Abstract:
The present invention relates to a recumbent exercise apparatus that provides elliptical foot exercise 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. The pedals articulate to provide lower leg exercise with the heel and toe remaining in contact with the pedal while the pedals move along an adjustable inclined elliptical pedal curve. Arm exercise is adjustable to accommodate different size operators. A separate foot contact is provided to overcome a startup toggle condition.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. US 2007/0099764 filed Nov. 1, 2005 incorporating all of these by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a sit down exercise apparatus operated in a semi-recumbent position where foot operated pedals follow an oblong pedal path. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet.  
       STATE OF THE ART  
       [0003]     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. Furthermore, the aging population tends to favor semi-recumbent forms of exercise that encourage muscle tone.  
         [0004]     The sit down exercise cycle is the most commonly used apparatus today to elevate the heart rate and exercise some of the leg muscles. To achieve any significant benefit, however, an extensive amount of time is demanded of the user resulting in boredom. To reduce the time needed to elevate the heart rate and exercise additional muscles, various forms of hand cranks and arm levers have been added to sit-down exercise cycles.  
         [0005]     In recent years, semi-recumbent or more commonly referred to as recumbent exercise apparatus have appeared that provide for back and forth pedal movement to replace the traditional bike crank. Hawkins in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,053 shows pedals that move back and forth along a linear path. Webb in U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,081 shows a leg exercise machine with pedals that move back and forth along an arc path. Hildebrandt et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,356 shows pedals that move back and forth along a circular path with arm exercise. Hildebrandt et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,042,518, 6,666,799 and Ellis et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,162 show back and forth pedal movement for a recumbent exerciser. Ellis in U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,745 also shows pedals that provide back and forth movement along a circular arc.  
         [0006]     Another group of recumbent exercisers are emerging that use elliptical pedal movement for the feet. Rodgers, Jr. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,758 shows a recumbent exercise apparatus to generate an elliptical pedal movement using a crank, reciprocating member and roller/track to guide a pedal/foot member pivotally connected to the reciprocating member and a handle member. Eschenbach in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,855, Maresh in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,938,570 and 6,409,635 show elliptical foot motion for recumbent seated operation. Martin et al. in Pat. Application No. US 2004/0259692 shows pedal movements for a semi-recumbent exerciser. Stearns et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,077,197 and 6,283,895 show inclined pedals with elliptical movement for an operator leaning against a back support. McBride et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,065 shows elliptical pedal movement intended for stand-up operation in a seated position.  
         [0007]     There is a need for a recumbent cycle that has an elliptical pedal path configured to better utilize the range of leg and foot motion. There is also a need to adjust the incline angle of the ellipse to suit the desires of the operator. There is also a need to articulate the pedals to provide dorsi-flexion and plantar flexion foot exercise without raising the heel or toe from the pedal. There is a further need to coordinate arm exercise with the elliptical foot pedal path exercise for total body exercise that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the operator.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of pedals which provide extended leg exercise for semi-recumbent exercise. More particularly, apparatus is provided that offers variable intensity exercise through 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. Linkage is provided to coordinate arm exercise. A seat is provided adjustably supported by the framework to locate the operator in a generally semi-recumbent position.  
         [0009]     The pedals are guided through an oblong or elongate curve motion during operation by a seated operator in a semi-recumbent position. The generally elliptical pedal curve can be inclined towards the operator to maintain the leg force tangent to the curve during the down stroke to improve energy transfer from the leg muscles to the pedal motion control mechanism. The toe and heel of the operator remain in contact with the pedal while the pedal articulates for dorsi-flexion and plantar flexion exercise. The angle of the elliptical curve that is made with the horizontal surface is adjustable to provide a range of different pedal movements.  
         [0010]     Arm exercise is by arm levers coordinated with the mechanism guiding the foot pedals. An adjustment mechanism is provided to move a handle pivot allowing the arm exercise to be closer or further away from the operator while maintaining the range of handle movement.  
         [0011]     In the first embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal for each foot, each pedal being inclined and rigidly attached to a foot support member which is pivotally connected to a rotary crank arm and pivotally connected to a guide. The location of the pedal upon the foot support member can be repositioned for a different pedal curve. The crank arm completes one full revolution during a pedal cycle and is phased generally opposite the crank arm for the other pedal through a bearing journal attached to the framework forming a crank pivot axis.  
