Patent Publication Number: US-8113996-B1

Title: Dual action recumbent exercise cycle

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to cycle exercisers and recumbent exercisers for physical therapy and/or general exercise as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,030, and more particularly, to the recumbent exercise machines described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,639 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,479, which provides for the exercising and conditioning of major muscle groups in addition to cardiovascular conditioning. In doing so, the present invention includes lower body exercising coordinated with the upper body exercising. 
     2. Description of the Problem 
     In the United States of America today, approximately two thirds of the population is considered obese. In addition to this statistic, there are approximately 75 million “Baby Boomers”, people born between 1946 and 1964 in this country today. Both obese individuals and aging or elderly individuals have special needs when it comes to exercising or physical therapy. Often, the individuals have limited mobility, health and or age related illnesses, decreased ranges of appendage movement, low endurance and the need for therapy with respect to more than one particular movement or muscle group. Many of the problems which face these two groups, which in many cases overlap include bad knees, hips, Diabetes, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson&#39;s Disease, and Stroke. All of these issues must be taken into consideration when designing and providing exercise and physical therapy equipment for their use. Another extremely important element of design and function must be comfort, especially for obese people. Since duration is one of the essential components of any rehabilitation or exercise program, the participant must be able to perform the exercises in a comfortable and secure environment. Otherwise the duration or time spent exercising will be limited. No exercise or rehabilitation machine on the market today effectively addresses the specific comfort needs of an individual weighing in excess of 250-300 pounds. In addition, people with equilibrium issues due to Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson&#39;s disease must be secured on the equipment to prevent loss of balance and falling off of the machine. Furthermore, people who exercise for its many health benefits, and not specifically for rehabilitation purposes, typically desire equipment which is challenging, safe, effective, comfortable, and provides a benefit to a multiple number of muscle groups so that a total body workout is achieved in a relatively short period of time. When the equipment is for home use, other important considerations include durability and cost. 
     3. Description of the Prior Art 
     Exercise physiologists have concluded after many years of research that the most effective type of aerobic or cardiovascular exercise involves the use of both the upper and lower body extremities at the same time. There are several types and varieties of physical therapy and exercise equipment available on the market today for both clinical and home use which function accordingly. Examples include the Cycle Exerciser described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,030, the Recumbent Total Body Exerciser described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,479 and the Compound Bicycle Exercising Device described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,639. 
     Each of these types of machines, however, has certain limitations concerning the ease of use, range of motion, safety, comfort, and the muscle groups worked. Let&#39;s first address the multiple limitations of the Cycle Exerciser type of machine. The first limitation of the cycle exerciser is that the seat is a typically narrow saddle seat positioned above a pair of rotatable pedals having a fixed range of motion. The rotation of the pedals is resisted by a brake or other resistance mechanism. The user is required to lean forward to hold onto a set of handles, which in this case are moveable. In order to use the Cycle Exerciser, the user must be capable of climbing up onto the narrow saddle seat and must possess sufficient strength, balance, and coordination to maintain themselves on the narrow seat while pedaling over a fixed range of motion and manipulating the handles. Often the elderly, overweight, obese, or physical therapy patient cannot use the cycle exerciser because of the above requirements and further because they require constant supervision by the physical therapist to prevent possible injury to the patient upon collapse or loss of balance. In many cases even the most physically fit individual after a short period of time rocking back and forth on the narrow saddle seat due to the circular movement of the legs causes a high degree of discomfort to the posterior of the user thereby reducing the duration of time for exercise. Even professional and amateur cyclist compensate for this discomfort by wearing specially designed shorts with additional padding in the groin area. 
     As can be seen from the above discussion, there is the need for an apparatus which allows the user to easily get on and off of the apparatus with or without assistance. Furthermore, the apparatus should have a high degree of stability and safety for the user so that the user can operate the machine without constant attention or supervision. Additionally, the apparatus should be adjustable to accommodate users of significantly different sizes and physical conditions while still providing a comfortable environment for exercise or therapy 
