US20070129219A1

US20070129219A1 - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20070129219A1
Application number: US11/291,469
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Mahlberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-01
Filing date: 2005-12-01
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

The invention is directed to an exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual comprising a frame assembly having a wheelchair receiving area for permitting a wheelchair bound individual to “wheel up” to the device into an operable exercise position. A first crank assembly is attached to the frame assembly and comprises a pair of pedals operably attached thereto for movement with the rotation of the crank assembly. A second crank assembly is attached to the frame comprising a pair of handles operably attached thereto for rotational movement with the second crank assembly. A drive assembly is also provided to operably connect the rotational movement of a first crank assembly to the rotational movement of the second crank assembly, wherein the rotational movement of one crank assembly drives the rotational movement of the other crank assembly.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an exercise device. More particularly, this invention relates to an exercise device for a wheelchair bound person.

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing physical therapy, paraplegic individuals, and individuals who have other degenerative diseases or birth defects have special needs with regard to physical therapy equipment. Such individuals often have limited or no mobility and decreased ranges of motion or appendage movement in one or more limbs. For these individuals, there is a need for therapy and exercise to move muscle groups, increase circulation and increase strength. Likewise, these individuals may choose to exercise for the general health benefits. Regardless, these individuals need equipment that is safe, fun, and effective. Moreover, this equipment must be convenient to use. For instance, if the wheelchair bound individual must always travel to a gym or to a physical therapy center, the incentive to exercise is much lower. Thus, an exercise device is needed that is available in a home or is transportable which benefits individuals from a variety of groups with disabilities, and specifically, wheelchair bound individuals (including those in need of physical therapy, exercise, and the like). Additionally, it is advantageous to provide such a device in a form that facilitates a total body workout in a relatively short period of time.
Various types of physical therapy and exercise equipment are currently available for clinical and home use, including devices such as stepping machines, stationary bicycles, and recumbent body exercisers.
Stepping machines or steppers, typically include a pair of pedals that move up and down, simulating the climbing of steps in response to weight and physical effort. Unfortunately, stepping machines require the user to stand during exercise. This presents a significant problem for a person with limited mobility, or more specifically, for a wheelchair bound individual or individual undergoing physical therapy. To use the stepping machine, the user must stand upon the pedals in an upright position and must be able to maintain balance and coordination to move the steps while continuing to remain upright. A wheelchair bound individual is unable to hold him or herself up and maintain the balance necessary to use the device. An individual who does not have use of his or her legs would not benefit from a stepper, as the user would not be able to manipulate the device. An additional limitation of a stepping machine is that it does not condition the upper body.
In comparison, stationary bicycles do not require the user to stand upon and move a pair of steps, as stationary bicycles typically comprise a seat positioned above, or adjacent a pair of rotatable petals with a fixed range of motion. A stationary bicycle, in which the user is positioned on a seat above the pedals, requires the user to sit on the seat and lean forward to hold onto a set of handles which may be stationary or movable. Unfortunately, in order to use the stationary bicycle the user must be capable of climbing onto the seat and must possess sufficient strength, balance and coordination to maintain him or herself on the seat while moving the pedals over a fixed range of motion, and where applicable, manipulating movable handles which move forward and backward. Likewise, a stationary bicycle with a seat that is positioned adjacent to the pedals requires the user to be able to position him or herself in the seat and extend his or her legs to manipulate pedals that are positioned in front of the user. Similar to a stepper, the stationary bicycle presents serious difficulty to the wheelchair bound individual or individual with limited mobility as it requires the individual to be able to lift him or herself out from the wheelchair and onto the stationary bicycle, or would require the assistance of a physical therapist or another individual to lift the individual into position on the device, making these devices highly inappropriate and ineffective for home use by a wheelchair bound individual. Moreover, that individual must be able to simultaneously balance him or herself on the bicycle and move the pedals. In addition, an individual who does not have use of his or her legs would have serious difficulty in operating the pedals of the stationary bicycle.
In addition to steppers and stationary bicycles, recumbent exercisers are also commercially available. Recumbent devices typically include movable pedals and corresponding movable handles that move in a coordinated manner to simulate coordinated arm and leg movement. Generally, recumbent exercisers include a seat that requires the user to sit down in a plane horizontally displaced from the pedals. As a result, these devices require the individual to step over the seat or be placed into the seat by the physical therapist or another. Thus, such devices are equally inaccessible to individuals with limited mobility, such as a wheelchair bound person, as they require the ability to get out of the wheelchair and onto the exercise device. Moreover, the recumbent exercise devices are often quite large, making them difficult to move and taking up significant space, ultimately making them poor exercise equipment for home use. Accordingly, recumbent exercisers are not convenient or useful to individuals in wheelchairs or within the home.
While many disadvantages exist in the foregoing exercise devices, it is generally understood that rotation or oscillation caused by a bicycle movement provides a low impact-type of exercise which is especially easy on the knees, ankles and feet. Therefore, exercise devices that comprise a rotational bicycle-type movement are extremely beneficial to handicap, wheelchair bound individuals, those in physical therapy and others with limited mobility. Unfortunately, to date, exercise devices have not been available which are convenient, effective, and useable by such individuals and which include a bicycle-type movement.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an exercise device that may be used by a wheelchair bound individual, a handicap individual or individual with limited mobility that is usable from home or in an exercise facility, is light weight, of reasonable size, and provides a workout for a large portion of the body through the use of a bicycle movement. Moreover, what is needed in the art is a convenient, effective, total body exercise device that is usable by a wheelchair bound individual without the need for assistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the invention provided comprises an exercise device that is usable by a wheelchair bound individual without the need to remove him or herself from the chair. Moreover, the present invention provides a means of exercising, strengthening one or more major muscle groups, and facilitating cardiovascular conditioning through coordinated lower body and upper body movement based upon the motion of either the upper body or the lower body moving the various systems and subsystems of the present invention.
The invention is therefore directed to an exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual comprising a frame assembly having a wheelchair receiving area for permitting a wheelchair bound individual to “wheel up” to the device into an operable exercise position. A first crank assembly is attached to the frame assembly and comprises a pair of pedals operably attached thereto for movement with the rotation of the crank assembly. The pedals preferably have foot retaining means thereon for removably securing an individual's feet to the pedals. A second crank assembly is attached to the frame comprising a pair of handles operably attached thereto for rotational movement with the second crank assembly. A drive assembly operably connects the rotational movement of the first crank assembly to the rotational movement of the second crank assembly, wherein the rotational movement of one of the crank assemblies drives the rotational movement of the other crank assembly.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device for a person with limited mobility of the legs or arms that is easy to use from a wheelchair, is lightweight, of reasonable size, is usable from home or in an exercise facility, and provides a workout for a large portion of an individuals body through the use of a bicycle movement. Moreover, an object of the exercise device of the present invention is usability by a wheelchair bound individual without the need for assistance.
Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the exercise device of FIG. 2 with the casings removed from the frame.
FIG. 3 is a cut-away elevational view of an embodiment of the lower portion of the drive assembly of the exercise device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the lower portion of the drive assembly shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the upper portion of the drive assembly of the exercise device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention from the wheelchair receiving end thereof.
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention from the end opposite that shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention showing the device in use by a wheelchair bound individual.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Figures show an exercise device 100 embodying the present invention and illustrating the principal components and sub-assemblies thereof.
As will be seen by reference to the Figures and description herein, the exercise device 100 of the present invention provides numerous advantages over currently available devices. Most noticeably, the exercise device 100 of the present invention provides an easy, lightweight, and reasonably sized exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual. The individual in the wheelchair simply wheels up to the exercise device of the present invention, secures his or her feet in the retention device 118 located on or in connection with the pedals 116, (which, as will be seen, are positioned at the same height as the foot supports of the wheel chair), grasps the handles 122, securing his or her hands if appropriate, and rotates one or both of the crank assemblies 114, 120.
