Patent Abstract:
An adjustable exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotation assembly mounted on a frame structure. This rotation assembly includes a plurality of rotational members connected together by either a closed loop or intermediate rotatable members. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of each rotational member. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged such that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a substantially horizontal position. The pedals and cranks may have adjusting features which enable the apparatus to be configured such that the foot pedals follow more of a circular path and also configured to follow more of an elliptical path. Optional handles and variable resistance provide adjustable support and multiple work levels for the user. Another option is a motor for producing automatic movement of the pedals.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/009,420, filed Jan. 20, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,417, which itself is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/868,516, filed Jun. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,636, a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/970,168, filed Nov. 2, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,255, a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/136,102, filed Oct. 13, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,167, and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/385,646, filed Feb. 8, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,821. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an adjustable exercise apparatus which has an upright structure that allows the user to perform pedaling exercise routines while in a standing position. This feature allows for a more overall lower body workout than provided by more conventional lower body exercise devices such as cycles, treadmills, stair-steppers, and skiing or gliding machines. 
     As may be seen, there already exist many variations of lower body exercise devices. While these offer relatively good exercise, they all appear to be one dimensional. Most types of cycling products utilize a seat means, and those which do allow for pedaling in a standing position are not very easy to operate due to difficulties with the use keeping good balance. Current stair-stepper exercise devices and gliding or skiing devices allow for very little rotary motion in the hip and stomach area. The stair-steppers allow for only upward and downward motion in the user, while gliding or skiing devices allow only for backward and forward motion in the user. Treadmills do provide for rotary motion in the hips and stomach, but forces act against the user only as the user steps on the treadmill base. This new exercise device provides a force against the user during upward, downward, backward, and forward leg motion, and therefore also much more rotary motion in the hip and stomach area. Given the fact that there are a vast number of exercise devices, in particular pedaling type devices, it has come as a surprise that no one has effectively designed a cycling device which may be easily operated from a standing position. The standing position provides a greater overall lower body workout than other pedaling type products. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of this invention to provide a pedaling device which is comfortable and easy to operate while in a standing position. One version allows for manual operation of the device, with rotary motion in the foot engaging assembly of the device being induced by the user. A second version of the device allows for automatic operation of the device, whereby the rotary motion is induced by a motor. Both of these features allow a more complete lower body workout than afforded by more conventional lower body exercise products. 
     It is the further object of this invention to provide a rotating exercise device which is adjustable for different user heights and/or arm lengths, stance widths, and overall leg motion. It is also an object of this invention to provide a device which is collapseable into a more compact configuration, and may have the necessary wheel attachments for easy relocation and/or storage. 
     In addition, the invention may contain an upper body workout means operating in conjunction with the lower body exercise feature. This would greatly increase the capabilities of the device. 
     Briefly stated, the apparatus that forms the basis of the present invention comprises basically a frame structure means and a foot engagement means. In one version of the device, a resistance means operates in conjunction with the foot engagement means, whereby rotary motion in the foot engagement means in manually induced by the user. The resistance means may be adjustable to vary the the resistance to motion of the foot engagement means. A second version contains a motor means instead of a resistance means, whereby rotary motion in the foot engagement means is automatically induced by the motor. Both of these versions may have an upper body workout feature which operates in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     The frame structure means comprises a frame base upon which the foot engagement means mounts. Also part of the base may be an upwardly extending handle member onto which the user holds while operating the foot engagement means. It assist the user in maintaining better balance. As stated, a foot engagement means is also part of the device. The design of the foot engagement means is such that the foot engaging members, upon which the user places their feet, always remain in a substantially horizontal position as the members move along their path of rotation. This feature is not found in other pedaling devices. The ability of the foot engaging members to maintain a substantially horizontal position is due to a rotational translating means, which will be described later. 
     As mentioned previously, a resistance means may also operate in conjunction with the foot engagement means so that a resistance to motion may be applied to the foot engaging members. This would be utilized during manual operation of the apparatus by the user, with the amount of resistance being adjustable. Instead of a resistance means, a motor means may be used for automatic device operation, with motion in the foot engaging members being induced by a motor, not the user. 
     The apparatus may be configurable for different operating capabilities, with the frame being adjusatble for different user heights and arm lengths. Also, the foot engaging means may be adjustable so that different paths of rotation in the foot engaging members may be utilized, and the user may also vary their width of stance. 