     The Recumbent Total Body Exerciser and the Compound Bicycle Exercising Device address many of the limitations described above with regard to the Cycle Exerciser in that it allows an overweight or physically challenged individual to more easily get on and off of the machine. However all recumbent machines on the market today are designed to provide a reasonably comfortable environment for an individual that is only somewhat overweigh or in good physical condition. The approximate width of the bucket type seat is usually around 24 inches and the back support is not adjustable. A user weighing in excess of 250-300 pounds cannot sit comfortably for any length of time on the seat and once again the duration of time for exercise or rehabilitation becomes limited. Another limitation of the Recumbent Total Exerciser, the Compound Bicycle Exercising Device and the Cycle Exerciser is the movement or range of motion of the arms or handlebars of the machines. Since the handlebars of these types of machines, operate from a pivot point where the handlebar is attached to the frame, the mechanically linked machines have only a rectilinear/arching arm motion in conjunction with various types of leg motion. Many times in the rehabilitation of shoulder joint injuries, rectilinear/arching motion alone is not sufficient for rehabilitation purposes. Often both linear and circular range of motion is necessary for the complete rehabilitation of the injured shoulder joint. Since the shoulder join operates and functions on all three planes, all ranges of motion, rectilinear/arching, linear, and circular should be provided by the exercising or physical therapy machine. 
     The application of resistance during the use of the exercise machine is also very important. Most of the exercise and physical therapy machines on the market today, including recumbent bicycles, ellipticals, and stair steppers utilize magnetic resistance. Magnetic resistance devices vary the resistance of the exercise machine through the interaction of a magnetic field from a magnet or array of magnets generating eddy currents in a material. The strength of the interaction is a function of the amount of magnetic flux interacting with the material, the greater the amount of magnetic flux interaction, the stronger the magnetic force. This relationship can be used to vary the resistance on a spinning wheel of the kind used in exercise machines. These present magnetic resistance devices do not include predictable fixed linear positioning systems which allow proportional step adjustments in the resistance. Limitations of magnetic resistance are two fold. One, upon initially establishing the resistance level the user has two choices. The user can either set the machine for a constant level of resistance or he or she can select a variable program. If when using the constant level of resistance, the user becomes fatigued, he must remove his hands from the handlebars to readjust the level on the console. If the rider has equilibrium issues the risk of losing one&#39;s balance is enhanced. If the variable program is selected, the change in level of resistance is automatic whether or not the user&#39;s fatigue level is commensurate to the resistance level. 
     The resistance mechanism used in the Cycle Exerciser is advantageous in that a vaned wheel mounted on a frame and arranged to absorb energy by movement of the broad surfaces of the vanes against the surrounding body of air. This enables the resistance to be exponential, in that the harder the user pushes and pulls the handlebars and pedals, the more the resistance increases. 
     Vice versa, when the user becomes fatigued, the amount of energy expended pushing and pulling on the handlebars and pedals decreases as does the resistance, thereby automatically adjusting the resistance level to the fatigue level of the user. Not only is this excellent conditioning of the muscles from an endurance standpoint, it is inherently much more beneficial and safer for a physical therapy patient in that the injured body component is not forced into a situation of handling a load greater than it is capable without risk of injury. The limitation of this type of resistance however is that if the user wants to increase the level of resistance for strengthening purposes, by mechanically or electronically changing the gear ratio of the apparatus, and thus the load, the option is unavailable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dual action recumbent exercise cycle with a multi-configurable seat which is horizontally displaced from the pedal and handlebar assemblies. The seat includes a cushioned seat bottom with cushioned adjustable locking leg flaps which lock into 5 different positions ranging from 90 degrees perpendicular to the seat bottom to a 0 degree flattened seat position. With the seat bottom leg flaps positioned at a 90 degree angle to the seat bottom, the seat will provides a comfortable, secure, seating environment for anyone as small as 90 lbs. with an 11 inch wide posterior. With the seat leg flaps flattened level to the seat cushion, the seat will accommodate a user weighing up to 500 lbs. with a 36 inch wide posterior or larger. All sizes of posteriors in between are accommodated and secure in that the seat leg flaps “cup” to fit the user&#39;s posterior, regardless of width. 
     The present invention provides an adjustable cushioned seat back with settings ranging from a 90 degree upright position to a 50 degree reclining position. The seat back also has 5 positioned adjustable locking torso flaps which supply support for the user&#39;s lower back midsection. A seat belt also provides lumbar support and additional security especially for users with equilibrium issues such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson&#39;s Disease and Stroke victims. When the present invention is used for physical therapy, only moderate supervision at most is required, thereby freeing up the physical therapist to attend to other patients or duties. 
