TW201309363A - Upper body exercise and flywheel enhanced dual deck treadmills - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt.

Description

Treadmill with double pedal exercise for upper body exercise and flywheel

The present invention generally relates to the field of exercise devices and, in particular, to an exercise device including interconnected pedals with a moving surface provided thereon, and arm exercises and their Motorized embodiment.

The fitness benefits of regular exercise are well known. Many different types of construction equipment have been developed over time and have a variety of achievements to promote sport. Examples of successful grade fitness equipment include treadmills and ladder type machines. A conventional treadmill typically includes a continuous belt that provides a moving surface upon which a user can walk, jog or run on the continuous surface. A conventional ladder type machine typically includes a pair of hinges adapted to pivot up and down to provide a pair of surfaces or pedals, and a user can stand on such jaws or pedals and press up and down, Used to simulate climbing a ladder.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention are directed to a fitness machine that provides side-by-side moving surfaces that are pivotally supported at one end and that are adapted to be up and down at an opposite end Bottom pivot. By means of a device consistent with the present invention, two pivoting moving surfaces are provided, these moving surfaces providing some or all of the exercise benefits of using a treadmill, with some using a ladder type machine or All the benefits of exercise. A fitness machine consistent with aspects of the present invention provides an amount that is not separately determined by a treadmill or a ladder machine. External health benefits.

Cross-references to related applications

This application is a non-provisional patent application that claims the priority of the following patent application: U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,787, filed on Feb. 26, 2004, entitled "Hydraulic Resistance, Arm Exercise and Non" -Motorized Dual Deck Treadmills", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,265, filed on Feb. 26, 2004, entitled "Exercise Device with Treadles (Commercial)", filed on February 26, 2004 Provisional Application No. 60/548,786, entitled "Control System and Method for an Exercise Apparatus" and US Provisional Application No. 60/548,811, filed on February 26, 2004, entitled "Dual Treadmill Exercise Device" Having a Single Rear Roller; the disclosure of such applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of the priority of the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/789,182, entitled "Dual Deck Exercise Device", filed on February 26, 2004; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/789,294, filed on Feb. 26, 2004, entitled "Exercise Device with Treadles", a contiguous application, and the present application is filed on February 26, 2004. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/789,579, entitled "System and Method for Controlling an Exercise A continuation-in-part of the priority of the present application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Join this article as a reference

The present application is also incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety in the U.S. U.S. Application Serial No. /451,104, entitled "Exercise Device with Treadles"; US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,789, filed on February 28, 2003, entitled "Dual Deck Exercise Device"; filed on February 28, 2003 US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,890, entitled "System and Method for Controlling an Exercise Apparatus"; US New Style Patent Application No. 29/176,966, filed on February 28, 2003, entitled "Exercise Device with Treadles".

The present application is related to the disclosure of the U.S. Application Serial No. Fully described in this article: U.S. Patent Application No. __________, entitled "Fitness Device With Pedal S", filed on February 25, 2005; this application is further identified as with Dorsey & Whitney _LLP Docket No. 34005/US/2 and US Express Mail No. EV 423 777 730 US No.; US Patent Application No. </RTI> entitled "Control System and Method for an Exercise Apparatus", filed on February 25, 2005 _________; this application is more confirmed to be the same as Dorsey & Whitney _LLP Docket No. 34006/US/2 and US Express Mail No. EV 423 771 683 US; and the name is “Dual Treadmill Exercise Device Having a Single Rear Roller” And the United States Patent Application No. __________ filed on February 25, 2005; this application was further confirmed as Dorsey & Whitney _LLP Docket No. 34007/US/ No. 2 is the same as US Express Mail No. EV 423 777 099 US.

In one aspect of the invention, an exercise device includes a frame structure; a first pedal assembly that supports a first moving surface; and a second pedal assembly that supports a second moving surface And an upper body exercise assembly that is operatively associated with the exercise device. The first pedal assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame structure and the second pedal assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame structure.

In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure; a first pedal assembly having a first endless belt in a rotatable engagement with a first roller; a second pedal An assembly having a second endless belt in a rotatable engagement with a second roller; and a flywheel operatively coupled to the first endless belt and the second endless belt .

The features, utilities, and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the The embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and are defined in the scope of the appended claims.

An exercise device 10 consistent with the concepts of the present invention can be constructed to provide a user with a walking type of exercise, a stepping type of exercise, or a similar hill climbing exercise that combines walking and pedaling. The exercise device generally includes two treadmill-like components 12 (referred to herein as a "pedal" or a "pedal assembly") that are pivotally coupled to a frame such that These pedals can pivot up and down about a main shaft 16. The spindle can be a solid spindle (axle) or can be a virtual spindle defined by a component assembly that pivotally supports each pedal. In one embodiment, each of the pedals includes a tread belt 18 that provides a moving surface such as a treadmill. In one example, the tread belt is supported by a front roller and a rear roller. The rear roller can be common to the two pedals, or each pedal can include a different rear roller. Furthermore, the or the rear rollers may be supported on the frame or pedal and may use a spindle with the pedals or may have a front, rear, and upper side of the pivoting spindles of the pedals and / or a unique rotating spindle below.

In use, a user will walk, jog, or run on the pedals, and the pedals will reciprocate back and forth against the pivoting spindle of the pedal. The pedals are interconnected such that the upward movement of one pedal is accompanied by the downward movement of the other pedal. The movement table of the tread belt The combination of the faces, and the coordinated and interconnected reciprocating back and forth movement of the pedals provides an exercise similar to crawling on a loose surface, such as walking up, jogging, or running a sand dune, where each The upward and forward foot movements are accompanied by the backward and downward sliding of the other foot. Extraordinary cardiovascular and other health benefits are achieved through this kind of crawling-like exercise. Again, as will be appreciated from the discussion below, such extraordinary health benefits are achieved in a low impact manner.

The discussion of Figures 1 through 23 below provides a general structural architecture for the various other embodiments discussed with reference to Figures 24 through 47. Further details relating to other structural architectures for the various embodiments discussed herein are provided in various related applications incorporated herein by reference. The concept of the present invention involves various configurations that can be used to provide an upper body exercise component to the embodiments discussed with reference to Figures 1 through 23 and various embodiments incorporated herein by reference. The concepts of the present invention also involve various configurations that can be used in place of or in conjunction with one or more motors used to drive the tread belt. Finally, the concepts of the present invention are directed to the upper body exercise structure, the structure of the non-use motor, and various combinations of resistance structures, as well as many combinations of possible embodiments described in the related applications incorporated herein by reference.

1 is an isometric view of an example of an exercise device consistent with the concepts of the present invention. An embodiment of an exercise device shown in Figure 1 includes a protective and decorative panel 20 that, in some cases, obscures the line of sight of certain components of the exercise device. Figure 2 is an isometric view of the exercise device of Figure 1 with the protective and decorative panels removed All of the components of the device are shown more clearly. In most cases, the views of the exercise device shown in Figures 3 through 8 and other figures do not include such protective and decorative panels.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and other figures, the exercise device includes a first pedal assembly 12A and a second pedal assembly 12B, each pedal assembly having a front portion 22 and a rear portion 24. The rear portion of the pedal assembly 12 is pivotally supported at the rear of the exercise device 10. The front portion 22 of the pedal assemblies is supported above the frame 14 and is configured to reciprocate back and forth in a generally upward and downward manner during use. It is also possible to pivotally support the pedals in front of the exercise device and to support the rear of the pedal assemblies above the frame. The pedal assemblies each also support a recirculating belt or "tread belt" that rotates over a bottom plate 26 and against the front roller 28 and the rear roller 30 to provide a forward or backward movement. The moving surface.

A user may exercise on the device facing the front of the pedal assemblies (referred to herein as "forward facing use"), or may exercise on the device facing the rear of the pedal assemblies (in this context) Called "for rear use"). The terms "front", "rear" and "right" are used herein in the context of a user standing on the device in a forward-facing manner in which the device is typically used. In any method of use, the user can walk, jog, run, and/or step on the exercise device in a manner in which each of the user's feet is in contact with one of the pedal assemblies. For example, facing forward During use, the user's left foot will generally only contact the left pedal assembly 12A, and the user's right foot will generally only contact the right pedal assembly 12B. Alternatively, in rearward facing use, the user's left foot will generally only contact the right side pedal assembly 12B, and the user's right foot will generally only contact the left side pedal assembly 12A.

An exercise device consistent with the concepts of the present invention can be constructed to provide only one stride action, and would only provide one step action. For a stride action, the pedal assemblies are constructed so as not to reciprocate back and forth, and the endless belts 18 are constructed to rotate. The term "stepping action" means any typical human stepping action, such as walking, jogging, and running. For a stepping action, the pedal assemblies are constructed to reciprocate back and forth, and the endless belts are constructed so as not to rotate about the rollers. The term "stepping" means any typical stepping action, such as when a human goes up the stairs, uses a traditional stepper fitness device, walks up a hill, and so on.

As mentioned above, the rear portion 24 of each pedal assembly is pivotally supported behind the exercise device. The front portion of each pedal assembly is supported above the front portion of the exercise device such that the pedal assemblies can pivot up and down. When the user steps on a tread belt 18, the associated pedal assemblies 12A, 12B (including the belts) will pivot downward. As will be described in more detail below, the pedal assemblies 12 are interconnected such that downward or upward movement of one pedal assembly will cause the other pedal assembly to move up or down, respectively. move. Thus, when the user steps on a belt 18, the associated pedal assembly will pivot downward while the other pedal assembly will pivot upward. By constructing the pedal assemblies for upward and downward movement and constructing the tread belts to provide a moving stride surface, the user can achieve an exercise session that includes walking and A combination of steps.

