Elliptical exercise device with movable pivot axis

Abstract

An elliptical-type exercise device provides a modified foot action. The device includes a frame, an axle, and an axle retainer for supporting the axle on the frame so that it is rotatable about a pivot axis. The retainer allows the axle to move relative to the frame so as to displace the pivot axis. A first and a second foot link are coupled to the axle so that a first end of each foot link travels in an arcuate path. The device includes a guide which directs the second ends of the foot links in a reciprocal or non-reciprocal path of travel.

1 . An exercise device comprising: 
 a frame;    an axle;    an axle retainer for supporting said axle on said frame so that said axle is rotatable about a pivot axis defined therethrough, and so that said axle can move so as to displace the pivot axis relative to the frame;    a first and a second foot link each having a foot engaging portion; and    a first and a second coupling member each associated with a respective one of said foot links for pivotally coupling said foot link to said axle so that a first end of said foot link travels in an arcuate path.    
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second coupling members are configured so that the first end of the respective foot link of each coupling member travels in an arcuate path which encompasses the pivot axis.  
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said axle retainer comprises a swing link which is pivotally supported on said frame.  
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 3 , wherein said swing link includes a journal which rotatably supports the axle so that said axle is rotatable about the pivot axis.  
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 3 , further including a biasing member associated in mechanical communication with said swing link, said biasing member being operative to urge the swing link to a preselected position.  
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 9 , wherein said biasing member is selected from the group consisting of: springs, elastomeric bodies, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, counterweights, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said axle retainer comprises a journal for rotatably supporting said axle, and at least one resilient member which supports said journal upon said frame.  
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one resilient member comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: springs, elastomeric bodies, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, counterweights, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said axle retainer comprises a support block which rotatably supports said axle so that said axle is rotatable about said pivot axis, said retainer further comprising a guide way for slidably supporting said support block so that said support block can move in at least one direction relative to said frame.  
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 9 , further including at least one biasing member associated with said retainer and being operative to impose a biasing force on the support block so as to urge said support block in a first direction relative to said frame.  
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further including a guide operative to engage said foot links and direct a second end of each foot link along a path of travel as the first end of said foot link travels along said arcuate path.  
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein the frame is configured to be supported on a floor and wherein the guide is configured and operative to direct the second end of each foot link along a path of travel which is inclined relative to said floor.  
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein said guide is operative to direct said second ends of said foot links in a reciprocal path of travel.  
     
     
         14 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein said guide is operative to direct said second ends of said foot links in a non-reciprocal path of travel.  
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein said guide includes a first and a second swing arm, each swing arm being operative to engage a respective one of said foot links so as to guide the second end of its respective foot link in said path.  
     
     
         16 . In an exercise device of the type comprising: 
 a frame;    an axle which is rotatable about a pivot axis defined therethrough;    a first and a second foot link, each having a foot engaging portion;    a first and a second coupling member, each associated with a respective one of said foot links for pivotally coupling said foot link to said pivot axis so that said first end of said foot link travels in an arcuate path; and    a guide operative to engage the foot links and direct the second end of each foot link along a path of travel as the first end of the foot link travels along the arcuate path of travel; the improvement comprising:    said axle being movably supported on said frame so that said pivot axis is movable relative to the frame when the first ends of the foot links travel in said arcuate path.