U.S. patent application number 10/139879 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for compact exercise device.
Invention is credited to Miller, Larry.
Application Number | 20020128122 10/139879 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24395287 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020128122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller, Larry |
September 12, 2002 |
Compact exercise device
Abstract
A compact exercise device includes a pair of crank arms
pivotably supported on a frame for rotation about a pivot axis.
Each crank arm engages a respective intermediate link at its first
end. A second end of each intermediate link travels on a guide
member so that as the crank arms rotates, the first end of each
intermediate link traces an arcuate path, and the second end of
each intermediate link traces a reciprocating path. The device
includes a pair of foot links, each foot link is coupled, through a
first end thereof, to a respective one of said intermediate links
at a point between the first and second ends thereof; a second end
of each foot link engages another guide member which directs it
along a preselected path of travel, as the intermediate link is
moved by the crank arm. The device provides a range of foot and leg
motion simulating a natural running and stepping action.
Inventors: |
Miller, Larry; (Rochester,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle,
Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Suite 400
280 N. Old Woodward Ave.
Birmingham
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
24395287 |
Appl. No.: |
10/139879 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10139879 |
May 7, 2002 |
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09801530 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
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09801530 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
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09539052 |
Mar 30, 2000 |
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09539052 |
Mar 30, 2000 |
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09334799 |
Jun 16, 1999 |
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09334799 |
Jun 16, 1999 |
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09128826 |
Aug 4, 1998 |
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09128826 |
Aug 4, 1998 |
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08726762 |
Oct 7, 1996 |
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5788609 |
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08726762 |
Oct 7, 1996 |
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08598370 |
Feb 8, 1996 |
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5562574 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 ; 482/51;
482/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/203 20130101;
A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2022/0676 20130101; A63B 2220/20
20130101; A63B 21/0051 20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 21/012
20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 2220/13
20130101; A63B 21/00178 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B
22/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 ; 482/51;
482/70 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00; A63B
022/00; A63B 069/18 |
Claims
1. A compact exercise device comprising: a frame configured to be
supported on a floor and having a first pivot axis defined
thereupon; a first and a second crank arm, each crank arm being
pivotally attached to said frame at said first pivot axis so as to
be rotatable thereabout; a first and a second intermediate link,
each intermediate link having a first and a second end, the first
end of each intermediate link being coupled to a respective one of
said first and second crank arms so that the first end of each of
said intermediate links travels in an arcuate path about said first
pivot axis as said crank arms rotate thereabout; a first and a
second guide member, each being disposed so as to engage a
respective one of said intermediate links and to direct a second
end of said respective intermediate link along a reciprocating path
of travel as the first end thereof travels in said arcuate path; a
first and a second foot link, each having a first and a second end;
a first and a second connector each being operative to pivotally
connect the first end of each of said foot links to a respective
one of said first and second intermediate links, so that said first
end of each of said foot links travels along a first preselected
path as the second end of its respective intermediate link travels
along said reciprocating path; and a third and a fourth guide
member, each being disposed so as to engage a respective one of
said first and second foot links, and to direct the second end of
each of said foot links along a second preselected path of travel
as the first end of each of said foot links travel along said first
preselected path.
2. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said frame includes a
second pivot axis defined thereupon, and wherein said third and
fourth guide members each comprise an elongated member having a
first and second pivot point defined thereupon, each of said third
and fourth guide members being pivotally attached through the first
pivot point thereof to the second pivot axis of said frame, and
through the second pivot point thereof to the second end of a
respective one of said first and second foot links.
3. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said second
preselected path of travel is an inclined path of travel relative
to the floor and wherein said third and fourth guide members are
each disposed so as to guide the second end of a respective one of
said first and second foot links along said inclined path of
travel.
4. An exercise device as in claim 3, further including adjustment
means associated with the third and fourth guide member for varying
a degree of inclination of the inclined path of travel relative to
the floor.
5. An exercise device as in claim 1, further including a flywheel
in mechanical engagement with the first and second crank arms.