2 is a partial cutaway isometric view of the embodiment of the exercise device 10 of FIG. 1. With respect to the left and right pedal assemblies, the tread belt is removed to reveal the underlying belt platform or "bottom plate" 26, as well as the front roller 28 and the rear roller 30. In addition to this, the belt platform of the left pedal is partially cut away to show the pedal frame member located below. Referring to Figure 2 and other figures, the exercise device includes a main frame 14 located below. The frame provides general structural support for moving the components of the exercise device as well as other components. The frame includes a left side member 32, a right side member 34, and a plurality of cross members 36 interconnecting the left side member and the right side member to provide a single Base structure. The frame can be placed directly on the floor or can be supported on adjustable struts, bumpers, shock absorbers, or a combination of such devices. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the adjustable struts 38 are provided at the left side of the bottom of the frame and at the corners of the front right side.

A left side post 40 is coupled to the front end region of the left side member 32. One right side post 42 is coupled to the front end portion of the right side side member 34. The columns are tied with a slightly backwards A sweep extends generally from the frame. The handle 44 extends transversely to the top of each post in an orientation generally T-shaped with the post. The top of the T-shape is the handle, and the portion of the T-shaped downward extending portion is the column. The handles are configured to be substantially in the same plane as the respective underlying side members 32, 34. The handles define a first section 46 that is coupled to the posts and a second section 48 that extends rearwardly in an angular orientation relative to the first section. The handle is adapted to allow the user to grasp during use of the exercise device. A console 50 is supported between the first sections of the handles. The console includes one or more cup holders, an exercise display, and one or more recesses for receiving keys, a big brother, or other personal items. The console is most clearly shown in Figures 5 and 7.

3 is a left side view of the exercise device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a right side view. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the exercise device 10 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a front view. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 5. Referring to Figures 2-6 and 9, and other figures, each pedal assembly includes a pedal frame 52 having a left side member 54, a right side member 56, and a plurality of extensions to the left side and the right side member. Pedal cross member 58 between. As best shown in Figure 9, the outer longitudinal members 54, 56 of each pedal are pivotally coupled to the rear main shaft (axle) 16 by radial ball bearings 59.

The front rollers 28 are rotatably supported in front of each of the pedal frames, and the rear rollers 30 are pivotally supported at Behind each pedal frame. In order to adjust the tension of the tread belt and the trajectory, the front or rear roller can be connected to the pedal frame in an adjustable manner. In a particular embodiment as best shown in Figures 3, 3A and 4, each front roller is coupled to the front side of each individual pedal frame in an adjustable manner. The front roller includes an axle 60 that extends outwardly from the ends of the roller. The outwardly extending ends of the axle each define a threaded opening 62 and are supported in a channel 64 defined by the left pedal frame side member 54 and the right pedal frame The side member 56 is in the forward end portion. The passage defines a forwardly open end 66. A plate member 68 defining a threaded opening is secured to the left and right front end portions of the right side member such that the centerline of the opening 70 is aligned with the forwardly open end portion 66 of the passageway 64. A bolt is threaded into the threaded opening and engages a corresponding threaded opening in the end of the roller axle 60 that is supported in the passage. Alternatively, a spring is seated between the closed portion of the passage and the pivoting axle for biasing forward toward the pivoting axle. By adjusting one or two bolts at the ends of the axle, the corresponding end of the axle can be moved forward or backward in the passage to adjust the position of the front roller. The adjustment of the front roller can relax or tension the tread belt or change the travel of the tread belt.

The belt bottom plates 26 are seated on top of each of the pedal frames 52. The base plate may be bolted to the pedal frame, may be secured to the frame in combination with a floor cushion or floor suspension system, or may be loosely mounted to the pedal frame. Each belt bottom The plate system is seated between each of the front rollers 28 and the rear rollers 30 of each of the pedal assemblies 12A, 12B. The belt bottoms are sized to provide a landing platform for most or all of the above-mentioned routes of the tread belts 18.

The rear portion 24 of each pedal assembly is pivotally supported on the rear side of the frame, and the front side of each pedal assembly is supported by one or more damping members 76, an interconnecting member 78, or a combination thereof Above the frame, each pedal assembly 12 is pivotable up and down relative to the lower frame. Figure 7 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of the exercise device of Figure 2. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rear roller assembly taken along line 9-9 of Figure 5. Referring to Figures 5, 7, 9, and other figures, each pedal assembly is pivotally supported above a rear cross member 80 of the main frame 14. In a particular embodiment, a drive shaft 82 is rotatably supported by a left drive bracket 84A, an intermediate drive bracket 84B, and a right drive bracket 84C above the rear cross member. The corresponding radial bearings 81A, 81B, and 81C support the axles in the brackets in a rotatable manner. The drive shaft supports each of the rear rollers in a rotatable manner. Accordingly, the left and right rear rollers are rotatably supported about a common drive spindle 82, which in one example is also the common rear pivot spindle 16 of the pedals 12.

Each roller 30 is supported on the axle 82 by a pair of collars 83. The collars are secured to the axle by a key portion 85 that fits within the collar and a passage 87, 89 in the axle. The collar is more A set screw 91 is fixed to the axle, and the set screw is supported in the collar. The setting screw is tightened against the key portion.

A pulley 86 is fastened to a portion of the drive shaft 82. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 9, and other figures, in one particular embodiment, the drive pulley 86 is secured to the left end region of the drive shaft. However, the drive pulley can be fastened to the right end region or somewhere between the left and right end regions along the length of the drive shaft. A motor 88 is fastened to a bottom panel 90 extending between the right side edge member 56 and the left side edge member 54 (best seen in the bottom view of Figure 8). A motor shaft 92 extends outwardly from the left side of the motor. The motor is mounted such that the motor shaft is generally parallel to the drive shaft 82. A flywheel 94 is secured to the outwardly extending end region of the motor shaft. A drive belt 96 is coupled between the drive shaft pulley and a motor pulley 98, and the motor pulley is coupled to the motor shaft. Accordingly, the motor is configured to cause rotation of the drive shaft and the two rear rollers 30.

A belt speed sensor 100 is operatively coupled to the tread belt 18 for monitoring the speed of the tread belt. In a particular embodiment, the belt speed sensor is implemented by a reed switch 102 that includes a magnet 104 and a detector 106. The reed open relationship is operatively coupled to the drive pulley for generating a belt speed signal. a magnet is embedded in the drive pulley or connected to the drive pulley 86, and the detector is coupled to the main frame 14 in a predetermined direction for each time the magnet rotates through the detection An output pulse is generated.

Both the left and right rear rollers 30 are secured to the drive shaft 82. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft causes the left and right rear rollers to rotate and also causes the associated endless belt 18 to rotate at the same, or nearly the same, pace. It is also possible to provide separate drive shafts for each roller that will be powered by separate motors and controlled by a common motor. In such a case, the speed of the motor will be coordinated by the controller to cause the tread belts to rotate at the same or nearly the same pace. The or the motors can be constructed or commanded by the user's control to drive the cycles in a forward direction (ie, from the left side, counterclockwise around the front and rear rollers) The belt, or constructed, is configured to drive the endless belts in a rearward direction (i.e., from the left side, clockwise about the front and rear rollers).

During use, the tread belt 18 is slid over the bottom plate 26 with a special dynamic frictional force depending on various factors including the material of the belt and the bottom plate, and the downward force on the belt. In some cases, when the user steps on the belt and increases the dynamic friction between the belt and the bottom plate, the belt may stick slightly to the bottom plate. In addition to the force provided by the motor 88 to rotate the belts, the flywheel 94 secured to the motor shaft has an angular momentum component that helps overcome the increased dynamic friction and Helps provide a uniform pedaling belt movement. In one embodiment, the substrate is a 3/8 inch thick intermediate density fiber (or "MDF") based on a coating of a low-friction curing of an electron beam. In addition, the belt is A polyester fabric base with a PVC top. The belt can be combined with a low friction material such as a low friction resin.

Certain embodiments of the invention may include a resistance element 76 that is operatively coupled to the pedals. As used herein, the term "resistance element" is meant to include any type of device, structure, member, assembly, and construction that resists vertical motion such as the pivotal motion of the pedals. The resistance provided by the resistance element can be fixed, variable, and/or adjustable. In addition, the resistance can be a function of load, time, heat, or other factors. Such a resistance element can provide other functions, such as mitigating the downward, upward, or both movements of the pedals. The resistive element can also apply a restoring force to the pedals such that if the pedal is in a lower position, the resistive element will apply a restoring force to move the pedal upwards; or if the pedal If it is in an upper position, the resistance element will apply a restoring force to move the pedal down. The term "impact member" or "damping element" is sometimes used herein to mean a resistance element, or a spring (recovery force) element, or one may or may not include a spring (return). Damping element of force.

In a particular configuration of the exercise device, a resistance element 76 extends between each of the pedal assemblies 12 and the frame 14 for supporting the front side of the pedal assembly and for resisting downward movement of each of the pedals. The or the resistance elements can be disposed at various locations between the pedal frame and the main frame. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and other figures, the resistance elements include a first impact member 108 and a first Two impact members 110. Both impact members resist and cushion the movement of the pedals. More particularly, the first or left impact member 108 extends between the left side of the left pedal assembly or the outer frame member 54 and the frame member 40 of the left upright. The second impact member 110 extends between the right side of the right pedal assembly or the outer frame member 56 and the frame member 42 of the right upright. In an alternate embodiment, the impact members extend between the outer frame member of each of the pedal assemblies and a portion of the frame below the pedal assembly. In another alternative, the impact members can be coupled to the front side of the pedals between the inner and outer pedal frame members.

