Self-propelled exercise device

• US 6,663,127 B2
• Filed: 09/11/2002
• Issued: 12/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Larry D. Miller Trust
• Original Assignee: Larry D Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): Morris, Lesley D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Royal, Jr., Paul
• Application Number:
  US10/241,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20030047902A1
• Time in Patent Office: 461 Days
• Field of Search: 280/220, 280/221, 280/252, 280/253, 280/256, 482/57
• US Class Current: 280/256
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 1/26 characterised by rotary cranks combined with reciprocating levers

Abstract

A self-propelled exercise device such as a bicycle includes a frame having a drive wheel rotatably supported thereupon. The bicycle includes a first and a second foot link which are powered by the user. A coupler assembly directs the first end of each foot link in an arcuate path of travel, and a foot link guide directs the second end of each foot link in a reciprocating path of travel. A power transfer linkage is in mechanical communication with the coupler assembly and with the drive wheel. When the device is in use, a user'"'"'s foot disposed upon the foot link travels in an elliptical path of travel and provides power to the foot link. This power is transferred to the drive wheel by the power transfer linkage so as to propel the bicycle.

Claims

1. A self-propelled exercise device comprising:

a frame having a drive wheel rotatably supported thereupon, and a first pivot axis defined thereupon;

a first and a second foot link, each having a foot receiving portion defined thereupon;

a coupler assembly which is in mechanical communication with said first pivot axis, and with a first end of each of said first and second foot links, said coupler assembly being operative to direct said first ends of said foot links in an arcuate path of travel;

a foot link guide supported by said frame, said guide being operable to engage a second end of each of said foot links, and to direct said second ends along a reciprocating path of travel;

a power transfer linkage in mechanical communication with said coupler assembly, and with said drive wheel;

whereby when the first end of one of said foot links travels in said reciprocal path and the second end of that foot link travels in said arcuate path, a user'"'"'s foot supported thereupon travels in a generally elliptical path of travel, and said power transfer linkage transfers power from said coupler assembly to said drive wheel so as to supply propulsive power thereto.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said foot link guide includes at least one track which engages said second end of said foot links.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the angular relationship of said at least one track to the frame may be varied.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said foot link guide includes a first and a second swing arm which are pivotally supported upon said frame at a second pivot axis defined thereupon, wherein each of said swing arms engages said second end of a respective foot link and directs said second end along said reciprocating path of travel.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said coupler assembly includes a first and a second crank arm which are pivotally supported at said first pivot axis.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said power transfer linkage includes a drive chain or a drive belt.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said power transfer linkage includes a transmission which is operable to selectably provide differing levels of output torque from a given power input.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the foot receiving portion of each of said foot links is disposed between the first and second end of each foot link.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said coupler assembly includes:

a first and a second drive link, each drive link having a first and a second end;

a first and a second coupling member, each coupling member being in mechanical communication with a first end of a respective one of said drive links, and with said first pivot axis, each coupling member being operative to direct said first end of its respective drive link in an arcuate path of travel; and

a drive link guide which is operable to engage a second end of a respective one of said drive links and to direct said second ends along a reciprocal path of travel;

wherein said first ends of said foot links each engage a respective one of said first and second drive links;

whereby said drive links direct said first ends of said foot links in said arcuate path of travel.

10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said first and second coupling members each comprise a crank arm.

11. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said drive link guide includes at least one track which engages said second ends of said drive links.

12. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said drive link guide includes a first and a second swing arm which are pivotally supported on said frame at a third pivot axis defined thereupon, wherein each of said swing arms engages said second end of a respective drive link and directs said second end along said reciprocating path of travel.

13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein when a user'"'"'s foot is disposed upon one of said foot links, and when said second end of said foot link travels from a point at a rearward end of said reciprocating path forward along said path, the heel portion of said user'"'"'s foot initially rises at a faster rate than the toe portion thereof, and when said second end of said foot link travels rearward along said reciprocating path of travel from a forward end thereof, the heel portion of the user'"'"'s foot initially lowers at a faster rate than the toe portion.

14. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said frame is a bicycle frame, and wherein said foot link guide comprises a track which is defined by an integral portion of said frame.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein said track comprises a first, generally tubular member which engages the second end of said first foot link, and a second generally tubular member which engages the second end of said second foot link.