6. An exercise device as in claim 5, wherein said flywheel is
supported by said frame at said first pivot axis.
7. An exercise device as in claim 5, wherein said flywheel is
supported at a third pivot axis, separate from said first pivot
axis, and is mechanically coupled to said first and second crank
arms.
8. An exercise device as in claim 5, wherein said flywheel is
supported at said first pivot axis, and wherein said first and
second crank arms are defined by an integral portion of said
flywheel.
9. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said first, second,
third and fourth guide members comprise tracks.
10. An exercise device as in claim 1, further including a variable
resistance braking assembly in mechanical communication with said
first and second crank arms for providing a variable resistance to
the rotation thereof.
11. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said first and second
intermediate links and the first and second connectors are
configured so that the first end of each of the first and second
foot links may be selectably connected to a respective one of said
first and second intermediate links at a plurality of locations
thereupon.
12. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said third and fourth
guide members each comprise a rotatable member pivotably attached
to the frame.
13. A compact exercise device comprising a frame configured to be
supported on a floor and having a first pivot axis defined
thereupon; a first and a second crank arm, each crank arm being
pivotably attached to the frame at said first pivot axis so as to
be rotatable thereabout; a first and a second intermediate link,
each intermediate link having a first and a second end, the first
end of each intermediate link being coupled to a respective one of
said first and second crank arms so that the first end of each of
said intermediate links travels in an arcuate path about said first
pivot axis as said crank arms rotate thereabout; a first and a
second guide member, each guide member being disposed so as to
engage a respective one of said intermediate links and to direct a
second end of said respective intermediate link along a
reciprocating path of travel as the first end thereof travels in
said arcuate path; a first and a second foot link, each having a
first and a second end; a first and a second connector, each being
operative to pivotably connect the first end of each of said foot
links to a respective one of said first and second intermediate
links at a point thereupon between the first and second ends
thereof, so that said first end of each of said foot links travels
along a generally oval, closed path as the second end of its
respective intermediate link travels along said reciprocating path;
a third and a fourth guide member, each disposed so as to engage
the second end of a respective one of said first and second foot
links, and to direct the second end of each of said foot links
along a second reciprocating path of travel as the first ends of
said foot links travel along said closed, oval path of travel.
14. An exercise device as in claim 13, wherein said third and
fourth guide members each comprise a rail.
15. An exercise device as in claim 13, wherein said frame includes
a second pivot axis defined thereupon and wherein said third and
fourth guide members each comprise an elongated member having a
first and second pivot point defined thereupon, each of said third
and fourth guide members being pivotably attached through the first
pivot point thereof to the second pivot axis of said frame, and
through the second pivot point thereof to the second end of a
respective one of said first and second foot links.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/334,779
filed Jun. 16, 1999, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/128,826
filed Aug. 4, 1998, which is a continuation of copending
application Ser. No. 08/726,762 filed Oct. 7, 1996, now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,788,609 issued Aug. 4, 1998, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/598,370 filed Feb. 8, 1996 now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,562,574 issued Oct. 8, 1996.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More
specifically, the invention relates to a compact, stationary
exercise device for simulating running and stepping motions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Because of a growing appreciation for the benefits of
regular exercise; and because constraints of time and space prevent
many persons from indulging in activities such as running, swimming
and walking, the market for exercise equipment is rapidly
increasing. It is generally desirable to exercise a number of
different muscles over a fairly large range of motion so as to
provide for even physical development and a maximum level of
aerobic exercise. It is further desirable that exercise equipment
provide a smooth, relatively natural motion so as to avoid jarring
or irregular strains which can damage muscles and joints. It is
also desirable that exercise equipment be relatively easy to use
and of simple, low cost construction.
[0004] While a number of different exercise systems are known in
the prior art, such systems suffer from a number of shortcomings
which limit their utility. Stationary bicycles are widely used;
however, they are employed in a sitting position and consequently,
the number of muscles exercised is small. Furthermore, the range of
motion provided by a stationary bicycle is fairly limited.
Stationary devices for simulating cross country skiing are also in
widespread use. While these systems exercise more muscles than do
stationary bicycles, the relatively flat, shuffling foot motion
provided thereby does not adequately exercise all of the leg
muscles through a wide range of motion. Stair climbing equipment
also exercises more muscles than do stationary bicycles; however,
the rather limited up and down motion provided thereby does not
exercise leg muscles through a large range of motion. Treadmills
and the like permit walking or jogging in a relatively limited
area; however, they can be quite jarring to knee and ankle joints,
and many users find it difficult to maintain balance on a
treadmill.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,093 shows a climbing type exerciser.
U.S. Pat. No 4,509,742 shows a stationary bicycle which provides
for arm motion. U.S. Pat. No. 2,603,486 shows a bicycle type
exerciser providing for combined arm and leg motions. U.S. Pat. No.
5,039,088 shows another bicycle type exerciser providing for hand
motion.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,316,898 discloses a rehabilitation device
for passive use by a seated person. The device includes a motor
which raises and lowers a set of foot supporting plates so as to
flex the ankle, knee and hip joints. A similar device is shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,622. German Laid Open Publication 29 19 494
discloses an exercise device in which a set of foot supporting
plates is disposed so as to undergo a combination of sliding and
rotary motion to provide a stepping action. It has been found that
while these apparatus produce a stepping motion, the motion does
not simulate natural running and walking.
[0007] In response to the shortcomings of the prior art, the
inventor of the present invention has previously developed a
stationary exercise device which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,242,343; 5,383,829, and application Ser. No. 08/407,272. The
apparatus of the foregoing patents provides a natural running and
stepping motion in which the user's heel initially rises at a
faster rate than the toe, on a forward step, and in which the heel
initially falls at a faster rate than the toe on a backward step.
The present invention is directed to an exercise device which is
configured differently from those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,343;
5,383,829 and application Ser. No. 08/4074272, but which achieves a
similar, beneficial foot action. Furthermore, the apparatus of the
present invention is relatively compact, making it particularly
advantageous for use in limited space areas such as the home.
[0008] The apparatus of the present invention is simple to
manufacture and use, compact in design, and provides a smooth,
natural action which exercises a relatively large number of muscles
through a large range of motion. These and other advantages of the
present invention will be readily apparent from the drawings,
discussion and description which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] There is disclosed herein a compact exercise device which
includes a frame configured to be supported on a floor and having a
first pivot axis defined thereupon. A first and second crank arm
are pivotally attached to the frame at the first pivot axis so as
to be rotatable thereabout. A first and a second intermediate link
each have a first end thereof coupled to a respective one of the
crank arms so that the first end of each intermediate link travels
in an arcuate path about the first pivot axis as the crank arms
rotate thereabout. The apparatus further includes a first and
second guide member, each disposed so as to engage a respective one
of the intermediate links and to direct the second end of the
intermediate link along a reciprocating path of travel as the first
end thereof travels in the arcuate path. The apparatus still
further includes a first and a second foot link, each with a first
and second end, together with a first and a second connector, each
operative to pivotally connect the first end of a respective one of
the foot links to one of the intermediate links so that the first
end of each of the foot links travels along a first preselected
path as the second end of the intermediate link to which it is
attached travels along the reciprocating path. The apparatus
includes a third and a fourth guide member each disposed so as to
engage a respective one of the first and second foot links and to
direct the second end of each of said foot links along a second
preselected path of travel as the first ends of said foot links
travel along said first preselected path.
[0010] In one particular embodiment the third and fourth guide
members each comprise an elongated member which is pivotably
attached to the frame at or near a first one of its ends and which
is pivotably attached to the second end of a respective foot link
at or near its other end. In yet another embodiment, the third and
fourth guide members each comprise a track which engages and
directs the second end of a respective foot link. In yet another
embodiment, the third and fourth guide members each comprise a
roller element, pivotably supported on the frame, which roller
element engages and directs a foot link. The device may be
configured so that the third and four guide members direct the foot
links along an inclined path of travel, relative to the floor, and
the device may further include adjustment means so that this
inclined path of travel may be varied.