In a particular embodiment, the impact member (108, 110) is a fluid or air type damping device and is not integrated internally or externally with a return spring. Thus, when a user's foot is placed in front of a pedal, the impact member restrains and resists the downward force of the foot to provide a foot, leg, and foot for the user. And the cushioning effect of various leg joints of the knee. In some configurations, the resistance device can also be adjusted to reduce or increase the downward stroke length of a pedal. The impact member can be provided with a user adjustable damper collar which, when rotated, causes the damping force of the impact member to increase or decrease to match the needs of any particular user. A special impact member that can be used in a fitness device in accordance with the present invention is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,762,587, entitled "Exercise Machine With Adjustable-Resistance, Hydraulic Cylinder", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This article is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Generally, the impact member includes a cylinder that is filled with hydraulic fluid. A piston rod member extends outwardly from the cylinder. Within the cylinder, a piston system is coupled to the piston rod member. The piston system defines at least one orifice through which the hydraulic fluid can flow, and the piston also includes a check valve. The piston subdivides the cylinder into two fluid-filled chambers. During the starting of the impact member, the piston moves up or down in the cylinder. During the downward movement or elongation of the impact member, the flow system flows through the orifice at a rate which is determined in part by the number of orifices and the size of the orifice. The flow system flows through the check valve during upward movement or compression of the impact member. The collar is operatively coupled to a panel to which the panel or apertures are associated. The rotation of the collar will expose or cover the orifice for fluid flow and thus reduce or increase the damping force of the impact member. Alternatively, the collar that inhibits resistance is coupled to a plunger that tapers toward an orifice between the hydraulic chambers of the impact member. The depth of the plunger is controlled in part by the resistance of the impact member. Preferably, the return spring shown in Figure 4 of the '587 patent is removed.

Another special impact member that can be used in an exercise device in accordance with the present invention is described and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,622,527, entitled "Independent Action Stepper," which issued on April 22, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. The overall content is incorporated herein by reference. The impact member can be used with the spring 252 shown in Figure 10 of the '527 patent. After the pedal is depressed, the spring provides a returning force that moves up or restores the pedals. Preferably, however, the spring 252 The system was removed. In this manner, in one embodiment of the invention, the impact member provides only one resistance and does not provide a returning force. In an embodiment where no spring is used, the impact member can be configured to provide a resistance in the range of 47 KgF to 103 KgF. Alternative resistance elements are discussed in more detail below.

10 through 14 are partial isometric views of the exercise device particularly showing the interconnecting structure 78 of the pedal. 10 to 14 each show an interconnection structure among different positions. Fig. 15 is a side view showing the structure in which the pedals are connected to each other, and the position thereof is the same as that shown in Fig. 12. 16(A, B) to 20(A, B) are isometric views of the exercise device corresponding to the views shown in Figs. 10 to 14. In a particular embodiment of the interconnect structure shown in Figures 10 through 15 and other figures, the interconnect structure includes a curved rocker pivotally supported on an arcuate rocker cross member 114. A rod or "rocker" arm assembly 112 extends between the left side side member 32 and the right side side member 34 of the frame. The components of the curved rocker arm are operatively coupled to each of the pedal assemblies 12. As best shown in Figure 15, the curved rocker cross member defines a U-shaped transverse section. Each of the upright portions of the U-shape defines a keyway 116. The top of the keyway defines a pivot opening 118. The curved rocker arm includes an arcuate rocker or interconnected pivoting axle 120 supported between and extending between each of the pivoting apertures for pivotally supporting the arc Rocker arm. As discussed in more detail below, the keyway provides a pass for moving the interconnect structure between a "carry" position and a "use" position. road.

The left and right outer portions of the curved rocker arm include a first or left lower pivot stud 122 and a second or right lower pivot stud 124, respectively. A generally L-shaped bracket 126 supporting a first upper pivot stud 128 extends downwardly from the inner or right side member 56 of the left pedal 12A such that the upper pivot stud can be generally The upper side is parallel and supported below and outside the inner side member. A second generally L-shaped bracket 132 supporting a second upper pivot stud 130 extends downwardly from the inner or left side tubular member 54 of the right side pedal 12B such that the upper pivot stud It may be substantially parallel, supported below and outside the inner side members.

A first rod 134 is coupled between the left upper pivot peg 128 and the lower pivot peg 122. A second rod 136 is coupled between the right upper pivot peg 130 and the lower pivot peg 124. These levers connect the pedals to the curved rocker arms. In a particular embodiment, each of the bars (134, 136) defines a sleeve nut having an adjustable length. The sleeve nuts are attached to a ball joint 138 configuration with upper and lower pivot pins. A sleeve nut defines an upper and a lower threaded sleeve 140. Each threaded sleeve defines a circular cavity with opposite ends for supporting a pivoting ball. These pivot studs are supported in the pivoting ball. One of the bars defines opposing threaded ends 142, each of which is supported in a corresponding threaded sleeve.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the pedal assembly 12 can It is locked so as not to pivot around the rear spindle 16. When locked, the belt 18 of the pedal assembly will collectively provide an effective single, non-pivoting, tread-like stride surface. By adjusting one or two of the sleeve nuts 134, 136 to rotate the length of the rod member 142 during or after the combination of the exercise device, the horizontal planes of the two pedals can be precisely aligned so that the two pedals are The belts will jointly provide parallel stepped surfaces in the locked position.

The interconnecting structure 78 (eg, the curved rocker arm assembly) interconnects the left and right pedals such that when a pedal (eg, a left pedal) is pivoted about the rear pivoting spindle 16 And then, when pivoting upward, the other pedal (eg, the right pedal) will pivot up and down about the rear pivoting spindle, respectively, and then pivot downward. Thus, the two pedals are interconnected in a manner to provide a step motion in which the downward movement of one pedal is accompanied by the upward movement of the other pedal and vice versa. During this stepping action, the curved rocker arm portion 112 pivots or swings about the curved rocker spindle 120, either alone or in conjunction with a striding motion.

Referring now to Figures 10 through 14 and Figures 16 (A, B) through Figure 20 (A, B), a hill-like exercise provided by the action of the exercise device 10 is described in more detail. A representative user (hereinafter referred to as "user") is shown in the front-facing use in FIGS. 16B to 20B. The user is walking forward and the device is constructed to be used for climbing type, i.e. such that the pedals will reciprocate back and forth. The foot motion shown in the figure is typical of only one user representative. In some cases In the middle, the pedals 12 cannot move between the uppermost and lowermost positions, but are at a position between them. In some cases, the user may have a shorter or longer stride than shown. In some cases, a user can walk backwards, or can face rearward, or can face rearward and backward.

In FIGS. 10 and 16A, the left side pedal 12A is located in a lower position, and the right side pedal 12B is located in an upper position. Referring to Figures 10 and 14, the left side of the curved rocker arm portion 112 is pivoted downward and the right side of the curved rocker arm portion is pivoted upward. In Fig. 16B, the user is shown with his right foot forward and on the right side of the front portion of the tread belt. In the orientation of the user as shown in Figure 16B, during use of the forward facing type of climbing, the user's left leg will be extended downward and rearward, and most of the user's weight is on the left side. On the pedals. The user's right leg will bend at the knee and extend forward so that the user's right foot will begin to press down on the pedal on the right side. From the orientation shown in Figure 16B, the user will transfer his weight to a balance between the right leg and the left leg and begin to press down with his right leg to force the pedal on the right side down. . Due to the movement of the belts, the two feet will move rearward from the position shown in Figure 16B.

Figures 11, 17A and 17B show the orientation of the device 10 and the user's position in a position subsequent to that shown in Figures 10, 16A and 16B. The right side pedal 12B is pressed down via the curved rocker interconnecting structure 78, causing the left side pedal 12A to begin to rise. The user's right foot has moved backward and downward from the position shown in Figure 16B. user The left foot system has moved backward and upward from the position shown in Figure 16B.

12, 18A, and 18B show that the right side pedal 12B is approximately midway through its upward stroke, and the left side pedal 12A is approximately midway through its downward stroke. As such, the pedal assemblies are at approximately the same level above the frame 14, and the endless belts 18 are also at the same level. As shown in Fig. 18B, the user's right and right legs have moved rearward and downward from the position shown in Fig. 17B. The user's left foot has moved backward and upward from the position shown in Figure 16B. At this point, the user has begun to lift the left foot from the tread belt on the left side in a forward step; therefore, the left heel is lifted and the user has rolled up the ball of the left foot. In general, the weight on the right pedal now is more than the weight on the left pedal.

After the orientation shown in Figures 12, 18A, and 18B, the right side pedal 12B will continue its downward motion, and the left side pedal 12A will continue its upward movement to reach Figures 13, 19A, and 19B. The orientation of the device is shown. In FIGS. 13, 19A, and 19B, the left pedal is higher than the right pedal, and the curved rocker arm 112 pivots about the pivoting main shaft 120 of the curved rocker so that the right side thereof is low. On the left side. In this position, the user's right leg will continue to move backwards and downwards. The user has lifted the right leg off the left pedal and moved it forward. At approximately the upper position of the left pedal, the user will step down on the front portion of the pedal belt with his left foot. The user's entire weight will be on the right pedal until the user places their left foot on the left pedal. The user continues to provide a downward force on the right pedal, forcing the left pedal to on.

14, 20A and 20B show that the right side pedal 12B is approximately in its lowest position and shows that the left side pedal 12A is approximately in its highest position. At this point, the user has stepped down on the front portion 22 of the left pedal and has begun to press down with the left leg. The user also began to lift his right leg. The downward force on the left pedal will be transmitted through the interconnecting structure 78 to the right pedal to cause the right pedal to begin to rise.

Figure 16 (A, B) to Figure 20 (A, B) show a half cycle of the reciprocating motion of the pedals, that is, the movement of the left pedal from a lower position to an upper position and the right pedal Movement from an upper position to a lower position. A complete climbing type of exercise cycle is represented by a pedal that starts from a position and returns to the same position in a manner that includes a full upward stroke of the pedal (from the lower position to the upper position) and A complete downward stroke of the pedal (from the upper position to the lower position). For example, a step cycle (upper position of the right pedal) involving the lower position of the left pedal will include motion of the left pedal going up from the lower position to the upper position and then down to the lower position. In another example, a step cycle (see Figure 18) relating to the midpoint position of the left pedal will include an upward movement of the pedal to the upper position, a downward movement from the upper position, and an intermediate position through the intermediate position. And the upward movement to the lower position and back to the midpoint position. The order in which the up and down pedals move is not important. Therefore, the upward movement can be followed by the downward movement After the exercise or the downward movement, the upward movement can be followed.

Referring to Figure 10 and other figures, in a particular configuration, the exercise device includes a step sensor 144 that provides an output pulse corresponding to each downward stroke of each pedal. The step sensor is implemented by a second reed switch 146 that includes a magnet 148 and a detector 150. The magnet is attached to the end of a bracket 152 that extends upwardly from the curved rocker arm portion 112. The bracket is oriented such that it will oscillate back and forth through the detector, and the detector is mounted on a bracket 157 that is coupled to the curved rocker cross member 114. The reed switch 146 triggers an output pulse each time the magnet 148 passes the detector 150. Thus, when the right side pedal 12B is moving downward, the reed open relationship transmits an output pulse corresponding to the magnet that passes down the detector, and when the left side pedal 12A is moving upward, the reed The switch also transmits an output pulse that corresponds to the motion of the magnet that passes up the detector. These output pulses are used to monitor the pedal's oscillation and stroke count as the pedal moves up and down during use. It is also possible to determine the size of the depth or vertical stroke by means of an additional sensor arranged substantially vertically. These output pulses can be used alone or in conjunction with belt speed signals to provide an exercise frequency display and can be used in various exercise related calculations, such as determining the user's calorie burn rate.

As best shown in Figures 3, 6, and 16A through 20, in a particular embodiment, each of the pedals includes a drop assembly 154. The drop assembly includes a bracket 156 having a generally V-shaped configuration. They are connected to each other between the inner member and the outer side of the pedal frame. The vortex region of the V-shaped styling bracket is oriented downwardly and generally defines a flat mounting surface 158. A block 160 is fixed to a portion of the mounting surface that faces downward. When the exercise device is assembled, it is preferred that the pedals are configured by the sleeve nut (134, 136) such that when the pedal is in its lowest position, the block 160 can be held slightly higher The locking cross member 162 is located below. A bumper 164 can be secured to the cross member 162 to mitigate the impact of the pedal if the pedal falls to a minimum. In one example, the block is made of a rigid, non-flexible plastic. The block can also be made of a sturdy or flexible elastomeric material. In a flexible, elastic form, the block will provide some cushioning to enhance the buffering provided by the buffer, or in the event that the buffer is not in use, in case of use. A buffer is provided when the locking cross member falls to the bottom.

As described above, the exercise device 10 can be constructed in a "lock-out" position in which the pedal assembly does not pivot up and down. In a particular locking orientation, the pedal assembly is pivotally secured such that the tread belts are parallel and are approximately at a 10% slope relative to the rear side of the exercise device. Thus, in a front-facing use, the user can simulate an uphill step, and in a rear-facing use, the user can simulate a downhill step.

21 to 23 show an alternative embodiment of the exercise device 10. Way of application. In this alternative embodiment, each pedal (12A, 12B) includes a tread belt 18 that provides a moving surface like a treadmill. Each stepping belt is supported by a front roller and a rear roller. However, unlike the embodiment of Figures 1 through 20, the rear roller 166 is common to both pedals. The rear roller can be supported on the frame or the pedal and can have a rotating spindle with the pedals or can have a separate rotation in front of, behind, above and/or below the pivoting spindle of the pedal. Spindle.

As discussed in more detail below, in one embodiment, the opposite end portions of the rear roller are rotatably supported at the rear end of the frame. The respective outer members 54, 56 of the left and right pedals 12A, 12B are rotatably supported by the outer end portions of the rear rollers. However, the respective inner members 56, 54 of the left and right pedals 12A, 12B are not coupled to the rear rollers, but are coupled to the frame via an internal support structure that defines a virtual pivot 168. More particularly, the inner support structure includes brackets 170, 172 extending rearwardly from the inner sides 56, 54 of the pedals, the brackets being movably coupled to the at least one stud. The stud is connected to the rear end of the frame. The internal support structure thus allows each of the pedals to be positioned closer to each other along the inner side edges than a comparable exercise device having two separate rear rollers. The internal support structure also allows the inner side of each pedal to move about a central pivot about the rear end of each pedal, as if it were supported at the central pivot, even if the internal support structure is Not directly seated Fall at the position of the pivoting action.

More specifically, each of the pedal assemblies 12 is pivotally supported above a rear support structure 174 of the main frame 14. More particularly, the rear support structure includes a rear drive casting 176 supported by a rear frame support 178. As discussed in more detail below, the drive bracket extending upwardly from the rear drive casting supports the opposite end portions of the rear roller 166 in a rotatable manner. An inner support structure 168 pivotally supporting the inner side of the pedal frame includes a mounting block 180 that extends upwardly from the rear drive casting between the opposite end portions thereof. As discussed in more detail below, the mounting block system supports the longitudinal members 54, 56 of the inside of the pedal frame 52.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the axle end portions 182A, 182B of the rear roller 166 are rotatably supported by the left drive bracket 84A and the right drive bracket 84B above the rear drive casting 176. Corresponding radial bearings 81A and 81B rotatably support the axle ends in the brackets. As best shown in Figures 22 and 23, the right and left drive brackets are bolted to a pair of flanges 184 that drive the opposite ends of the casting from the rear. The place extends upwards.

As previously mentioned, the inner support structure 168 acts to support the longitudinal members 56, 54 of the respective inner sides of the pedals 12A, 12B. More particularly, the inner support structure includes internal brackets 170, 172 extending from the pedal frame members 56, 54 and the pedal frame members 56, 54 are attached to opposite sides of the mounting block 180. Extended stud 186A, The 186B is slidably coupled. The inner brackets connected to the pedal frames are slidably coupled to the studs on the mounting block and function to support the longitudinal members of the inner sides of the pedal frames. These inner brackets include a curved portion that extends downwardly and rearwardly from the rear end of the inner longitudinal members 54, 56. Each of these internal brackets defines therein at least one elongated aperture 188A, 188B that is slidably supported by studs 186A, 186B extending from the mounting block. As each of the pedals pivots about the rear pivoting spindle 16, the studs on the mounting block slide through the elongated holes and thereby support the inner longitudinal members of the pedal frame. The virtual pivot system defined by the curved portions of the inner brackets and the interaction of the studs has a pivot center shared with the rear pivoting spindle.

In addition to the lower body exercise features provided by the exercise device illustrated in Figures 1 through 23, Figures 24 through 37 are shown to include one or more upper body exercises (arms, chest, back, shoulders, etc.). A variety of fitness devices. Figures 24 through 37, discussed in detail below, are based on the exercise device discussed above with reference to Figures 1 through 23. Many features of the exercise device that are not directly related to the characteristics of the upper body are included in the drawings. However, it should be appreciated that an embodiment of an exercise device with upper body features includes some that are not shown in Figures 24 through 37, but are shown in Figures 1 through 23, many, Or some configuration of all features.

As used herein, the term "upper body exercise" means a structure, component or the like to mean that a user holds with his or her hand. Living or otherwise is any component that interfaces with his or her upper limbs to exercise his or her components including any part of the upper limbs of the arms, chest, back, body, abdomen, and the like. As used herein, the term "resistance member" means any type of resistance member, component, resistance element, or structure that exerts a force defined herein, when actuated or acted upon When an upper body exercises a structure, a user acts on the force or resists the force. Examples of the resistance member include, but are not limited to, the pedals, a resistance element or structure directly or indirectly acting on the pedals, an impact member, a flexible elastic member such as Power Rod technology, and a weight stack. A component, a SpiralFlex type of bale or one of its components, a flexible and elastic cord, and the like.

24 depicts a first embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. In this embodiment, the handle bar 192 is attached to each of the pedals (12A, 12B) by first and second posts (194, 196). The posts can be of varying lengths and configurations. In addition, one, three, or more posts can be used to secure each handle stick to an individual pedal. The columns are coupled to the frame member 54 (left side pedal) of the left pedal and the frame member 56 (right side pedal) of the right pedal. The handle bar is slightly curved. The handle stick can be of any shape. In the embodiment of Fig. 24, the uprights (40, 42) and the handlebars 44 and the console 50 of Figs. 1 through 20 are not shown. It is possible to provide a console that extends from the front of the device. In one example, the console is located in a At the top of the pedestal, the pylon extends upward from the front region of the frame and in front of the pedals, as shown in FIG. The joint between the uprights and the pedals is fixed, rather than being pivotable. In Figure 24, the left side pedal 12A is in an upwardly pivoting orientation and the right side pedal 12B is in a lower pivoting orientation. Each handle stick is oscillated with the pivoting action of the associated pedal. When the pedal is pivoted upward, the handle 192 is also pivoted upward. By gripping the column handle 192 and pressing down to push the pedal down, or pulling up to pull the pedal up, the user can achieve upper body exercise with the lower body and cardiovascular benefits. When pulled or pushed on the handles, the user acts to resist one or all of the forces from pedal interconnections, pedal movements, pedal resistance structures, and the like.

