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,598 and Chen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,823,914 show a pedal link driven by two separate cranks. Lin et
al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,760 offers elliptical foot and hand
motion. Sands et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,643 shows elliptical foot
motion with folding front post.
[0013] Lee in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,683 shows a foot support member
supported on one end with a compound rocker wherein a slider and
handle lever support the rocker. Kuo in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,854
offers a linear foot support member connected on one end to a crank
and guided along an arcuate curve under the pedal by a linkage on
the other end. Wang et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,112 shows a foot
support member sliding on a pivot on one end and attached to a
crank on the other that can fold. Chen U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,917
shows a foot support member driven by a crank on one end and
supported by a stationary roller on the other. Chen U.S. Pat. No.
5,820,524 offers a slider crank mechanism having a pedal pivotally
attached with a control link to articulate the pedal angle.
[0014] Chen U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,599 and 5,762,588 shows an
elliptical pedal movement with a roller interface between the foot
support member and crank. Chen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,136 shows a
foot support member with a moving pedal for adjustable elliptical
motion wherein a link from the pedal to the crank can be
repositioned to change the pedal stroke length. Kuo U.S. Pat. No.
5,846,166 shows a foot support member guided on one end by a roller
and driven on the other end by a four bar linkage. Stearns et al.
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,954 offers a foot support member pivoted on
one end with a lift crank on the other and a pedal moving on the
foot support member to generate elliptical type foot motion.
[0015] Maresh et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,893,820 and 5,997,445
shows an adjustable lift elliptical cross trainers. Kuo U.S. Pat.
No. 5,836,854 shows a foot support member driven by a crank and
guided on one end by a linkage hanging from a "Z" shaped bar that
may be adjusted. Whan-Tong et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,685,804 and
6,146,313 shows a foot support member driven by a simple crank
having an adjustable ramp to vary pedal lift. Eschenbach in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,692,994 shows an elliptical cross trainer which has an
adjustable upright support member which allows variable pedal
motion.
[0016] There is a need for a pedal operated exercise machine that
can be safely operated in the standup position whereby the arms and
legs can be exercised with the feet moving through a generally
elliptical movement that can be fully adjusted.
[0017] It is one objective of this invention to provide an
elliptical pedal movement with a crank linkage that provides both a
pedal stride and pedal lift adjustment that may be independently
varied. Another object of this invention is to provide an oblong
pedal path that can be adjusted during operation of the exercise
machine by a control system. Yet another object of this invention
is to provide arm exercise that is coordinated with the pedal
movement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to the kinematic motion
control of pedals which simulate running, climbing and cycling
during several modes of operation. More particularly, apparatus is
provided that offers variable intensity exercise through a leg
operated cyclic motion in which the pedal supporting each foot is
guided through successive positions during the motion cycle while a
load resistance acts upon the mechanism.
[0019] The pedals are guided through an oblong or elongate curve
motion while pedal angles vary during the pedal cycle to maintain
the heel of the foot generally in contact with the pedal. As the
foot is raised, the heel of the foot remains generally in contact
with the inclining pedal for safer operation. Arm exercise is by
arm levers coordinated with the mechanism guiding the foot
pedals.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a
separate pedal for each foot, each pedal being extended by a foot
support member and partially supported by an oblong guide path
curve for the first foot support member portion at a foot support
pivot. The oblong guide path generating mechanism has a rotary
crank which completes one full revolution during a pedal cycle and
is phased generally opposite the crank for the other pedal through
a crankshaft bearing housing attached to the framework.
[0021] A rocker link is pivotally connected to the framework. A
coupler link is connected to the crank at a crank pivot and the
rocker link is connected to the coupler link at a rocker pivot to
form a path generating mechanism. The coupler link is connected to
the foot support member at a foot support pivot in the portion that
follows an elongate guide path curve. The rocker pivot is offset
relative to a line connecting the crank pivot and foot support
pivot on the coupler link.
[0022] The foot support member is supported at a second foot
support member portion with a pivot by foot support guides
configured as rollers supported by curved tracks supported by the
framework. As the crank is driven by foot motion, the pedal follows
an elongate curve approximating an ellipse.
[0023] Arm exercise is provided with handles pivotally connected to
the framework. A connector link is pivotally connected to each
handle and each coupler link between the foot support member and
the crank pivot to coordinate the arm movement with the foot. The
connector link pivot can also coincide with the crank pivot. When
the foot is forward, the handle corresponding to that foot is
generally rearward.