[0011] In some embodiments, the exercise device may include a
flywheel mechanically engaged to the first and second crank arms.
The flywheel may be supported at the first pivot axis, or at a
location separate from the first pivot axis, in which instance it
will be mechanically coupled to the crank arms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
exercise device structured in accord with the principles of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of
an exercise device structured in accord with the principles of the
present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of
an exercise device structured in accord with the principles of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to a compact exercise
device which moves a user's feet and legs through a natural range
of motions associated with running and stepping. The device
includes a folded linkage of compact design. The device may be
fabricated in a number of configurations, and various
representatives thereof are illustrated herein.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
of a first embodiment of exercise device 10 structured in accord
with the principles of the present invention. Exercise device 10
includes a frame 12 which is configured to be supported on a floor,
and which supports and retains the components of the exercise
device. The frame 12 has a first pivot axis 14 defined thereon, and
in the illustrated embodiment a flywheel 16 is supported at the
first pivot axis 14 for rotation thereabout. As illustrated, the
flywheel 16 is a split flywheel having a center axle (not shown)
passing through the pivot axis 14. The center axle in turn is
supported by a support post (not shown) which engages the base of
the frame 12. A first intermediate link 18a and a second
intermediate link 18b each have a first end which is pivotably
coupled to the flywheel 16. As illustrated, the first intermediate
link 18a is coupled to the flywheel 16 by a pin 20 passing
therethrough. Although not visible, a similar arrangement couples
the second intermediate link 18b to the flywheel. The portion of
the flywheel between the pivot axis 14 and the connector pin 20
defines a crank arm having one end fixed at the pivot axis 14 and
the other at the connector pin 20. As this crank arm rotates about
the first pivot axis 14, it causes a first end of each of the
intermediate links 18a, 18b to travel about the pivot axis 14 in an
arcuate path. It is to be understood that while a flywheel 16 is
illustrated, a simple set of crank arms (used either alone or with
a flywheel) may be similarly employed. A second end of each of the
intermediate links 18b engages a respective one of first and second
guide members 24a, 24b. As specifically illustrated, intermediate
link 18a engages guide member 24a via roller 22a, and intermediate
link 18b engages guide member 24b through roller 22b. The first and
second guide members 24a, 24b operate to direct the second ends of
the intermediate links 18a, 18b in a reciprocating path of travel,
as the first ends thereof travel along the arcuate path. While the
first and second guide members 24a, 24b are illustrated as being
straight rails disposed parallel to the floor, the guide members
may be otherwise configured. For example, the guide members may be
curved rails, or they may be inclined relative to the base of the
frame 12. Other configurations of first and second guide may also
be employed. For example, the guide members may comprise troughs or
variously configured support linkages. In some instances, a single,
relatively wide member will suffice to guide both intermediate
links, and will function, as the first and second guide
members.
[0017] The exercise device 10 of FIG. 1 includes a pair of foot
links, only one of which, 26a, is visible in this drawing, it being
understood that the other is a mirror image thereof. The foot link
26a is configured to receive and support the foot of a person
utilizing the exercise device. A first end of the foot link 26a is
pivotably connected to its respective intermediate link 18a via a
connector pin 28a. The second end of the foot link 26a engages a
third guide member 30a. which in this instance comprises a guide
rail which is inclined relative to the floor. As illustrated, the
foot link 26a engages the guide rail 30a via a roller 32a disposed
at the second end of the foot link 26a. A similar arrangement is
provided with regard to the second foot link.
