Recumbent exercise apparatus

Stationary exercise apparatus has a frame, a chain with a seat and back adjustably mounted on the frame and a boom extending forward from the frame. A crank shaft is journaled in a gear mount at a distal end of the boom, and cranks and pedals are connected to the crank shaft. An outer telescopic member of the boom is fixed to the frame, and an inner telescopic member slides within the outer member and is clamped to the outer member. A drive shaft extending through the inner member is coupled to a flywheel and an energy absorber with an electrical feedback controller to vary the resistance as speed varies. The chair is mounted on a trunnion on side rails mounted on upright members. The fixed portion of the boom and the forward end of the rails is supported on an upright member which is welded to the leg of an "I" shaped base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The need for regular exercise is widely recognized. 
Ordinary stationary bicycles are an effective source of exercise. Their 
construction usually requires hands on operation, and the body posture is 
generally uncomfortable and unstable, prohibiting use by non-athletic or 
elderly people. Other devices which provide exercise may require permanent 
installation in gyms or may require assistance for the relatively 
dangerous use of free weights. Often, the exercises are strenuous. Most do 
not provide the benefits of extended aerobic exercise. 
One of the problems which exists with the obtaining of sufficiently 
extended aerobic exercise is that boredom soon overtakes the person or the 
person does not want to set aside regular time, as is necessary for a good 
exercise program. In addition to the physical benefits it is believed 
there are mental benefits to exercise. Other devices require concentrated 
attention to their operation, thus, preventing the effective use of the 
increased mental performance during exercise. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art. 
The present apparatus and the method for its use is a system of fitness 
which is more than just a machine or tool which can be used to attain 
fitness. The present invention provides a relationship between physical 
exercise and mental activity. 
Although terms, such as "runner's high", which is a sense of well being or 
heightened awareness, are used among persons who participate in sufficient 
exercise programs, the sense and the awareness are considered secondary by 
most persons who consider them at all. Most persons do not include in 
their basic motivations for exercising the attainment of a sense of well 
being and heightened awareness. 
The present invention is directed to establish the well being associated 
with exercise as the primary factor for incorporating a sufficient 
exercise program into a daily lifestyle. The invention does not diminish 
the importance of physical aspects associated with exercise. The invention 
is intended to make persons aware that they should expect an improvement 
in their mental, as well as physcial, capabilities when following a proper 
diet and exercise program. There has been limited research in the area of 
exercise and its effect on well being and the functioning of the mind. One 
area where exercise has proven to be of significant value is in treating 
depression. 
To know where to start with an exercise program, a person needs to know his 
present fitness level. After participation in a program over a period of 
time, an efficient method of testing progress is also needed. 
The present invention consists of a fitness exercise unit, a computer, 
various electrical sensing devices to monitor metabolic functions and a 
recording device to permanently record test results for comparison to 
future tests. 
The operation of the invention is as follows: 
A person is seated on an exercise unit of the present invention. Sensing 
devices for functions, such as heart rate, oxygen uptake, blood pressure 
and brain activity, are attached to the person. Statistics, such as age, 
sex, weight and level of activity, are entered into the computer. The 
computer receives inputs of measured metabolic functions while the person 
is at rest and uses that data in conjunction with manually entered data to 
compute a suitable workload for the person. The person then begins 
exercising. The computer monitors heart rate and informs the person when a 
optimum target heart rate is reached. The computer continues to monitor 
and record metabolic functions, brain activity and an amount of work being 
performed by the person. The computer provides signals to the person to 
attempt to maintain heart rate between minimum and maximum target levels 
during the testing. After a predetermined length of time, the computer 
instructs the person to stop exercising, and the computer continues to 
monitor heart rate and blood pressure and records the amount of time 
required for those functions to return to normal resting levels. Testing 
is complete at that time. The computer uses data collected during the 
testing to evaluate overall level of fitness. The computer then gives a 
competitive score, for example, 0-100% for each metabolic function tested 
and an average score which reflects overall level of fitness. Those scores 
are permanently recorded and used in subsequent tests to provide scores 
which reflect the person's level of improvement. 
