WO2006011812A1

WO2006011812A1 - A crank device and apparatus for physical exercise

Info

Publication number: WO2006011812A1
Application number: PCT/NO2005/000284
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ziad Badarneh; Campbell Ellis; Benedict J. M. Hansen; Torbjørn MOLLATT
Original assignee: Ziad Badarneh; Campbell Ellis; Hansen Benedict J M; Mollatt Torbjoern
Priority date: 2004-07-30
Filing date: 2005-07-28
Publication date: 2006-02-02
Also published as: NO20043230D0

Abstract

A crank device and training apparatus for physical exercise or training with means which provide for a plurality of different workout options simulating human physical movements, said apparatus having a crank device connectable to feet supports for a user in order to drive the crank device. The apparatus has input, control and adjustment means of the crank device related to one or more of paths of motion or style of training related to walking, jogging, running, climbing or skiing; stride length, angle of orbital or rectilinear path relative to the horizontal; maintenance of posture of feet support during movement through a path and change of posture of feet supporting means through movement along the path; level of brake force acting on an apparatus flywheel and personal workout levels, caloric burn rates, heart or pulse rate, and physical condition of user. Adjustment is made possible during an ongoing exercise.

Description

A CRANK DEVICE AND APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL EXERCISE.

F i e l d o f t h e i n v e nt i o n

The present invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercise, and a crank device and foot supporting platforms for use with such apparatus, as defined in the introductory part of the attached independent claims. The invention is useful to provide for a choice among a plurality of different workout options related to simulation of movements, and to provide means for adjustment thereof according to user defined options.

B a c k g r o u n d o f th e i n v e n t i o n

The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established and accepted. Because the major population in the western world live close together in towns and cities, far from the countryside and because of inclement weather, time constraints and for other reasons, it is not always possible to walk, jog, run or ski outdoors. Various types of indoor exercise equipment have been developed for aerobic exercise and to exercise leg muscles commonly used in walking, running, skiing, and other outdoors activities. Such apparatus include treadmills, stepping machines, and various types of sliding machines. Although effective to some extent, they all have disadvantages. Treadmills have the drawback of producing high impact on the user's hips, back, legs and knees. One approach that minimizes the tear on joints is to use a stair stepper. Stair steppers, however, do not develop all of the muscles commonly used in running. Furthermore, such machines are difficult to use in sprint type exercises. Finally, apparatus of the sliding type require the user to slide his/her feet back and forth along a horizontal plane. Such movement does not mimic running and thus offers exercise only to a limited range of muscles.

Combining these kinds of apparatus with an indoor training bicycle one would hope to have a variety of training options for aerobic exercise. This however would require a lot of floor space. To give a maximum aerobic exercise, combined with a simulation of walking, jogging and running without straining the users joints and to save floor space, there has for long been a need to provide an improved range of a new type of training apparatus often denoted as elliptical trainers or cross trainers.

There is thus a great demand for training equipment capable of simulating a movement of the legs and feet, as they naturally would move when walking, jogging, running, skiing, climbing or performing a range of stepping motions.

A single apparatus capable of providing to highly satisfactory degree exercise assistance to such large variety of simulated movements is yet to be found on the market.

On the market today there is however available some exercise equipment of elliptical or cross trainer type aiming to provide such assistance, although so with more or less success. Worth mentioning as examples are products from Tunturi, LifeFitness, Icon and Precor. The aim of these trainers is to achieve an elliptical like orbit of user's feet during a workout similar to that commonly encountered during walking or running. Since the user's feet never leave the foot rails, minimal impact is produced. Training apparatus creating an orbit to pedals or platforms in an elliptical shape, are more than often built quite big to the required stride length. They also often have big crank wheels and many bars linked to each other and such trainers have limited means for adjustment of stride length and orbit of the pedals or platforms.

The present invention thus intends to solve inherent shortcomings of currently available exercise apparatus, and the present invention therefore intends to provide various embodiments of a single multifunctional piece of equipment or exercise apparatus which may be utilised to assist simulation of different exercises, including walking, jogging, running, skiing and climbing without imparting shock to the user's body joints in the manner of exercise treadmills. The inventive apparatus replaces treadmills, all types of steppers, elliptic operation type of apparatus, cross trainers, skiing exercise apparatus and various types of indoors training bikes.

Another aspect of the invention is strengthening of the joints and more specifically the muscles and tendons. Training during instability, also called proprioseptive training, has shown positive effects strengthening the muscles round joints. A medical study using unstable pedals during training proves significant results. Such pedals are shown in publication WO00/68067 assigned Flexiped AS. The medical test mentioned was published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, Vol. 13, issue 4, August 2003, author: Dr. Per Høiness. The present invention offers inclusion of elements of instability, specifically regarding supporting means for the feet. The feet supports will optionally be able to tilt transversely of the path of motion, and in addition have the ability to tilt parallel to the path of motion, to give a toe-heel movement.