[0018] In the operation of the illustrated embodiment of exercise
device 10, the flywheel 16 rotates about the first pivot axis 14
causing the first ends of the intermediate links 18 to move in the
aforedescribed arcuate path. The second ends of the intermediate
links 18 move in a reciprocating path as defined by the first and
second guides 24a, 24b. This action causes the foot links 26 to
also move. The first end of each of the foot links 26 is coupled to
its respective intermediate link 18, at a point between the first
and second ends thereof, and as a consequence, the first end of the
foot link 26a will travel in a rising and falling path of motion
defining a closed, oval loop such that the highest point in its
path of travel occurs when the first end of its respective
intermediate link is at the highest vertical distance from the
first pivot axis 14. Conversely, the first end of the foot link 26a
will be at its lowest point when the first end of its respective
intermediate link is at the lowest vertical distance from the first
pivot axis 14. The second end of the foot link 26a will
correspondingly travel along the third guide 30a in an upwardly
inclined path of travel. This combination of motions produces a
very natural foot action corresponding to a natural running and
stepping motion. Typically, the user's heel will initially rise at
a faster rate than the toe as a forward step begins, and will
initially fall at a faster rate than the toe on a backward
step.
[0019] The attachment point of the foot link 26a to its respective
intermediate link 18a may be adjusted. In the illustrated
embodiment, the connector pin 28a may be placed in any one of a
series of holes 34 defined in the intermediate link 18a. Clearly,
other adjustment mechanisms will be readily apparent to one of
skill in the art, including slotted connectors and the like. The
third and fourth guides, for example 30a, may also be made
adjustable so that the angle thereof relative to the floor may be
varied. Also, while the guide rail 30a is illustrated as being a
straight rail, it may also be curved so as to further modify the
foot action.
[0020] As illustrated, the device 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a
set of hand grips 36. The apparatus 10 may further include
auxiliary equipment such as an electronic or a mechanical indicator
coupled to the flywheel to indicate speed, distance, duration or
effort expended by the user in the operation of the exercise
device. It is also anticipated that the device may include an
adjustable braking system such as a magnetic, electronic or
mechanical brake for imposing a controlled drag on the operation of
the apparatus so as to selectively control the level of exercise
achieved therewith. All of such modifications and variations are
within the scope of the present invention.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown another embodiment
of exercise device 40 structured in accord with the present
invention. Device 40 of FIG. 2 includes a frame 42 having a first
pivot axis 14 defined thereupon. A flywheel 16, generally similar
to the flywheel previously described, is supported on the frame by
a central pillar, not shown. As in the previous embodiment, a first
intermediate link 18a has a first end thereof pivotably connected
to the flywheel 16. A second end of the intermediate link 18a
contacts a first guide rail 24a via a roller 22a, as previously
described.
[0022] The exercise device 40 of FIG. 2 includes a set of foot
links, one of which, 26a, is visible in this depiction. The first
end of the foot link 26a is pivotably connected to the first
intermediate link 18a by a connector pin 28a. In general, the
foregoing arrangement of elements is generally similar to that
shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] The FIG. 2 embodiment 40 differs from that of FIG. 1 insofar
as the third and fourth guide members in this embodiment each
comprise a generally elongated member 44a, 44b. Each of the
elongated members, 44, comprising the third and fourth guides are
pivotably attached, at a first pivot point thereof, to a second
pivot axis 46, defined upon the frame 42, so as to be pivotable
about the second pivot axis 46. Each of the elongated members is
also pivotably attached to the second end of its respective foot
link, and as illustrated, elongated member 44a is pivotably
attached to the second end of foot link 26a. The elongated members
44 function as the third and fourth guides to direct the second end
of the foot links 26 along a generally curved path which is
inclined relative to the floor. In this manner, the guides 44 of
the FIG. 2 embodiment function in a manner analogous to the guides
30 of the FIG. 1 embodiment, and a similar, beneficial foot and leg
action is achieved. Although not illustrated, it is to be
understood that the attachment point of the elongated members 44a
to the foot links 26a may be varied, as is known in the art, and
will thereby modify the foot action achieved by the device. As
illustrated, the elongated members include a slight bend therein
proximate their attachment point to the second pivot axis 46, and
this bend will, in some instances, serve to modify and improve the
hand action achieved by the device in use. It is to be noted that
the extension portions of the elongated members 44a may be
dispensed with, and a fixed hand grip substituted therefor. All of
such modifications and variations are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown yet another
embodiment 50 of exercise device structured in accord with the
present invention. Device 50 of FIG. 3 differs from that of FIG. 2
and FIG. 1 in several regards. The FIG. 3 apparatus includes a
first pivot axis 14 defined upon the frame 52, but does not include
a flywheel mounted at the first pivot axis 14. Instead, a pair of
crank arms 54a, 54b are disposed for rotation about the pivot axis
14. In the illustrated embodiment, a flywheel 16 is supported on
the frame 52 at a third pivot axis 56 separate from the first pivot
axis 14. The flywheel is mechanically coupled to the crank arms
54a, 54b by a drive chain 58 which engages a corresponding drive
wheel 60 associated with the crank arms 54a, 54b.
