Abstract:
An exercise device includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis. A foot link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is a pivotally connected to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the lower portion and a second portion coupled to the forward portion of the foot link, such that a rearward force applied to the upper portion will produce a force on the forward portion having a downward component. An arm enabling/disabling mechanism is positioned on the elongate swing arm below the pivotal connection. The arm enabling/disabling mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to exercise equipment.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established. However, due to time constraints, inclement weather, and other reasons, many people are prevented from aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, running, and swimming. In response, a variety of exercise equipment has been developed for aerobic activity. It is generally desirable to exercise a large number of different muscles over a significantly large range of motion so as to provide for balanced physical development, to maximize muscle length and flexibility, and to achieve optimum levels of aerobic exercise. It is further advantageous for exercise equipment to provide smooth and natural motion, thus avoiding significant jarring and straining that can damage both muscles and joints.  
         [0003]     While various exercise systems are known in the prior art, these systems suffer from a variety of shortcomings that limit their benefits and/or include unnecessary risks and undesirable features. For example, stationary bicycles are a popular exercise system in the prior art; however, these machines employ a sitting position that utilizes only a relatively small number of muscles, through a fairly limited range of motion. Cross-country skiing devices are also utilized to simulate the gliding motion of cross-country skiing. While cross-country skiing devices exercise more muscles than stationary bicycles, the substantially flat shuffling foot motion provided by the ski devices limits the range of motion of some of the muscles being exercised. Another type of exercise device simulates stair climbing. These devices exercise more muscles than stationary bicycles; however, the rather limited range of up-and-down motion utilized does not exercise the user&#39;s leg muscles through a large range of motion. Treadmills are still a further type of exercise device in the prior art. Treadmills allow natural walking or jogging motions in a relatively limited area. A drawback of the treadmill, however, is that significant jarring of the hip, knee, ankle and other joints of the body may occur through use of this device.  
         [0004]     A further limitation of a majority of exercise systems in the prior art lies in the limits in the types of motions that they can produce. A relatively new class of exercise devices are capable of producing elliptical motion. Exercise systems create elliptical motion, as referred to herein, when the path traveled by a user&#39;s feet while using the exercise system follows an arcuate or ellipse-shaped path of travel. Elliptical motion is much more natural and analogous to running, jogging, walking, etc., than the linear-type, back and forth motions produced by some prior art exercise equipment.  
         [0005]     Exercise devices that can provide arm and shoulder motions as well as elliptical foot motions are also desirable. Prior art devices utilize arm and shoulder motions that are linked to foot motions. These linked devices incorporate forced coordinated motion, where the motions of a user&#39;s feet are linked to the motions of a user&#39;s arms and shoulders. Thus, the user&#39;s feet are forced to move in response to the movement of the user&#39;s arms and shoulders (in substantially an equal and opposite amount), and vice versa. One drawback to these linked devices lies in the desire of certain users to utilize the foot motions without a corresponding utilization of the arm apparatuses. Because the arm apparatuses travel through a given path regardless of whether the user is exerting any force on the arm due to the force being exerted on the foot links, even where the arm apparatuses are not engaged the arm apparatuses continue in motion. This is at least bothersome to the user as these arm apparatuses are contained within close proximity to the user&#39;s body and reciprocate at a somewhat high rate of speed. One prior art device seeks to disable the arm apparatus altogether, however, this device suffers from the drawbacks of complexity of use and the need for the user or a technician to adjust the arm apparatus to either the enabled or disabled setting prior to and following use by a user.  
         [0006]     What would thus be desirable is an exercise device that provides for smooth natural action, exercises a relatively large number of muscles through a large range of elliptical motion, employs arm, shoulder, and rotational movement, and provides for safety and stability. Such an exercise device would further allow a user to easily and efficiently choose to use or not to use the arm apparatus.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides for smooth natural action, exercises a relatively large number of muscles through a large range of elliptical motion, employs arm, shoulder, and rotational movement, and provides for safety and stability. An exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present invention allows a user to easily and efficiently choose to use or not to use and efficiently stow the arm apparatus.  
         [0008]     In accordance with the present invention, an exercise device is provided having a frame defining a longitudinal axis, the frame having a rearward portion and a forward portion. A foot link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is a pivotally connected to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the lower portion of the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the forward portion of the foot link, such that a rearward force applied to the upper portion of the swing arm will produce a force on the forward portion of the foot link having a downward component. An arm enabling/disabling mechanism is positioned on the elongate swing arm below the pivotal connection. The arm enabling/disabling mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates an elevated front perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates an elevated rear perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 , which includes the abutment arm and curved attachment link of the engagement assembly.  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a close-up side view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 , which includes the abutment arm and curved attachment link of the engagement assembly.  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front, elevated view of an arm enabling/disabling mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the arm mechanisms in the enabled position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a close-up side view of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a close-up side view of the enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 6  with the arm mechanisms in between the enable and disabled positions.  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a close-up upper view of the enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 6  with the arm mechanisms in between the enable and disabled positions.  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a close-up upper view of the enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 6  with the arm mechanisms in the disabled position.  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative arm enabling/disabling mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is a close-up upper view of the enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 11  with the arm mechanisms in between the enable and disabled positions.  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is a close-up upper view of the enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 11  with the arm mechanisms in the disabled position.  
         [0023]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate elevated side perspective views of an alternative exercise device in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an embodiment of an exercise device  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention that exercises both the upper and lower body in associated motion. Briefly described, the exerciser  10  includes a frame  12  that has a forward upright member  20 . The forward upright member  20  extends upwardly and curves slightly rearwardly from a substantially horizontal, longitudinal central member  14  of the frame  12 . Left and right axle mounts  30 ,  32  extend upwardly towards the rear region of the frame  12 . The axle mounts  30 ,  32  support a transverse axle  34  that is preferably operatively connected to a flywheel  36 . The left and right ends of the transverse axle  34  rotatably engage left and right crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50 . Left and right foot links  60 ,  70  each include a forward portion  62 ,  72 , a rearward portion  64 ,  74 , and a foot support portion  66 ,  76  therebetween. The rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  engage the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  such that the foot support portion  66 ,  76  of the foot links travel in an arcuate reciprocal path as the transverse axle  34  rotates.  
         [0026]     The forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  preferably are supported by rollers  68 ,  78 , which engage guide tracks  42 ,  52  that are mounted to the frame  12 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide tracks can be statically mounted to the frame  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the guide tracks can incorporate a mechanism such as a motor (not shown) and a lead screw (not shown) for selectively adjusting the inclination of the guide tracks. The forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  are operatively connected to engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , which in turn are operatively connected to the coupling regions  86 ,  96  of left and right swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90 , respectively. The swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  are rotatably connected to the forward upright member  20  of the frame  12  at their respective pivot points  84 ,  94 . The swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  further contain left and right hand-gripping portions  82 ,  92 . Each engagement assembly  100 ,  110  includes an abutment arm  106 ,  116 , and a curved attachment link  104 ,  114 , which together prevent the derailment of the foot link rollers  68 ,  78  from the guide tracks  42 ,  52 .  
         [0027]     More particularly, the frame  12  includes the longitudinal central member  14  that terminates at forward and rearward portion portions  16 ,  18 . Preferably, the forward portion  16  of the frame  12  simply terminates at the end of the longitudinal central member  14 , while the rearward portion  18  terminates as a relatively shorter transverse member. Ideally, but not essentially, the frame  12  is composed of tubular members that are relatively light in weight but that provide substantial strength and rigidity. The frame  12  may also be composed of solid members that provide the requisite strength and rigidity while maintaining a relatively lightweight.  
         [0028]     The forward upright member  20  extends upwardly and slightly rearwardly from the forward portion  16  of the floor-engaging frame  12 . Preferably, the upright member  20  is slightly rearwardly curved; however, the forward member  20  may be configured at other upward angles without departing from the scope of the present invention. A relatively short, transversely oriented crossbar member  22  is connected to the forward upright member  20 . Left and right balance arms  24 ,  26  depend downwardly from each end of the crossbar member  22  to engage the floor on each side of the longitudinal central member  14  near the forward portion of the exercise device  10 , thereby increasing stability. Ideally, but not essentially, these members are composed of a material similar to that described above, and are formed in quasi-circular tubular configurations.  