[0024] An actuator is connected to each coupler link to move a
rocker pivot collar containing the rocker pivot closer or further
away from the crank pivot to change the pedal stride. A control
system positioned near the operator can adjust the actuators during
operation to reposition the rocker pivot collars for a change in
pedal stride length.
[0025] The curved tracks are are movable back and forth relative to
the framework by an actuator pivotally connected to the framework.
A control system positioned near the operator can adjust the
actuator during operation to reposition the curved tracks for a
change in pedal lift height.
[0026] Load resistance is imposed upon the crank through pulleys
and belt engaged with a flywheel. A jackshaft is intermediate the
crank and flywheel to increase flywheel speed. An alternator is
connected to the flywheel. A control system within easy reach of
the operator can adjust the alternator load resistance during
operation of the exercise machine. Other forms of load resistance
such as friction belt, magnetic, air, belt, etc. may also be
used.
[0027] In an alternate embodiment, the curved tracks are pivotally
connected to the framework at the rear ends of the tracks. An
actuator controlled lever arm supports the forward end of the
tracks. The tracks can also be pivoted at the forward end or
intermediate the track ends and be within the scope of the present
invention. The remainder of the exercise machine is similar to the
preferred embodiment.
[0028] In summary, this invention provides the operator with stable
foot pedal support having motions that simulate running, jogging
and climbing with very low joint impact and upper body exercise.
The pedal motion is adjustable during operation to independently
change the pedal stride length and pedal lift height. Arm exercise
is coordinated with the pedal motion but changes very little with
pedal motion adjustment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a right side elevation view of the preferred
embodiment of an exercise machine constructed in accordance with
the present invention adjusted for shorter pedal stride and lower
pedal lift;
[0030] FIG. 2 is the rear view of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention adjusted for longer pedal stride and
higher pedal lift;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 3;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a collection of the different pedal curve paths
obtainable with the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment
adjusted for longer pedal stride and higher pedal lift.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals 52 and 50 are
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in generally their highest and lowermost
positions of the first embodiment. Pedals 50 and 52 are supported
by foot support members 20 and 22 which have first foot support
pivots 23, 25 in a first portion and second foot support pivots 26,
24 in a second portion, respectively. Foot support pivots 23 and 25
are pivotally attached to coupler links 30 and 32 which guide pedal
pivots 23 and 25 along an elongate guide path curve 13.
[0036] Coupler link 30 is connected to rocker link 47 at rocker
pivot 17 and to crank 54 at crank pivot 43 while coupler link 32 is
connected to rocker link 49 at rocker pivot 19 and to crank 56 at
crank pivot 46. Rocker pivots 17, 19 are offset relative to lines
which connect crank pivots 43, 46 to foot support pivots 23, 25 on
coupler links 30, 32. Further, rocker pivots 17, 19 are attached to
rocker pivot collars 27, 29 which can be moved on coupler links 30,
32 closer or further away from crank pivots 43, 46.
[0037] Cranks 54 and 56 are connected in opposing directions by
crankshaft journal 55 (not shown) which is rotatably secured to the
framework by bearing housing 38. Rocker links 47 and 49 are
pivotally attached to crossover support member 91 at pivots 67 and
69, respectively. Cranks 54, 56, rocker links 47, 49 and coupler
links 30, 32 form a path generating mechanism.
[0038] Actuators 21, 22 are attached to coupler link extensions 31,
33 and to rocker pivot collars 27, 29. Adjustment of the actuators
21, 22 cause the rocker pivot collars 27, 29 to be repositioned
relative to the crank pivots 43, 46 to change the length of pedal
curve 18. Locking solenoids (not shown) activated from the control
system 10 can be added to secure the rocker pivot collars 27, 29 to
coupler links 30, 32 during operation.
[0039] FIGS. 1 and 2 show actuators 21, 22 extended which results
in the shorter stride length curve 18. Control system 10 has wires
4 connected to actuator wires 5, 8 by conventional means not shown.
Control system 10 can be activated by control knob 6 or automatic
program during operation of the exercise machine to vary the pedal
stride length.