     The apparatus may also be collapseable into a more compact configuration by repositioning the handle member to reduce overall device height. Also included on the device frame may be a wheel assembly on at least one end, so that the opposite end may be lifted and the entire device relocated to a new area. If a wheel assembly is located at both ends, the device may be rolled to a new area without being lifted at one end. 
     An upper body workout means may also be part of the apparatus, which operates in conjunction with the foot engagement means. The upper body workout means may comprise two hand engaging members, which move in opposite forward and backward directions as the foot engaging members move along their path of rotation. Each hand engaging members may be rigidly mounted to a corresponding foot engaging members, or each may be operatively connected to the members in some manner. 
     Also, a typical exercise computer may also be aprt of the apparatus. It is not shown in the accompanying figures, but may connect in some manner to the foot engagement means and keep track of exercise related data such as speed, distance, time, calories, etc. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages for this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, references being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts of several views. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A is a side view of the pedaling exercise apparatus. 
     FIG. 1B is a top view of the pedaling exercise apparatus. 
     FIG. 1C is a front view of the pedaling exercise apparatus. 
     FIG. 1D is a side view of the apparatus utilizing a resistance means. 
     FIG. 1E is a side view of the apparatus utilizing a motor means. 
     FIG. 2A is a side view of the frame structure means. 
     FIG. 2B is a top view of the frame structure means. 
     FIG. 2C is a front view of the frame structure means. 
     FIG. 2D is a side view of the frame structure means demonstrating an adjustable handle member for different user heights. 
     FIG. 2E is a side view of the frame structure means demonstrating an adjustable handle member for different arm lengths. 
     FIG. 3A is a side, top, and front view of the connection member of the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 3B is a side, top, and front view of the shaft member of the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 3C is a side, top, and front view of the foot engaging member of the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 3D is a side, top, and front view of a second type of connection member of the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 3E is a side, top, and front view of a second type of foot engaging member of the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 4A is a side view of the foot engagement means showing one type of rotational translating means. 
     FIG. 4B is a side view of the foot engagement means showing a second type of rotational translating means. 
     FIG. 4C is a side view of the foot engagement means showing a third type of rotational translating means. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the foot engaging means as it mounts on the frame structure means, demonstrating the path of rotation as followed by the foot engaging members during device operation. 
     FIG. 6A is a side view of a resistance means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 6B is a top view of a resistance means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 6C is a front view of a resistance means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 6D is a side view of a second version of a resistance means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 7A is a side view of a motor means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 7B is a top view or a motor means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 7C is a front view of a motor means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 8A is a side view of the apparatus demonstrating a collapseable handle member and wheel attachments for easy transport and storage. 
     FIG. 8B is a side view of the apparatus demonstrating a second type of collapseable handle member and wheel attachments for easy transport and storage. 
     FIGS. 9A,  9 B, and  9 C are side, top, and front views, respectfully, of the apparatus with an upper body workout means operating in conjunction with the foot engagement means. 
     FIG. 9D and 9E are side views of the upper body workout means demonstrating the back and forth rocking motion of the hand engagement means. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views of apparatus, demonstrating an adjustable foot engagement means and an adjustable connection means, which make the apparatus much more flexible. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Before explaining in detail the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, not limitation. 
     As best can be seen by references to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A though  1 C, the pedaling exercise apparatus that forms the basis of the present invention is designated by the reference numeral  10 . Pedaling exercise apparatus  10  basically comprises a frame structure means  11  and a foot engagement means  12 . 
     As further shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, a resistance means  14  and a motor means  15  may be utilized in the apparatus. The resistance means  14  may be used to provide a resistance to rotation in the foot engagement means  12  during manual operation. The motor means  15  may be used to induce rotation in the foot engagement means. This is for automatic device operation. Both of these features will be described in detail later on in the specification. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2A,  2 B, and  2 C, frame structure means  11  comprises a base structure  17  having structure openings  18  used to mount the foot engagement means  12 . A handle member  19  may also be part of the frame structure means and assist the user in maintaining proper balance. As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the handle member  19  may be adjustable for different user heights and arm lengths. The base structure  17  is also used to support resistance means  14  and motor means  15 . 
     As may be seen in FIGS. 3A through 3C, foot engagement means  12  comprises foot engagement members  25 , connection members  27 , and shaft members  22 . Connection member  27  is a generally L-shaped structure having a first leg  28  and a second leg  30 . The angle between the two legs is preferred to be ninety degrees, but does not necessarily have to be. At the end of the first leg  28  is shaft opening  29 , which receives shaft member  22 , and is rigidly connected together using a bolt, weld, or the like. Therefore shaft member  22  and connection member  27  rotate simultaneously. Foot engaging member  25  is a relatively flat structure upon which the user places their foot. It contains a tubular-like opening  26  through the side, which lossely receives the second leg  30  of connection member  27 . This is a means for pivotally coupling the foot engaging member  25  to the first leg  28 . Second leg  30  has a threaded end so bolt nut member  32  may be attached to keep foot engaging member  25  in position. It is desireable for each foot engaging member  25  to be supported by at least two connection members  27 . 
     FIGS. 3D through 3E demonstrates a second means for pivotally coupling the foot engaging member  25  to the first leg  28 . First leg  28  now has a second shaft opening  29   b  located at the opposite end from shaft opening  29 . Shaft opening  29   b  is sized to loosely receive one end of second leg  30 . The other end of second leg  30  is rigidly mounted to foot engaging member  25 . Second leg  30  thus is free to pivot within shaft opening  29   b , thus allowing foot engaging member  25  to be pivotally coupled to first leg  28 . Shaft opening  29   b  may contain some type of bearing to make the pivoting motion smoother. A collar  30   b  may be placed on one end of second leg  30  to connect it to first leg  28 . 
     Shown in FIGS. 4A,  4 B, and  4 C are three different types of rotational translating means, which are used to keep foot engaging memberes  23  at substantially horizontal positions as they move along their path of rotation. In order to achieve this, shaft members  22  of foot engagement means  12  must rotate in the same direction and at geneally the same angular velocity and acceleration. 
     FIG. 4A shows rotatable members  21  which are fixedly mounted on shaft members  22 . Rotatable members  21  are operatively connected together by a closed loop connection means  23 . The connection means  23  keeps rotatable members  21  rotating in the same direction and at generally the same angular velocity and acceleration, thereby allowing shaft members  22  to do the same. This is true provided rotatable members  21  are of generally the same diameter. This configuration is a typical drive train setup, such as sprockets and chains, pulleys and belts, gears and drive shafts, etc. 
     FIG. 4B demonstrates a second type of translating means. In this instance, there are again rotatable members  21  which are fixedly mounted on shaft members  22 . At least one intermediate rotatable member  24  mounts similarly on base structure  17 , and operatively connects rotatable members  24 . It serves as the connection means. In the case shown, the intermediate rotatable member  24  is in rotating contact with both rotatable members  21 . This intermediate rotatable member  24  keeps rotatable members  21  rotating in the same direction and at generally the same angular velocity and acceleration. Again, this is true if the rotatable members  21  are of generally the same diameter. It would be possible to have multiple intermediate rotatable members  24 , all operatively connected together and rotating simultaneously. These intermediate rotatable members would also operatively connect rotatable members  21 , thus serving as the connection means. In this case, the rotatable members  21  would not necessarily have to be of generally the same diameter. The configuration in FIG. 4B is a typical gear type assembly means, such as rotating gears with interfacing teeth, or roller members with enough friction between surfaces so that no slippage occurrs. 
     FIG. 4C demonstrates a third type of rotational translating means. In this version, an additional shaft member  22  is utilized, and an additional connection member  27  is added to each foot engaging member  25 . These additional components enable foot engaging members  25  to maintain a substantially horizontal position, and keep shaft members  22  rotating in the same direction and at generaly the same angular velocity and acceleration. Many variations of the rotational translating means shown in FIGS. 4A-4C exist, and the configurations listed are intended for demonstration purposes only. 
     FIG. 5, along with the previous figures, demonstrates how frame structure means  11  and foot engagement means  12  operate in conjunction with one another. As seen, at least two shaft members  22  are rotatably coupled to base structure  17  through structure openings  18 . Fixedly attached to the end of each shaft member  22  are connection members  27 , at least two per side. The connection members on one side of the device are mounted at generally the same angle, while those on the opposite side are mounted at generally opposite angles to the previous ones. Each foot engaging member  25  loosely receives the second leg  30  of at least two connection members  27 . In alternative form, each foot engaging member  25  may be rigidly connected to second leg  30 , with second leg  30  being pivotally conected to first leg  28  of conection member  27 . 
     In either case, since the connection members  27  are generally identical in length, and shaft members  22  are mounted on base structure  17  at generally the same level, the foot engaging members  25  will be in a substantially horizontal position, and remain so as long as the shaft members  22  rotate in the same direction and at generally the same angualr velocity and acceleration. This is ensured by rotational translating means  13 . FIG. 5 demonstrates a rotational translating means comprised of two rotatable members  21  and a closed loop connection means  23 . 
     As seen, foot engaging members  25  will rotate in a curved path when force is applied to the members by the feet of the user during manual operation of the apparatus, or motion is induces in shaft members  22  by a motor means during automatic operation. Movement of the foot engaging members  25  will be along the same path, but in generally opposite directions due to the opposite mounting of connection members  27 , with respect to each side. The foot engaging members  25  may have the ability to move in the forward and reverse directions, which would make the device very flexible. 
     As may be seen in FIGS. 6A,  6 B, and  6 C, a resistance means  14  may be utilized by foot engagement means  12  to provide a resistance to motion in foot engaging members  25 . Many different types of resistance means curently exist which may be utilized by this apparatus, and those shown in the application are for demonstration purposes only. The resistance means shown is a commonly known device which consists of an endless friction belt  39  which extends around at least a portion of the periphery of circular member  40 . Circular member  40  is fixedly mouted to one of the shaft members  22 , so that when shaft member  22  rotates, so will circular member  40 . The tension on friction belt  39  is adjusted by tension adjustment means  34 , which consist of a threaded shaft  36  and hand operated knob  35 . The threaded shaft  36  of tension adjustment means  34  mounts through a threaded opening  38  of tension mount  37 . The friction belt  39  loosely connects to threaded shaft  36  so that turning hand operated knob  35  does not cause friction belt,  39  to twist, and the belt will not rotate as circular member  40  rotates. When the hand operated knob  35  is turned in one direction, threaded shaft  36  will turn accordingly and move backward, causing friction belt  39  to tighten against circular member  40 . Upon turning the knob in the opposite direction, the belt will loosen. The force exerted by the friction belt  22  against circular member  40  produces a resistance to motion in circular member  40 , shaft member  22 , and therefore foot engaging member  25 . The amount of force may be varied by the tension adjustment means.  34 . 
     In may prove desireable to have a circular member  40  mounted on each shaft member  22 , as shown in FIG.  6 D. The friction belt  39  would then extend around a portion of the periphery of both circular members  40 . This would allow much more resistance to be felt in the foot engaging members when the same amount of force is applied by the firction belt, as compared to having a single circular member  40 . In this case, one end of friction belt  39  may be loosely connected to threaded shaft  36 , while the other end may be rigidly connected to the frame structure. 
     FIGS. 7A through 7C demonstrate a typical motor means  15  which may be utilized by foot engagement means  12  for automatic operation of the apparatus. Rotation in foot engaging member  25  of foot engagement means  12  is produced by a motor, not the feet of the user. The motor means  15  comprises a motor  41  with a shaft rotatable member  43  fixedly mounted on motor shaft member  42 . A motor rotatable member  45  is fixedly mounted on shaft member  22  of foot engagement means  12 , with a closed loop connection member  44  operatively connecting shaft rotatable member  43  and motor rotatable member  45 . As the motor shaft member  42  turns, so will shaft rotatable member  43  and motor rotatable member  45 . Since motor rotatable member  45  is fixedly mounted on shaft member  22 , shaft member  22  will rotate accordingly, thereby causing foot engaging members  25  to move along their path of rotation. Again, many variations of this assembly may exist, the simplest of which would be a chain and sprocket assembly. The above assembly is intended for demonstration purposes. 
     As may be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, frame structure means  11  may be collapsed into a more compact configuration for easier storage and relocation. In FIG. 8A, handle member  19  may be substantially lowered through a telescoping feature to reduce the overall heigth of the apparatus. FIG. 8B shows a handle member  19  which may be folded over, which also reduces the overall heigth of the apparatus. A handle member may be designed which incorporates both lowering abilities. Also shown is a typical wheel assembly  52  mounted on base structure  17 . This assembly is a basic wheel and axle assembly, mounted on at least one end of the apparatus so that the opposite end may be uplifted and the device rolled to a new location. 
     FIGS. 9A through 9E demonstrate an upper body workout means  16  which may operate in conjunction with foot engagement means  12 . Upper body workout means  16  is an assembly which is commonly used in many treadmills, stair-steppers, and cycling devices. It consists of two hand engageable members  46  which are rotatably coupled to base structure  17 . Both hand engageable members  46  are connected to motion transfer rotatable members  48 , one to each, by coupling members  47 . The connection is such that rotation in motion transfer rotatable member  48  will cause a backward and forward motion in the hand engageable members  46 , the motion in each being opposite the other. 
     Motion transfer rotatable members  48  are rotatably mounted to base structure  17 , and will rotate in the same direction and at generally the same angular velocity and acceleration. An assembly rotatable member  51  is fixedly mounted on shaft member  22  of foot engagement means  12 . A closed loop connection means  50  operatively connects assembly rotatable member  51  and at least one motion transfer rotatable member  48 , so that rotation in one produces rotation in the other. Therefore, the foot engaging members  25  of foot engagement means  12  will move along their path of rotation due to either manual foot operation or automatic motor operation, as discussed earlier, or through the user pushing and pulling back on the hand engageable members  46  with their hands. 
     The hand engageable members  46  may also be adjustable for different user heights and for different grasping widths. The members may also have a typical telescoping feature so that they may be adjusted upward or downward. Also, the grasping part of the hand engageable members  46  may have a telescoping feature which lets the user adjust the width of grasp. The hand engageable members  46  may be collapseable into a more compact form by disconnecting the members from the motion transfer rotatable members  48  and folding the hand engageable members  46 , or a collapseable feature similar to that for the handle member  19  shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be used. Also included may be a similar wheel assembly for easier relocation. 
     The Apparatus comprises bascially a structure frame means and a foot engagement means. The additional means include a resistance means, motor means, and an upper body workout means, which may be added singularly or in some combination with one another. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B demonstrate the Apparatus with an adjustable foot engaging members  25  of the foot engagement means  12 , and an adjustable first leg  28  of connection member  27 . As may be seen, foot engaging member  25  may be composed of two separate components  25 A and  25 B. Component  25 B has a hollow portion, while component  25 A is sized to fit and move within component  25 B, in a telescoping-like fashion. If the first leg  28  of one connection member  27  has a length different than the first leg  28  of the other connection member  27 , then foot engaging member components  25 A and  25 B will move relative to one another as shaft members  22  rotate. The foot engaging members  25  would now follow a more elliptical path of motion, as opposed to the original circular path. 
     Each component  25 A and  25 B have sleeve openings for attaching to the second leg  30  of connection member  27 , and the flat portion of the foot engaging member  25  upon which the user would place their foot is located on component  25 B. The first leg  28  may be adjustable to different lengths, thereby allowing the user to configure the device for different elliptical paths. 
     The elliptical movement of the foot engaging members  25  may be produced using an alternate configuration. If components  25 A and  25 B are secured together through some securing means, such as a pin or bolt, and the adjustable first leg  28  is unsecured, then the foot engaging members will again follow an elliptical motion. The length of the foot engaging member must be greater than or less than the distance between the connection points  60 A and  60 B. The first leg components  61 A and  61 B will move relative to open another in a telescoping type fashion. 
     The device may also be configured to follow the original circular path of motion. If the adjustable first leg  28  is secured at a length equal to the other first leg  28 , and the foot engaging components  25 A and  25 B are unsecured, then the foot engaging members will follow a circular path. Alternately, if the foot engaging member is secured at a length equal to the distance between the connection points, and the first leg  28  is unsecured, then again the circular path will be followed. Also, the first leg may be secured at a length equal to the other first leg  28 , and the foot engaging components  25 A and  25 B may be secured at a length equal to the distance between the connection points  61 A and  61 B to produce the circular path of motion. 
     While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein is well-calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0