Self-propelled exercise device
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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.
12 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A self-propelled exercise device comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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16. An exercise device comprising:
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a first and a second drive link;
a drive link guide, said guide being operable to direct a first end of each of said drive links along a reciprocating path of travel;
a first and a second coupling member, each of which is in mechanical communication with a second end of each of a respective one of said first and second drive links, said coupling members being operative to direct said second ends of said drive links in an arcuate path of travel;
a first and a second foot link, each foot link having a foot receiving portion defined thereupon, a first end of each of said foot links being coupled to a respective one of said first and second drive links, at a point on said respective drive link spaced from said first end and said second end thereof; and
a foot link guide which is operable to engage a second end of each of said foot links, and to direct said second ends along a reciprocating path of travel.
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21. A frame for a self-propelled exercise cycle, said frame comprising:
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I. a frame body, said frame body comprising;
an axle support for engaging and retaining a first axle of a first wheel so that said first wheel is rotatable about a first axis of rotation defined by said first axle;
a track defined by a portion of said frame, said track being configured to engage a first portion of an exercise linkage, which is supported by said frame so that said first portion can travel in a reciprocal path therealong; and
a pivot support for pivotally supporting a second portion of an exercise linkage at a pivot axis defined thereby;
II. a fork assembly for supporting a second axle of a second wheel so that said second wheel is rotatable about a second axis of rotation defined by said second axle, said fork assembly being pivotally supported by said frame body so that said second axis of rotation may be displaced from a parallel to an angular relationship relative to said first axis of rotation. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification