Swim machine

• US 6,764,431 B2
• Filed: 06/29/2001
• Issued: 07/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark Stuart Yoss
• Original Assignee: Mark Stuart Yoss
• Inventors: Yoss, Mark Stuart
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow, Stephen R.
• Application Number:
  US09/895,715
• Publication Number:
  US 20030004036A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,117 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/55-56, 482/142, 482/131, 601/26, 601/33-35, 601/86, 601/90, 601/98, 434/247, 434/254
• US Class Current: 482/56
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/10 Swimming instruction apparatus for use without water

Abstract

An out of water swimming exercise device is described. An adjustable exercise bench is combined with a pedal mechanism for simulating arm motions and a stair climber mechanism for simulating leg motions. The pedal mechanism is rotated by telescopic cranks attached with universal joints and engaged by handgrips. The stair climber mechanism is pivoted by lever bars and engaged by the user'"'"'s legs with cushioned rolls. Three different swim strokes can be simulated, including; freestyle, backstroke and butterfly. The exercise device is fully adjustable to different sizes of users. Accessory devices such as heart rate monitors, lap/distance counters, timers and the like can be attached to the device.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus to simulate motions associated with swimming comprising:

a platform to support a user comprising at least a first section and a second section, each of said first and second sections having a support member independently adjustable of the other;

a frame to support said platform at a height above the floor; and

an arm exercise mechanism comprising

a rotating pedal mechanism affixed to said frame along the axial centerline of said platform; and

having a crank shaft

a pair of cranks means for connecting each crank to said pedal mechanism crank shaft at a first end and having a hand attachment portion at a second end, each said crank permitting three dimensional motion by said user in performing the arm rotation associated with a swimming stroke; and

a means for varying resistance of said pedal mechanism.

2. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a leg exercise mechanism comprising

a pair of leg support bars extending outward from said frame and essentially parallel to said axial centerline, said leg support bars each including a leg attachment portion and capable of single plane movement relative to said frame, and a means for varying resistance of said leg support bars.

3. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein each said crank is attached to said pedal mechanism by a universal joint.

4. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein each said handle attachment portion is attached to said crank by a universal joint.

5. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said handle attachment portion is a handgrip.

6. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein the length of each said crank is adjustable.

7. An exercise device as recited in claim 2, wherein said leg support bars are operatively attached to said resistance means, which in turn is secured to said frame.

8. An exercise device as recited in claim 2, wherein each said leg attachment portion comprises a pair of leg rolls on opposite sides of the leg of the user.

9. An exercise device as recited in claim 2, wherein the position of each said leg attachment portion is adjustable along said leg support bar.

10. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said resistance means is computer controlled.

11. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said support member is a vertical support member.

12. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said platform is adapted for prone or supine operation by a user.

13. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first section is a torso support and the second section is a seat or pelvic support.

14. An exercise device as recited in claim 1, wherein said resistance means comprises an alternator.