         [0029]     Preferably, a view screen  28  is securely connected to the upper portion of the forward upright member  20 , at an orientation that is easily viewable to a user of the device  10 . Instructions for operating the device as well as courses being traveled may be located on the view screen  24  in an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments of the present invention, electronic devices may be incorporated into the exerciser device  10  such as timers, odometers, speedometers, heart rate indicators, energy expenditure recorders, controllers, etc. This information may be routed to the view screen  28  for ease of viewing for a user of the device  10 .  
         [0030]     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the axle mounts  30 ,  32  are located toward the rearward portion  18  of the frame  12 . The axle mounts  30 ,  32  are attached to the frame  12  and extend approximately upward from the substantially horizontal, longitudinal central member  14 . The transverse axle  34  is rotatably housed in the upper region of the axle mounts  30 ,  32 . These regions of the axle mounts  30 ,  32 , which house the ends of the transverse axle  34 , contain low friction engaging systems (not shown), such as bearing systems, to allow the transverse axle  34  to rotate with little resistance within the housing in the axle mounts  30 ,  32 .  
         [0031]     Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the transverse axle  34  connects to a flywheel  36  contained within a center housing  38 . Such flywheels are known in the art. However, in other embodiments, the transverse axle  34  may not incorporate a flywheel  36  and/or central housing  38 , without departing from the scope of the present invention (provided that the foot links  60 ,  70  are coupled to one another in some fashion, albeit directly or indirectly). The transverse axle  34  may also be operatively connected to a capstan-type drive (not shown) in some embodiments, to allow the axle  34  to rotate in only one direction.  
         [0032]     The elliptical motion exerciser  10  further contains longitudinally extending left and right foot links  60 ,  70 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the foot links  60 ,  70  are illustrated in the shape of elongated, relatively thin beams. The foot links  60 ,  70  are aligned in approximately parallel relationship with the longitudinal central member  14  of the frame  12 . The foot support portions  66 ,  76  are positioned near the forward portion of the foot links  60 ,  70 , and provide stable foot placement locations for the user of the device. In some exemplary embodiments the foot support portions  66 ,  76  are configured to form toe straps and/or toe and heel cups (not shown) which aid in forward motion recovery at the end of a rearward or forward striding motion of a user&#39;s foot.  
         [0033]     Left and right crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  couple the rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  to the ends of the transverse axle  34 . In one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  are comprised of single left and right crank arm members. In this exemplary embodiment the proximal portions of the crank arm members  40 ,  50  engage the ends of the transverse axle  34 , while the distal portions of the crank arm members  40 ,  50  are rotatably connected to the rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70 . In this configuration, the rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  orbit about the transverse axle  34  as the axle rotates, and the foot support portions  66 ,  76  of the foot links  60 ,  70  travel in a reciprocal, elliptical path of motion; however, the elliptical path of the foot support portions  66 ,  76 , and indeed the motion of the entire foot links  60 ,  70  can be altered into any number of configurations by changing the composition or dimensions of the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50 . For example, the length of the single left and right crank arms shown in  FIG. 1  can be lengthened or shortened to modify the path of the foot links  60 ,  70 . Further, the left and right crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  can be composed of multiple crank arm member linkages to alter the path of travel of the foot links  60 ,  70  in a wide variety of aspects.  
         [0034]     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  are rotationally connected directly to a flywheel which functions to couple the foot links  60 ,  70  to a pivot axis (equivalent to the axis of the transverse axle  34 ) and permit rotation thereabout. In this embodiment, the flywheel is preferably a double flywheel that supports rotation about a central axis. Various mechanical arrangements may be employed to embody the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  in operatively connecting the foot links  60 ,  70  to each other. Such variations may include a larger flywheel, a smaller flywheel, or may eliminate the flywheel entirely and incorporate a cam system with connecting linkage, provided that the foot links are coupled so as to permit an arcuate path of travel by the foot support portions  66 ,  76  of the foot links  60 ,  70 .  