[0025] As in the previous embodiments, the device 50 of FIG. 3
includes a first intermediate link 28a and a second intermediate
link 28b as previously described. A first end of each intermediate
link 28 is pivotably coupled to a respective crank arm 54 so as to
define an arcuate path about said pivot axis 14 as said crank arms
54 rotate thereabout. A second end of each intermediate link 28
engages a guide track 24 via a roller 22, as previously
described.
[0026] The apparatus 50 of FIG. 3 includes a first and second foot
link 56a, 56b. As in the previous embodiments, the first end of
each of the foot links 56 is connected to its respective
intermediate link 18 by a connector 22. However, the second end of
each of the foot links 56 is a free end. In the apparatus 50 of
FIG. 3, the second and third guides each comprise a roller element
supported by the frame 52. In the FIG. 3 illustration, only one of
the rollers, 58a, is visible, and this roller 58a comprises the
third guide member. A fourth guide member is comprised by a similar
roller. The roller 58a engages its respective foot link 56a so that
the foot link 56a glides thereacross, as the associated
intermediate link 18a moves under the influence of its respective
crank arm 54a. In this manner, the roller 58a directs the second
end of the foot link 56a along a preselected path of travel, which
defines a generally closed, oval shape indicated by arrows A. It
will be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the foot links
56a, 56b are bent, and this bend optimizes the foot action achieved
thereby, although it is to be understood that in some instances,
the foot links 56 may be configured as straight foot links, and may
further include wedge shaped foot retaining portions for adjusting
the angle of the user's foot. In other instances, adjustment of the
user's foot angle may be achieved by adjusting the relative
position of the roller 58 and track 24, and all of such
modifications and variations are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0027] Yet other modifications may be made to the FIG. 3
embodiment. For example, the roller 58a may be replaced by a
sliding contact or the like. The apparatus may be modified to place
the flywheel 16 at the first pivot axis 14, and in such instance,
the crank arms 54 may be eliminated provided the flywheel is of
sufficient diameter to assure proper action of the guide links 18.
As in previous embodiments, further equipment such as dynamic
braking systems, odometers or other such monitors may be
incorporated into the apparatus. As in all the previous
embodiments, the connection points between the various linkages may
be made adjustable so as to permit customizing and modification of
the action achieved thereby. Similarly, height adjustments may be
included for varying the positional relationship of the guides and
links. In yet other instances, a motorized drive may be associated
with the device for providing passive exercise, and such
embodiments are particularly suited for rehabilitative and
geriatric applications.
[0028] In view of the foregoing, it is to be understood that
numerous modifications and variations of the aforedescribed
apparatus may be implemented in accord with the teachings herein.
The foregoing drawings, discussion and description are merely meant
to illustrate particular embodiments of the invention, and are not
meant to be limitations upon the practice thereof. It is the
following claims, including all equivalents, which define the scope
of the invention.
* * * * *