Over the past few years, there has been a growing public awareness of the 
importance of exercise and diet in maintaining health and a sense of well 
being. Some of the mose recent studies have yielded conclusive evidence 
that persons with heart and respiratory ailments can improve their 
conditions through modification of diet and exercise. Those factors, 
coupled with the rising costs of medical care, are motivations to 
incorporate suitable exercise programs into daily lifestyle. However, only 
a small percentage of society participates in adequate daily exercise 
programs. 
One purpose of the invention is to create an exercise fitness unit which 
provides an efficient tool useful by anyone, regardless of age or physical 
condition, to attain a good workout. Requirements for using the standard 
exercise unit of the present invention are the ability to sit in a 
comfortable seat and move one's legs. Options are available, such as 
hand-operated levers that are mechanically coupled to resistance units and 
a seatbelt for stability when the unit is being operated, especially by 
hand controls. 
The options of the present invention are especially suited for use by 
persons who are not able to use their legs or by persons who may have use 
of only one arm or only one leg. The exercise unit also provides full body 
exercise when the handles and pedals are used concurrently. 
Another feature of the present invention is that a person is intended to 
accomplish mental activities while using the exercise device. That feature 
may provide one of the greatest advantages of the exercise unit over other 
methods of exercise. The present invention was designed to allow the use 
of a desk or work surface, while exercising. A desk is connected to the 
frame. The present invention is directed at producing a synergistic 
relationship between mental and physical performance. The present 
invention was designed to incorporate the tools and conditions normally 
associated with mental productivity, with the tools and conditions 
normally associated with physical fitness. For example, chairs, paper, 
pencils, computers, desks, books, are normally used in conjunction with 
thinking, creating, mental productivity, and increased metabolic activity, 
increased blood flow, heart rate, and increased oxygenation are normally 
associated with physical exercise. It is an intention of the present 
invention to demonstrate that due to increased metabolic activity and 
increased oxygenation that there is a corresponding increase in reading 
speed, increased retention, increased number of creative thoughts that can 
occur during exercise. It is an intention of the present invention to 
provide a means for incorporating productive and enhanced intellectual 
activity during exercise, instead of exercise having to be an interruption 
to productive intellectual and creative activity. 
The present invention is a superior tool in the area of human stress 
testing and research where sensitive electronic devices are used to 
transmit electrical activity from the body to electronic equipment for 
interpretation. The present invention uniquely provides a person an 
ability to operate over an extended period at maximum levels due to the 
construction of the frame, chair, boom, and gear box. 
A preferred recumbent exercise apparatus has a frame and a chair connected 
to the frame and supported by the frame. The chair has a seat portion and 
back portion. A boom is connected to the frame and extends from the frame 
forward of the chair. The boom has a proximal end mounted beneath the 
chair and a distal end remote from the chair. A journal bearing is 
connected to to distal end of the boom and extends transverse to the boom 
in a generally horizontal direction. A shaft mounted in the journal 
bearing has first and second opposite ends. Proximal ends of the first and 
second cranks are connected respectively to first and second ends of the 
shaft. First and second pedals respectively are connected to the first and 
second cranks and extend generally horizontally outward from the distal 
ends. Energy absorbing means provide resistance to the turning of the 
shaft by the pedal means and cranks. 
In a preferred embodiment, the boom is adjustable in length, whereby the 
journal bearing may be adjusted to different distances from the chair. 
Preferably, the boom is adjustable by telescopically varying the length of 
the boom adjacent the chair. The boom has a portion which slides through 
the frame and which is adjustable with respect to the frame to vary a 
distance of the journal bearing from the chair. 