Producing circular, elliptical and linear motions using two wheels, which interact and have the ratio of 2: 1 is known already from the Renaissance when G. Cardano invented this concept which today often is referred to as cardanic motion.

This concept is further explained in the publication "Method of synthesis of cardanic motion" by Aleksander SekuhV published no later than 12.01.1998. This concept is utilized in different crank solutions mostly for bicycles but also described as a method in combustion engines. (See for example principle at www.flving-pig.co.uk/mechanism)

However, contrary to versatility of the apparatus of the present invention, neither of the mentioned prior art devices, nor other prior art devices are capable of achieving an optimal elliptical movement with means for easily adjustments of the path and motion in the way the present invention provides, and through use of an elected embodiment of exercise apparatus according to the invention being able to provide the great variety of assistance to simulated movements required for efficient and correct and optimal physical training, exercise or therapy.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is intended to provide an exercise apparatus with assisting handles for arm movement and for assisting in simulating a range of stepping motions, including walking, jogging, running, climbing and skiing, and with means for manually or automatically adjusting motions from a linear to elliptical path or elliptical like path to the footrest for user's feet. O bj e c t s o f t h e i n v e n t i o n

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide improved exercise apparatus that provides for a plurality of motions ranging from linear to elliptical or elliptical like movement of feet similar to that of walking, jogging, running, climbing and skiing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the above exercising apparatus with means for producing any desired path or movement wanted by the user, and more specifically provide for selective adjustment to match e.g. stride of the user, size of orbit and the type of exercise chosen, preferably with automatically means.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a controlled posture and angle of the feet supports related to the exercise apparatus to match the stride and any movement required by the user.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide tilting of feet supports being operative on the exercise apparatus to create a degree of instability, which imposes challenges to the muscles and balance of the user.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus, which requires minimal space to operate and store, yet is still easy to operate, simple and reliable in operation and maintenance, and provides a cost-efficient piece of exercise apparatus capable of providing a greater variety of modes of use in a single piece of equipment compared with prior art devices.

Further, the present invention also aims at providing a crank device useful for the exercise apparatus and which provides for a greater range of modes of use, and is capable of contributing to the versatility previous unknown to a single piece of apparatus for physical exercise. B r i e f s um m ar y o f th e i n v e n t i o n

The invention utilises cardanic motion for producing a plurality of motions in a training or exercise apparatus. The motions are provided by a crank mechanism utilising cardanic motion, which on each side of an axle or rotational centrepiece, has an arm, inner crank arm, which is linked to a ring gear, a sun gear, with inner teeth where a second gear of half the size revolves. To the second gear is fixed a second arm, named outer crank arm, which has an axle for fixing of feet supporting means. The sun gear is fixed to a bar, which is hinged to part of the frame, which holds the sun gear in a fixed and rotational position relative to the frame. Through the second gear is located an axle fixed relative to the bar, the axle at the other end having a sprocket which is linked to a second sprocket fixed on the axle of the outer crank arm, these sprockets holds the feet supporting means at a correct angle relative to an apparatus frame during a full rotation of the crank device. The crank mechanism also has means for adjusting the angle to create a toe-heel tilt of the foot supporting means. The training apparatus according to the invention has mechanical means for adjusting the rotational fixing point of the outer crank arm on the inner crank arm, the fixing point of the outer crank arm decides the size and shape of the orbit and is preferably automatically adjustable dependent on speed or desired stride length. The orientation of the first gear may be adjustable rotated in order to change the inclination of the path and motion, the adjustment preferably assisted by a motor. The feet supporting means in form of platforms have optional tilt movement with an adjustable mechanism, the movement transverse the stepping motion, for utilising proprioseptive training and exercise.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a flywheel is mounted on a portion of the frame connected so to rotate as result of the crank movements. The flywheel serves as a momentum-storing device to simulate the momentum of the body during various stepping motions. Resistance may be applied to the rotation of the flywheel, to make the motion harder or easier to achieve. This resistance may be co-ordinated with the workout level desired by the user. Similar kind of system is found on training/exercise apparatus, such as ergo-meter bikes, spinning bikes, cross trainers and the like. The exercise apparatus would in a preferred embodiment include handlebars, which move as part of a training exercise. The handle bars would be pivotally fixed to a forward part of the training apparatus and hinged to bars linked to rotational parts of the crank mechanism in such a way that the bars move in an opposite direction relative to the feet supports giving a full cardiovascular workout

Finally the exercise apparatus includes a user input, monitoring and control device, hereinafter referred to as a human machine interface device (HMI) which allows the user to adjust the machine so to achieve desired motion, speed, resistance and path, it being walking, jogging, running, climbing or skiing. The HMI device is preferably of a touch-screen type but could also be a combination of a display/screen and a panel of buttons.