     The multi-configurable seat is mounted on a perforated spine utilizing polyurethane rollers for ease of movement. The rollers allow the seat to be moved back and forth to adjust for different body dimensions. A plunger pin is used to lock the seat into the perforated spine at the desired location. A vertical adjustment bar is also provided on the forward most point of the spine on the present invention to change elevation or pitch of the seat for the user. A similar feature is provided at the rear of the spine. These features are very beneficial in the rehabilitation of knee and hip injuries enabling less pressure and bend in the beginning of the rehabilitation process and intensifying pressure and bend as the knee and hip condition improves. The entire seat and spine assembly can be detached from the pedal and handlebar portion of the present invention at the vertical adjustment bar location to enable a wheel chair bound patient access to the invention for either upper and/or lower body exercise. 
     The user of the present invention is also provided with two telescopic, retractable, variable position handlebar assemblies. The handlebar assemblies are each comprised of a handlebar stem pivotally attached to the frame, a pivotal spring housing assembly which includes a stationary inside spring housing, a pivotal outside spring housing, a torsion spring, a flanged connecting rod, an extension arm housing, a perforated handlebar extension, a swivel handle, a retraction guard arm, and a compression damper. The pivotal spring housing assembly provides the user with arm and shoulder movement in multiple motions including linear, circular, elliptical, arching and rectilinear arching in conjunction with the cyclical leg motion. These components of the present invention provide a wide range of adjustments options to provide a comfortable exercising environment for anyone ranging in height from 4 foot 11 inches to a user as tall as 7 foot. 
     The relationship and geometry of the multi-configurable seat, the pedals, and variable position handlebar assemblies, is such that the movement of the users arms and legs will be maintained in a correct biomechanical relationship or form. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which overcomes the limitations of the known prior art. In doing so, a further object of this invention is to provide a recumbent apparatus which can be mounted and dismounted, and adjusted and configured to address the exercise or rehabilitation needs of at least 98 percent of the adult population ranging in size from 4 foot 11 inches tall, weighing as little as 90 pounds to 7 feet tall weighting up to 500 pounds. 
     The present invention also has an one of its objects to provide a circular, cyclical motion to the lower body workout, both forward and backward, thus more efficiently addressing either the Quadriceps or Hamstring muscle groups of the legs. A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which provides a variety of upper body motions for both exercise and rehabilitation. These motions include linear, circular, elliptical, arching and rectilinear arching in conjunction with the cyclical leg motion, 
     Another object of the invention is enabling the user to configure the seat in such a way as to put different emphasis on different muscle groups. For example, by positioning the seat back in a more vertical position, i.e. 90 degrees and pushing on the handlebars, the emphasis of exercise is placed on the Pectoralis Majors, front Deltoids, and Triceps of the upper body. Conversely, by placing the upper seat back in a more reclining position, the user incorporates the use of the Latissimus Dorsi, the rear Deltoids, the Biceps and the Trapezius more efficiently. 
     In achieving the above objects, the present invention provides not only a recumbent total body exercise apparatus but one that can be configured to address specific areas or portions of the body the user desires to concentrate on during the exercise or rehabilitation session. 
     Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  A perspective view of the right side of the dual action recumbent exercise cycle in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  A front perspective of the dual action recumbent cycle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  A rear perspective of the dual action recumbent cycle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  A top perspective of the dual action recumbent cycle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  An exploded view of the spring loaded Pivotal Spring Housing Assembly. 
         FIG. 6  An exploded view of the Pivotal Spring Housing Assembly, and the retractable, telescopic arm extension and swivel handle of the dual action recumbent cycle. 
         FIG. 7  A bottom perspective of the retractable, telescopic arm extension and swivel handle of the dual action recumbent cycle shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  A perspective of the right side of the spring loaded pivotal spring housing assembly with the retractable, telescopic arm extension and swivel handle of the dual action recumbent cycle shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  A The front perspective of the swivel handle of the dual action recumbent cycle. 
         FIG. 9  B The side perspective of the swivel handle of the dual action recumbent cycle. 
         FIG. 10  A flattened laid out perspective of the dual action recumbent cycle&#39;s multi-configurable seat with adjustable leg and torso flaps. 