In one embodiment, the chair is adjustable along the frame to vary position 
of the chair with respect to the frame. Trunnion means connect the chair 
to the frame. Locking means connect to the trunnion means, whereby the 
chair is rotatable rearwardly and forwardly with respect to the frame, 
into indefinite fixed positions. The shaft, which rotates within the boom, 
is likewise adjustable in length to conform to adjustments made to the 
boom. Any known means may be employed including the use of known 
telescopic drive shafts of the type commonly used for PTO (Pourer 
Take-Off) shafts, which function similarly to the previously described 
adjustable boom. 
Preferably, a drive shaft extends rearwardly from the distal end of the 
boom. Gear means at the distal end of the boom connect the crank shaft and 
drive shaft and increases rate of rotation of drive shaft. Energy 
absorbing means connected to the frame at a proximal end of the boom and 
connected to an end of the drive shaft adjacent the proximal end of the 
boom absorbs from the drive shaft energy delivered to the drive shaft by 
the crank shaft. A flywheel is connected to the drive shaft near the 
proximal end of the boom. Gauge means connected to the energy absorbing 
means indicate energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means and work 
produced on the drive shaft. 
In a preferred embodiment, the boom has an outer telescopic member rigidly 
connected to the frame and an inner telescopic member slidable within the 
outer telescopic member. The inner and out telescopic members have 
cooperating fixtures for complementary alignment and adjustment of the 
inner telescopic member. For example, a mechanical locking device hinged 
to the outer telescoping member cooperates with a threaded fixture that 
engages and disengages with screw threads on the drive shaft embodied in 
the inner telescoping member, gear teeth and worm gear drive combination, 
or pin inserted through holes of the inner/outer telescopic member, clamp 
means mounted on the outer telescopic member and engageable with the inner 
telescopic member clamps the members against movement. The drive shaft 
extends through the inner telescopic member. Flywheel is connected to the 
proximal end of the drive shaft and moves relative to the movement of the 
inner telescopic member. In one embodiment, the drive shaft telescopes 
inward and outward allowing the flywheel and energy absorbing means to 
remain fixed in position. 
In one embodiment, the energy absorbing means comprises an electrical 
generator coupled to the flywheel, load means electrically connected to 
the generator and sensing means connected to an electrical connection 
between the load means and the generator. 
In one embodiment, the energy absorbing means comprises an electromagnetic 
brake coupled to the flywheel. A rate-of-rotation sensor is connected to 
the frame for sensing rotation of the flywheel. Current adjusting means is 
connected to the sensor and to the electromagnetic brake for varying 
braking as flywheel rotation rate varies. A magnetic brake controller 
means is connected to the electromagnetic brake and control means 
connected to the frame adjacent the chair, whereby a user may control 
ratio of braking to flywheel speed. 
In one embodiment, the energy absorbing means comprises a rotating disc 
connected to the flywheel and a disc braking pad connected to the speed 
sensing means is connected to the frame for sensing speed of the flywheel. 
Feedback means is connected to the speed sensing means and to the disc 
braking pad for adjusting the pad as the speed of the flywheel varies. A 
control means is connected to the feedback means for controlling ratio of 
the feedback compared to the flywheel rotation, whereby a user may adjust 
a ratio of braking to speed. 
In a preferred embodiment, the energy absorbing means is a pump connected 
to the frame and coupled to the flywheel. Intake and output means are 
connected to the pump. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is connected to the 
frame and to the intake means for supplying hydraulic fluid to the pump. A 
flow control means connected to the valve controls resriction of the 
valve. A pressure transducer connected to the output converts hydraulic 
pressure in the output to electrical voltage. A meter connected to the 
transducer indicates power. Feedback means connected to the transducer 
means and to the control means controls the valve in response to 
electrical output of the transducer. A smoother is connected to the output 
for smoothing pressure surges in the output. 
Preferably, the frame has a longitudinal base member generally parallel to 
the boom. A transverse base member connected to the distal end of the 
longitudinal base member resists rotation around an axis of the base 
member. A member extending upwardly from a medial portion of the 
longitudinal base member is connected to the boom for supporting the boom. 
A rear transverse member is connected to the proximal end of the 
longitudinal base member. Upright members are connected to the rear 
transverse member. Upright members are connected to the rear transverse 
member. Rail members connected to the upper members extend generally 
horizontally and forwardly and generally parallel to the longitudinal base 
member. A cross member connected to the rail members supports the boom. 
Trunnion means are connected to the rail members, and the chair is 
connected to the trunnion means. 
Preferably, seatbelt means connected to the rail members extend upward over 
the seat. 
A desk connected to the rail members extends above the seat portion of the 
chair and forward the chair for permitting a user to read or write while 
exercising. 
One embodiment includes first and second connecting rods. First and second 
handles respectively are mounted on proximal emds of the connecting rods 
near the chair. First and second connectors respectively connect distal 
ends of the connecting rods to the pedals at distal ends of respective 
first and second cranks. Preferably, a transverse rod is connected to the 
frame means beneath the boom. Proximal ends of first and second idler rods 
respectively are connected to first and second ends of the transverse rod. 
Distal ends of the first and second idler rods respectively are hinged to 
medial portions of the connecting rods, whereby the handles are supported 
upward near the chair. 
Preferably, toe clips are connected to the pedals for providing lifting and 
pulling flexure exercise to a user, as well as pushing extension exercise 
to a user. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is useful to convert 
the human power input from a relatively slow, for example, 60-120 rpm, 
erratic form of energy, to a higher speed, for example 900-1800 rpm, 
smoother form of energy. This is accomplished by a combination of the 
gearbox that is mounted on the distal end of the boom, which not only 
changes the direction of output 90 degrees transverse to the input, but 
also multiplies the rate of rotation, for example 15 times the input, some 
applications may be more or less. It is the increased rate of rotation and 
decreased torque in the output shaft that allows for the useful 
application of a flywheel, which is a key to smoothing out the relatively 
slow, erratic human input. Therefore, the pedals, speed increaser gear 
box, and flywheel operate as an intergrated system. The energy absorbing 
means, whether hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, or solid state operate 
more effectively when their energy input has been converted to the high 
speed, relatively smooth form of energy. By the application of the high 
speed relatively smooth energy inputs into the energy absorbing systems, 
the person exercising is able to experience a more rhythmic state of work, 
which requires less concentration on the workout, therefore allowing more 
freedom to think, read or otherwise enjoy the workout with a minimum 
amount of distraction, or unnecessary mental fatigue. 
In one embodiment of the present invention, the use of the flywheel is 
disengaged or removed for applications of specific dynamic testing of leg 
strength and form during different angles of the pedal stroke and testing 
dynamics of arm strength and form during different angles of hand operated 
levers. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a housing, for example, 
plastic, fiberglass, or metal covers the mechanical members and/or parts 
or all of the frame for neatness of appearance, acoustic insulation, and 
safety. 
In one embodiment of the present invention arm rests and or hand hold grips 
are attached to the left and right side rails of the frame to provide 
extra stability and minimize unnecessary fatigue of arms when not being 
used. 
The present system of the invention of converting the relatively slow 
speed, erratic human inputs into high speed smoother outputs is useful for 
powering, for example, human powered boats, recumbent bicycles and other 
wheeled vehicles, generators, human powered aircraft, or other devices 
where human energy input is required. 
These and other and further objects and features of the present invention 
are apparent in the disclosure, which is the above and ongoing written 
description, including the claims, and the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise apparatus is generally indicated by the 
numeral 1. The exercise unit has a frame 2, a chair 4, a boom 6 and work 
input unit 8 on the distal end of the boom 6. 
Frame 2 has an "I" shaped base with a longitudianl member arm 10 and front 
and rear transverse members 12 and 14. Vertical member 16 slopes outwardly 
and forwardly from the central arm 10. Vertical members 18 extend upward 
from opposite ends of the rearward transverse member 14. Rails 20 extend 
forward from upper ends of the vertical members 18 and frontal member 22 
connects front ends of the rails. 
Trunnion mounts 24 extend upward from rails 20 and may be adjustable to 
slide along the rails. Trunnions 26 are mounted on the trunnion mounts and 
seat supports 28 are connected to the trunnions 26. The seat 4 has a frame 
30 with a seat portion 32 and a back portion 34. The seat frame 30 is 
formed of one continuous loop of tubular metal. In an alternative 
arrangement, the frame 30 may be formed with hinges between the seat and 
back members to permit tilting of the back member to a desired angle. 
Boom 6 has a rigid portion 36 connected to the frontal member 22 of the 
frame 2 and to the upright member 16. The rigid boom portion 36 comprises 
an outer telescopic member. An inner telescopic member 38 slides within 
the outer telescopic members. Complementary holes 40 and 42 are 
selectively aligned to receive length-fixing pin 44, which is dropped into 
the aligned holes by the user. Clamping member 46 is turned within the 
threaded collar 47, which is welded to the outer telescopic member 36. A 
lower end of the clamping member 46 bears against the inner telescopic 
element 38 to prevent minor cyclic movement between the telescopic 
members. 
Gear box 8 mounted on the distal end of the boom 6 has a journal bearing 48 
in which a crank shaft 50 is mounted. First and second cranks 52 and 54 
have proximal ends 56 connected to the crank shaft 50. Distal ends 58 are 
connected to pedals 60, which extend generally horizontally. The pedals 60 
have toe clips 62 in a preferred embodiment to hold the feet of a user in 
proper alignment on the pedals 60. Moreover, the toe clips 62 allow the 
expressing of flexor muscles, as well as extender muscles, and provide 
total leg exercise and increase the value of the aerobic exercise. 
Gear box 8 includes gears 64, which increase the speed of rotation of the 
input and transmits it to the proximal end 66 of drive shaft 68. Universal 
joints 70 and 72 may be provided on the distal and proximal ends of the 
drive shaft to provide proper height and alignment positioning of the gear 
box, drive shaft and flywheel 74. A coupling 76 connects the drive shaft 
68 to the flywheel. 
An energy absorbing means 80 is mounted beneath the seat to absorb the work 
of the drive shaft. Gauge 82 registers the total work. 
As shown in FIG. 2, desk 84 is added to the preferred form of the invention 
by mounting a support 86 on one of the rails 20. An L-shaped telescoping 
arm 88 is connected to support 86. An inner L-shaped telescoping arm 90 
slides within arm 88 and is fixed in position by screw pin 92. Brackets 94 
connect the desk 84 to arm 90. 
In one embodiment of the invention, adjustable telescopic connecting arms 
96 are connected to pedals by extensions 98. Handles 100 permit operating 
of the cranks 52 and 54 by hand. 
In one embodiment, to keep handles 100 within reach of a chair, a 
transverse rod 102 is connected to the frame and adjustable idler rods 104 
are connected to opposite ends of transverse rod 102 and are hinged to 
medial portions of connecting rods 96. In one preferred embodiment of the 
invention, a seat belt 106 is connected to rails 20 to maintain the user 
positioned in the chair, especially when operating handles 100. 
The handles 100 can be used to exercise the upper body or can be used 
simultaneously with the leg exercising pedals. The analog workload readout 
meter 82 enables one to determine how much work is outputted. 
In a preferred form of the invention, a bellows 108 covers the telescoping 
boom members 36 and 38 for neatness of appearance and to prevent clothing 
or leg contact with the metallic boom members. 