Figure 25 depicts a second embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. The function of the embodiment of Figure 25 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 24. In this example, the handle 192 extends from the outer rear direction of each pedal and forward. Each of the handles can include one or more posts 194 that attach the handle to the pedal at a second location. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 24, the handles also move as the pedals move up and down. Thus, the user can hold the handles and pull or push on the handles to apply a downward force on the pedals or apply an upward force on the pedals. The exercise device of Figure 25 includes a post or post 198 extending upwardly from the front of the frame. The pedestal supports the console 20.

FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. In this embodiment, the uprights (202, 204) extend upwardly adjacent the outer rear of each of the pedals. A cross member 206 extends between the tops of each of the columns. A handle 208 is pivotally coupled to the forward region of the cross member. The handle extends forwardly from the cross member, generally above the outer edge of the associated pedal and parallel to the outer edge. Thus, during use, the handles are generally positioned on either side of the user.

The handle bar 208 is attached to the pedals (12A, 12B) by a variety of hinge joints and fixed length members 210 in a hinged manner. In this configuration, the upward pivoting motion of one of the pedals is associated with a downward pivoting of the associated handle. In addition, the downward movement of one pedal is associated with an upward pivoting of the associated handle. As such, when a user presses on the handle, it acts via the linkage assembly 210 to pull up on the associated pedal. Moreover, when a user pulls up on a handle, it acts to push down on the associated pedal via the linkage assembly.

Each hinge assembly 210 includes a first member 212 that is coupled to an outer member (56, 54) of each pedal assembly. The first member extends upwardly and is generally perpendicular to the pedal assembly. A second member 214 is pivotally coupled to the first member. The second member extends generally rearward of the first member. Finally, a third member 216 is pivotally coupled to the second member away from the pivotal connection with the first member. The third member is also pivotally coupled to the handle 208. The handle system includes A downwardly extending section 218 is located below the pivotal connection portion of the handle and the cross member 206. The third member is pivotally coupled to the downwardly extending section. When a pedal rises and/or a handle stick is lowered, the members extend or contact the perimeter of the hinge joints to maintain an operative connection between the two components. Moreover, the members and the hinge joint can be constructed to allow the handle stick to move toward or away from the pedal as the pedal moves up or down. A downward force on the handle 208 acts to rotate the downwardly extending section 218 rearward. The rearward movement of the lower section of the handle pushes the third member 216 and the second member 214 rearwardly, applying an upward and rearward force to the first members 212. The force on the first member 212 acts to apply an upward force on the respective pedals. Conversely, the upward or downward force on the pedal acts to apply a downward or upward force on the handles, respectively.

Figure 27 depicts a fourth embodiment of an exercise device 10 that uses a double bottom plate of an upper body exercise structure 190. The upper body exercise structure includes a cable 220 coupled to one or more flexible resilient resistance members 222. Pulling the cable causes the resistance member to bend. One type of flexible member that can be used is the Bowflex Power Rod®. A resistance member such as a Power Rod® is similar to the resistance member disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 4,620,704 and 1986, filed on April 27, 1984, entitled "Universal Exercising Machine". U.S. Patent No. 4,725,057, filed on March 3, entitled "Universal Exercising Machine" The two patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments consistent with the concepts of the present invention may use one or more resistance members 222 for either side of the user. In the example shown in Figure 37, the resistance members extend rearwardly from a frame section 224 at the front of the exercise device. The bars are disposed on the outer sides of each of the pedals and are generally parallel to the sides of the pedal. It is possible to orient the resistance members in other ways, such as vertically or laterally (like wings), etc., in order to provide a different type of upper body exercise. For example, in an embodiment in which the power rod is oriented perpendicular to the front of the user, as in Figure 28, the muscles that the user exercises and the power rods are seated in The muscles under the user are different. Three resistance members are shown at the respective sides of each pedal; however, any number of resistance members can be used. The resistance members can have varying diameters as well as lengths. A user can connect a desired number of resistance bars to a hook that is coupled to one end of the cable. Applying sufficient force to the resistance cable (resistance member) will cause the resistance rod member connected to the cable to bend, which will exert resistance against the force of the cable. Because the rods are resilient, when the force is reduced or removed from the resistance cable, the attached resistance bars will tend to deflect to return to a generally straight orientation.

In the example of the exercise device of Figure 27, the handle structure 226 extends between the front of the device and the rear of the device at each side of the user in a generally arcuate configuration. In addition to this, a rod 228 is rearward from an area near the curved peak region formed by the handles. extend. A pulley 230 is attached to the handle structure. The pulley can be attached to any stable surface of the exercise device. In addition, other structures may be added to the exercise device to support the pulley in different orientations or to support a plurality of pulleys, the cable being routed through the pulley, and the cable One end portion includes a hook or other fastening mechanism for attachment to the underlying resistance member 222 and the other end of the cable including a handle 232.

In use, the user holds one or two handles and pulls to actuate and bend the resistance member 222. Depending on the end of a resistance member, the number of hooked resistance members, different amounts of weight will be required to bend the member or members.

Figure 28 is an illustration of an embodiment of a dual floor exercise device that includes an upper body exercise member 190 similar to that shown in Figure 27, but wherein the flexible resilient resistance members 222 are vertically seated. And is located in front of the exercise device 10 and has a handle configuration of a different configuration. A cable 220 and pulley arrangement on the outside of each pedal are used. Referring to the right side of the exercise device, a pulley 230 is supported on a post 234 that extends upwardly from the frame and the outer side of the right pedal 128. The pulley of the post may include a second pulley 236 that grips the cable such that an upper body exercise assembly can be used to pull the cable in various directions without escaping from the pulleys. Furthermore, a second pulley 238 is supported on the frame, below the front of the right pedal and slightly forward.

In this case, a set of elastic deflections like a Power Rod® A set of resistance members 222 of the member extend upwardly from the frame and forward of the pedal. A set of resistance members is used for each cable and pulley configuration. The cable 220 is wound through the pulleys (230, 238) and has a hook at one end for attachment to one or more resistance members and a handle 232 at the other end. When the user holds the handle and pulls, the force is transmitted by the cable to bend the one or more resistance members. When the force is reduced or removed, the resistance member is straightened into its original shape. Again, the number of such pulleys and the positioning of the or the pulleys can be configured to provide a number of different upper body exercises. Furthermore, the pulleys (230, 236) can be movably coupled to the post 234 or the frame to allow adjustment of the upper body workout.

29 depicts an embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 similar to that shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, but with a flexible resilient resistance structure 222 configured to be substantially vertical and in the fitness Behind the device. A set of individual resistance members are located behind the outside of each pedal (12A, 12B). As with other embodiments, in this example, Power Rod® technology can be used for these resistance structures. Furthermore, the cable of one pulley is disposed outside each pedal and is adapted to be coupled to an individual resistance member. Referring to the right side of the device, a pulley 238 is attached to the frame near the lower side of the front side of the right pedal. A cable 220 is wound around the pulley. The cable includes a hook or other fastening means for attachment to the resistance members. The opposite ends of the cable include a handle 232. User is holding the column Acting to apply a force on the or the resistance members. In this way, the user can obtain an exercise of the upper body.

Figure 30 depicts another embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise assembly 190 that includes a resisting element and a pulley system. This embodiment links the resisting elements 222 (e.g., Power Rod®) to the pedals instead of the handle sticks. In this way, the resistive member can be characterized as a "resistance element" as defined above. The resistance members 222 are oriented vertically and coupled to the frame in front of the pedals. With respect to the right side, a first pulley 240 is attached to the frame slightly forward and below the set of resistance members on the right side. A second pulley 242 is disposed on a pedestal 244 that is behind the resistance members and in front of the right pedal. A cable 220 is wound from the top of the or the resistance members through the pulleys and to the front or sides of the respective pedals. Each pedal is configured in the same manner to a pulley, cable, and resistive element configuration of substantially the same configuration. The downward movement or force of the pedals acts to bend the respective resistance members and is resisted in this manner. Furthermore, because the rods are resilient, when the force is reduced or removed from the resistance cable, the connected resistance bars will tend to be deflected to return to a substantially straight Orientation. As such, the resistance members contribute to the upward movement of the pedals. Therefore, the resistance members perform a pivotal resistance function of the pedal and a return function of the pedal. The resisting element exerts a force against a downward pedaling action, forcing the user to use more force to lower the pedal and enhance a lower body workout. once again Ground, multiple resistive elements can be used (each element provides a different resistance level).

In addition, the handle 246 can be pivotally coupled to the resistance members such that the user can be pulled back on the resistance members 222 or resist forward pull on the resistance members. In such an embodiment, a suitable clearance between the pulley of the pedestal and the various resistance members would be required.

31 depicts another embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise assembly 190. In this example, the upper body exercise structure includes a cable 220 that is routed through the pulley and connected to each of the pedals. Each cable is fitted with a handle 232 at one end opposite the connecting portion of the pedal. A pulling action on the cable acts to pivot the pedals downward. Moreover, the upward pivoting motion of the pedals causes a pulling action on the cable. In this example, the first pair of pulleys 248 are seated below the front side of each pedal, and one pulley is located below the left pedal and one is located below the right pedal. A second pair of pulleys 250, each of which is aligned with each of the lower pulleys, is coupled to an upstanding frame member 252 that is seated in front of the pedals. Finally, a third set of pulleys 254 in which each pulley is aligned with each of the lower pulleys is seated at the top of the upright member. These sets of pulleys guide a corresponding set of cables 220 between the bottom of each pedal to a position in front of the user on the device. The third set of pulleys can include a set of cable restraining pulleys 256 (shown in phantom) that are located directly below the upper third pulley. Take In this manner, a cable is coupled to the activity of the lower frame of each pedal. These cables are routed through a corresponding set of pulleys. The handle is attached to the end of the pulley that extends from the third set of pulleys.