If the individual does not have use of his or her legs, the rotation of the upper crank assembly 120 by use of the individuals arms and hands drives the movement of the lower crank assembly 114, also driving movement of the individual's legs, ankles and feet, and potentially abdomen, because the feet are secured to the pedals 116 of the crank assembly 114 which is driven to rotate by the rotation of the upper crank assembly 120. Conversely, movement of the legs will cause the movement of the arms, hands, and upper body. In this way, an individual with limited or no mobility of the legs, or conversely limited or no mobility of the arms, is provided a means to facilitate the movement of same by the use of his or her “functional” appendages. Moreover, the device permits the wheelchair bound individual to wheel him or herself up to the device and engage in total body exercise without the need for assistance by others, such as a personal trainer or physical therapist. Thus, the wheelchair bound individual can, by him or herself from home, improve strength, circulation, general health, flexibility and overall well being.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise device 100 of the preferred embodiment is a stationary device which comprises a frame 110 supported by ground engaging supports 130, 132. A first or lower crank assembly 114 is attached to the frame assembly 110 and has a pair of pedals 116 operably attached thereto for movement with the rotation of the crank assembly 114, similar to a bicycle crank assembly. The pedals 116 may have foot retaining means 118 thereon for removably securing an individual's feet to the pedals 116. A second or upper crank assembly 120 is also attached to the frame 110 and includes a pair of handles 122 operably attached thereto for rotational movement with the second crank assembly 120, similar to a bicycle crank assembly. A means of retaining a users hands 123 thereon may be provided for removably securing the user's hands to the handles 122.
A drive assembly 124 operably connects the rotational movement of the first crank assembly 114 to the rotational movement of the second crank assembly 120, whereby the rotational movement of one crank assembly 114 or 120 drives the rotational movement of the other crank assembly 114 or 120. The drive assembly 124 specifically comprises a drive belt 126 surrounding at least a portion of, and operably connected to, the first crank assembly 114. The drive belt 126 extends to, at least partially surrounds and operably engages the second crank assembly 120. An intermediate idler roller 128 may also be provided, mounted to the frame assembly 110 by a mounting device or support (discussed in further detail below). The intermediate roller 128 engages the drive belt 126 at a distance between the first crank assembly 114 and the second crank assembly 120. As discussed above, the rotation of one crank assembly 114 or 120 of the drive assembly 124 drives the rotation of the other crank assembly 114 or 120 through the various components discussed.
The exercise device 100 of the preferred embodiment will now be described in further detail. Turning specifically to the frame assembly 110, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame assembly 110 of the exercise device 100 of the present invention supports the various operative components described herein and comprises a tubular frame which is supported by one or more ground engaging supports 130, 132. The frame and its various components may be composed of aluminum, chromoly, steel, and the like, or a combination thereof. The frame 110 comprises a supporting structure for the stationary exercise device 100 and can be of any suitable construction. While a tubular frame is provided, it is contemplated that any frame shape, type, or material suitable for the proposes of the present invention would be acceptable for use without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
In the illustrated, preferred embodiments, the frame 110 comprises a first ground engaging support 130 for supporting or bracing the exercise device on one side thereof (FIG. 6) and a second ground engaging support 132 for supporting or bracing the exercise device on a second side thereof (FIG. 7). The first grounding engaging support 130 may comprise at least one horizontal support rod 134 for the lateral and stationary support of the exercise device 100. The second ground engaging support 132 may, likewise, comprise a horizontal support rod 134 for lateral and stationary support. While not required, the second ground engaging support 132 may further comprise one or more support extensions 136 extending in a generally perpendicular direction (see FIG. 1). As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment, the perpendicular extensions 136 are attached in a manner that positions same below the horizontal support rod 134 so that the horizontal support rod 174 is raised a distance above the ground. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal support rod is raised approximately 8 inches off the ground. However, one of skill in the art would understand that this distance is provided merely by way of example and any height suitable for the purposes described would be acceptable for use with the present invention. These support extensions 136 may further be curved as provided in the embodiment shown or straight. One or more rubberized coatings 137 or the like may be provided on the ground engaging supports 130, 132 on a portion thereof, such as on the horizontal support rod 134 or support extension 136 to provide a resistance to movement or slipping across the ground or floor.
Referring to FIG. 2, the horizontal support rods 134 are positioned at each end of the exercise device 100. These horizontal support rods 134 may be equivalent in length or may vary in length. For example, in the preferred embodiment the horizontal support rods are each 15 inches in length to provide sufficient lateral support for the device. However, it is contemplated that this length may vary without departing from the overall scope of the present invention. Likewise, the horizontal support rods 134 may vary in shape or size provided that they are capable of maintaining at least some lateral and stationary support of the exercise device 100.
Preferably, the horizontal support rods 134 are integrally attached to the frame assembly 110 via one or more legs 138. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 6 and 7, a pair of legs 138 connect the horizontal support rod 134 to the drive assembly support 140 of the frame assembly 110. The legs 138 of the preferred embodiment extend a distance from the drive assembly support 140 and are positioned at an angle extending downwardly away from the drive assembly support 140. In the preferred embodiment, the legs 138 integrally connecting the horizontal support rod 134 of the first ground engaging support 130 are approximately 13 inches in length. The legs 138 integrally connecting the horizontal support rod 134 of the second ground engaging support 132 are slightly longer, at approximately 14 inches, to assist in counteracting the force placed upon the device by user manipulation of the drive assembly 124. Again, while specific dimensions are provided, variations may be made in such dimensions without departure from the overall scope of the present invention.
Additionally, one or more frame casings 142 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 1, to conceal portions of the frame 110, to eliminate openings in the frame assembly 110, and to provide added rigidity to the frame 110. In the preferred embodiment, openings on the device are enclosed and/or contained within panels such as the frame casings 142 to prevent children and other items, such as clothing or objects, from either falling through the device or being inserted into certain areas of the device.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the drive assembly support 140 comprises a first support rod 144 integrally attached to the frame assembly 110. The first support rod 144 extends substantially parallel to the ground between the first 130 and second 132 ground engaging supports and/or their corresponding legs 138 in a substantially central location between same. Preferably, the first support rod 144 is positioned below the drive assembly 124 and provides strength to the frame assembly 110. In the preferred embodiment, a 16 inch support rod is provided. The drive assembly support 140 further comprises a second support rod 146. The second support rod 146 is integrally attached to and extends in a substantially vertical direction from the legs 138 and/or ground engaging support 130 to the third drive assembly support rod 148. The second support rod 146, likewise, provides strength to the frame assembly 110. The second drive assembly support rod preferably comprises a 15 inch rod supporting the drive assembly 124 and frame 110 against the downward force placed upon same by the user. The drive assembly support 140 also comprises a third support rod 148. The third support rod 148, at one end thereof, comprises an attachment 150 to the first or lower crank assembly 114. At the opposite end, a telescopic receptor or height adjustment mechanism 178 is provided to permit the telescopic, sliding adjustment of a fork-arm assembly 152. In the preferred embodiment, the third support rod 148 comprises a 14 inch, hollow tubular rod that receives the fork-arm assembly 152. The fork-arm assembly comprises a first fork-arm 154 and a second fork-arm 156 connected to a stem 157. The stem 157 is slidably received by the hollow tubular end of the third support rod 148. As a result, the fork-arm assembly may be telescopically extended and inserted to increase or decrease the length of the support, thereby accommodating individuals of different height and size as well as variations in seat height of the wheelchair. The third support rod 148 further comprises an intermediate roller support 148 attached thereto for supporting the movable attachment of the intermediate idler roller 128 (discussed below). Additional and/or alternative supports may be attached to the frame 110 of the embodiment of the present invention without departing from the overall scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, supported by the fork arms 154, 156 of the fork-arm assembly 152 is the second or upper crank assembly 120 (see FIG. 2A and FIG. 5). Preferably, the first and second fork arms 154, 156 of the fork-arm assembly are positioned in a vertical plane so that the first fork-arm 154 is above the second fork-arm 156. An upper crank support rod 158 is integrally attached to, and extends from the first fork-arm 154 to the second fork-arm 156 and outward from the second fork arm 156 as shown in the figures to connect with a second crank attachment mechanism 160. The second crank attachment mechanism 160 has the second or upper crank assembly 120 operably attached thereto. As referred to herein, the first and second crank attachment mechanisms 150, 160 preferably comprise crank attachments and corresponding components commonly used on a bicycle. However, alternative means of operably attaching the crank assembly to the frame would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention. Additionally, one or more frame casings 142 may be attached along portions of the drive assembly support 140 and its various components to cover frame openings.
Turning, specifically, to the intermediate roller support, the intermediate roller support 148 comprises a radial arm 162 attached at one end to the drive assembly support 140 and attached at its other end to the intermediate idler roller 128. A slot 163 is provided on the radial arm 162 for changing the position of the idler roller 128. Namely, a retention bolt 168 may be provided for connecting the idler roller 168 within the slot 163. The retention bolt may be loosened or removed, and then re-secured to re-position the idler roller in the slot. The position of the intermediate idler roller 128 is therefore adjusted by the movable attachment of the idler roller 128 within the slot 163. Additionally, a height adjustment member 164 may be provided comprising a plurality of holes 166, into which a retention bolt 168 or the like can be placed to secure the radial arm 162 of the intermediate roller support 148 at the appropriate height. Namely, the height of the intermediate roller support 148, and thus the intermediate roller 128, can be adjusted by removal of the retention bolt 168 from the hole 166, adjusting the position of the height adjustment member 164 and reinserting the retention bolt 168 into the hole 166.
