Elliptical exercise device with modified foot action

Abstract

An elliptical type exercise device having a modified foot action includes a pair of foot links, each having a foot support for receiving and retaining a user's foot. The device is configured so that a first end of each foot link travels in an arcuate path about a pivot axis, and a second end travels in a predetermined path which may be a reciprocal or non-reciprocal path. The device of the present invention includes a foot action modifier which is configured and operative to provide for motion of each foot support relative to a plane extending between the first and second end of its respective foot link. This motion modifies the foot action achieved by the device.

1 . An exercise device having a modified foot action, said exercise device comprising: 
 a frame having a crank axle rotatably supported thereupon so that said axle is rotatable about a pivot axis defined therethrough;    a first and a second foot link, each having a first and a second end, each foot link having a foot support configured to receive a user's foot;    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 crank axle so that a first end of said foot link travels in an arcuate path;    a guide operative to engage said foot links and to direct the second end of each foot link along a path of travel as the first end of said foot link travels along said arcuate path; and    a foot action modifier, which is in mechanical communication with at least one of said foot links, said foot action modifier being configured and operative to provide for motion of each foot support relative to a plane extending between the first and the second end of a respective foot link, as said first end of said respective foot link travels in said arcuate path and said second end of said respective foot link travels in said reciprocal path.    
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said guide directs the second end of each foot link along a reciprocating path of travel.  
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said guide directs the second end of each foot link along a non-reciprocating path of travel.  
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein when said user's feet are supported by said foot supports, and when said user pushes downward and rearward on said foot supports, the toe portion of the user's foot initially lowers at a faster rate than does the heel portion.  
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said foot action modifier comprises a first and second resilient member, each of which engages a respective foot support and maintains said respective foot support in a cantilevered relationship with the remainder of its respective foot link so that one end of said respective foot support is a free end; whereby each resilient member allows its respective foot support to move relative to said plane.  
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said foot action modifier includes a first and a second pivot support, each of which pivotally retains a respective foot support in a spaced apart relationship with the remainder of its respective foot link; whereby each pivot support allows its respective foot support to move relative to said plane.  
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 6 , wherein each pivot support engages its respective foot support proximate an end thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 6 , wherein each pivot support engages its respective foot support at a point between the first and the second ends thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 6 , wherein said foot action modifier includes a resilient member which is disposed so as to impose a biasing force upon at least one foot support so that an end of said foot support is in a spaced apart relationship with the remainder of its respective foot link.  
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 9 , wherein said resilient member is selected from the group consisting of: springs, elastomeric bodies, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said foot action modifier comprises a first and a second body of resilient material, each of which comprises a portion of the length of a respective foot link.  
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein each body of resilient material comprises an end portion of a respective foot link.  
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 1  wherein each foot support is pivotally supported on its respective foot link by a support member and wherein said foot action modifier includes a first and a second control link, each of which is in mechanical communication with a respective support member and said guide so that motion of a foot link relative to the guide causes its respective control link to move relative to the guide and thereby move the associated support member, whereby motion of the support members causes the foot supports to move relative to the plane.  
     
     
         14 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said guide comprises at least one track.  
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein said guide comprises a pair of swing arms.  
     
     
         16 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate path of the first end of each foot link encompasses the pivot axis.  
     
     
         17 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate path of the first end of each foot link does not encompass the pivot axis.  
     
     
         18 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further including a flywheel which is in mechanical communication with said crank axle so that said flywheel rotates when said crank axle rotates.