         [0035]     As most clearly shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the exerciser device  10  further contains left and right guide tracks  42 ,  52 . The guide tracks  42 ,  52  can be completely separate members, or can be part of one single connected unit (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The guide tracks  42 ,  52  attach to the longitudinal central member  14  of the frame  12  at an angled inclination. In one embodiment, the angle of inclination is approximately 30 degrees. Preferably, the upper surface of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  is shaped to contain two longitudinally extending, adjacent engagement grooves  44 ,  54 . These engagement grooves  44 ,  54  give the upper surface of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  a generally “W-shaped” cross-sectional configuration. The engagement grooves  44 ,  54  are specifically sized and shaped to correspondingly mate with the rollers  68 ,  78  of the foot links  60 ,  70  in order to assist in the lateral containment of the rollers  68 ,  78  on the guide tracks. In addition, the lower surface of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  preferably contain longitudinally extending stabilizing troughs  46 ,  56  (see  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0036]     The left and right forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  terminate in left and right engagement rollers  68 ,  78 . The left and right engagement rollers  68 ,  78  ride along the above-described grooves  44 ,  54  of the guide tracks  42 ,  52 . Preferably, the engagement rollers  68 ,  78  are actually pairs of rollers. The engagement rollers  68 ,  78  rotate about axles that are affixed to the forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70 . During use of the exercise device  10 , the engagement rollers  68 ,  78  at the front of the foot links  60 ,  70  translate back and forth the length of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  in rolling engagement within the grooves  44 ,  54 , as the foot support portions  66 ,  76  of the foot links  60 ,  70  travel in an arcuate path of motion, and the rearward portions  64 ,  74  of the foot links  60 ,  70  rotate about the transverse axle  34 . In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the engagement rollers  68 ,  78  could be replaced with sliding engagement mechanisms without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0037]     As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , left and right engagement assemblies  100 ,  110  operatively connect the forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  to the coupling regions  86 ,  96  of swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90 . Preferably, each of the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110  includes a curved attachment link  104 ,  114 , and an abutment arm  106 ,  116 . In alternate embodiments, either more or fewer members can be utilized to produce the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110  without departing from the scope of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the abutment arms  106 ,  116  each have an abutment knob  108 ,  118 . The abutment knobs  108 ,  118  are designed to withstand intermittent contact with the stabilizing troughs  46 ,  56  on the lower surface of the guide tracks  42 ,  52  during use of the exercise device  10 .  
         [0038]     In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110  could be configured such that the abutment knobs  108 ,  118  were located on the curved attachment links  104 ,  114  (or the abutment knobs could be deleted altogether), without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, depending on the exact configuration and number of links utilized in the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , the curved attachment links  104 ,  114  may not even be curved, but rather may be linear attachment links. Each curved attachment link  104 ,  114  is rotatably coupled to an abutment arm  106 ,  116 . Each curved attachment link  104 ,  114  is fixedly secured to the forward portion  62 ,  72  of a foot link  60 ,  70 , and each abutment arm  106 ,  116  is rotatably coupled to the coupling region  86 ,  96  of a swing arm mechanism  80 ,  90 .  
         [0039]     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the exerciser device  10  contains left and right swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90 . Respectively, each swing arm mechanism  80 ,  90  contains a hand-gripping portion  82 ,  92 , a pivot point  84 ,  94 , and a coupling region  86 ,  96 . The coupling regions  86 ,  96  of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  rotatably connect to the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , and turn to the foot support portions  66 ,  76  of the foot links  60 ,  70 . The pivot points  84 ,  94  rotatably secure the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to each end of the crossbar member  22  of the frame  12 .  
         [0040]     The hand-gripping portions  82 ,  92  of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  are grasped by the hands of the individual user, and allow upper body arm and shoulder exercising motions to be incorporated in conjunction with the reciprocal, elliptical exercising motion traced out by the user&#39;s feet. As can be more readily understood with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the linking of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the foot links  60 ,  70 , via the engagement assemblies  100 ,  110 , and the rotational securement of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the forward upright member  20  of the frame  12  at the pivot points  84 ,  94 , results in generally rearward, arcuate motion of a hand-gripping portion being correspondingly linked to a generally forward, arcuate motion of a respective foot support portion, and vice versa.  
         [0041]     An alternative exemplary exercise device that can incorporate the principles of the present invention is set forth in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The exercise device includes a frame  712  having a pivot axis, X, defined therein, as for example by a shaft passing through, and supported by the frame  712 . In this exemplary embodiment, the shaft has a flywheel  718  supported thereupon for rotation about the pivot axis X. The exercise device further includes a first and second bell crank  720 ,  722  pivotally mounted for rotation about the axis X. First and second foot links,  724 ,  726  are provided. The foot links  724 ,  726  are generally elongated members having a first portion pivotally connected to the bell cranks  722 ,  720  in such a manner so as to permit travel of the first portions of the foot links  724  and  726  in an arcuate path of travel about the pivot axis X at a predetermined length corresponding to the length of the bell cranks  720 ,  722 .  