In operation, the position of the intermediate drive roller 128 controls and adjusts the tension placed upon the drive belt 126 to secure same in place, and, when appropriate, to provide resistance to the drive assembly 124. A resistance device separate from the idler roller 128 (not shown) may also be used in connection with the drive assembly 124 of the present invention as is common in the art to create resistance to movement. The resistance may be applied to one or both of the crank assemblies 114, 120 and/or to the drive belt 126 via a frictional-type engagement so as to enable strength training. Likewise, it is contemplated that any means to restrict movement may be provided on the device such as a dead wheel device, pressure invoking device or the like.
The drive assembly 124 of the preferred embodiment comprises the first 114 and second 120 crank assemblies, as well as the link and corresponding components from the first crank assembly 114 and the second crank assembly 120. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second crank assemblies 114, 120 comprise a circular crank 170 having a centralized axis of rotation 172 and a pair of crank arms 174 extending outwardly in opposite directions from the central axis 172 (see FIGS. 3-5). At the opposite end of each crank arm 174, either a pedal 116 or a handle 122 is attached. Thus, each crank assembly 318 may be operated by the user in a manner which is comparable to the operation of a bicycle crank, facilitating a similar movement.
Preferably, the circular crank 170 comprises a pulley, such as a 5 inch pulley, having a means for driving the assembly. Specifically, the first and second crank mechanisms 114, 120 comprise or contain a wheel 170 having a groove or channel 176. The channel 176 receives the drive belt 126 therein as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7. Likewise, the intermediate idler roller 128 may comprise a pulley, such as a 3 inch pulley, and contains a channel 176 to receive the drive belt 126. The drive belt 126 is positioned so that it wraps around a portion the first crank 114 within the channel 176, extends to the second crank 120, wrapping around a portion of the channel 176 of the second crank, then returning to the first crank 114, thereby forming an endless loop. The intermediate idler roller 128 is positioned at a distance between the first crank 114 and the second crank 120. The drive belt 126 passes over the intermediate roller 128 within the channel 176 thereon. The intermediate idler roller 128 can then be adjusted via the slot 163 or height adjustment member 164 as described above to provide tension to the drive belt 126 and secure same in position within the channels 176. In other words, the position of the intermediate roller and tension placed upon the belt may be adjusted by changing the position of the intermediate roller which is adjusted as described hereinabove. Thus, the drive belt 126 comprises an endless loop which trains around the first crank assembly 114 and second crank assembly 120 and is maintained in position and tensioned accordingly to maintain the belt on the respective crank by the intermediate idler roller 128. While specific dimensions are referenced above, variations may be made to same without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment, the exercise device 100 of the present invention comprises a belt driven apparatus. An advantage of the belt driven system is that it provides a smooth surface that avoids sharp objects which may harm the user. While a drive “belt” is specifically described, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that, a chain drive having corresponding sprockets or gear wheels, as well as gear wheels, gear trains, and the like (and their corresponding components), capable of imparting rotational movement on a gear or crank assembly would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the area 112 formed by the frame assembly 110 due to the interconnection of the first support rod 144, the second support rod 146, the third support rod 148, fork-arm assembly 152 and the ground engaging support 130, comprises the wheelchair receiving area 112. The wheelchair receiving area 112 comprises a space formed by the frame assembly 110 that allows the wheelchair to wheel up close to the frame 110 so that the wheelchair-bound individual can actuate the pedals 116 and handles 122 simultaneously without having to lean forward in the chair or over-extend him or herself. In other words, as shown in FIG. 8, the device 100 is easy and convenient to use from a sitting position in a wheelchair, so the wheelchair-bound individual can exercise without getting out of the chair and without the need for the assistance of a personal trainer or therapist or other person.
Advantageously, the pedals 116 of the device 110 are high enough that the user may transfer his or her feet from the supports of a wheelchair directly onto the pedals 116 with minimal adjustment. Namely, the user may simply raise the foot support on the wheelchair and position his or her foot on top of the pedal 116. Moreover, the height and angle of contact of the foot with the pedals 116 is high enough that it does not affect or cause significant stress or damage upon the user's ankles. In the preferred embodiment, the pedals 116 have approximately 3 ½ inch crank arm, forming a 6-7 inch rotation of travel or stroke length. As a result, the rotation of the crank assembly 114 causes the individual's hips, legs, and ankles to move, but does not invoke significant force or stress upon same due to the small amount of rotation. Likewise, the second crank assembly 120, which is engaged by the user's hands and arms, may comprise a small rotation or stroke length, such as a 5 inch crank arm, resulting in a 10 inch rotation of travel or stroke length, so as to cause minimal stress upon same. While a specific rotation or stroke length is provided, pedal rotation and stroke length may vary without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