For upper body exercises, the user can hold the handles and pull on the cables, which will apply a downward force on the associated pedals. Alternatively or in addition, the user can hold the handle and resist pulling on the cable caused by the downward movement of the pedals.

32 depicts yet another embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. In this example, the upper body exercise structure includes a first handle 258 and a second handle 260 that are pivotally coupled to the frame below each respective pedal. These handles extend upward and forward to the outside of each pedal. Each of the handles can be attached to a pedal by a peg 262 that extends the handle and rests in an elongated aperture 264 defined in one of the side members of each of the pedals. When a handle is moved forward or backward, the stud is slid along the elongated hole and within the elongated hole during a backward and forward movement. These handles are pivotally supported at one location. Thus, each handle is moved through an arched path by a vertical element and a horizontal element. The vertical element acts on or is acted upon by the elongated hole.

These handles (258, 260) may include a locking pivot 266 that is seated between the free end of the handle and the stud and slotted device. The locking pivot allows the upper portion of the handle to occupy each Kind of location. For example, the upper portion of the handle can be pivoted through an angle of about 90 degrees, in one example, pivoting relative to the portion of the handle that extends downwardly from the locking pivot. The upper handle portion can be frozen at any angle within the range of motion, although alternative embodiments can only allow the upper handle portion to occupy a separate position within the range.

During use, the user holds the handles (258, 260) and presses or pulls to apply a back and forth motion to the handles. When the handles are coupled to the pedals in the elongated holes 264, a force is applied between the pedals (12A, 12B) and the handles. By holding the handles, a user can look at the situation and resist the force or increase in accordance with the direction of the force applied by the user at the handles and between the pedals and the handles. This force. The exercise resistance at the handles can also be a function of the type of resistance element that is coupled to the pedals. Various resistance elements or structures that are constructed to apply a resistance force to the pivotal motion of the pedals are discussed herein and incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 33 depicts a tenth embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 having an upper body exercise structure 190. The upper body exercise structure includes a handle 268 that the user can hold and push or pull for the upper body exercise. These handles include an upper segment 270 and a lower segment 272 that are joined together by gears 274 having teeth. The upper segment is pivotally coupled to the outer frame of the respective pedal. The upper end of the upper segment includes a grip area 276. Above the pivot The lower end of the segment defines an arcuate surface 278 having a tooth (i.e., a gear).

The lower segment 272 can include a stud and slotted device 280 that is similar to that described above with respect to FIG. Here again, however, the elongated aperture 282 is defined in a side wall portion of the frame of the device, the lower end of the lower segment of the handle including an axle 284 disposed in the elongated aperture. . The lower end of the lower segment is moved back and forth in the elongated hole. The upper end of the lower segment is pivotally coupled to the pedal below the pivot for the upper segment. In addition, the lower segment defines an arcuate toothed surface 278A at the upper end above the pivot, the surface being configured to engage a corresponding gear of the upper segment.

During the pivotal movement of the pedals, the lower segment 272 is moved back and forth in the slot 280. The back and forth movement of the lower end of the lower segment is accompanied by a rotational movement of the gear 278A above the pivot. The rotational motion of the gears of the lower segment provides a corresponding rotational motion of the upper segment gear 278B. In addition, the rotational motion of the lower gear pivots the handles 268 back and forth. As such, the user can perform upper body exercises by holding the handles and pushing or pulling to resist or apply a force on the pedals.

FIG. 34 depicts another embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. In this example, the upper body structure includes a handle 286 that is coupled to the outer front of each of the pedals (12A, 12B). The handles may be fixed or pivoted with the pedals Ground connection. In a pivotal connection, the pivoting motion can be limited to a separate back and forth range. Additionally, the pivoting arrangement can include a resistance member such as a torsion spring, an impact member pivotally coupled between the handle and the frame, and the like. In still another alternative, the handles can be coupled to the front rollers 28 by a one-way bearing or wheel and lever assembly. As such, the handles can be used to provide power or to aid the belt action of the pedal (or vice versa).

FIG. 35 depicts yet another embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. In this example, a generally L-shaped handle member 288 is pivotally coupled to the rear side of the exercise device. The handle includes a generally vertically oriented section 290 that is pivotally coupled to the frame. A generally horizontally oriented section 292 extends forwardly from the upper end of the vertically oriented section. The horizontally oriented sections of each handle are positioned above and outside the respective pedals. A spring, impact member or other resistance type member 294 can be attached to the vertical section of each handle. These resistance structures resist the pivotal movement of the vertical sections of the individual handles forward, backward, or both. For upper body exercise, the user presses down or pulls up on the horizontal section of the handle. The upward or downward force on the horizontal sections is transferred into a pivotal motion of the vertical sections 290 that are resisted by the resistance structures 294.

FIG. 36 depicts yet another embodiment of a dual floor exercise device 10 that utilizes an upper body exercise structure 190. The upper body exercise structure includes an exercise handle structure 296 that pivotally and reaches the pedals A fixed handle structure 298 on either side of (12A, 12B) is joined. Relative to the fixed handle structure on the right side, it includes two vertical members 300 coupled to the rear portion of the frame. A generally horizontal beam 302 extends between and from the members. The beam is turned upward from the rear and is positioned above each pedal and to the outside of the pedals. The exercise handle 296 is generally L-shaped and pivotally coupled to the beam at the intersection of the two lengths of the L-shape. A longer length 304 extends forward from the pivot. A shorter length 306 extends downwardly from the pivot. An impact member 308 is coupled between the short length and the fixed handle structure. Thus, the user performs the upper body exercise by pushing down or pulling up on the longer length of the exercise handle, and the handle is resisted by the impact member.

FIG. 37 depicts an alternative dual floor exercise device 10 that provides an upper body exercise structure 190 that uses the handle 310 again. In this embodiment, each handle is generally L-shaped and an elongated length 312 extends upwardly from a pivotal connection portion 314 to the frame. The pivotal connection portion for each handle is forward of each of the respective pedals (12A, 12B). The shorter length 316 of the handle extends rearwardly from the pivotal connection portion.

A wheel 318 projects from the rearwardly extending section 316. Each wheel is configured under one of the respective pedals. The wheel is adapted to engage the underside of the pedals and roll back and forth thereon. In order to support the rolling engagement of the wheels, the bottom of the pedals can be fitted with a suitable panel 320 or channel. The downward movement of the pedal will lead The wheel 318 is rolled backwards, which causes the vertical handle section 312 to move rearward. Furthermore, the forward force on the handle exerts an upward force on the pedal by the wheel. If the wheel is left in a channel or a structure on the bottom of the pedal, the downward movement of the pedal causes the wheel to roll backwards, and the upward movement of the pedal causes the wheel to roll forward. Backward and forward movements respectively provided on the vertical handle section are provided. Furthermore, if the wheel is left in a channel or other structure on the bottom of the pedal, the forward force on the handle exerts an upward force on the pedal by the wheel 318. And the rearward force on the handle 310 also exerts a downward force on the pedals (12A, 12B) by the wheels. As such, the user can exercise in the upper body by pulling and/or pushing on the vertical portion 312 of the handle.

38 through 45 illustrate various embodiments of an exercise device that uses one or more flywheels to apply rotational momentum to the tread belts. These embodiments can be used with a motor, not with a motor. As such, the flywheel can increase or enhance the movement of the tread belts.

38 is an isometric view of a dual floor exercise device 10 having a flywheel 322 coupled to a rear axle 82. In this example, the rear axle extends outwardly from the left or right roller 30 and also over the individual drive brackets 84A or 84C. The flywheel is coupled to an outwardly extending section of the axle. When the user first begins to walk on the belts 18, the belts will apply a rotational motion to the The rollers are rotated while the series rotates the rear axle. At the beginning, the user will have to overcome the rotational resistance from the flywheel. However, as the flywheel begins to rotate, its angular momentum will rotate the roller and thus cause the tread belts to move. Figures 39 and 40 show an alternative dual floor exercise device having a flywheel 322 coupled to the rear axle 82 for applying a drive force to the pedal belts. The embodiment of Figures 39 and 40 functions in the same manner as Figure 38. In this example, the flywheel is covered in a shroud 324 that protects the user from accidentally touching the flywheel as the flywheel rotates.

41 is an isometric view of a dual floor exercise device 10 having a flywheel 322 that is rotatably supported by the frame below the pedals. The flywheel is oriented to rotate in a generally horizontal plane. 41A, 41B, and 41C show an example of a pulley arrangement for coupling the flywheel 322 to the rear axle 82 and thereby applying angular momentum to the tread belts during use. 41A is a plan view of the pulley arrangement, FIG. 41B is a right side view of the right side side pulley, and FIG. 41C is a left side view of the left side side pulley. The axle pulleys (326, 328) are coupled to the outer end regions of the rear axle. The pulleys can be coupled to the axle in substantially the same manner as the drive pulley 86. A pair of cable winding pulleys (330, 332) are seated in front of each of the axle pulleys. The cable winding pulleys are positioned in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the axle pulleys. Finally, a pulley 334 is also seated on top of the flywheel 322 and with a flywheel The axles 336 are coupled.

The route of the cable (or belt) 338 is arranged in a meandering manner around all of the pulleys such that it couples the rotation of the flywheel 322 with the rotation of the rear axle 82, and thus the tread belt The rotation of 18 is connected. The cable extends rearwardly from the flywheel pulley 334 to a pulley 330A that is routed on the top right side. From the pulley that is routed at the top right side, the cable extends across the right axle pulley 326 and surrounds the pulley. The cable extends from the bottom of the right axle pulley to a rotating pulley 330B on the lower right side and bypasses the pulley. From the lower right side of the winding pulley, the cable extends to the bottom left winding pulley 332B. From here, the route of the cable passes under the left axle pulley 328, around and reaches the top left pulley 332A. From the winding pulley on the top left side, the cable extends back to the axle pulley 334 of the flywheel. By this arrangement, when a user begins to walk forward on the tread belts, a force is applied to the rear rollers and the rear drive axle 82. With this cable and pulley configuration, the flywheel 322 will begin to rotate in a clockwise direction. Once sufficient angular momentum is established, controlled by the user's input, and whether a motor is also coupled to the axle, the rotation of the pedal belt will be driven to some extent by the flywheel.

Figures 42 and 43 depict a further embodiment of a dual floor exercise device that uses a flywheel 332 to assist in pedaling rotation. In both embodiments, the flywheel is rotatably supported at the front side of the exercise device to either side of the pedals. Each flywheel rotates in a vertical plane. Like those axle pulleys shown in Figure 42A (326, 328) is coupled to the outer end of the drive axle 82. A belt 340 is fastened between the left axle pulley 328 and a left flywheel pulley 342. The belt may be joined directly or its route may be arranged in a downward direction of a third pulley (not shown) on the rear side of the flywheel 332. The third pulley train is arranged to drop the belt in the orientation of a lower profile. The side cable on the right side arranges the route in the same way as the left side. The flywheel of Figure 43 has a smaller diameter than the flywheel of Figure 42, but has a greater thickness than the flywheel of Figure 42. Furthermore, the flywheel of Figure 43 is supported on a common axle 344; therefore, it is possible to rotate the two flywheels by means of only one axle pulley 328 and one cable 340 connecting the axle pulley to one of the flywheel pulleys 342 .

As with the other flywheel embodiments discussed above, the flywheels of Figures 42 and 43 are operatively coupled to the pedaling belt of each pedal. When the user begins to walk on the belts 18 (assuming that the flywheels are not rotating), the or the rear rollers will begin to rotate, causing the flywheels 322 to be coupled to the rear axles 82 by The cable/pulley device of the flywheels begins to rotate. When angular momentum is generated by rotation, the flywheel 372 is coupled back to the pedals in the same manner to cause the pedals to rotate.

Figure 44 shows another alternative arrangement for attaching a flywheel 332 to the tread belt 18. In this example, the axle pulleys (326, 328) are again coupled to each end of the rear axle 82. An intermediate axle 346 is disposed forward of the frame below the pedals (12A, 12B). Flywheel pulley (348A, 348B, 348C) Each end of the intermediate axle 346 is coupled to and at an intermediate region of the intermediate axle. A belt 350 is fastened between the pulley of each axle and the respective flywheel pulley. The flywheel 322 is rotatably supported in a vertical orientation at a front cylinder 352. The flywheel pulley 348B at the intermediate portion of the intermediate axle is coupled to the flywheel by a third belt 354.

FIG. 45 shows another alternative configuration for joining one flywheel 322 to the tread belt 18. As with the embodiment of Figure 41, the flywheel is supported in a rotating manner in a horizontal plane below the pedal. Moreover, as with the other embodiments discussed above, axle pulleys (326, 328) are coupled to each end of the rear axle 82. Much like the embodiment of Fig. 44, an intermediate axle 346 is provided between the outer frame members just in front of the rear axle. A flywheel pulley (348A, 348B, 348C) is provided at either end of the intermediate axle and at an intermediate region of the axle. The outer flywheel pulley can be either inside or outside the frame member for alignment with the axle pulleys. Belt 350 connects the axle pulleys to the flywheel pulleys. In addition, a belt 354 that can be partially twisted connects the intermediate flywheel pulley 348B to the flywheel 322. Among the configurations shown, the backward belt movement with the forward step causes the flywheel to rotate clockwise. If the belt between the intermediate pulley and the flywheel pulley is twisted in the opposite manner, the flywheel will rotate counterclockwise. As with other embodiments, angular momentum from the flywheel can apply a driving force to the tread belts.

Some embodiments of the exercise device 10 with the pedal assembly also have a Individual rear rollers that use two motors to rotate the rear rollers. The use of two motors to rotate the rear roller trains must allow the motors to be synchronized to some extent. Figure 46 is a schematic illustration of a roller drive system 356 for use in an exercise device that uses a single motor 358 to rotate the dual pedals of the rear rollers. The use of a separate motor to rotate the two rear rollers eliminates the need to synchronize the two motors and reduces associated manufacturing costs and complexity. In this embodiment, each of the pedal assemblies (12A, 12B) includes a separate rear roller that is rotatably supported on the frame. A motor shaft 360 is operative through the motor and has a drive pulley (362A, 362B) coupled to the opposite end portion. Each drive pulley (362A, 362B) is coupled to an individual driven pulley (364A, 364B) via a belt (366A, 366B). Each of the driven pulleys is coupled to or operatively coupled to a rear roller on each of the pedals. Thus, the driven pulley can be directly attached to the rear roller inside the frame structure, or directly to the end of the axle 82 extending outside the frame structure, or in other manners. When the motor rotates the shaft, the drive pulleys actuate the belt, and the belt rotates the driven pulley to rotate the two separate rear rollers. The rear rollers thus drive a continuous belt on each pedal.