         FIG. 11  A Rear perspective of the dual action recumbent cycle&#39;s multi-configurable seat with seat bottom leg flaps set at a 45 degree angle. 
         FIG. 11  B Diagram of the 5 locking positions of the seat bottom leg flaps. 
         FIG. 12  A Top Perspective of the dual action recumbent cycle&#39;s multi-configurable seat with seat back core flaps set at a 45 degree angle. 
         FIG. 12  B Diagram of the 5 locking positions of the seat back core flaps. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Overall Description: 
     Referring now to the drawings, an apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The apparatus is a physical therapy or exercise machine which could be referred to as a dual action recumbent exercise cycle. Preferably the apparatus is made of steel in various stock forms such as plate stock, angle stock, solid round rod and tubular stock including round, square, and rectangular. In the following description the words telescopic or telescopes or a variation of such will be used in describing the function of some apparatus components. Telescopic for the purposes of this description simply means that the outside diameter of one piece of tubing is minimally smaller that the inside diameter of another piece of tubing thereby allowing the tubing with the smaller outside diameter to slide snugly in and out of the tubing with the larger inside diameter. 
     The basic function of the cycle is the same as the cycle described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,030. The apparatus incorporates all of the major muscle groups while providing effective cardiovascular conditioning. The apparatus is recumbent since the user is generally in a reclining position. The apparatus can be referred to as a cycle since it exercises the legs of the user through a circular/cyclical movement of the foot pedals  16 . While pushing on the foot pedals  16  R/L, resistance exercises the legs and the lower body of the user. The arms and upper body of the user are exercised by the pushing and pulling against the resistance offered through the handlebar assemblies  24 - 38  R/L. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  the cycle is comprised of a wire mesh cage  20  encasing a vaned wheel  21 , rotatably mounted on a frame  15  and arranged to absorb energy by movement of the broad surfaces of the vaned wheel  21  against the surrounding body of air. Rotation of the vaned wheel  21  is effected through a pair of foot pedals  16  R/L, connected to a chain and derailleur sprocket or hub mechanism  17 , attached to a connecting arm  18  which is connected to the handlebar stems  24  R/L utilizing a yolk and pin connection  19 . A connecting means  90  (best shown in  FIG. 4 ) is provided through which each said foot pedal crank arm is fixedly secured to the outer end of a respective said drive crank arm to permit rotation of said drive shaft by foot operation. The handlebar stems  24  R/L are pivotally connected  23  to the frame  15  and are connected to a respective eccentric through a crank ring rotatably mounted on that eccentric and a drive bar connected to both the crank ring and the handlebar stem. The two eccentrics are arranged 180 degrees out of phase and are connected to the foot pedals  16  R/L so as to rotate in response to both the pivotal movement of the handlebar stems  24  R/L and the circular movement of the foot pedals  16  R/L. As the eccentrics are drivably connected to the vaned wheel  21 , that vaned wheel  21  is caused to rotate in response to rotation of the eccentrics. A second drive means  91  is provided connecting the outer end of each drive crank arm to a respective one of said handlebar stems so that the drive shaft is caused to rotate in response to the oscillation of the handlebar stems. The second drive means is connected to the connecting means so as to be interposed between the outer end of each drive crank arm and the adjacent end of the respective foot pedal crank arm. 
     The Handlebar Assemblies  24 - 38  R/L: 
     The handlebar assemblies  24 - 38  R/L as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  begin with a handlebar stem  24  pivotally connected  23  to the frame  15 . The handlebar stems  24  R/L oscillate back and forth to and from the user at the pivotal axis  23  as force is placed on the foot pedals  16  R/L. The handlebar stems  24  R/L extend upward and rearward toward the user from the pivotal axis  23  to elbow bends  41  and  42  in the handlebar stems  24  R/L. Attached to the end of the handlebar stems  24  are the pivotal spring housing assemblies  25 . Welded to the pivotal spring housing assemblies  25  are the extension arm housings  34  R/L. Telescoping in and out of the extension arm housings  34  R/L are the perforated handlebar extensions  35  R/L.  FIG. 7  shows the underside of the perforated handlebar extension  35 . There is a guide slot  39  machined into the perforated handlebar extension  35  and a guide slot alignment screw  40  which prevents the perforated handlebar extension  35  from rotating in the extension arm housing  34 . Attached to the end of the perforated handlebar extensions  35  are the swivel handles  37  R/L.  FIG. 9  A shows the range of positioning available with the swivel handles  37  R/L. For the largest percentage of users, the swivel handles  37  will be positioned upward and inward as shown in the front diagram of  FIG. 9  A as well as  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 . This positioning is representative of the most comfortable hand positioning a person would have as in holding the steering wheel of a car. However if the user prefers the swivel handles  37  R/L to be positioned perpendicular to the ground or horizontal to the ground, or any position in between, the option is available by a swivel handle guide slot  44  and a guide slot alignment screw  43  shown in both  FIG. 9  A and  FIG. 9  B. At the end of the swivel handle  37  is a derailleur shifting button  38  which changes the gear ratio in the chain and sprocket or hub mechanism  17  utilizing a cable (not shown) running through the swivel handle  37 , the perforated handlebar extension  35 , the extension arm housing  34 , out the extension arm housing  34  through a hole at the bottom, along the outside of the handlebar stem  24 , and the frame  15  to the chain and sprocket or hub mechanism  17 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates how the length of the perforated handlebar extension  35  from the pivotal spring housings  25  to the user is made with a plunger pin  36  located on the extension arm housing  34 . The plunger pin  36  inserts inside one of the adjustment holes in the perforated handlebar extension  35 . The pivotal spring housings  25  R/L as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , enable the extension arm housings  34  R/L, the perforated handlebar extensions  35  R/L and the swivel handles  37  R/L to initially rest vertically to the floor. A tightening knob  22  is used to immobilize the vaned wheel  21  prior to the user mounting the apparatus for safety reasons as well as securing all moving components when the apparatus is being moved to a different location. The perforated outline in  FIG. 1  shows the overall handlebar pivot extension mechanism  25 - 38  adjusted and positioned horizontally to the user&#39;s chest level. 
     Upon beginning use of the apparatus the user pushes on the foot pedals  16  R/L which causes the handlebar assemblies  24 - 38  R/L to oscillate back and forth toward and away from the user. As one of the handlebar assemblies  24 - 38  comes toward the user, he or she simply reaches out, grabs the swivel handle  37  and pulls it down to his or her chest level.  FIG. 8  shows the range of positioning available to the user. This wide range of positioning enables the handlebar assemblies  24 - 38  R/L to comfortably accommodate any user ranging in height from 4 foot 11 inches to 7 foot. 
     Inside the pivotal spring housing  25 , is a torsion spring  28  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Upon pulling down on the handlebar pivot extension mechanism  25 - 38 , load is placed on the internally positioned torsion spring  28 . This constant load/tension created by the torsion spring  28  exercises and conditions the user&#39;s tricep muscles located in the back of the upper arms. Since load is created when the user pulls down the handlebar pivotal extension mechanism  25 - 38 , release of the swivel handle  37  causes the torsion spring  28  to uncoil thereby relieving the load, thereby retracting or moving the handlebar pivotal extension mechanism  25 - 38  away from the user with considerable velocity. A compression damper  33  which is attached to a retraction guard arm  32  using an eyelet end  46  on one end, and a ball and socket mechanism  47  on the extension arm housing  34  on the other end, controls the velocity and rate of return of the pivotal handlebar extension mechanism  25 - 38  away from the user. Both the compression damper  33  and the retraction guard arm  32  also prevent the pivotal handlebar extension mechanism  25 - 38  from over rotating and allows the handlebar pivotal extension mechanism  25 - 38  to return to its original resting position, which is vertical to the ground. 
     The Pivotal Spring Housing Assembly  25 : 
       FIGS. 5 , and  6 , show the various components of the pivotal spring housing assembly  25 . The components include a flanged connecting rod  26 , a pivotal outside spring housing  27 , a torsion spring  28  (right coiled and left coiled) with the torsion spring arms  29  positioned at 180 degrees from each other and perpendicular to the torsion spring  28  coils, a stationary inside spring housing  30 , a retraction guard arm  32 , a housing and connecting rod hole  31 , and a compression damper  33 . 
     Both the stationary inside spring housing  30 , and the pivotal outside spring housing  27  are preferably machined out of solid steel rod.  FIG. 6  shows the perforated lines within the housings,  27  and  30  outlining the steel which must be removed so the torsion spring  28  and the torsion spring arms  29  fit within the housing. The inside diameter of the spring housings  27  and  30  are minimally larger than the outside dimension of the torsion spring  28 . The depth of steel removed from the inside of the housings  27  and  30  is such that the torsion spring  28  fits within the housings  27  and  30  when they are held together by the flanged connecting rod  26 . Holes are also drilled within the housings  27  and  30  for positioning of the torsion spring arms  29  enabling load to be placed on the torsion spring  28 .  