Adjustable foot support platform for an exercise apparatus

Abstract

An improved foot support platform for cardiovascular exercise machines provides various adjustable platform configurations. The different configurations allow the user to target specific muscle groups more easily and prevent the user's feet from falling asleep while exercising.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   first and second platforms movably coupled to the frame for receiving respective longitudinally oriented feet of a person during performance of an exercise, each of the platforms having a foot support surface with at least one portion of the foot support surface adjustable with respect to another portion of the foot support surface such that, in at least one adjustment position, the foot support surface is non-flat.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the foot support surface comprises a plurality of pivotally coupled portions. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of pivotally coupled portions are coupled sequentially in a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the foot support surface comprises a forward portion, a center portion and a rear portion and wherein each of the forward and rear portions is selectively positionable at at least one angle relative to the center portion. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the foot support surface comprises a main portion and at least one movable portion to overlay the main portion. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the foot support surface comprises a main portion and at least one movable portion having a first position adjacent to the main portion and a second position atop the main portion. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the foot support surface comprises a main portion and a movable toe portion. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the foot support surface comprises a main portion and a movable center portion. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the foot support surface comprises a main portion and a movable heel portion. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the foot support surface portions are pivotally adjustable. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the foot support surface portions are linearly adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising electromechanical means for positioning the adjustable portion of the foot support surface. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second platforms are coupled to respective first and second pedal assembly members, which are coupled to the frame for reciprocating motion within a substantially vertical plane. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the first and second pedal assembly members are coupled to a crank mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the exercise apparatus is configured as an elliptical exerciser. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the exercise apparatus is configured as a striding exerciser. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise apparatus comprising;
 a frame;   first and second platforms movably coupled to the frame, each of the platforms having at least a first and a second foot support surface, the first foot support surface having a shape different from a shape of the second foot support surface, each of the platforms adjustable to place a selected one of the foot support surfaces in position to receive a respective longitudinally oriented foot of a person during performance of an exercise.   
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the platforms are rotatably adjustable. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the axis is a transverse axis. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the axis is a substantially longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         21 . A foot support platform for an exercise apparatus comprising a primary portion and a secondary portion adjacent to the primary portion, wherein the primary portion is configured to support the entire sole of a person's foot and the secondary portion is configured to support only a portion of a person's foot. 
     
     
         22 . A foot support platform for an exercise apparatus having a pair of support members coupled to a frame for reciprocating motion within a substantially vertical plane, the foot support platform pivotally coupled to one of the support members for pivotal motion about a substantially vertical axis. 
     
     
         23 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   first and second platforms movably coupled to the frame for receiving respective longitudinally oriented feet of a person during performance of an exercise, each of the platforms having a convex surface.   
     
     
         24 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a platform movably coupled to the frame for supporting a user's foot, the platform configured to be selectively adjusted between a first foot-supporting configuration with a first shape and a second foot-supporting configuration with a second shape different from the first shape.   
     
     
         25 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the platform configuration is electronically controlled.