Adaptive exercise device

摘要

An adaptive exercise device provides for a foot motion in which the vertical component of the path of foot travel is mechanically decoupled from the fore-aft component of the path of foot travel so that a user may selectably control the ratio of these two components during the use of the device. The adaptive exercise device includes foot links which are supported on a track for motion therealong. The links are mechanically interconnected so that when a first link moves in a first direction along the track, the second link moves in an equal and opposite direction. The apparatus further includes a vertical motion control system which raises and lowers portions of each of the foot links along a vertical path of travel independent of their position along the track.

主权项

1. An adaptive exercise device comprising:
a frame configured to be supported on a floor; at least one track supported on said frame; a first and a second foot link; at least one roller associated with each of said foot links, each said at least one roller being disposed so as to engage said at least one track and support its respective foot link thereupon; a linkage system associated with said first and second foot links, said linkage system being operative to control the motion of said foot links so that when said first foot link moves in a first direction along said at least one track, the second foot link moves in an equal and opposite direction along said at least one track; a first and a second vertical control link, each vertical control link being pivotally connected to a respective foot link; a first and a second vertical control lever, each vertical control lever being pivotally supported on said frame at a first pivot point, each vertical control lever being pivotally attached to a respective one of said first and second vertical control links; a rotary crank which includes at least one crank arm, said crank being pivotally supported on said frame at a second pivot point; a first and a second connector link, each connector link having a first portion which is pivotally attached to said crank and a second portion which is pivotally attached to a respective one of said first and second vertical control levers so that when said crank rotates about said second pivot point, the first and second vertical control levers each move back and forth in a reciprocating motion, which reciprocating motion is communicated to a respective one of said first and second foot links via the vertical control links.