The characteristic features of the apparatus and the crank device will appear from the attached independent claims, and further embodiments thereof will appear from the related sub-claims. Also, these and other features and related advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the attached drawings and description to follow.

B r i e f d e s cr i p t i o n o f th e dr aw in g s

The technical features of the invention, the wide range of exercise modes offered, and the inherent improvements over the prior art will be described with reference to accompanying drawings, which illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention by example and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the invention;

Figs. 2a and 2b show a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention with part of frame, where some of the components one side of the apparatus are shown in an exploded view, details Ilia and HIb shown in fig. 3a and 3b. Figs. 4a and 4b show exploded views of the outer crank arm components;

Figs. 5a and 5b show the principle of cardanic motion;

Fig. 6a and 6b show schematically definitions of dimensions for creating variable cardanic motion;

Fig. 7 shows means for adjusting the connection point between inner an outer crank arms;

Fig. 8a-8d show crank device in different positions during a rotation showing motion of feet supports and handles;

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention with further details not shown in figs. 1 to fig. 4.

Figs. 10a- 10c show incline adjustment;

Figs. 1 Ia- l ib show a second method for incline adjustment;

Figs. 12a-12e illustrate different motions of feet supports available utilizing the invention regarding incline situations;

Figs. 13a- 13c show mechanism creating toe heel motion to the feet supports of the crank device;

Fig. 14 illustrates toe heel motion;

Fig. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of a training apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 16 shows a block schematic of the crank device utilized in a training apparatus; Fig. 17 shows a block schematic of a training apparatus interface system; and

Figs. 18 and 19a-19e show a foot support platform with tilt function.

D etai l e d de s c r i p t i o n o f t he inv e nt i o n

The following description with accompanying drawings will disclose how a crank device for a training apparatus according to the invention is built and will work. Figs. 1 to 4 shows only the one side of the crank device assembly, but it should be understood that the crank device with linkages, feet supporting means and handlebars are present on both sides of the apparatus frame.

Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 show a crank device assembly according to the invention, the mentioned figures showing the major parts included. On a frame 101 is mounted a crank assembly 102 comprising an inner arm 105 rotatable fixed to the frame piece 101' on a cylindrical hollow axle piece and bearing 106. To the inner arm 105 in groove 109 is connected a slide piece 112 (fig. 3b) which is slideable in groove 109 as indicated by arrow 111. The slide piece is fixed with a circular shaped disc 112' to which bar 130 is rotatable located through a bar ring member and bearing 131. To the bar ring member 131 is rotateable located ring collar 132. Again to the ring collar 132 is fixed ring gear (first gear) 110, which is toothed on the inside and to which a second gear 114 is connected (fig.4). Gear 110 and gear 114 has a transmission ratio of 2: 1. Gear 114 is fixed to axle 116, which is rotatable connected to slide and disc piece 112, 112' . To axle 116 is fixed an outer crank arm 118, indicated by dotted line on fig. 1, also shown on fig. 4. To the outer crank arm 118 is attached a foot support 120 also indicated by dotted line on fig. 1 and shown on fig.4, to a rotatable axle 122.

In order to keep gear 110 in a fixed position the ring collar 132 is connected to a bar link 136, which is in a parallel connection with bar 130. Ring collar 132 is movable in a rotary fashion relative to bar 130. Rotation of the collar will rotate the gear 110 and alter the incline of the motion the crank device produce, as further described below and shown on figs. 9 - 12.

A frame 134 is hinged to a top location 135 of the bar 130 ring piece 131. A piece 137 is slidable positioned within the frame 134. Fixed to the slide piece 137 is a sprocket 140, which is connected through a chain 139 to a second sprocket 142, which is fixed to axel 122, the sprocket 140 and 142 having a transmission ratio of 1: 1. As mentioned above a foot support is fixed to the axle 122. When the crank device is set in motion the foot support is held in a horizontal like position relative to the frame, though with a "toe heel tilt" at both end positions as indicated by fig. 14. This motion is created as gear 114 revolves within gear 110 making piece 137 slide within frame 134 and swinging the frame 134 at the same time making sprocket 140 twist, which in turn gives a twist on sprocket 142 where the foot support axle is attached, this further explained below with relation to fig. 13.