[0040] Handles 66, 68 are attached to crossover support member 93
at pivots 61, 63 for arm exercise. Connector links 96, 98 are
connected to handle extensions 62, 64 by pivots 65, 97 and to
coupler links 30, 32 at pivots 99, 39.
[0041] Curved tracks 88, 90 are constrained by track guides 14, 16
to move back and forth on frame members 70, 72, 74, 76. Rollers 42,
40 are attached to foot support members 20, 22 in a second portion
at pivots 26, 24 and in rollable contact with curved tracks 90, 88
for back and forth movement. Actuator 94 is connected to frame
member 83 at pivot 95. Actuator screw 78 will move actuator pivot
89 which is attached to curved tracks 88, 90. FIGS. 1 and 2 show
curved tracks 88, 90 in their most forward position to allow pedals
50, 52 to follow stride pedal curve 18.
[0042] Control system 10 has wires 4 connected to actuator wires 7
by conventional means not shown. Control knob 3 or automatic
program will move curved tracks 88, 90 to a more rearward position
to change the pedal 50, 52 lift height.
[0043] Frame members 70, 72, 74, 76 are attached to crossover
members 71, 73 configured to be supported by the floor. Frame
members 83, 84, 92 are attached to frame members 70, 76, 73.
Crossover support members 91, 93 connect frame members 84, 92.
Frame member 59 connects crossover support member 91 to frame
member 83 and supports crank housing 38. Frame member 60 connects
crossover support member 93 to frame member 83.
[0044] Flywheel 79 is rotatably supported by alternator 87. Belt 86
is engaged with flywheel 79 and jackshaft pulley 85. Pulley 85 and
pulley 82 are attached to jackshaft 81. Chain or belt 82 is engaged
with pulleys 82 and 35 to impose load resistance on cranks 54,
56.
[0045] Control system 10 is attached to support member 60. Wires 4
are connected to alternator wires 1 by conventional means not
shown. A switch such as 3, 6 can be manually changed during
operation by the operator to vary load intensity or by automatic
program.
[0046] Application of body weight on the pedals 50, 52 and force
applied at the arm levers 66, 68 cause the flywheel 79 to rotate
for a gain in momentum while the pedals 50, 52 follow the pedal
curve 18 shown adjusted to a stride pedal 50, 52 motion. The
flywheel 79 momentum will carry the linkage system through any dead
center positions of the crank 54, 56. The pedals 50, 52 and arm
levers 66, 68 can be operated to drive the flywheel 79 in either
direction of rotation.
[0047] In FIGS. 3 and 4, the preferred embodiment is shown with
pedals 52, 50 in the most forward and rearward positions. Actuators
21, 22 are shown compressed causing the long pivot curve 31 and
resulting in a longer pedal stride curve 15. Actuator 94 has moved
curved tracks 88, 90 to a rearward position causing the rollers 40,
42 to traverse the forward inclined portion of tracks 88, 90. The
more inclined travel of rollers 40, 42 result in the higher lift
pedal curve 15. FIG. 5 shows some of the variety of Pathfinder
curves a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h and i available as actuators 21, 22
for stride adjustment and actuator 94 for pedal lift height
adjustment are independently varied to achieve the desired pedal
motion for running, jogging, climbing or some combination
thereof.
[0048] In an alternate embodiment, pedals 52, 50 are shown in the
most forward and rearward positions in FIG. 6. Long curved tracks
88, 90 have been replaced with shorter tracks 57 which can be
curved or linear. Tracks 57 are connected to frame members 70, 72,
74, 76 by pivots 55. Actuator 36 is connected to frame members 72,
74 at pivot 77. Actuator extension 71 is connected to lever arm 58
which is connected to frame members 72, 74 at pivot 75. The other
end of lever arm 58 supports the forward end of tracks 57. Lowering
tracks 57 cause lower pedal lift height. Control system 10 causes
actuator 36 to raise or lower the forward ends of tracks 57 during
operation by knob 3 or automatic means. Actuator wires 9 are
connected to control wires 4 by conventional means not shown. The
remainder of the alternate embodiment is similar to the preferred
embodiment including independently adjustable actuators 21, 22 to
vary pedal stride length. Pedal curve 2 shows a long pedal stride
and higher pedal lift. Load resistance is not shown for
clarity.
[0049] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope
of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the claims, rather
than by foregoing description. All changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *