JP2008161685A - Supplemental resistance assembly for resisting motion of exercise device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an exercise device, providing a user with a variety of smooth natural available exercise paths or foot motions, exercise a relatively large number of muscles through a large range of motion, and provide such foot motions in a safe and stable manner. <P>SOLUTION: This exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and first and second directional resistance systems. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system includes at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The first and second directional resistance systems are each coupled to the crank system. The first direction is different from the second direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an exercise device.

  The effects of regular aerobic exercise are well established and accepted. However, because of time constraints, bad weather, and other reasons, many people have difficulty performing aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, running and swimming. Because of this, various types of exercise equipment are currently being developed for aerobic activity.

  Exercise equipment starts with crude things such as free weights and bicycles mounted on a wooden base, and is rapidly progressing in technology, such as stationary bicycles, treadmills, elliptical fitness trainers and stair climbers . The advantage of the above-described exercise equipment is that it can be used in a relatively limited space and even in bad weather, but such exercise equipment is relatively monotonous in use. It is a known fact that if the exercise experience for a user becomes more exciting and fun, the user will exercise longer and more frequently. Unfortunately, many users perceive that spending a long time in repeating an unchanging exercise is painful and tedious, thus abandoning exercise equipment and supporting recreational activities. May be.

  Some types of exercise equipment address the user's repetitive movements by allowing the user to exercise without requiring a predetermined movement, which is movable while minimizing boredom. The desired result can be obtained by improving the flexibility and freedom of movement. An example of such a user-defined motion fitness apparatus is a pendulum motion-type exercise apparatus. Such user-defined fitness equipment allows the user to control the foot trajectory rather than a machine that guides the foot, such as existing elliptical machines, stepping machines, and stationary bicycles. An advantage of a user-defined fitness equipment is that the user can adjust the stride length and overall foot movement as needed, for example, to reproduce running, walking, or stepping. Another advantage is that a single exercise device can be used to change such movement at any time by the user as desired.

  However, existing user-defined motion fitness equipment, such as pendulum motion-type exercise equipment, has disadvantages. Existing user-defined motion fitness equipment typically has only a single resistance system configured to inhibit or resist movement of the exercise device footpad in one direction, generally approximately vertical. Is. Generally, resistance is not added to the free movement in the front-rear direction that causes the user's foot to move in the horizontal direction.

  In such user-defined fitness equipment, it has been found that unrestricted free movement in the front-rear direction gives the user an excessive degree of freedom. The effects of this excessive degree of freedom not only prevent the user from predicting the foot trajectory, but often also failing to control the foot trajectory. For example, even if the user tries to perform a climbing operation or a stepping motion, the foot trajectory (foot path) only changes to a bean-shaped motion backward unconsciously. Such unintentional actions can stress the user and further increase the risk of injury.

  Therefore, there is an exercise device that provides the user with a variety of natural and smooth movements or foot movements, exercises a relatively large number of muscles over a wide range of movement, and provides safe and stable foot movements. There is a continuing need. There is also a need for an exercise device that allows a user to exercise muscles smoothly and naturally over a wide range of motion without imparting undesirable impact loads on the user's joints. Such an exercise device is desired to be configured to be easy to handle in rough weather and in a relatively limited space. There is a continuing need for an athletic device that provides and uses a variety of user-defined creative interlocking movements. There is a demand for an exercise device that can provide effective resistance in one or more general directions, such as restrained free movement in the front-rear direction, without impairing the original interlocking movement. Yes.

  The present invention provides an exercise device for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system connected to the frame, a pivotally connected pendulum system, a foot member, and a resistance system in first and second directions. The crank system has one or more crank members. The pivot connection pendulum system has at least a first link member. The first link member is connected to the crank system via at least the first pivot portion. The first pivot member of the first link member is configured to move in the track during use. The foot member is connected to at least one first link member. The resistance systems in the first and second directions are respectively connected to the crank system. The first direction is different from the second direction.

  In a preferred form of the invention, the resistance system of the exercise apparatus has both horizontal and vertical motion components. The resistance system includes a foot member, a vertical resistance system, and a horizontal resistance system. The vertical and horizontal resistance systems are respectively connected to the foot members. The horizontal resistance system provides the foot member with a resistance force that varies from 2.2 N (0.5 pound weight) when the substantially horizontal speed is zero to the maximum force when the substantially horizontal speed is full.

  In a preferred form of the invention, the resistance system of the exercise apparatus has horizontal and vertical motion components. The resistance system includes a foot member, a variable vertical resistance system, and a variable horizontal resistance system. The vertical and horizontal resistance systems are respectively connected to the foot members. The horizontal resistance system provides fore-and-aft resistance within a range from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight).

  In a preferred form of the invention, the resistance system of the exercise apparatus has horizontal and vertical motion components. The resistance system includes a foot member, a vertical resistance system, and a horizontal resistance system. The vertical and horizontal resistance systems are connected to the foot member. The horizontal resistance system provides a constant resistance within a range from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight).

  An exercise device according to the principles of the present invention provides smooth and natural movement, allows a relatively large number of muscles to exercise over a wide range of movement, and provides safety and stability. It is. According to the exercise device according to the principle of the present invention, the user can smoothly and naturally exercise the muscles over a wide operation range without giving an undesirable impact load to the user's joint. The exercise device according to the principle of the present invention is configured to be easy to handle in rough weather and in a relatively limited space. An exercise device according to the principles of the present invention provides a creative interlocking action and is fun to use. The exercise device according to the principle of the present invention provides a resisting free movement with respect to the front-rear direction of the fitness apparatus of the user-defined movement without impairing the creative interlocking movement.

  The present invention will be more fully understood when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, like reference numerals denote like components.

  While specific embodiments of the invention are shown and described, it should be noted that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

  1-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a suitable exercise or fitness device of the present invention. Although the exemplary embodiment described herein is a pendulum motion type exercise device, the principles of the invention apply to other fitness devices, particularly fitness devices that are relatively movable by the user.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of a pendulum motion type exercise device 10 can be seen. The frame 12 is provided to have a basic support skeleton. The frame 12 may be structured to support one or more elements that make up the exercise device 10. A set of foot pads (treadboards) 14 are provided for the user to stand. In one embodiment, a rear support base or platform 31 connected to the frame 12 is provided, which further supports the exercise device 10 and functions as a lift to the foot pad 14.

  Left and right pivotally connected pendulum systems 15 are provided. Hereinafter, the pivot support pendulum system 15 on the right side will be mainly described. The contents described here can be applied to the left pivot support pendulum system 15 as well. In one embodiment, the coupled pendulum system has lower and upper generally horizontal links 21 and 23, a rear link member 18, a front generally vertical link 27, and a pivot shaft 25 (or spindle). The lower and upper approximately horizontal links 21 and 23 and the front approximately vertical link 27 include the terms horizontal and vertical, but these terms are intended to indicate the general orientation of these links in the stop position. The positions may be inclined up to 25 degrees from horizontal or vertical. The lower and upper horizontal links 21 and 23 and the front vertical link 27 are not always located in the horizontal plane or the vertical plane, respectively. Rather, they remain at or near their respective horizontal or vertical planes during use or at rest.

  The foot pad 14 is connected to the rear part of the lower horizontal link 21. The lower horizontal link 21 functions as a foot link that connects the foot pad 14 to the remaining portion of the pendulum system 15. During use, the lower horizontal links 21 pivot or swing, but they are generally held in a horizontal or near state. The horizontal link 21 is connected to the lower end portion of the rear link member 18 near the rear end portion, and is pivotally connected to the lower end portion of the front vertical link 27 at the front end portion. The rear link member 18 extends substantially vertically upward from a pivotal portion with the lower horizontal link 21. The rear link member 18 and the lower horizontal link 21 can be connected adjacent to the front portion of the foot pad 14. The upper end portion of the rear side link member 18 is pivotally connected to the rear end portion of the upper horizontal link 23. The upper horizontal link 23 extends substantially horizontally and maintains a position that is substantially horizontal with the lower horizontal link 21 during use. A central region of the upper horizontal link 23 is pivotally connected to the pivot shaft 25, and a front end portion of the upper horizontal link 23 is pivotally connected to an upper end portion of the vertical resistance link 30. The pivot shaft 25 is directly connected to the frame 12. By pivotally connecting the central region of the upper horizontal link 23 to the pivot shaft 25, the rear portion of the upper horizontal link 23 (the cantilevered support end region of the upper horizontal link 23) can be moved upward or downward during use. It can be raised and lowered, so that the exercise device 10 can more reliably obtain vertical movement during use. The front vertical link 27 extends substantially vertically at the lower end thereof from the pivotal portion with the front end of the lower horizontal link 21 upward. The front vertical link 27 is pivotally connected to the frame 12 by a pivot shaft 25. The front vertical link 27 and the upper horizontal link 23 are configured to pivot independently around the pivot shaft 25. Therefore, the rear link member 18, the upper and lower horizontal links 21 and 23, the front vertical link 27, and the pivot shaft 25 constitute a pivot connection pendulum system 15.

  Subsequently, the resistance system of this application will be described in relation to vertical and horizontal resistance systems. The terms vertical and parallel used in relation to a resistance system are used in connection with embodiments of the present invention, and the invention is not limited to resistance systems intended for vertical and horizontal operation only. Absent. Rather, this application relates to first and second resistance systems, or primary and auxiliary resistance systems. The arrangement or application of the first and second resistance systems is not limited to vertical and horizontal applications. The present invention relates to the application of a second or auxiliary resistance system that improves the operability of the exercise device, and does not limit the specific arrangement in applying the second or auxiliary resistance. Absent.

  The swing arm 29 can be provided by extending the front vertical link 27 above the pivot shaft 25 by a predetermined length. The length and shape of the pivot arm 29 can be varied to suit the desired motion and / or feeling during use. For aesthetic reasons, the exercise device 10 may be partially covered by the shroud 33.

  In use, the pivoting pendulum system 15 and the remaining elements of the exercise device allow the user to increase or decrease the stride length or exercise device stride as desired. As the user increases the stride length or tries to speed up, the likelihood that the user's feet will disengage or slip off the foot pad 14 increases. Therefore, in one embodiment, the foot pad 14 can be provided with a foot fixing member. The foot fixing member may be a toe clip 16, a strap, or other foot coupling device. Although the toe clip will be described in more detail, other types of foot fixation members can be applied besides those described herein. The toe clip 16 can be fixed to the foot pad 14 or detachably attached. In other embodiments, the toe clip 16 can be formed integrally with the foot pad 14. The toe clip 16 allows the user to easily and detachably fix the foot on the foot pad 14 without moving or sliding forward during use. Thus, the toe clip 16 not only properly secures the user's foot to the exercise device 10 but also allows the user to easily apply a forward force to the foot pad 14 with the toe clip 16. In another form, the toe clip 16 allows the user to easily apply an upward force to the toe clip 16 and footpad 14 assembly. Therefore, the user can move his / her foot forward and further upward without sliding the foot. In addition, by making these additional movements available to the user, they have a higher presence not only for auxiliary large muscle groups but also for smaller auxiliary muscle groups throughout the exercise. It is guaranteed that the effect of oxygen training will be brought about. A further advantage of using a toe clip is that more muscles can be exercised over the entire range of motion than simply bending or stretching.

  FIG. 2 shows the pendulum motion type exercise device 10 with the shroud 33 removed. An upper end portion of the vertical resistance link 30 is pivotally connected to a front end portion of the upper horizontal link 23 and extends substantially vertically downward therefrom. The vertical resistance link 30 is connected to the substantially vertical resistance system 17 at the end opposite to the upper horizontal link 23.

  The vertical resistance system 17 may comprise a crank member 32 having a first end pivotally coupled to the lower end of the vertical resistance link 30. A second end of the crank member 32 is connected to the shaft 35. During use, the longitudinal movement of the lower horizontal link 21, the rear link member 18, and the front vertical link 27 is at least a vertical component that pivots the upper horizontal link 23 about a pivot point with the pivot shaft 25. Is typically included. This pivoting action swings the front end of the upper horizontal link 23 upward and downward. Further, when the user applies a downward force to the foot pad 14 or an upward force to the toe clip 16, these forces cause the upper horizontal link 23 to move around the pivot shaft 25 and the pivoting portion. Pivot or rock. This pivoting action also causes an upward and downward swinging action at the front end of the upper horizontal link 23. The shaft 35 and the pivot shaft 25 connect the left and right pivot-coupled pendulum systems 15 respectively, and the shaft 35 moves the left and right upper horizontal links 23 in opposite directions (ie, the left and right sides). When the movable member is moved upward, the right movable member is moved downward, and vice versa, and the left and right crank members 32 are connected. The crank member 32 is connected to a pulley system 34 having an electronically controlled generator attached to the frame 12. The pulley system 34 is preferably operatively connected to conventionally known speed increasing pulleys, flywheels, and power generation systems that apply braking and deceleration forces. Alternatively, the braking or deceleration force can be applied using other mechanisms such as an eddy current system, alternator, friction brake, fluid resistance, etc. Therefore, by using the crank member 32 and the vertical resistance system 17, a vertical resistance force is applied to the upper horizontal link 23.

  The motion trajectory to the rear and front (front and rear) of the exercise device 10 also has a horizontal component, which is not handled in the prior art. Thus, an advantage of the exercise device of the present invention is that it provides horizontal resistance (secondary or auxiliary resistance). In particular, the present invention provides a horizontal resistance system 19 (second or auxiliary resistance system). Referring to FIG. 3, an enlarged version of the pivot shaft 25, the upper horizontal link 23, and the vertical resistance link 30 of the exercise device 10 can be seen. The auxiliary resistance link 41 is pivotally connected to the pivot shaft 25 by a swing link 60 extending outward from the pivot shaft 25. The swing link 60 pivots around the pivot shaft 25 in conjunction with the pivoting motion of the front vertical link 27. At the end of the auxiliary resistance link 41 opposite the pivot shaft 25, the auxiliary resistance link 41 is connected to the horizontal resistance system 19.

  The horizontal resistance system 19 can be composed of a horizontal resistance pulley 43. The horizontal resistance pulley 43 is pivotally connected to the auxiliary resistance link 41 on the opposite side of the pivot shaft 25. The auxiliary resistance link 41 is pivotally connected to the horizontal resistance pulley 43 in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the horizontal resistance pulley 43. Therefore, the horizontal resistance pulley 43 is pivoted to the auxiliary resistance link 41 and the horizontal resistance system 19. Acts as a freely connected crank member.

  Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the horizontal resistance pulley 43 also operates to provide resistance to the horizontal resistance system. The horizontal resistance pulley 43 is connected to the speed increasing pulley 45 and the flywheel 47 via the belt 50. The tension on the belt 50 can be maintained via the idler gear 52. In one embodiment, the flywheel 47 can be a rotating metal flywheel and the resistance can be provided by an eddy current brake 47 (seen in FIGS. 6 and 7). The horizontal resistance pulley 43 does not rotate completely, but instead the horizontal resistance pulley rotates in an arch determined by the user's stride length. Therefore, when the user takes a short stride length, the total rotation of the arch of the horizontal resistance pulley 43 becomes relatively small, and when the user takes a long stride length, the total rotation of the arch becomes relatively large. By using the rotating horizontal resistance pulley 43 as the resistance means, the user receives a resistance force in the front-rear operation. Further, the right and left foot pads 14 are tuned about 180 degrees out of phase by the horizontal resistance pulley 43, the auxiliary resistance link 41, and the pivot shaft 25. This tuning results in the movement of the foot simulating climbing, walking, jogging, or running. In alternative embodiments, the right and left footpads 14 can be tuned by a rocking link or other coupling configuration. In still other embodiments, the right and left footpads and the left and right connected pendulum systems can be operated independently or without synchronization. In an alternative embodiment, a linear resistance system can be used in place of the horizontal resistance pulley and its associated elements. The connection between the left and right footpads, and between the left and right connection pendulum systems is also achieved by alignment between the left and right sides that provides a weak or flexible connection between the left and right movements. . Further, the operations of the left and right linked pendulum systems are set at the stage of operation arrangement.

  The horizontal resistance system 19 of the present invention preferably provides adequate resistance to assist in stable foot movement, and does not need to be so great that unnatural back-and-forth motion occurs. Excessive forward and / or backward resistance causes the foot trajectory to bend vertically and cause an unnatural foot trajectory. Otherwise, if the resistance to the front and / or rear increases, it may be difficult for some users to continue operating the exercise device. In one embodiment, the level of longitudinal resistance on the footpad or user's foot is in the range of about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight). is there. The level of resistance can be varied within this range, or can be kept constant within this range. The variable resistance may be user adjustable, programmed, time dependent, or may vary based on other parameters. In another alternative embodiment, the level of longitudinal resistance on the footpad or user's foot is between about 8.9 N (about 2.0 lbs) and about 44.5 N (about 10.0 lbs). Is in range. The variable resistance can be configured to vary based on the speed of back and forth movement of the footpad or linked pendulum system, or the variable resistance can be selected by the user, programmed or operated by the user, or other parameters Can be changed based on The resistance to front-to-back or back-to-front motion can be changed by effectively starting and stopping the rotating metal flywheel 47 of the eddy current brake 49. The metal flywheel 47 is exposed to a magnetic field created by permanent or electromagnets and generates eddy currents in the wheel. The magnetic interaction between the applied magnetic field and the eddy current acts to decelerate the metal flywheel 47. The faster the metal flywheel 47 rotates, the stronger the effect, which means that the effective horizontal resistance varies from zero force (when the rotation speed is zero) to the maximum force at full rotation speed. means. The variable resistance can be obtained via a linear damper (magnetic particle shock absorber), a gas or fluid shock absorber, or other non-stationary resistance assembly. The resistance force can be varied without using additional resistance force by starting and stopping an inertial mass such as a larger flywheel. The steady resistance force can be obtained by using a rotational steady torque brake (magnetic particle rotary brake) or other frictional resistance forms.

  In other embodiments, an electronically controlled horizontal resistance brake can be provided. Utilizing an electronically controlled horizontal resistance brake to assist interval training, pre-determining resistance fluctuations through the stride, giving a constant resistance through the stride, or providing a full effective resistance It is possible to fluctuate. The range of effective resistance in the anterior-posterior direction on the foot is believed to be from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight). In other embodiments, a linear resistance system can be used.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides the user with a variety of smooth, natural and effective motion trajectories or foot movements, and also exercises a relatively large number of muscles over a wide range of motion, making it safer and more stable foot movements. It is what brings. The present invention also provides an exercise device having an effective resistance force generally in one or more directions that suppresses free movement in the front-rear direction, for example, without impairing the original interlocking operation of the exercise device.

  Also, in addition to the resistance to vertical and horizontal motion, the motion of the pivoting pendulum system 15 of the exercise device 10 may be stopped once or multiple times in response to the footpad 14 reaching the limit of the exercise device. This is referred to as moving end stop (moving end stop). In general, when the moving end stop is suddenly performed, unpleasant jerking occurs to the user, and in fact, when the moving end stop is performed suddenly and the user uses a high stride speed, The possibility of injury to the user may increase. Therefore, there is a need for an exercise device that naturally stops the moving end. Applicants have found that the moving end preferably has a two-stage linear stiffness profile or a non-linear stiffness profile.

  This profile is shown as a graph in FIG. In FIG. 5, the force (N) is indicated on the vertical axis, and the moving distance (cm) is indicated on the horizontal axis. As the travel distance increases, the force is initially relatively flat, so the end-of-motion indication is gently presented to the user. Thereafter, the force rapidly increases when approaching a predetermined stop position. The smoother initial contact provides the user with a turning push, as well as a smooth, non-strong indication when the moving end is approaching.

  Embodiments that achieve a two-stage linear stiffness profile or a non-linear stiffness profile begin with a non-linear profile that begins to move relatively smoothly at initial contact and then increases stiffness at a given stop position. A single bumper to bring. Referring back to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the swing link 60 has a stop tab 61 configured to lock the first bumper 57. The first bumper 57 acts as a moving end that provides extremely stiff cushioning and some sudden stop when the stop tab 61 fully locks the first bumper 57. As part of the left and right pivotally connected pendulum system 15, the exercise device 10 also includes left and right swing links 61, auxiliary resistance links 41, and a first bumper.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, in other embodiments, at least one set of separate second bumpers 62, 64 can be used alone or in combination with the first bumper 57. In this embodiment, each second bumper 62 and 64 is configured to make the initial contact relatively soft when the moving end is approached, and relatively stiff or gradually stiff when the moving end is approached. . The bumpers 62 and 64 bring a moving end stop in the front-rear direction, respectively. The first bumper 57 and the second bumpers 62 and 64 are preferably formed of an elastic material such as a polyester elastomer. Alternatively, the first and / or second bumper can be formed of other materials such as butyl rubber, polyethylene, other elastomers, or combinations thereof. Due to the elastic characteristics of the second bumpers 62 and 64, the bumper can give a gentle pressing force to the user when the user reverses the moving end position. The gentle pressing force improves the feeling and comfort of the exercise device 10 and makes the exercise device more enjoyable. The combination of the second bumpers 62 and 64 and the first bumper 57 gives the exercise device an optimal two-stage moving end stop configuration in both the forward and backward directions. The second bumpers 62 and 64 provide an indication of an initial gradual moving edge that increases non-linearly when the movement continues in the stop direction, and the first bumper 57 minimizes adverse effects or feelings to the user. However, it causes a sudden stop that prevents the maximum movement of the exercise device and prevents damage to the exercise device.

  In order to provide at least two second bumpers 62 and 64, in one embodiment, a bumper bracket 66 can be provided over the horizontal resistance pulley 43. The bumper bracket 66 has two contact surfaces 72, 74 configured to contact and support the second bumpers 62 and 64. The second bumpers 62 and 64 are held by brackets 82 and 84 provided on the horizontal resistance pulley 43. Therefore, when the horizontal resistance pulley 43 reaches the limit of the exercise device 10 while rotating the arch determined by the user's stride length, one of the second bumpers 62 and 64 held on the horizontal resistance pulley 43 is The corresponding contact surfaces 72 and 74 are contacted.

  Alternatively, the first bumper 57 can have a non-linear response so that the initial contact by the stop tab 61 is soft and can give a gentle indication to the stop end, after which the stop tab 61 The first bumper 57 can be configured to have a resistance force that increases in a non-linear manner when the first bumper 57 continues to be locked and supported. Both single bumper and double bumper approaches provide an original feeling that is crucial for an exercise device with user defined motion. By properly selecting the initial stiffness, the user feels resistance when starting to advance the foot in the opposite direction, instead of feeling resistance as the foot moves closer to the moving end. While it is a user-defined motion device that can significantly increase the stride length compared to most existing exercise devices, the “push force” at the moving end straddles with the maximum stride length. In the meantime, there is a tendency to encourage the user to obtain the smooth and rhythmic movement required to achieve high aerobic exercise.

  Although the invention has been described with specific embodiments, other alternatives, modifications, and variations are anticipated by those skilled in the art. As described above, the pendulum straddling type exercise device is shown as an example embodiment, but the principle of the present invention includes a rowing machine, an elliptical exercise device, a stepping exercise device, a cross-country ski machine, a hanging exercise device, and the like. The present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to other fitness devices, particularly fitness devices that are relatively movable by the user. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise device according to the principles of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 with the shroud removed. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a part of the exercise device of FIG. 1 in detail. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a graph showing a non-linear profile at the stop position of the exercise device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a part of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in detail. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing in detail another part of the exercise device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Exercise device 12 Frame 14 Foot pad 15 Pivot connection pendulum system 16 Toe clip 17 Vertical resistance system 18 Rear link member 19 Horizontal resistance system 21 Lower horizontal link 23 Upper horizontal link 25 Pivot shaft 27 Front vertical link 29 Turning arm 30 resistance link 32 crank member 34 pulley system 35 shaft 41 auxiliary resistance link 43 horizontal resistance pulley 47 flywheel 57 first bumper 60 swing link 61 stop tabs 62, 64 second bumper

Claims (40)

In exercise equipment for users,
Frame,
A crank system coupled to the frame, the crank system having one or more crank members;
A pivot connection pendulum system having at least a first link member, wherein the first link member is connected to the crank system via at least a first pivot attachment portion, and the first pivot of the first link member The landing gear is a pivoted pendulum system configured to move in orbit during use; and
A foot member connected to at least one first link member;
A first direction resistance system coupled to the crank system;
A second direction resistance system coupled to the crank system;
The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction. The resistance system in the first direction is a substantially vertical resistance system;
The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the resistance system in the second direction is a substantially horizontal resistance system.   The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance system in the second direction includes a system that applies a braking force or a deceleration force to the operation of the pivot joint pendulum system.   The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the system for applying braking or deceleration force comprises an eddy current brake.   The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal resistance system provides the foot member with a resistance force that varies from zero force at zero speed to a maximum force at full speed.   The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal resistance system provides a constant resistance.   The horizontal resistance system provides a longitudinal resistance force to the foot member in a range from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight). The exercise apparatus according to Item 2.   The horizontal resistance system provides a longitudinal resistance force to the foot member in a range from about 8.9 N (about 2.0 lbs) to about 44.5 N (about 10.0 lbs). Item 8. The exercise device according to Item 7. The pivot connection pendulum system has at least the first link member and the second link member,
The pivot portion of the first link member is an upper pivot portion,
The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the second link member is connected to the frame. The exercise device further includes a foot pad coupled to the foot member,
The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the foot pad includes a front fixing member.   The exercise device according to claim 10, wherein the front fixing member is a toe clip. The foot member is configured to move according to a user-defined motion;
The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the user-defined motion has a vertical component and a horizontal component.   13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the user-defined action can be changed as desired by a user.   The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pivotally connected pendulum system has a corresponding pair of four or more links. The exercise apparatus further includes a climbing platform,
The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the climbing base is located below at least part of the foot member.   The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pivot-coupled pendulum system has a swivel arm that interlocks with an upper body of a user.   The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the system that applies a braking force or a deceleration force includes at least one of a resistance pulley and a swing link.   The exercise device of claim 17, wherein the resistance pulley has an effective action of incomplete rotation. In a resistance system for exercise equipment having both horizontal and vertical motion components,
A foot member;
A variable vertical resistance system coupled to the foot member;
A variable horizontal resistance system coupled to the foot member;
In the horizontal resistance system, the foot member has a resistance force that varies from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) when the substantially horizontal speed is zero to a maximum resistance force when the substantially horizontal speed is full. A resistance system characterized by giving.   20. The resistance system of claim 19, wherein the horizontal resistance system comprises a system that applies a braking or deceleration force to a foot link.   21. A resistance system according to claim 20, wherein the system for applying braking or deceleration force comprises an eddy current brake.   The horizontal resistance system provides a longitudinal resistance force to the foot member in a range from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight). Item 20. The resistance system according to Item 19.   The horizontal resistance system provides a longitudinal resistance force to the foot member in a range from about 8.9 N (about 2.0 lbs) to about 44.5 N (about 10.0 lbs). Item 20. The resistance system according to Item 19. The resistance system further comprises a foot pad coupled to the foot member,
The resistance system of claim 19, wherein the footpad includes a front securing member.   25. A resistance system according to claim 24, wherein the front securing member is a toe clip.   20. The resistance system of claim 19, wherein the vertical resistance system comprises a system that applies a braking force or a deceleration force. In a resistance system for exercise equipment having both horizontal and vertical motion components,
A foot member;
A variable vertical resistance system coupled to the foot member;
A variable horizontal resistance system coupled to the foot member;
The horizontal resistance system provides a user-selectable resistance in the front-rear direction that ranges from about 2.2 N (about 0.5 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight). A resistance system characterized by.   28. The resistance system of claim 27, wherein the resistance force of the horizontal resistance system ranges from about 8.9N (about 2.0 pounds weight) to about 44.5N (about 10.0 pounds weight).   28. The resistance system of claim 27, wherein the horizontal resistance system comprises a system that applies a braking or deceleration force to the operation of the foot link.   30. The resistance system of claim 29, wherein the system for applying braking or deceleration force has an eddy current brake. The resistance system further comprises a foot pad coupled to the foot member,
28. The resistance system of claim 27, wherein the footpad has a front securing member.   32. The resistance system according to claim 31, wherein the front fixing member is a toe clip.   28. The resistance system of claim 27, wherein the vertical resistance system comprises a system that applies a braking force or a deceleration force. In a resistance system for exercise equipment having both horizontal and vertical motion components,
A foot member;
A variable vertical resistance system coupled to the foot member;
A horizontal resistance system coupled to the foot member,
The horizontal resistance system provides a constant resistance within a range from about 2.22 N (about 0.05 pound weight) to about 66.7 N (about 15.0 pound weight).   35. The resistance of claim 34, wherein the constant resistance of the horizontal resistance system is in a range from about 8.9N (about 2.0 pounds weight) to about 44.5N (about 10.0 pounds weight). system.   35. The resistance system of claim 34, wherein the horizontal resistance system comprises a system that applies a braking or deceleration force to the operation of the foot link.   38. The resistance system of claim 36, wherein the system for applying braking or deceleration force has an eddy current brake. The resistance system further comprises a foot pad coupled to the foot member,
35. The resistance system of claim 34, wherein the foot pad has a front securing member.   40. The resistance system of claim 38, wherein the front securing member is a toe clip.   35. The resistance system of claim 34, wherein the vertical resistance system comprises a system that applies a braking force or a deceleration force.

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