FIG. 6  illustrates that both the outside and inside spring housings  27  and  30  have a hole drilled through the center of them which is minimally larger than the outside dimensions of the flanged connecting rod  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  the stationary inside spring housing  30  is machined with a shaft which has an outside diameter minimally smaller than the inside diameter of the handlebar stem  24 . The shaft portion of the stationary inside spring housing  30  also has a housing and connecting rod hole  31  drilled through it. A retraction guard arm hole  45  is also drilled into the top of the inside stationary spring housing for insertion of one end of the retraction guard arm  32 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrate that the housing and connecting rod hole  31  in the shaft portion of the stationary inside spring housing  30  is perpendicular to the hole for the torsion spring arm  29  on the inside of the stationary inside spring housing  30 . As noted above, the hole for the retraction guard arm hole  45  is in the top of the stationary inside spring housing  30 . The flanged head of the connecting rod  26  has a hole drilled through the center of it for insertion of one end of the retraction guard arm  32 . This hole is also perpendicular to the connecting rod hole  31  drilled at the other end. The pivotal outside spring housing  27 , like the stationary inside spring housing  30  has a hole drilled on the inside of the housing as shown in  FIG. 6  for securing the torsion spring arms  29 . The extension arm housing  34  is welded to the outside of the pivotal outside spring housing  27  in the approximately the same location of the torsion spring arm  29  hole on the inside. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , assembly and installation of the pivotal spring housing assembly  25  as well as the application of load on the torsion spring  28  would be done as follows. One torsion spring arm  29  of the torsion spring  28  would be inserted into the hole on the inside of the stationary inside spring housing  30  at the 12 o&#39;clock position. The other torsion spring arm  29  of the torsion spring  28  would be inserted in the corresponding hole inside the outside pivotal spring housing  27  at the 6 o&#39;clock position with the extension arm housing  34  pointed downward. The flanged connecting rod  26  both aligns and holds together the housings  27  and  30  when it is inserted through the hole in the center of the pivotal outside spring housing  27 , the torsion spring  28 , and the hole in the center of the stationary inside spring housing  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the flanged connecting rod  26  extends into the shaft portion of the stationary inside spring housing  30 . The housing and connecting rod hole  31  in the flanged connecting rod  26  and the housing and connecting rod hole  31  in the shaft portion of the stationary inside spring housing  30  must align. This portion of the assembly is then inserted into the handlebar stem  24  which also has a housing and connecting rod hole  31  which must align with the housing and connecting rod holes  31  of the flanged connecting rod  26  and the shaft portion of the stationary inside spring housing  30 . A bolt (not shown) is then inserted into the housing and connecting rod hole  31  and secured with a locking nut (not shown). Insertion of the bolt (not shown) into the housing and connecting rod hole  31  of the handlebar stem  24 , the flanged connecting rod  26  and the shaft portion of the stationary inside spring housing  30  locks and immobilizes both the stationary inside spring housing  30  and the flanged connecting rod  26 . The pivotal outside spring housing  26  rotates freely on the pivotal axis provide by the flanged connecting rod  26 . To initiate load on the torsion spring  28 , the extension arm housing  34  which is welded to the pivotal outside spring housing  27  is rotated up and away from the rearward portion of the exercise cycle approximately 270 degrees. The solid arrow on the pivotal outside spring housing  27  in  FIG. 8  shows the direction of rotation in order to place load on the right coiled torsion spring  28  inside the housing components  27  and  30 . The retraction guard arm  32  with the eyelet end  46  of the compression damper  33  attached is then inserted both through the hole in the center of the head of the flanged connecting rod  26  and the hole  45  on the top of the stationary inside spring housing. An external retaining ring  48  is placed on the retraction guard arm  32  at the point of exit from the hole in the head of the flanged connecting rod  26  in order to secure it in position. The other end of the compression damper  33  is secured to the extension arm housing  34  with a ball and socket attachment  47 . The pivotal spring housing assembly  25  is now fully operational. 
     The Multi-Configurable Seat and Rear of the Exercise Cycle: 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exercise cycle&#39;s seat components consisting of a seat back  50 , seat back core flaps  51 , a seat bottom  52 , seat bottom leg flaps  53  are mounted on a seat frame  65  which can be adjustably positioned axially utilizing neoprene roller wheels  66  above and below a perforated/numbered spine  67 . Locking the position of the seat is accomplished through a T-handled plunger pin  68  which inserts into equally spaced holes in the perforated/numbered spine  67  as shown in  FIG. 12  A. The numerical adjustment setting for the seat can be viewed by the user through a view hole  72  also shown in  FIG. 12  A. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11  B, and  12  B, the seat back core flaps  51 , and the seat bottom leg flaps  53  can be adjusted to 5 different locking positions ranging from flat, 0 degrees to 90 degrees perpendicular to either the seat back  50  or the seat bottom  52 . This is accomplished by using locking ratchet hinge mechanisms  55  which are devices well known in the art. These hinge mechanisms are commonly used in vinyl strapped folding beach chairs, also referred to as folding “banana” beach chairs which can be purchased at retail stores such as Walmart and Target. 
