Compact exercise device

Abstract

A compact exercise device includes a pair of crank arms pivotably supported on a frame for rotation about a pivot axis. Each crank arm engages a respective intermediate link at its first end. A second end of each intermediate link travels on a guide member so that as the crank arms rotates, the first end of each intermediate link traces an arcuate path, and the second end of each intermediate link traces a reciprocating path. The device includes a pair of foot links, each foot link is coupled, through a first end thereof, to a respective one of said intermediate links at a point between the first and second ends thereof; a second end of each foot link engages another guide member which directs it along a preselected path of travel, as the intermediate link is moved by the crank arm. The device provides a range of foot and leg motion simulating a natural running and stepping action.

1 . A compact exercise device comprising: 
 a frame configured to be supported on a floor and having a first pivot axis defined thereupon;    a first and a second crank arm, each crank arm being pivotally attached to said frame at said first pivot axis so as to be rotatable thereabout;    a first and a second intermediate link, each intermediate link having a first and a second end, the first end of each intermediate link being coupled to a respective one of said first and second crank arms so that the first end of each of said intermediate links travels in an arcuate path about said first pivot axis as said crank arms rotate thereabout;    a first and a second guide member, each being disposed so as to engage a respective one of said intermediate links and to direct a second end of said respective intermediate link along a reciprocating path of travel as the first end thereof travels in said arcuate path;    a first and a second foot link, each having a first and a second end;    a first and a second connector each being operative to pivotally connect the first end of each of said foot links to a respective one of said first and second intermediate links, so that said first end of each of said foot links travels along a first preselected path as the second end of its respective intermediate link travels along said reciprocating path; and    a third and a fourth guide member, each being disposed so as to engage a respective one of said first and second foot links, and to direct the second end of each of said foot links along a second preselected path of travel as the first end of each of said foot links travel along said first preselected path.    
     
     
         2 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , wherein said frame includes a second pivot axis defined thereupon, and wherein said third and fourth guide members each comprise an elongated member having a first and second pivot point defined thereupon, each of said third and fourth guide members being pivotally attached through the first pivot point thereof to the second pivot axis of said frame, and through the second pivot point thereof to the second end of a respective one of said first and second foot links.  
     
     
         3 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , wherein said second preselected path of travel is an inclined path of travel relative to the floor and wherein said third and fourth guide members are each disposed so as to guide the second end of a respective one of said first and second foot links along said inclined path of travel.  
     
     
         4 . An exercise device as in  claim 3 , further including adjustment means associated with the third and fourth guide member for varying a degree of inclination of the inclined path of travel relative to the floor.  
     
     
         5 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , further including a flywheel in mechanical engagement with the first and second crank arms.  
     
     
         6 . An exercise device as in  claim 5 , wherein said flywheel is supported by said frame at said first pivot axis.  
     
     
         7 . An exercise device as in  claim 5 , wherein said flywheel is supported at a third pivot axis, separate from said first pivot axis, and is mechanically coupled to said first and second crank arms.  
     
     
         8 . An exercise device as in  claim 5 , wherein said flywheel is supported at said first pivot axis, and wherein said first and second crank arms are defined by an integral portion of said flywheel.  
     
     
         9 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , wherein said first, second, third and fourth guide members comprise tracks.  
     
     
         10 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , further including a variable resistance braking assembly in mechanical communication with said first and second crank arms for providing a variable resistance to the rotation thereof.  
     
     
         11 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second intermediate links and the first and second connectors are configured so that the first end of each of the first and second foot links may be selectably connected to a respective one of said first and second intermediate links at a plurality of locations thereupon.  
     
     
         12 . An exercise device as in  claim 1 , wherein said third and fourth guide members each comprise a rotatable member pivotably attached to the frame.  
     
     
         13 . A compact exercise device comprising a frame configured to be supported on a floor and having a first pivot axis defined thereupon; 
 a first and a second crank arm, each crank arm being pivotably attached to the frame at said first pivot axis so as to be rotatable thereabout;    a first and a second intermediate link, each intermediate link having a first and a second end, the first end of each intermediate link being coupled to a respective one of said first and second crank arms so that the first end of each of said intermediate links travels in an arcuate path about said first pivot axis as said crank arms rotate thereabout;    a first and a second guide member, each guide member being disposed so as to engage a respective one of said intermediate links and to direct a second end of said respective intermediate link along a reciprocating path of travel as the first end thereof travels in said arcuate path;    a first and a second foot link, each having a first and a second end;    a first and a second connector, each being operative to pivotably connect the first end of each of said foot links to a respective one of said first and second intermediate links at a point thereupon between the first and second ends thereof, so that said first end of each of said foot links travels along a generally oval, closed path as the second end of its respective intermediate link travels along said reciprocating path;    a third and a fourth guide member, each disposed so as to engage the second end of a respective one of said first and second foot links, and to direct the second end of each of said foot links along a second reciprocating path of travel as the first ends of said foot links travel along said closed, oval path of travel.    
     
     
         14 . An exercise device as in  claim 13 , wherein said third and fourth guide members each comprise a rail.  
     
     
         15 . An exercise device as in  claim 13 , wherein said frame includes a second pivot axis defined thereupon and wherein said third and fourth guide members each comprise an elongated member having a first and second pivot point defined thereupon, each of said third and fourth guide members being pivotably attached through the first pivot point thereof to the second pivot axis of said frame, and through the second pivot point thereof to the second end of a respective one of said first and second foot links.