         [0012]     The guide for the first embodiment comprises a roller carriage having three rollers in contact with a two sided track. The roller carriage is pivotally connected to the foot support member at one end. An actuator, as directed by the control system, will raise or lower the rearward end of the track while the forward end of the track is pivotally attached to the framework.  
         [0013]     Load resistance is provided by magnetic resistance internal to a flywheel which is adjusted by the control system. A pulley attached to a crank arm engages the flywheel by a belt. Other forms of load resistance such as belt friction, alternator, air fan, etc. may also be used.  
         [0014]     Handles for arm exercise are pivotally attached to movable handle supports. Each handle is pivotally connected to a connector link which is also pivotally connected to the crank arm or foot support member. The handle support is pivotally connected to the framework at the crank pivot axis. An adjustment device allows the handles to be positioned close or further away from the operator without changing the range of handle movement.  
         [0015]     The seat is movably attached to the framework and is adjustable by conventional means. Special foot contacts are provided on the foot support members to allow the operator to relocate the foot support member for a smooth startup without a toggle condition the can occur between the crank arm and foot support member when they align.  
         [0016]     In a second embodiment, the guide is a rocker link pivotally connected to the forward end of the foot support member and pivotally connected to a screw nut. An actuator will move the screw nut to other positions as directed by the control system to change the angle of the rocker pivot path thus changing the angle of the pedal curve relative to a horizontal surface. Otherwise, the remainder of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.  
         [0017]     In the preferred third embodiment, the guide is positioned intermediate the foot support member with a crank pivotally connected to one end of the support member and a pedal attached to the other end. The guide comprises a roller attached to the foot support member and an adjustable track which allows the orientation angle of the pedal curve to be changed. The remainder of the preferred third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.  
         [0018]     In the forth embodiment, the guide is positioned intermediate the foot support member with a crank pivotally connected to one end of the foot support member and a pedal attached to the other end. The guide comprises a rocker link pivotally connected to the foot support member and to the framework. The remainder of the forth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment.  
         [0019]     In summary, this invention provides the operator with coordinated semi-recumbent exercise of both the hands and feet through extended motions without joint impact. The angle of incline for the elliptical pedal curve is adjustable for a broader range of exercise. The handles for arm exercise can be repositioned closer or further away from the operator as desired. Should a toggle condition occur during startup, a special foot contact allows the operator to move the foot support for a non-toggle startup.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a left side elevation view of the first embodiment of an exercise machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is the rear view of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevation of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a left side elevation of the preferred third embodiment of the present invention with the adjustable track inclined;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a left side elevation of the preferred third embodiment of the present invention with the adjustable track horizontal;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a left side elevation of the forth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals  50 , 52  are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in their most forward and rearward positions of the first embodiment. During operation of the exercise apparatus, pedals  50 , 52  follow the inclined elliptical pedal curve  5 . Foot support members  58 , 60  are connected to crank arms  20 , 22  at pivots  21 , 23  and to roller carriage  24 , 26  at pivots  25 , 27 . Pedals  50 , 52  are attached to inclined support members  54 , 56  which are rigidly attached to foot support members  58 , 60  with connectors  2 . Additional connectors  3 , 4  allow the pedals  50 , 52  to be repositioned along foot support members  58 , 60  to change the shape of pedal curve  5 .  
         [0027]     The forward ends of tracks  28 , 30  are connected to frame member  79  at pivot  35 . The rearward ends of tracks  28 , 30  may be raised or lowered by actuator  15  which has screw nut  43  connected to screw  13 . Links  38 , 40  are connected to screw nut  43  and to tracks  28 , 30  at pivots  39 , 41 . Roller set  31 , 33  are pivotally connected to roller carriage  24 , 26  and are in rolling contact with tracks  28 , 30 .  
         [0028]     Crank arms  20 , 22  are connected generally opposed in crank bearing housing  90  forming a crank pivot axis. Crank bearing housing  90  is attached to frame member  84 . Crank arms  20 , 22  and foot support members  58 , 60  are shown in toggle positions in  FIG. 1 . An operator seated in seat  63  with feet positioned on pedals  50 , 52  could have difficulty overcoming the toggle position during startup. To avoid a difficult start, foot pegs  3  are attached to foot support members  58 , 60  whereby the operator initially places one foot on foot peg  3  to move crank arms  20 , 22  more vertical for better force transmission from the foot support member  58 , 60  to crank arms  20 , 22  once the feet are applying force upon pedals  50 , 52 .  