       FIG. 10  shows the location of the locking ratchet hinge mechanisms  55  within the seat frame  65  on both the seat back  50  and the seat bottom  52 . When the seat bottom leg flaps  53  are in the flattened position, parallel to the ground, the seating area for the user&#39;s posterior is well in excess of the typical seat which is 24 inches wide. When the seat bottom leg flaps  53  are at 90 degrees or perpendicular to the ground, the seating area for the user&#39;s posterior is reduced to under 12 inches wide. When the user initially sits in the seat, he or she simply pulls up on the seat bottom leg flaps  53  to a comfortable position thereby “cupping” the seat to the user&#39;s posterior dimensions. The same application applies to the seat back core flaps  51 .  FIGS. 11  A and  12  A show the positioning of the respective flaps  51  and  53  adjusted to a 45 degree angle on the respective seat back and bottom  50  and  52 . When the user exits the seat, the flaps  51  and  53  are simply pushed inward toward the seat back  50  and the seat bottom  52  which releases the locking mechanism within the hinge  55  allowing it to return to the flattened position. 
     An adjustable seat belt  54  is also incorporated on the seat.  FIGS. 1 ,  10  and  12  show the placement location of the seat belt  54 . This serves two purposes, first it compresses the lumbar vertebrae of the user back into the seat back  50  for support of the lower back and second, users with equilibrium issues due to afflictions such as stroke and Parkinson&#39;s disease are provided with additional safety and security from falling off the apparatus. 
     The angle or tilt of the seat back  50  can also be adjusted to the users preference utilizing a telescopic mechanism on the rear of the seat back  50 .  FIG. 1 , shows a right side perspective of the seat back elevation tube  62  which telescopes in and out of the seat back support tube  64 .  FIG. 11  A illustrates that the seat back elevation tube  62  is connected pivotally to an upper support bar  60  which is connected to the seat frame  65 . The same can be said with regard to the seat back support tube  64  which is connected pivotally to a lower support bar  61  which is also connected to the seat frame  65 .  FIG. 10  shows the two parts of the seat frame  65 , one for the seat back  50  and one for the seat bottom  52  are pivotally connected at points  56 . Referring back to  FIG. 11  A, as the seat back  50  is moved forward or backwards at the pivot point  56 , the seat back elevation tube  62  telescopes in and out of the seat back support tube  64 . Once the seat back&#39;s  50  desired level of recline is achieved, a plunger pin  63  inserts into a hole in the seat back elevation tube  62  thereby locking in and securing the position. 
     The tilt of the entire seat can also be changed to the users desires. As shown in  FIG. 1  a front seat elevation rod  70  extends up into the perforated numbered spine  67 . A hole is drilled through the perforated numbered spine  67  and the front seat elevation rod  70 . A bolt  80  is inserted through the two components and attached with a locking nut (not shown) The bolt acts as a pivotal axis for the front seat elevation rod  70 . The front seat elevation rod  70  has elevation adjustment holes drilled at specific increments and inserts into the front seat elevation support tube  71 . A threaded elevation rod bolt  69  is removed and the forward portion of the perforated/numbered spine  67  is either lifted up or pushed down to the desired tilt level. Once the desired level is achieved, the threaded elevation rod bolt  69  is reinserted and screwed in to secure the position. When the front tilt of the seat is being adjusted upward or downward, the rear base  81  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) moves slightly forward or backward toward or away from the foot pedals  16  R/L of the cycle. A pair of roller wheels  78  R/L attached to the ends of the rear base  81  enable the adjustment to be done easily. 
     The tilt of the rear of the seat is accomplished in a similar fashion. Again referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a rear frame elevation tube  77  telescopes in and out of a rear frame elevation support tube  75  enabling the rear tilt of the seat to be adjusted utilizing a plunger pin  76  which inserts into adjustment holes drilled into the rear frame elevation tube  77 . The roller wheels  78  R/L attached to the rear base again enable the adjustment to be done easily. Changing the tilt of either the forward or rear angle of the seat changes the intensity of the exertion placed on the legs of the user. This is useful especially in the rehabilitation of knee injuries or knee replacement patients. 
     Accommodating the rehabilitation or exercise needs of a wheelchair bound user or patient is also feasible. First begin by removing the threaded elevation rod bolt  69  and pulling up on the perforated/numbered spine  67  until the front seat elevation rod  70  comes out of the front seat elevation support tube  71 . Once this is done, the front seat elevation rod  70  can be used as a handle similar to the handle of a dolly. By grasping the front seat elevation rod  70  (handle) an individual can tilt the entire rear assembly  50 - 81  of the exercise cycle up onto the rear frame transport wheels  79  R/L and move the entire rear portion of the apparatus completely away and apart from the front part of the apparatus. By tethering the wheelchair to the front seat elevation support tube  71  the user or patient has both the foot pedals  16  R/L and the handlebar assemblies  24 - 38  R/L available for exercise or rehabilitation purposes. 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 DUAL ACTION RECUMBENT EXERCISE 
               
