Suspension system for glider exercise device

Abstract

A glider device includes a pair of swingably mounted foot platforms pivotally supported by links at their heel ends. A spring cage, including a tension spring and a compression spring, is included in each link to resiliently support the heel end of the foot platform. The spring cage limits displacement of the tension spring and includes a compression spring that cushions the displacement of the tension spring.

1 . A glider exercise machine comprising: 
 a frame;    a foot platform;    a link coupled between a pivot on said frame and a pivot on said foot platform for swingably supporting said foot platform from said frame; and    a spring in said link for absorbing shock.    
     
     
         2 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein said spring is a tension spring and further including; 
 a spring cage, for limiting displacement of said tension spring, coupled to one of said pivots; and    said tension spring being coupled to the other of said pivots.    
     
     
         3 . The exercise machine of  claim 2 , wherein said spring cage includes a resilient stop for cushioning displacement of said tension spring.  
     
     
         4 . The exercise machine of  claim 3 , wherein said resilient stop comprises a compression spring.  
     
     
         5 . The exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein said link comprises a cable and wherein said resilient stop includes an orifice through which said cable freely passes.  
     
     
         6 . The exercise machine of  claim 5 , further including an intermediate member coupling said tension spring to said cable; and a washer for cushioning impact between said intermediate member and said compression spring.  
     
     
         7 . The exercise machine of  claim 6 , wherein said spring cage is coupled to said pivot on said frame and said tension spring is coupled to said pivot on said foot platform.  
     
     
         8 . The exercise machine of  claim 7 , further including a cover over said spring cage, said tension spring and said compression spring.  
     
     
         9 . A glider exercise machine comprising: 
 a frame having rear pivots;    a pair of foot platforms having heel end pivots;    a pair of links coupled between said rear pivots and said heel end pivots for swingably supporting said pair of foot platforms from said frame; each of said links including:    a tension spring;    a spring cage, for limiting displacement of said tension spring, coupled to said rear pivot;    a resilient stop, including a compression spring, for cushioning displacement of said tension spring; and    said tension spring being coupled between said spring cage and said heel end pivot.    
     
     
         10 . The exercise machine of  claim 9 , wherein each said link comprises a cable and wherein said resilient stop includes an orifice through which said cable freely passes.  
     
     
         11 . The exercise machine of  claim 10 , further including an intermediate member coupling said tension spring to said cable; and a washer for cushioning the impact between said intermediate member and said compression spring.  
     
     
         12 . The exercise machine of  claim 11 , further including a protective shield over said spring cage, said tension spring and said compression spring.