         [0042]     A pair of arm links  764  and  766  is provided. Each arm link  764 ,  766  is pivotally supported by the frame  712  at support point  768 . The arm links  764 ,  766  are also pivotally coupled to the ends  724 ″,  726 ″ of the foot links  724 ,  726 . As indicated by phantom line Y, pivoting of the arm links  764 ,  766  about the support point  768  causes the second ends  724 ″,  726 ″ of the foot links  724 ,  726  to reciprocate along the curved path Y. The arm links  764 ,  766  also include handle portions  764   a,    766   a  associated therewith. These handle portions may be configured to be gripped by a user and, during the operation of the device they also reciprocate, thereby providing upper body exercise.  
         [0043]     An exercise device that is constructed in accordance with the present invention allows a user to easily and efficiently choose to use or not to use the arm apparatus. Referring to  FIGS. 6-10 , an arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in accordance with the principles of the present invention is seen.  FIG. 6  is a front, elevated view of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  of the present invention.  FIGS. 7-10  are close-up side views of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  of the present invention. For ease of reference, only a single arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  contained on one side of the pivot point connection  84 ,  94  will be described.  
         [0044]     A bracket  123  is securely connected to the arm mechanism and extends downwardly on each side of the pivot point connection  84 ,  94 . The bracket  123  provides a pivotal connection  94  between an upper portion  126  and a lower portion  127  of the swing arm mechanism  90 . While this exemplary arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  is shown and described as positioned connected to the arm mechanism at the approximate midpoint of the arm mechanism, it should be appreciated that the position of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism is not critical to the principles of the present invention so long as the positioning of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism allows the arm mechanisms to be disengaged from the leg potion.  
         [0045]     The bracket  123  secures a cable assembly  130  having a cable  132  connected at one end to an actuator  134  contained on the arm mechanism  90  proximal to the hand-gripping portions  92  (seen in  FIGS. 1-3 ). In one embodiment, the actuator  134  is a hand lever as depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 ; in additional embodiments, alternative actuators such as but not limited to push rods, push buttons, rotary hand member, etc. can be utilized. The opposite end of the cable  132  is connected to a latching plate  136  by a suitable securing apparatus  138 . The latching plate  136  is pivotally secured to the bracket  123  around a latching plate pivot axis  141 . The latching plate  136  includes a biasing arm  143  having a biasing member  145  such as a spring connecting the biasing arm  143  to the bracket  123  by suitable securing apparatus  147 ,  149 . Thus, the latching plate  136  is biased around the latching plate pivot axis  141  in opposition to the cable  132 , thereby providing biasing resistance to the cable  132 .  
         [0046]     The latching plate  136  further defines two slots  152 ,  154 . The first slot  152  secures the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in the enabled position; the second slot  154  secures the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in the disabled position. Proximal to the latching plate  136  in the enabled position an outwardly extending enable pin  156  extends from the lower portion  127  of the swing arm mechanism  90 . The outwardly extending enable pin  156  is adapted to coordinate with the first slot  152  defined in the latching plate  136 . In  FIG. 7 , the swing arm mechanism  90  is in the enabled position and thus the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  securely latches the outwardly extending enable pin  156  into the first slot  152  of the latching plate  136 . The biasing member  145  biases the latching plate  136  such that the outwardly extending enable pin  156  is securely engaged in the first slot  152 .  