As shown on figs. 1-3 the crank device is connected with bar links in order to produce movements to handles also provided on the apparatus according to the invention. Bar 130 is hinged to another bar 144, which is tiltable connected to the frame with a frame piece 145. At end portion of bar 144 is hinged a cross piece 148, which a handle bar 150 is fixed. In parallel to bar 130 and 144 is hinged bar links 136 and 147, bar link 136 at one end hinged to a bottom location 133 of collar 132 and at the other end to a hinge piece 152 also connected to bar 130 and bar link 147. Bar link 147 has a connection to cross piece 148. The motion of the crank device moves the bars and links so to make a swaying motion of the handle 150.

The motion, which the apparatus is made to create, utilizes the principle of cardanic motion. Fig. 5 shows how gear 114 and outer arm 118 in connection with gear 110 revolves, and where the outer end and fixing point for foot support 123 describes an ellipse. Arrow 125 shows the movement of the outer arm, arrow 126 shows the rotation of gear 114, and arrow 127 shows the movement of gear 114 relative to gear 110. Definitions regarding sizes and shapes of the movement and orbits for the feet supports available on an apparatus having a crank device according to the invention will now be described in relation to fig. 6a and 6b.

As shown in fig. 6a, whether an elliptic, circular orbit or linear track will be described by the feet supports when in motion will be the result of choice of the length AL of the outer crank arm 118, between its centre of rotation and the point of rotation with the foot support 120, in relation to the size of second gear radius WR. This is however the basic theory of cardanic motion which is not to be discussed here in any further detail.

An elliptic motion is created when AL > WR. AL=WR gives us a linear path.

However as for prior art the first gear 110, also referred to as a sun gear, is not in a fixed position, but is given a circular path 160, 160' as shown on fig 6b, being connected with the inner arm 105. The gear 110 is however in a relative fixed vertical/horizontal position during a rotation of the crank arm. The size of the gears 110 and 114 relative to the crank device is however not of such crucial importance as long as they are in a 2: 1 relation. The sizes and shapes of the movement and orbits for the feet supports available are defined by; Length of ICAL, of the inner crank arm 105 between a) its centre of rotation and b) its point of rotation with the outer crank arm 118, and the length OCAL of the outer crank arm 118 between b) the point of rotation with the inner crank arm and c) the point of rotation with the foot support 120.

As disclosed in fig. 6 and 7 and which is related to figs. 8a-8d, PL is length of path (orbital or rectilinear) described by the feet supports, i.e. the stride length, and PH is height of path (orbital or rectilinear).

The following equations (Eqs.l, 2 and 3) will determine the orbital paths, given that the circumferential ratio between gears 110 and 114 is as disclosed before, i.e. 2:1.

PL = 2 x ICAL + 2 x OCAL Eq.l PH = 2 x OCAL - 2 x ICAL; for OCAL being = or > ICAL Eq.2

PH = 2 x ICAL - 2 x OCAL; for OCAL being O or < ICAL Eq.3

IfOCAL = ICAL, the footsupport obtains a rectilinear path rather than an elliptic or circular path, and that PL will be 2 x (ICAL + OCAL).

IfOCAL = O, then PL = PH and the path described by the pedal will be circular. This is however identical to an ordinary bicycle mode (circular mode), and not of particular importance in the present context. In fact, it is strongly preferred, according to the present invention that OCAL > ICAL.

Adjustment of OCAL to be equal to ICAL can be utilised in a training/exercise apparatus for simulating a skiing motion.

It should be noted that preferred embodiments of the invention would demand that the outer crank arm 118 is longer than the inner crank arm 105. A stride length between 300 mm and 900 mm seems to be the range on which the dimensions OCAL and ICAL should be based. It will readily appreciated that the operating part forming the crank arm device assembly should easily fit with comfortable space clearance between the legs of a user. The size of the gears in the crank arm device solution as made according to any described embodiment of the invention is not a fixed matter as such, although the gears should be dimensioned to withstand the forces and weight applied by the user, the ratio between the gears 110 and 114 always being 2: 1.

One of the main objects of the invention, is that ICAL is adjustable relative to OCAL, in order to change the motion of paths of the foot supports when the invention is utilized on a training apparatus, and that the adjustments may be done whilst the apparatus is in use. On fig. 2a is indicated the means which adjusts the outer crank arm relative to the inner crank arm, but this is shown in more detail on fig. 7, which show slide piece 112 to which the outer crank arm 118 is connected, is movable along the inner crank arm 105 in groove 109, this slide motion being radially relative to the radius of the inner crank arm rotation. A motor 170 is located within and fixed to the hollow cylindrical axle 106. A gear, spur gear 172 is fixed to a drive shaft of the motor 170 which is connected to two threaded bolts 174 and 175 located on either side of gear 172 alongside groove 109 on the inner crank arm 105. The bolts 174, 175 are in threaded connection with slide piece 112, thus rotation of the bolts moves the slide piece 112 along the groove 109 as indicated by arrow 178, changing ICAL and altering the path and motion to the apparatus feet supports as described above relative to fig. 6. The motor is preferable of an electric type and powered through electricity distributed from the apparatus according to the invention, the system shown on fig.16. As the motor will rotate about itself, slide contacts is located as indicated by numeral 180, between the apparatus frame 101' and the rotatable axle 106, power distributed through a cord 177 from batteries on the apparatus or power redirected from the mains.