10‧‧‧ fitness equipment

12‧‧‧ pedal or pedal assembly

12A‧‧‧First pedal assembly

12B‧‧‧Second pedal assembly

14‧‧‧Frame

16‧‧‧ Spindle

18‧‧‧Stepping on the belt

20‧‧‧Protection and decorative panels

22‧‧‧ front part

24‧‧‧ rear part

26‧‧‧floor

28‧‧‧Front rollers

30‧‧‧ Rear roller

32‧‧‧left side members

34‧‧‧Side side members on the right

36‧‧‧Horizontal components

38‧‧‧ pillar

40‧‧‧left column

42‧‧‧right column

44‧‧‧Hands

46‧‧‧First section

48‧‧‧Second section

50‧‧‧ console

52‧‧‧ pedal frame

54‧‧‧ left member

56‧‧‧right member

58‧‧‧ pedal cross member

59‧‧‧Spherical bearings

60‧‧‧Axle

62‧‧‧Threaded opening

64‧‧‧ channel

66‧‧‧End

68‧‧‧ boards

70‧‧‧ openings

76‧‧‧damage element / resistance element

78‧‧‧Interconnected components

80‧‧‧ Rear cross member

81A‧‧‧ radial bearing

81B‧‧‧ radial bearing

81C‧‧‧ radial bearing

82‧‧‧Drive shaft/axle

83‧‧‧ collar

84A‧‧‧Left drive bracket

84B‧‧‧Intermediate drive bracket

84C‧‧‧Right drive bracket

85‧‧‧Keys

86‧‧‧ pulley

87‧‧‧ channel

88‧‧‧Motor

89‧‧‧ channel

90‧‧‧Bottom plate

91‧‧‧Setting screws

92‧‧‧Motor shaft

94‧‧‧Flywheel

96‧‧‧ drive belt

98‧‧‧Motor pulley

100‧‧‧ Belt speed sensor

102‧‧‧ Reed switch

104‧‧‧ Magnet

106‧‧‧Detector

108‧‧‧First impact piece

110‧‧‧second impact parts

112‧‧‧Shaft rocker or rocker arm assembly

114‧‧‧Shaft rocker cross member

118‧‧‧ pivot opening

116‧‧‧ keyway

120‧‧‧ pivoting axle

122‧‧‧Bottom pivoting stud

124‧‧‧Bottom pivoting stud

126‧‧‧ bracket

128‧‧‧First upper pivot stud

130‧‧‧Second upper pivot stud

132‧‧‧ bracket

134‧‧‧First rod/sleeve nut

136‧‧‧Second rod/sleeve nut

140‧‧‧Threaded casing

142‧‧ Threaded end

144‧‧‧Step sensor

146‧‧‧Second reed switch

148‧‧‧ magnet

150‧‧‧Detector

152‧‧‧ bracket

154‧‧‧ bottom assembly

156‧‧‧ bracket

157‧‧‧ bracket

158‧‧‧Installation surface

160‧‧‧ Block

162‧‧‧Locking cross members

164‧‧‧buffer

166‧‧‧ Rear Roller

168‧‧‧Virtual Pivot

170‧‧‧ bracket

172‧‧‧ bracket

174‧‧‧ Rear support structure

176‧‧‧ rear drive casting

178‧‧‧ Rear frame support

180‧‧‧Installation block

182A‧‧·Axle end

182B‧‧·Axle end

184‧‧‧Flange

186A‧‧‧ stud bolt

186B‧‧‧ column bolt

188A‧‧‧Slong hole

188B‧‧‧Slong hole

190‧‧‧ upper body exercise structure

192‧‧‧Handle sticks

194‧‧‧First column

196‧‧‧Second column

198‧‧‧Post or column

202‧‧‧ column

204‧‧‧ column

206‧‧‧Horizontal components

208‧‧‧Handle

210‧‧‧Component/link assembly

212‧‧‧ first component

214‧‧‧ second component

216‧‧‧ third component

Section 218‧‧‧

220‧‧‧ cable

222‧‧‧Resistance member/resistance element

224‧‧‧Frame section

226‧‧‧Handle structure

228‧‧‧ sticks

230‧‧‧ pulley

232‧‧‧Handle

234‧‧ ‧ pillar

236‧‧‧Second pulley

238‧‧‧Second pulley

240‧‧‧First pulley

242‧‧‧Second pulley

244‧‧‧ pedestal

246‧‧‧Handle

248‧‧‧first pair of pulleys

250‧‧‧second pair of pulleys

252‧‧‧Frame components

254‧‧‧The third set of pulleys

256‧‧‧ cable restriction pulley

258‧‧‧First handle

260‧‧‧ second handle

262‧‧‧ studs

264‧‧‧Slong hole

266‧‧‧Lock pivot

268‧‧‧Handle

270‧‧‧Top fragment

272‧‧‧ below fragment

274‧‧‧ Gears

276‧‧‧ Holding area

278‧‧‧ surface

278A‧‧‧ surface

278B‧‧‧Top segment gear

280‧‧‧ Stud and slotted device

282‧‧‧Slong hole

284‧‧·Axle

286‧‧‧Handle

288‧‧‧Handle components

Section 290‧‧‧

Section 292‧‧‧

294‧‧‧Resist type components

296‧‧‧ exercise handle structure

298‧‧‧Fixed handle structure

300‧‧‧Vertical components

302‧‧‧ beams

304‧‧‧ length

306‧‧‧ length

308‧‧‧ impact parts

310‧‧‧Handle

312‧‧‧ length

314‧‧‧ pivot connection

316‧‧‧ length

318‧‧‧ wheels

320‧‧‧plate

322‧‧‧Flywheel

324‧‧‧Shield

326‧‧‧Axle pulley

328‧‧‧Axle pulley

330‧‧‧Cable wire pulley

330A‧‧‧ pulley

330B‧‧‧ pulley

332‧‧‧ cable winding pulley / flywheel

332A‧‧‧winding pulley

332B‧‧‧winding pulley

334‧‧‧ pulley

336‧‧‧Flywheel axle

338‧‧‧ cable or belt

340‧‧‧Land

342‧‧‧Flywheel pulley

344‧‧‧Common axle

346‧‧‧Intermediate axle

348A‧‧Fly wheel pulley

348B‧‧‧ flywheel pulley

348C‧‧‧ flywheel pulley

350‧‧‧Land

352‧‧‧ front cylinder

354‧‧‧ Third belt

356‧‧ ‧Roller drive system

358‧‧‧Motor

360‧‧‧Motor shaft

362A‧‧‧ drive pulley

362B‧‧‧ drive pulley

364A‧‧‧ driven pulley

364B‧‧‧driven pulley

366A‧‧‧Leather belt

366B‧‧‧Leather belt

372‧‧‧Flywheel

The detailed description will refer to the following drawings, in which the same element reference symbols represent the same elements, and wherein: 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an exercise device in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 with the decorative and protective side panels removed to more clearly 3 is a left side view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 3A is a partial isometric view of a front region of a pedal assembly; FIG. 4 is a right side view of the exercise device shown in FIG. Figure 5 is a plan view of the exercise device shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 is a front view of the exercise device shown in Figure 2; Figure 7 is a rear view of the exercise device shown in Figure 2; Figure 8 is a view of Figure 2 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5; FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 2, the view showing orientation An arcuate rocker arm in one position corresponding to a left pedal approximately in a low position and a right pedal approximately in a highest position; FIG. 11 is a portion of the exercise device illustrated in FIG. Cut the isometric view, which shows that it is oriented in one position The curved rocker arm portion corresponds to a left side pedal in a position higher than that of FIG. 10 and a right side pedal in a position lower than FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a part of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. Splitting an isometric view showing an arcuate rocker arm oriented in a position corresponding to the left pedal being approximately parallel to the right pedal; Figure 13 is a partially cutaway isometric view of the exercise device of Figure 2 showing the curved rocker arm oriented in a position corresponding to a position higher than Figure 12 The left pedal in the middle and the right pedal in a position lower than FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 2, showing the arc oriented in one position a rocker arm that corresponds to a left pedal in a position higher than that of Figure 13 and a right pedal in a position lower than Figure 13; Figure 15 is an arcuate rocker arm in accordance with the teachings of the present invention FIG. 16A is an isometric view of the exercise device of FIG. 2 with the left side pedal of the exercise device at approximately the lowest position and the right pedal system at approximately the highest position Figure 16B is a left side view of the exercise device in the orientation shown in Figure 16A and having a representative user; Figure 17A is an isometric view of the exercise device of Figure 2, the left pedal system of the exercise device Higher than Figure 1 6A, and the right pedal is lower than the position shown in FIG. 16A; FIG. 17B is a left side view of the fitness device in the orientation shown in FIG. 17A and having a representative user; FIG. 18A is An isometric view of the exercise device of Figure 2, the left and right pedals of the exercise device being approximately parallel and collectively at approximately a 10% slope; Figure 18B is an orientation in the orientation of Figure 18A And have one FIG. 19A is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 2, the left pedal of the exercise device is higher than the position shown in FIG. 18A, and the right pedal is lower than the figure. Figure 18B is a left side view of the exercise device in the orientation shown in Figure 19A and having a representative user; Figure 20A is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in Figure 2, the exercise The left pedal of the device is approximately at its highest position and the right pedal is approximately at its lowest position; Figure 20B is a left side view of the exercise device in the orientation shown in Figure 20A and having a representative user; 21 is an isometric view of an alternative exercise device that uses a single rear roller supported in a virtual pivoting configuration; Figure 22 is a single rear roller supported in a virtual pivoting configuration, etc. Angle view; Figure 23 is an isometric view of a single rear roller supported in a virtual pivot configuration, wherein the belt system is removed to show additional features; Figure 24 is an upper body exercise group Side view of a first embodiment of a fitness device; Figure 25 is a side view of a second embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; Figure 26 is a third embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly Side view of an embodiment; Figure 27 is an illustration of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly 4 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; and FIG. 29 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; 30 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; FIG. 31 is a side view of an eighth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; and FIG. 32 is an upper body exercise assembly. A side view of a ninth embodiment of a fitness device; FIG. 33 is a side view of a tenth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; and FIG. 34 is an eleventh embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly Figure 35 is a side elevational view of a twelfth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; Figure 36 is a side view of a thirteenth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; 37 is a side view of a fourteenth embodiment of an exercise device using an upper body exercise assembly; A side view of a first embodiment of a flywheel exercise device coupled in an operative manner to a tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; Figure 39 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of an exercise device using a flywheel that is operatively coupled to a tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; Figure 40 is a flywheel A side view of a third embodiment of the exercise device, the flywheel being operatively coupled to a tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; FIG. 41 is a fourth embodiment of an exercise device using a flywheel a side view of an example in which the flywheel is operatively coupled to a tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; FIGS. 41A, 41B, and 41C are respectively used to connect the flywheel of FIG. 41 with the A top view, a right side view, and a left side view of a pulley arrangement in which the belt is stepped on; FIG. 42 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of an exercise device using one or more flywheels, the or the flywheel being operable The manner is coupled to a tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; FIG. 43 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the exercise device using one or more flywheels, and the The flywheel is operatively coupled to the tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; Figure 44 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the exercise device using a flywheel, the flywheel being operable The manner is coupled to a tread belt supported on each of the pedal assemblies; Figure 45 is a side elevational view of an eighth embodiment of an exercise device using a flywheel that is operatively supported and supported in each a stepping belt on the pedal assembly; and Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view of a motor assembly coupled to a rear roller.

10‧‧‧ fitness equipment

12A‧‧‧First pedal assembly

12B‧‧‧Second pedal assembly

18‧‧‧Stepping on the belt

54‧‧‧ left member

56‧‧‧right member

190‧‧‧ upper body exercise structure

192‧‧‧Handle sticks

194‧‧‧First column

196‧‧‧Second column

Claims (15)

An exercise device comprising: a frame structure; a first pedal assembly including a first endless belt rotatably coupled to a first roller; and a second pedal assembly The system includes a second endless belt rotatably coupled to a second roller, and a flywheel operatively coupled to the first endless belt and the second endless belt. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a third roller supported by the frame structure in a rotatable manner; and wherein the first endless belt and the second loop The belt system is in a rotatable engagement with the third roller. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the flywheel is coupled to the third roller. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising: an axle coupled to the frame structure, the axle supporting the flywheel in a rotatable manner; a first pulley, the system Coupling with the third roller; a second pulley coupled to the third roller; and a belt connecting the first pulley and the second pulley to the fly Wheels are connected. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising: a drive pulley coupled to the third roller; and a belt coupling the drive pulley to the flywheel. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the flywheel is rotatably supported by the frame structure in a substantially vertical plane. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising: a drive pulley coupled to the third roller; a first pulley; a second pulley; an axle coupled thereto The frame structure is coupled, the axle supports the first pulley and the second pulley; a first belt that connects the drive pulley to the first pulley; and a second belt that is the second The pulley is coupled to the flywheel. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the flywheel is coupled to the frame in a substantially horizontal plane. The fitness device of claim 1, further comprising: a third roller that is in a rotatable connection with the first endless belt; a fourth roller that is in a rotatable engagement with the second endless belt; and wherein the third and fourth rollers are rotatably supported by a first axle. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the flywheel is coupled to the first axle. The fitness device of claim 9, further comprising: a second axle coupled to the frame structure, the second axle supporting the flywheel in a rotatable manner; a first a pulley coupled to the first axle; a second pulley coupled to the first axle; and a belt coupling the first pulley and the second pulley to the flywheel. The exercise device of claim 9, further comprising: a drive pulley coupled to the first axle; and a belt coupling the drive pulley to the flywheel. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the flywheel is rotatably supported by the frame structure in a substantially vertical plane. The fitness device of claim 9, further comprising: a driving pulley coupled to the first axle; a first pulley; a second pulley; an intermediate axle coupled to the frame structure, the intermediate axle supporting the first pulley and the second pulley; a first belt that is the drive pulley Connected to the first pulley; and a second belt that couples the second pulley to the flywheel. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the flywheel is coupled to the frame in a substantially horizontal plane.