         [0029]     Pulley  46  is attached to crank arm  22  to rotate about the pivot axis. Flywheel  17  is connected to frame member  86  at pivot  37  and is engaged with pulley  46  by belt  19 . Idler assembly  18  and spring  34  maintain belt tension. Once the pedals  50 , 52  are moving, the momentum of flywheel  17  supplies energy to drive through the toggle positions without notice by the operator.  
         [0030]     During operation, pedals  50 , 52  articulate providing modest dorsi-flexion and plantar flexion foot rotation about the ankle similar to a standup cross trainer. Adjustment of the tracks  28 , 30  change the orientation of pedal curve  5  to exercise leg muscles differently. Control system  66  with wires  6  connected to wires  7  can regulate the actuator in a pre-programmed manner or manually by the operator. Flywheel  17  has magnetic resistance adjusted by controller  16  with wires  8  connected to the wires  6  of control system  66  using conventional means. Control system  66  is attached to support  61  which is connected to frame member  75 .  
         [0031]     Frame members  72 , 74  are configured to rest on a horizontal surface and are connected by frame member  70 . Frame members  75 , 79 , 84 , 86  and  70  are interconnected for the framework. Seat  63  is movably attached to frame member  75  by seat support  65 . Knob  67  will secure seat support  65  to frame member  75  after operator adjustment for leg length.  
         [0032]     Arm exercise is provided by handles  62 , 64  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Handles  62 , 64  are connected to handle supports  76 , 78  at pivots  55 , 57 . Connector links  92 , 94  are connected to handles  62 , 64  at pivots  45 , 47  and crank arms  20 , 22  at pivots  21 , 23 . Handle supports  76 , 78  are connected by crossover member  77  and configured to rotate about pivots  9 , 11  which coincide with the pivot axis on upright supports  71 , 73  which are attached to frame member  74 . Slot arms  79  are pivotally connected to crossover member  77  and adjustment knob  80  on frame  75 . When adjustment knob  80  is loosened, handle supports  76 , 78  rotate about pivots  9 , 11  allowing handle pivots  55 , 57  to be repositioned to move the handles  62 , 64  closer or further away from the operator. The range of movement for handles  62 , 64  remains the same for each position selected. Handle  62  is rearward when pedal  50  is forward.  
         [0033]     A second embodiment is shown in  FIG. 3  where roller carriages  24 , 26  have been replaced as guides by rocker links  80 , 82 . Rocker links  80 , 82  are connected to foot support members  58 , 60  at pivots  25 , 27  and to screw nut  83  at pivot  81 . As crank arms  20 , 22  rotate, pedals  50 , 52  follow inclined pedal curve  69 . Actuator  15  is connected to frame member  61  and with screw  13  connected to screw nut  83 . When actuator  15  moves screw nut  83  along screw  13 , the incline of curve  68  for pivots  25 , 27  changes with a resulting change of incline for pedal curve  69 . Other features of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment.  
         [0034]     In the preferred third embodiment, pedals  50 , 52  are positioned at the ends of foot support members  358 , 360  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Rollers  324 , 326  are connected to foot supports  358 , 360  at pivots  325 , 327  positioned intermediate pedals  50 , 52  and crank arm pivots  21 , 23 . Rollers  324 , 326  are in rollable contact with tracks  28 , 30  shown inclined in  FIG. 4  causing inclined pedal curve  105 . Actuator  15  can change the angle of pedal curve  105  upon direction of the control panel  65 .  FIG. 5  shows the tracks  28 , 30  in a position different from  FIG. 4  which happens to be horizontal with different pedal curve  103 . The remainder of the preferred third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0035]     A forth embodiment is shown in  FIG. 6  where rocker links  464 , 466  are connected to foot support members  458 , 460  at pivots  461 , 463  and to frame member  70  at pivot  465 . Pivots  461 , 463  are positioned on foot support members  458 , 460  intermediate pedals  50 , 52  and crank arm pivots  21 , 23 . Rotation of crank arms  20 , 22  cause pedals  50 , 52  to follow pedal curve  109 . Relocation of pivot  465  using the actuator  15  as shown in the second embodiment  FIG. 3 , will change the pedal curve  109 . The remainder of the forth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0036]     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.