Fig. 8a and 8b show the outer crank arm in a position where ICAL = OCAL giving making the path linear, PL = 2 x (ICAL + OCAL) and PH = 0. Fig. 8c and 8d show the outer crank arm adjusted so OCAL > ICAL. This giving PL and PH according to Eqs.1 and 2 above making in this case an elliptic shape 179.

Figs 8a-8d also show how the handle bars 150, 150' move when the crank device is set in motion. The handle bars are fixed to cross pieces 148, 148', which in turn are connected to bars, 144, 144', and 147, 147', which again are connected with, bars 130, 130' and 136, 136'. The linkages making a parallelogram, which gives the bars a swinging motion as, indicated by arrow 154, when crank device is set in motion.

The bar linkage 136 and 147 are adjustable in order to turn ring collar 132 and gear 110 to set the incline of the path of the feet supports. As shown on figs. 9 and 10 piece 145 is tiltable connected to frame through axle 184. Bar linkages 144 and 147 is located tiltable connected to piece 145 shown as axis 181 and 182. Lever 186 fixed to piece 145 is in connection with threaded bolt 187, which in turn is fixed to an electric motor 190. Activating the motor will drive the, piece 145 indicated by arrow 185, pushing bar link 136, as indicated by arrow 193, 193', so to turn ring collar 132 and gear 110 for setting of the incline motion, which is to be described below relative to fig. 12. The operation will also turn crosspiece 148, tilting handle bar 150 in the same direction as to the incline. Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment for adjusting ring collar 132 and gear 110 in order to set the incline of the path of the feet supports. To the collar 132 is fixed a wire 194, which wraps round a cog 195 rotationally connected to bar 130 and back to ring collar 132. At tilting point 145' of bar 144 a second cog 196 is located. A second wire 197 is fixed on cogs 195 and 196. At end portion of bar 144 a third cog 198 is located, which again is connected to the second cog 196 by means of a third wire 199. The second cog is at a portion toothed where a gear or toothed bar 187 is connected, which again is connected to a motor 190. Activating the motor will turn cog 196, 195 and 198, and turn the ring collar 132 and gear 110, tilt handlebars, thus setting the incline of the apparatus according to the invention.

Fig. 12a-12c show schematically examples of available motions, the orientation set by turning the ring gear, first gear 110, the shape of path set by adjusting the connection point between inner crank arm, 105 and outer crank arm 118 (ICAL). Fig. 12 a shows a linear path 162, as set for simulating a skiing motion. Fig. 12b shows a "normal" elliptical like path 163 as for simulating walking or running. Fig. 12c shows an inclined path 164, which would simulate walking or running up hill, path 165 indicating downhill. Fig. 12d shows a steep inclined path 167 for simulating climbing. Fig 12e show a number of paths, elliptical 168 and linear 169, an it should be understood that the lines shown are for explanation only and is not limited to the shapes and sizes available to a training apparatus according to the invention.

It is desirable on a training apparatus having multiple functionality, and which aims to simulate a variety of motions, to create a toe heel motion to the feet supports. As described relative to fig. 1- 4 a second gear 114 revolves within a first gear 110. As disclosed in fig. 13, rotationally fixed to the second gear 114 (dotted ring) is a slide member 137, which is located within frame 134. The frame is hinged to a top location 135 of ring part 131 of bar 130. To the slide member, sprocket 140 (dotted ring) is fixed. When second gear 114 is revolving within the first gear 110, the member 137 slides within the frame 134, tilting the frame which again turns member 137 and sprocket 140 as shown on figs. 13b and 13c. As shown on for example fig. 3, sprocket 140 is connected with a second sprocket 142 by a chain 139, which transfers the tilt motion to the foot support axle 122, producing the motion indicated on fig. 14. Fig. 14 also showing typical path 200 and feet supports 120, 120'.