               
                 CYCLE COMPONENTS 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 15. 
                 Frame 
               
               
                 16. 
                 Foot Pedal 
               
               
                 17. 
                 Chain and Sprocket/Hub Mechanism 
               
               
                 18. 
                 Connecting Arm 
               
               
                 19. 
                 Yolk and Pin Connection 
               
               
                 20. 
                 Wire Mesh Cage 
               
               
                 21. 
                 Vaned Wheel 
               
               
                 22. 
                 Tightening Knob 
               
               
                 23.  
                 Pivotal Axis of Handlebar Stems 
               
               
                 24.  
                 Handlebar Stems 
               
               
                 25.  
                 Pivotal Spring Housing Assembly 
               
               
                 26.  
                 Flanged Connecting Rod 
               
               
                 27.  
                 Pivotal Outside Spring Housing 
               
               
                 28.  
                 Torsion Spring 
               
               
                 29.  
                 Torsion Spring Arms 
               
               
                 30.  
                 Stationary Inside Spring Housing  
               
               
                 31.  
                 Housing and Connecting Rod Hole 
               
               
                 32.  
                 Retraction Guard Arm 
               
               
                 33.  
                 Compression Damper 
               
               
                 34.  
                 Extension Arm Housing 
               
               
                 35.  
                 Perforated Handlebar Extension 
               
               
                 36.  
                 Plunger Pin 
               
               
                 37.  
                 Swivel Handle 
               
               
                 38.  
                 Derailleur Shifting Button 
               
               
                 39.  
                 Guide Slot 
               
               
                 40.  
                 Guide Slot Alignment Screw 
               
               
                 41.  
                 Elbow Bend #1 
               
               
                 42.  
                 Elbow Bend #2 
               
               
                 43.  
                 Swivel Handle Set Screw 
               
               
                 44.  
                 Swivel Handle Guide Slot 
               
               
                 45.  
                 Retraction Guard Arm Hole 
               
               
                 46.  
                 Eyelet Attachment 
               
               
                 47.  
                 Ball and Socket Attachment 
               
               
                 48.  
                 External Retaining Ring 
               
               
                 50.  
                 Seat Back 
               
               
                 51.  
                 Seat Back Core Flaps 
               
               
                 52.  
                 Seat Bottom 
               
               
                 53.  
                 Seat Bottom Leg Flaps 
               
               
                 54. 
                 Adjustable Seat Belt 
               
               
                 55. 
                 Locking Ratchet Hinge Mechanism 
               
               
                 56.  
                 Pivotal Axis for the Seat Back and Bottom 
               
               
                 60. 
                 Upper Support Bar 
               
               
                 61. 
                 Lower Support Bar 
               
               
                 62.  
                 Seat Back Elevation Tube 
               
               
                 63.  
                 Plunger Pin 
               
               
                 64.  
                 Seat Back Support Tube 
               
               
                 65. 
                 Seat Frame 
               
               
                 66. 
                 Neoprene Roller Wheels 
               
               
                 67. 
                 Perforated/Numbered Spine 
               
               
                 68. 
                 T-Handled Plunger Pin 
               
               
                 69.  
                 Threaded Elevation Rod Bolt 
               
               
                 70. 
                 Front Seat Elevation Rod 
               
               
                 71.  
                 Front Seat Elevation Support Tube 
               
               
                 72.  
                 View Hole 
               
               
                 75.  
                 Rear Frame Elevation Support Tube 
               
               
                 76.  
                 Plunger Pin 
               
               
                 77. 
                 Rear Frame Elevation Tube 
               
               
                 78.  
                 Roller Wheels 
               
               
                 79.  
                 Seat and Rear Frame Transport Wheels 
               
               
                 80. 
                 Bolt 
               
               
                 81.  
                 Rear Base