         [0047]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are close-up views of the enabling/disabling mechanism of  FIG. 6  with the swing arm mechanism  90  in between the enable and the disabled positions. In this position, the user has actuated actuator  134  thereby causing the cable  132  to pull against the biasing member  145 . This causes the latching plate  136  to rotate about the latching plate pivot axis  141 , thereby disengaging the outwardly extending enable pin  156  from the first slot  152  of the latching plate  136 . With the outwardly extending enable pin  156  disengaged from the first slot  152  of the latching plate  136 , the user is free to pivot the swing arm mechanism  90  forward (away from the user) about pivotal connection  94  to the disabled position.  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is a close-up upper view of the enabling/disabling mechanism  121  of  FIG. 6  with the swing arm mechanism  90  in the disabled position. Proximal to the latching plate  136  in the disabled position, an outwardly extending disable pin  158  extends from the exercise device. When the hand-gripping portion  92  of the swing arm mechanism  90  has been extended forward with the actuator  134  activated, the latching plate  136  extends rearward and receives the outwardly extending disable pin  158  in the second slot  154 . Once the second slot  154  receives the disable pin  158 , the actuator  134  can be released to cause the disable pin  158  to be releasably secured in the second slot  154 . The latching plate  136  biasing member  145  biases latching plate  136  against the outwardly extending disable pin  158  to secure the swing arm mechanism  80  in the disabled position. Alternative latching plate configurations for selectably and releasably securing the plate to the disable and enable pins are also contemplated, such as a slop or play free fastener, a linear or slidable fastener, a rotatable or pivotable fastener, a spring-loaded fastener, and combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, a releasable locking mechanism could be employed to further secure the outwardly extending enable pins  156 , into the slots  152 ,  154 ,  158 .  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , a preferred embodiment of an arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in accordance with the principles of the present invention is seen. In  FIGS. 11-13 , like elements are designated with the same numerals.  FIG. 11  is a front, elevated view of the preferred embodiment of an arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIGS. 12 and 13  are close-up side views of the preferred embodiment of an arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in accordance with the principles of the present invention is seen. Again, for ease of reference only a single arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  contained on one side of the pivot point connection  84 ,  94  will be described.  
         [0050]     A bracket  123  is securely connected to the arm mechanism and extends downwardly on each side of the pivot point connection  84 ,  94 . In the preferred embodiment of an arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the bracket  123  defines extends on both the inner side and the outer sides of the swing arm mechanism  90  in order to provide a second pivot point  125 . This second pivot point  125  provides a pivotal connection between the bracket  123  and a lower portion  127  of the swing arm mechanism  90  in addition to a pivotal connection  94  between the bracket  123  and the upper portion  129  of the swing arm mechanism  90 . By providing this two pivot point connection among the lower portion  127  and the upper portion  129  of the swing arm mechanism  90 , the preferred embodiment of an arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  of the present invention balances the forces applied on the swing arm mechanism  90  thereby increasing the durability of the device. Again, while this exemplary arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  is shown and described as positioned connected to the arm mechanism at the approximate midpoint of the arm mechanism, it should be appreciated that the position of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism is not critical to the principles of the present invention so long as the positioning of the arm enabling/disabling mechanism allows the arm mechanisms to be disengaged from the leg potion.  
         [0051]     The bracket  123  secures a cable assembly  130  having a cable  132  connected at one end to an actuator  134  contained on the arm mechanism  90  proximal to the hand-gripping portions  82 . The opposite end of the cable  132  is connected to a latching plate  136  by a suitable securing apparatus  138 . The latching plate  136  is pivotally secured to the bracket  123  around a latching plate pivot axis  141 . The latching plate  136  includes a biasing arm  143  having a biasing member  145  such as a spring connecting the biasing arm  143  to the bracket  123  by suitable securing apparatus  147 ,  149 . Thus, the latching plate  136  is biased around the latching plate pivot axis  141  in opposition to the cable  132 , thereby providing biasing resistance to the cable  132 .  
         [0052]     The latching plate  136  further defines two slots  152 ,  154 . The first slot  152  secures the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in the enabled position; the second slot  154  secures the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  in the disabled position. Proximal to the latching plate  136  in the enabled position an outwardly extending enable pin  156  extends from the lower portion  127  of the swing arm mechanism  80 . The outwardly extending enable pin  156  is adapted to coordinate with the first slot  152  defined in the latching plate  136 . In  FIG. 12 , the swing arm mechanism  80  is in the enabled position and thus the arm enabling/disabling mechanism  121  securely latches the outwardly extending enable pin  156  into the first slot  152  of the latching plate  136 . The biasing member  145  biases the latching plate  136  such that the outwardly extending enable pin  156  is securely engaged in the first slot  152 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 13  is a close-up upper view of the enabling/disabling mechanism  121  of  FIGS. 11-13  with the swing arm mechanism  80  in the disabled position. Proximal to the latching plate  136  in the disabled position, an outwardly extending disable pin  158  extends from the exercise device. When the hand-gripping portion  92  of the swing arm mechanism  90  has been extended forward with the actuator  134  activated, the latching plate  136  extends rearward and receives the outwardly extending disable pin  158  in the second slot  154 . Once the second slot  154  receives the disable pin  158 , the actuator  134  can be released to cause the disable pin  158  to be releasably secured in the second slot  154 . The latching plate  136  biasing member  145  biases latching plate  136  against the outwardly extending disable pin  158  to secure the swing arm mechanism  80  in the disabled position. Again, in further embodiments a locking mechanism or alternative fastening mechanisms could be employed to further releasably secure the outwardly extending enable pins  156 , into the slots  152 ,  154 ,  158 .  
         [0054]     It is a further advantage of the present invention that when the swing arm assemblies  80 ,  90  are in the disabled position, the swing arm assemblies  80 ,  90  act as stationary arm grips for the user on the exercise device. In order to effectuate this, the coupling regions  86 ,  96  and the left and right hand-gripping portions  82 ,  92  of left and right swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  are advantageously shaped to provide both stationary arm grips in the disabled position and active arm action in the enabled position. Other configurations of the hand-gripping mechanisms also are contemplated.  
         [0055]     To use the present invention, the user stands on the foot support portions  66 ,  76  and grasps the hand-gripping portions  82 ,  92 . Initially, the arm mechanism is in the enabled position and thus the enabling/disabling mechanism is securely latched with the outwardly extending enable pin in the first slot of the latching plate. The user imparts a forward stepping motion on one of the foot support portions, thereby causing the transverse axle  34  to rotate in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the right side as shown in  FIG. 1 ), due to the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  coupling the motion of the foot links  60 ,  70  to the rotation of the transverse axle  34 . In conjunction with the lower body action, the user also imparts a substantially forward pushing motion on one of the hand-gripping portions and a substantially rearward pulling motion on the other hand-gripping portion. Due to the rotatable connection of the coupling regions  86 ,  96  of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the forward portions  62 ,  72  of the foot links  60 ,  70  (via the engagement assemblies), and the rotational securement of the swing arm mechanisms  80 ,  90  to the forward upright member  20  of the frame  12  at their pivot points  84 ,  94 , each hand-gripping portion moves forward as its respective foot support portion moves rearward, and vice versa.  
         [0056]     The foot links  60 ,  70  are attached to the transverse axle  34  by the crank arm assemblies  40 ,  50  such that one foot support portion moves substantially forward as the other foot support portion moves substantially rearward. In this same fashion one hand-gripping portion moves forward as the other hand-gripping portion moves rearward (e.g., when the left hand-gripping portion  82  moves forward, the left foot support portion  66  moves rearward, while the right foot support portion  76  moves forward and the right hand-gripping portion  92  moves rearward). Therefore, the user can begin movement of the entire foot link and swing arm mechanism linkage by moving any foot support portion or hand-gripping portion, or preferably by moving all of them together.  
         [0057]     In the enabled position, to disable the arms, the user simply actuates the actuator and places the arms to the disengaged position. When the actuator is released, the outwardly extending disable pin is engaged in the second slot of the latching plate. In the disabled position, to re-enable the arms, the user simply actuates the actuator and returns the arms to the actuated position. When the actuator is released, the outwardly extending enable pin is again engaged in the first slot of the latching plate. Importantly, the user can effectuate either action—disengaging or engaging the arms—without stepping off the exercise device or, indeed, without interrupting the exercise regime.  
         [0058]     While the exemplary embodiment described herein uses one embodiment of a mechanical enabling/disabling mechanism, other mechanical configurations also can be used. Additionally, other alternative embodiments for the enabling/disabling mechanism can include for example an electronic enabling/disabling mechanism such as for example an electronic solenoid mechanism coupled to an electronic switch through a wired or wireless connection. Further, the electronic switch or actuator can be voice activated. Other alternative embodiments of the enabling/disabling mechanism can include pneumatic and/or hydraulic components or mechanisms.  
         [0059]     While the invention has been described with specific embodiments, other alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the exemplary embodiment described herein requires the user to physically move the swing arm assemblies between the enabled and disabled positions, alternative embodiments can include a system that moves the swing arm assemblies between the enabled and disabled positions automatically utilizing, for example, biasing mechanisms such as for example springs or counter weights. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.