When necessary, the user may secure his or her feet in position on the pedal 116 using a foot retention device 118. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pedals 116 of the preferred embodiment comprise a means for removably securing the foot or shoe to the pedal 116. Generally, bicycle pedal designs and mechanisms that lock the pedal onto the shoe or foot may also be used. For example, the pedal 116 may comprise a cleat upon which a mating shoe is secured via a snap or friction-type fit. Alternatively, the shoe may be securely fastened to the pedal 116 by screws or the like. In such an embodiment, the user would insert or remove his or her foot from the shoe. In the preferred embodiment, pedals 116 having a clip-less pedal/cleat design are used. Using this design, a user secures a cleat 119 onto the shoe and places the shoe having the cleat 119 onto the pedal 116. The pedal which has a foot retaining means 118, such as a “quick connect” pedal, receives the cleat 119. The combination snaps or locks together, creating a stable, yet releasable connection between the foot and the pedal 116. While specific examples are provided, these examples are for purposes of illustration only, as a variety of common bicycle pedals having retention means thereon may be used with the present invention, including, but not limited to: flat pedals shaped with a frame to fit the shoe of the user; pedals comprising a strap or other connecting means fixed or fastened thereto; toe clips and the like. Designs of pedal/cleat combinations are currently known and in use in a variety of designs in which the pedal and cleat lock rigidly together or allow a freedom of rotational motion between the pedal and cleat depending on the design. Any such design would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention. Likewise, the pedals 116 may, in some embodiments, not include a retention means. Preferably, a user of the exercise device of the present invention will obtain his or her preferred pedals 116 for the device and attach, if necessary, the appropriate cleat 119 onto the pedals or shoes used with the present invention.
The handles 122, preferably, comprise a grip for grasping with a hand. The handle 122 may comprise a grip commonly known in the art for use with bicycle assemblies, such as rubber grips, textured grips, foam grips, and the like. In addition to, or as an alternative, the handles 122 may be provided having a sticky or tacky substance thereon which secures or removably secures a user's hand to the handle 122. Alternatively, the handles 122 or grips may comprise a Velcro-type substance, such as a hook/loop type fabric which mates with a corresponding hook/loop type fabric placed on a glove or like apparel worn on the user's hands. Like the above-described handles 122, the Velcro-type system would removably secure the user's hand to the handle 122. In addition, or as an alternative to these systems, the handles 122 may comprise a strap, tether, or other securing means for securing the users a hand on the handle (See FIG. 5). While specific devices are listed hereinabove, it is contemplated that any device or means of securely, but removably attaching a user's hands to the handles 122 would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment of the exercise device 100 of the present invention, the exercise machine is designed for use by a wheelchair bound person. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the exercise device 100 is “wheelchair accessible” and therefore useable by those who are wheelchair bound or undergoing physical therapy. Namely, the wheels of a wheelchair can straddle a ground engaging support 130 of the device. As referenced above, the frame assembly 110, the exercise device 100 for a wheelchair bound individual comprises a frame assembly 110 having a wheelchair receiving area 112 for permitting a wheelchair bound individual to “wheel up” to the device into an operable exercise position. The pedals 116 of the device 100 are positioned at the same height as the foot supports of the wheelchair. Thus, the wheelchair bound person merely needs to transfer his or her foot from the wheelchair support to the pedal 116 and, when necessary, secure the foot to the pedal 116 via the foot retaining mechanism 118, 119. The user may then grasp the handles 122 of the device with his or her hands. In this position, the device may be driven by the individual's arms, or legs, or both, depending upon which appendage has the necessary strength and mobility. As indicated herein, a user's bicycle movement of the legs, ankles and feet will cause the oscillation of, or rotation of the handles, resulting in a movement of the user's hands and arms. Conversely, the movement of the hands and arms will result in the oscillation of, or rotation of the legs, ankles and feet. Therefore, an individual may cause the movement of one muscle group by the movement of another. As a result, an individual with limited or no mobility of certain muscle groups may control the movement of arms or legs by the movement of the other muscle groups or appendages. In this way, the user may keep his or her muscles and tendons active and may engage in cardiovascular conditioning and/or strength training even when limited or no mobility of one or more muscle groups exists. Furthermore, this individual may do so without assistance and from his or her own wheelchair.
The various mechanisms for the exercise device 100 disclosed herein may be combined in numerous combinations, and the invention should not be limited to the particular combinations described and illustrated herein.
Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention and many of its improvements have been described with a degree of particularity. The previous description is of preferred examples for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. For instance, it would be obvious to substitute a chair for a wheelchair without departing from the overall scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual comprising:

a frame having a wheelchair receiving area;

a first crank assembly attached to said frame having a pair of pedals operably attached thereto for rotational movement with rotation of said crank assembly, said pedals each having a foot retaining means;

a second crank assembly attached to said frame having a pair of handles operably attached thereto for rotational movement with rotation of said crank assembly; and

a drive assembly operably connecting the movement of said first crank assembly to the movement of said second crank assembly, wherein said movement of one of said crank assemblies drives the movement of the other crank assembly.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly comprises a drive belt operably attached to said first crank assembly and to said second crank assembly to cause the simultaneous movement of said first crank assembly with said second crank assembly.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said drive assembly further comprises an intermediate roller in operable contact with said drive belt.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the intermediate roller is positionally adjustable to tension said drive assembly.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first crank assembly comprises a first crank arm having a pedal thereon and a second crank arm having a pedal thereon, said first and second crank arms attached to a substantially circular pulley and positioned for the oscillating movement of said pedals.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said second crank assembly comprises a first crank arm having a handle thereon and a second crank arm having a handle thereon, said first and second crank arms attached to a substantially circular pulley and positioned for the oscillating movement of said handles.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises:

a first ground engaging support and a second ground engaging support, said first ground engaging support comprising a means for receiving a wheelchair; and

a lower crank assembly support and an upper crank assembly support, said lower crank assembly support positioned at an angle from said upper crank assembly support so that a person may remain seated in a wheelchair while in contact with said pedals and said handles.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein said ground engaging support comprises a non-slip device.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said foot retention device comprises a shoe cleat capable of mating with a corresponding pedal.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a means for retaining a hand thereon.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said means for retaining a hand comprises a tether.

12. A wheelchair accessible exercise device comprising:

a frame having a wheelchair receiving area;

a first rotatable crank assembly attached to said frame having a first crank arm with a first pedal and a second crank arm with a second pedal, said first and second pedals each having a foot retention device thereon for removably securing a foot;

a second rotatable crank assembly attached to said frame having a first crank arm with a first handle and a second crank arm with a second handle;

a drive assembly operably connected to said first and second crank assemblies, said drive assembly comprising a drive belt operably engaging said first crank assembly and operably engaging said second crank assembly, said drive belt being tensioned by an intermediate roller, and said drive assembly facilitating the coordinated rotation of said first crank assembly with said second crank assembly, wherein the rotation of one crank assembly causes the rotation of the other crank assembly.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, further comprising a hand retention device operably attached to said handle for removably securing a hand to said handle.