A preferred form of the invention uses hydraulics as an energy absorbing 
resistance unit, as schematically represented in FIG. 3. Hydraulic 
reservoir 110 supplies hydraulic fluid to an input line 112 of hydraulic 
pump 114, which is connected to the proximal end of the drive shaft 68 and 
coupled to flywheel 74. The output line 116 includes a flow control valve 
118 which meters the output and controls resistive pressure in output line 
116. The amount of restriction is variable to allow users to select a 
range of resistance that is suited to their specific strength, level of 
fitness and specific purpose of exercise. The hydraulic pump 114 pumps 
fluids from reservoir 110 through output line 116 against back pressure, 
as selected by control valve 118. When force applied to the pedals is 
increased, the hydraulic pressure created by pump 114 increases and the 
resistance pressure in output line 116 increases. Conversely, as force on 
the pedals is decreased, the system resistance decreases. Thus, the 
system, as shown in FIG. 3, automatically compensates for the fact that 
pedal leverage and leg strength vary through 360 degrees of crank 
rotation. 
Fluid is returned to reservoir 110 through low pressure line 120. 
Snubbers 122 and 124 smooth pressure surges and isolate gauges and 
transducers from high pressure spikes. Pressure gauge 126 is connected 
through snubber 124 to high pressure line 116. The pressure gauge 126 may 
be calibrated to read out in terms of different units, for example, horse 
power, watts, kilogram/meters per minute or foot/pounds per minute. 
Pressure transducer 128 converts the hydraulic pressure in line 116 and 
smoothed by snubber 122 into a proportional electrical voltage or current 
in electrical line 130. 
The user feedback system 132 is a digital or analog meter or other 
electrical readout calibrated in one of several different units of work 
measurements. Some systems use a computer for user feedback. 
In one embodiment of the system as shown in FIG. 4, an electromagnetic 
brake device 134 coupled to the flywheel 74 converts electrical current to 
mechanical friction. The amount of torque which is required to overcome 
this mechanical friction is directly proportional to the amount of 
electrical current applied. 
A rate-of-rotation sensor 136, such as an optical photoemitter and 
photocell device, senses rotations of flywheel 74. As flywheel rate of 
rotation increases, the repetition rate of the signal from the sensor unit 
136 increases. That signal is used in the brake controller unit 138 to 
adjust the amount of current in line 140 which is applied to brake 134. 
The signal from controller 138 is also sent through line 142 to the user 
feedback unit 144. 
The magnitude of current in line 140 controls the braking resistance of 
brake 134 and that current can be selected by the user in accordance with 
the user's fitness level. Controller 138 also regulates the current in 
accordance with the rate of rotation of the system flywheel. An output 
which is representative of current being supplied to the brake unit is 
provided for use in the user feedback system. That output is used in 
conjunction with a signal from the rate-of-rotation sensor to determine 
the total amount of work being performed by the user. The user feedback 
unit may provide displays of pedal rpm and amount of resistance in the 
system. In some cases, the user feedback unit is a computer. In the latter 
cases, the data is presented to the user in one or more of several forms. 
An alternate mechanical resistance energy absorption unit is shown in FIG. 
5. 
A rotating disc 146 attaches to the system flywheel 74. Friction is applied 
against the rotating disc 146 by a disc braking pad 148 which presses 
against the rotating disc 146 to create system resistance. Disc braking 
pad adjustment shaft 150 adjusts the amount of pressure on the 
disc-braking pad, thereby adjusting system resistance. The tension 
adjuster 152 is a hand wheel adjustable by the user and is calibrated to 
reflect amount of torque required at the pedals to overcome frictional 
resistance in the unit. 
A rate-of-rotation sensing wheel 154 transmits rotation through flexible 
cable 156 to operate a meter 157 which indicated flywheel rpms or which is 
calibrated to indicate pedal rpms. Brake pad 148 may be permitted to move, 
and a torque arm may be connected to the brake pad with a meter connected 
to the torque arm. Electrical outputs of the latter meter and the rpm 
meter 157 indicate system work. 
In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, a computer 160 is 
connected to the system. The computer has an alphanumeric input 162 and a 
monitor 164, as well as a printer 166. User 170 of the fitness system 1 
has various sensors connected to the computer. For example, a vital 
capacity device 172 with a breath input tube 174 is connected to the 
computer. A respiration rate sensor 176 which surrounds the user's chest 
is also connected to the computer. A blood pressure cuff 178 which 
surrounds the user's upper arm is also connected to the computer, and pump 
180 in the blood pressure cuff is controlled by the computer. A heart rate 
sensor 184 is also connected to the computer. Output rate signals are also 
connected to the computer via line 186. 
The vatious electrical sensing devices connected to the body monitor 
metabolic functions. The computer records those functions at rest, records 
the energy output and records the metabolic functions at levels of energy 
output. The computer displays the desired energy levels and the desired 
time of exercise and records metabolic functions after stopping of 
exercise. The computer then displays the next desired exercise and the 
desired energy level and period. Statistics, such as identification, age, 
sex, weight and level of activity, may be entered manually into the 
computer. During exercise, the computer informs the subject of the optimum 
target heart rate, indicates when that rate has been achieved and 
indicates time remaining of the exercise at that optimum rate. 
The computer also senses through its own input sensing means the amount of 
work being performed by the subject during the exercise. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the resistance unit is provided 
with adjustment and feedback adjustment to provide a workload that 
accommodates all users, without regard to present fitness level. 
A preferred embodiment of the invention included the absorbed energy gauge 
and also includes an electronic digital gauge with which one can 
accurately measure one's workload. A digital heart rate monitor is also 
provided with a sensor attached to a finger, wrist or chest of a user. 
With heart rate and workload indicators, one can precisely monitor 
workload and heart rate relationship, provide maximum cardiovascular 
workout without danger of accidentally exceeding one's medically 
prescribed target heart rate. 
The nature of the design of the present invention allows one to read, 
study, think, work, watch video, use a computer terminal, and perform all 
manner of mental activity. The device is intended to incorporate the 
heightened awareness and creativity developed during exercise in a 
productive way. The present invention is a new cardiovascular fitness 
apparatus that accommodates aerobic conditioning needs of all ages and 
conditions of people. The present invention is ergonomically designed to 
comfortably support the human body in a seated position. Because of the 
seat design and forward pedal placement, the body is secure and 
comfortable with no need for handlebars to help maintain balance. The 
pedal shaft is adjustable to accommodate various leg lengths. 
The workload is developed by a unique gear box, drive shaft, flywheel and 
energy absorbing system. One preferred form uses a hydraulic system that 
provides an accommodating form of resistance. The hydraulic resistance has 
advantages over friction-type resistance mechanisms because the hydraulic 
system is able to provide cyclically variable resistance which precisely 
accommodates the strength variations and changes in the pedal leverage in 
different positions of the pedal strake. One result of the hydraulic 
system is one's ability to work at higher workloads with less joint 
stress. The flywheel's purpose is to cooperate with the energy absorbing 
system to smooth out cyclical variations caused by erratic strength inputs 
and variations in pedal leverage variations in different positions of the 
pedal stroke. 
In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the drive system is 
used to power a human powered boat. The input pedals 202 and 205 are 
connected to the speed increaser gear box 203. The speed increaser gear 
box 203 increases the speed of rotation of the input from the crank shaft 
pedals 202 and 205 and changes the direction of rotation 90 degrees 
transverse to the input. Drive shaft 210 transmits the work input to a 
flexible shaft 211 which is connected to flywheel 208 and propeller 209. A 
chair with a seat and back 200 is mounted to a frame enclosed within boat 
housing 207. The speed increaser 203 is mounted to the distal end of boom 
206 that telescopes inwardly and outwardly to change the position of 
pedals 202 and 205 in relation to the chair 200. Locking and adjusting 
lever 201 cooperates with inner telescoping and outer telescoping members 
206 to adjust inward and outward placement of pedals 202 and 205 and to 
lock inner telescopic member 206 against movement. Hand operated steering 
conrol 204 is located on left, right or left and right side of chair 200. 
While the invention has been described with reference to specific 
embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be made 
without departing from the scope of the invention.