Figs. 1- 14 only show the basic mechanical elements of the training apparatus, but it should be understood that the apparatus may have another design and style than shown. As regards e.g. the frame will have covers to protect the user from the moving mechanical elements. Fig. 15 show a training apparatus utilizing the invention, where the crank device is partially hidden by a cover 234, and where a human machine interface (HMI) device 229 for user personal adjustments, including a display with a keypad, buttons or a touch screen for input of user values. Fig. showing a typical neutral position the apparatus adjusted so the foot supports 120, 120' will produce a linear motion.

As part of a training apparatus according to the invention a flywheel 202 is located on the apparatus frame 101. The flywheel serves as a momentum-storing device to simulate the momentum of the body during various stepping motions. As shown on fig. 9, also indicated by dotted lines on fig. 1, the flywheel 202 is connected to belts 204, 204'. Two wheels 205, 205' are fixed to the inner crank arms 105, 105' and follow the crank arms rotational movement. Round the wheels 205, 205' the belts 204, 204' are located and connects the crank device to the flywheel 202.

The apparatus of present invention includes a system for selectively applying the braking or retarding force on the rotation of the crank wheels through for example an eddy current brake system, such as indicated on fig. 1 and fig. 9 by reference numeral 203. Such a brake system is known in the art and used on training/ exercise apparatus currently on the market. Other brake devices that could be used include using a belt running around the flywheel and provided with means for varying the tensioning, or by using conventional brake shoes interacting with the flywheel. Resistance may be applied to the rotation of the flywheel, to make the motion harder or easier to achieve. This resistance may be co-ordinated with the workout level desired by the user. Similar kind of system is found on training/exercise apparatus, such as ergo-meter bikes, spinning bikes, cross trainers and the like. It is desirable to monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel or the crank wheels so as to measure the distance travelled by a user of a training apparatus according to the invention and also to control the level of workout experienced by the user. The resistance of motion and simulated distance may be co-ordinated with the workout level desired by the user. For instance a desired heart rate range for optimum caloric expenditure. A heart rate monitor or other sensors may be utilised to sense the desired or required physical parameters to be optimised during exercise. Any standard method of measuring the speed of the flywheels may be utilised. For instance, an optical or magnetic strobe wheel or pattern may be mounted on a disk, or other rotating member, e.g. wheel 105 or flywheel 202, of the present apparatus. An optical or magnetic sensor 220 may monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel 202 to generate an electrical signal related to such rotational speed and whereby such signal can be processed by a computer located e.g. on the apparatus. A human machine interface system (HMI) and device will be described below with reference to fig. 16.

The aim of the invention is to create a training or exercise apparatus where the dimension(s) of the orbital or rectilinear path of the feet supporting means are automatically adjustable depending on speed of crank rotation and of pedal travel. Setting of dimensions) of the orbit for feet supports can be provided through use of a kind of man machine interface MMI device for user personal adjustments, resistance to work-out, advisor displays, updated results, suitably including a display with a keypad/buttons or a touch screen for input of user values.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic illustration of a system for automatic, or user defined motion or stride control and adjustment. Speed of the cranks can be measured by a sensor 220 for example directly operative on a crank axle, axle mounted wheel, flywheel or other parts rotating as result of crank axle rotation, denoted by reference numeral 202. The sensor 220 sends signals to a microprocessor or CPU 222, which through a program signals means for adjusting cranks 118 and 188' as shown with reference to fig. 7.

Reference numerals 170 and 170' indicate motors. Sensors 227, 227' controls the length of the crank arm adjustments. Motor 190 is connected to means 232 as shown in figs 9- 11, with reference to the disclosed bars, or wires used for adjustment of the crank device incline. Means for operating is provided in form of button clusters with display or in the form of a touchscreen 229. Run by a program in the CPU choices are displayed on a screen, for example user defined adjustment of the stride indicated and adjustable on a display 230 or automatic adjustment of stride dependent on speed indicated and adjustable on display 231. Sensors 227,227', 228 will monitor the movement of the motors and or movement of gears and linkages and give signals to a CPU 264 which in turn is connected with control device 222 or human machine interface device (HMI- unit) with user means 229 for input and control. The CPU is programmed to show the adjustments made by the user on the screen/display. The adjustments made or chosen by the user from the control device is processed by the CPU which process signals to run motors 170, 170' and 190 and power to the motors for turning gear and setting of crank adjustments accordingly. Reference numerals 105, 105' show inner crank arms, 120, 120' show feet supports and 203 show retarding means as explained above with reference to fig. 9.

A main feature of the invention is the versatility in training motions and the users freedom of choosing preferred motions. The following will explain the invention ability to do so, using the above-explained features in combination with new embodiments.

As shown in fig. 16 the apparatus will have a HMI system for the user. It should be apparent from the above described that on a screen, for example a touch screen, as part of the apparatus of present invention, a menu system and layout of choices and adjustments would at least show; - paths of motion or style of training as: walking, running, climbing or skiing;

- individual adjustment of stride length, angle of path;

- time monitoring;

- level of resistance and other prior art adjustments regarding workout levels, caloric burn rates, heart rates/pulse etc....

Fig. 17 shows schematically how the HMI system would work. The screen on the training apparatus would show the different training options available. It may be a list 240 of icons, which represents the options. The list of options presented to the user may comprise a list of pre-programmed motions 241, such as: walk, jog, run, climb and ski, or options to enter user-defined motions. If a user selects "jog", the computer within the apparatus will run the "jog program" 243 and set the crank arms so that the foot supports will describe an elliptical path typical for a jogging motion. The system would preferably have included in the program an option 244 to enter personal data, as height, weight, physical shape and sex. The system will activate the means for adjusting the platform position along the crank arms 245 for making the correct path and path size based on the program and personal data. The system could also adjust the inclination of crank 246 according to the program and data. The system may adjust the resistance made to the flywheel based on personal data 247, or the user may override this and set the resistance manually 248. The system may also include a program for terrain 249, for example jogging on flat surface, or jogging on uneven terrain with hills for jogging uphill and downhill. The system would during such a program change the inclination during the workout session. Another function of such a system is to monitor the rate 251 of revolutions and the system will be able to activate the means for adjusting the platform position for making the correct size relevant to the speed. This means that if the user starts with a walking motion and speeds up the turning of movable parts of the crank device, the system will change and increase the stride length to be more appropriate towards for example running. The system would suitably include means for entry of user-defined motions 242, where the user may define the inclination 246 and path configuration 245 of the feet supports, and resistance 248 against movement, e.g. to simulate movement uphill. The amount of resistance applied may alternatively or in addition also be connected to a system monitoring the pulse rate and heart performance of the user, as known from prior art within the fitness industry 240 and for medical testing of an suspected heart condition.

The crank device will have means for supporting the feet of a user. Depending on the type of training apparatus the crank device is mounted in, either platforms or pedals are fixed to the crank arms. To gain proprioceptive training, the crank device should have mounted thereon multiple use platforms or pedals. Figs. 18 and 19 show a platform 260 fixedly attached to a frame 261, the frame 261 being tiltable and fixedly attached on an axle 262 linked to a body 263. The body 263, which is configured to be fixed to the inventive crank device, has a lever 264 tiltably arranged about the axle 262. The frame 261 has a curved track 265 on each side of the body 263, the body having a track 266 radial to the curved track. A bolt 267 runs through and in the tracks. At an uplifted position of the lever 264, see arrow 270 on fig. 18c and 18e, the bolt 267 is forced into the radial track 266 by a spring 268 and the platform is locked. In a downward position the bolt is forced by the lever into the curved track 265, whereby the platform 260 is free to tilt bound by the length of the track.

In the descriptive portion and the following claims feet supporting means, foot support and feet supports should be understood as applying to all kinds of pedals, pedal like devices, platforms and other devices for apparatus made for placing feet and stepping on or otherwise moving the feet for turning a crank like device.

The invention described can be subject to modification and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept as disclosed with reference to the drawings and further stated in the attached claims. To the extent that certain functional elements can be replaced by other elements to enable the same function to be performed by the various embodiments disclosed, such technical equivalents are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

C l a im s:

1.

A crank device and training apparatus for physical exercise or training and with means which provide for a plurality of different workout options simulating human physical movements, comprising:

- an apparatus frame having a crank device mounted thereon, said crank device utilising cardanic motion;

- the said crank device comprising a pair of crank arms each comprised of at least two parts; o a first part being an inner crank arm and a second part being an outer crank arm; o an inner crank arm axle to which said inner crank arm are rotationally attached, o a first gear forming a sun gear connected to the inner crank arm at a first distance from its rotary centre, said first gear being fixedly attached to means pivotable linked to the crank device frame; o a second gear rotatably connected to the first gear, said outer crank arm fixed to the second gear at one end, the other end carrying a foot support, said first and seconds gears having a transmission ratio of 2 : 1,

2.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feet supports have means for posture stabilisation thereof relative to the frame throughout a full movement path cycle of said feet supports.

3.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the crank device has adjustment means for adjusting during an ongoing workout session an orbital or rectilinear path of said feet supports and its inclination relative to the horizontal.

4.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the crank device has means for adjusting the first distance in the course of an ongoing workout session, so to change the size or character of a motion or path.

5.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the crank device has means for adjusting the first gear during the course of an ongoing workout session, so to change the character and inclination of a motion or path.

6.

A crank device and training apparatus according to anyone of claims 1 - 5, wherein the crank device is operatively linked to a human machine interface system (HMI) and control device for user input and monitoring.

7.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 4 and 5, wherein said first gear and bar is connected to the inner crank arm and adjustable radial to the crank arm point of rotation, according to claim 1, wherein said pivotable means is formed as a bar connected to a ring which holds the first gear in a fixed vertical and horizontal position relative to the frame during a rotation of the inner crank arm in the course of an ongoing workout session.

8. A crank device according and training apparatus to claim 5 and 7, wherein said first gear and bar is connected to means slidable relative to the inner crank arm and adjustable radial to the crank arm point of rotation.

9. A crank device according and training apparatus to claim 8, wherein means for adjusting said first gear and bar comprise of a slide member located on a track on the inner crank arm, the slide member connected to gears or threaded bolts, which again are in connection with an electric motor, the electric motor located within the crank device hollow cylindrical axle.

10. A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 5 and 7, wherein said ring which holds the first gear is adjustable in a rotary fashion as to adjust inclination of a motion or path.

11. A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said adjustment means for the first gear comprises a linkage bar, hinged to an outer part of the first gear and to the frame in parallel to said first bar, where means are provided for pushing and pulling the linkage bar, in order to rotate the first gear in wanted position, the means preferably being an electric motor.

12.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said adjustment means for the first gear comprises of pulleys and wire, connected to and in parallel to said first bar, where means are provided for rotating the pulleys, in order to rotate the first gear in wanted position, the means preferably being an electric motor.

13.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1- 6, wherein the crank device has means for stabilising the posture of the feet supports relative to the frame when the feet supports moves along a rectilinear or orbital path, said stabilising means comprising;

- a set of sprockets or pulleys rotationally attached on the outer crank arm, a first sprocket or pulley of said set connected with means linked to the said bar and therefore independent of rotational movement of the crank devise, transferring the relative movement of the bar to at least a second pulley or gear of said set at a 1 : 1 motion, a foot support attached to such further pulley or gear thereby being kept at specified posture relative to the crank device frame.

14.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1-6 or 13, wherein said feet supports are feet platforms or pedals provided with an actuable tilt function being transverse of movement direction of the feet support.

15.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each feet support has a platform fixed to a supportive platform frame, wherein the frame is tiltable and fixedly attached to a body with an axle, tilt motion being limited by a bolt and a curved track, the curved track having at a location there-along an recess into which the bolt is forced by a spring, the bolt position being controlled by a lever which has two positions, the first position forcing the bolt into the curved track to give a tilt motion to the platform, and the second position relieving the force on the bolt to make the spring to force the bolt into the track recess.

16.

A crank device and training apparatus according to anyone of claims 1-6 and 13, wherein said feet support means are feet platforms or pedals with a toe - heel tilt function means providing tilt motion being parallel to movement direction of the foot support, tilt motion occurring at transitional positions providing a change of foot support movement direction during a revolution of the crank arms.

17

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 16, toe heel tilt function means comprise of slide piece located within a frame tiltable hinged to the said bar,, the said second gear rotatable fixed on an axle protruding through said slide member, said first sprocket or gear is fixed to the slide member, the slide member is made to tilt as the second gear revolves within the first gear.

18.

An crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crank device is connected to means of physical resistance, said means comprising a flywheel connected to a rotating part of the crank device by belt and pulleys, and wherein an eddy current brake system provides brake force to the flywheel.

19. An crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1-6, wherein said crank device is connected to a flywheel and where movement braking means capable of interacting on the flywheel for applying a braking or rotational speed retard force is electable from one of:

- a friction belt, a brake shoe unit, an electro magnetic device, and eddy-current based device.

20.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1-6, wherein said bar is connected to further bar linkages and handles, in a parallelogram fashion producing a swaying motion to handlebars during a rotation of the crank device in the course of an ongoing workout session.

21.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1-6, wherein the size of the orbit or path of the foot supports is adjustable depending on speed of crank rotation and speed of foot support travel along the path, wherein a human machine interface system includes sensors and processing means, said system processing signals to actuate a motors to adjust the location of first gear relative to the inner crank arm and the rotational setting of the first gear.

22.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 1-6 and 21, wherein the size of the orbital or rectilinear path of the feet supports are adjustable by an apparatus user through use of a display provided with a keypad or touch screen.

23.

A crank device and training apparatus according to claim 21 and 20, wherein the man machine interface system has input, control and adjustment means related to one or more of: - paths of motion or style of training related to walking, jogging, running, climbing or skiing;

- stride length,

- angle of orbital or rectilinear path relative to the horizontal;

- level of brake force acting on the flywheel, - time monitoring

- personal workout levels,

- caloric burn rates,

- heart or pulse rate,

- physical condition of user