Elliptical motion exerciser

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank with left and right crank arms rotatably coupled to the frame and left and right exercise assemblies. Each of the exercise assemblies includes a pedal link, a foot pedal coupled to a rearward portion of the pedal link, a rocker link having a lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and an upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame, and a driver link having a forward portion pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and a rearward portion pivotally coupled to the pedal link. A flexible connecting member is coupled to the pedal links or the driver links and to a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame. The left and right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with rotation of the pivoting assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and right crank arms;   left and right exercise assemblies, each comprising:
 a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; 
 a foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; 
 a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; 
 a driver link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; 
   at least one flexible connecting member coupled to the left and right pedal links;   a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving said at least one flexible connecting member;   wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with rotation of the pivoting assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the left and right exercise assemblies further comprise a handle member with an upper and lower portion, said lower portion of said handle member rigidly connected to said upper portion of said rocker link, said upper portion of said handle member having a grip area adapted to receive a user's hand during exercise. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one flexible connecting member has a first end connected to the left pedal link and a second end coupled to the right pedal link. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one flexible connecting member comprises (i) a first flexible connecting member connected at one end thereof to the left pedal link and at an opposite end thereof to the pivoting assembly and (ii) a second flexible connecting member connected at one end thereof to the right pedal link and at an opposite end thereof to the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a primary flywheel coupled to the crank. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a resistance mechanism coupled to the pivoting assembly to resist angular displacement of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the resistance mechanism is adjustable to adjust displacement of the pivoting assembly in relation to a users weight. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the pivoting assembly includes a carriage assembly having a carriage receiving the flexible connecting member, the carriage being adjustable in a radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said pivoting assembly comprises a shaped cam. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the pivoting assembly comprises a pulley receiving the flexible connecting member. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a resistance mechanism coupled to the pulley to resist rotation of the pulley. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the resistance mechanism is adjustable. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the pulley. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a range limiter operatively coupled to the rotating member to limit angular displacement of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the range limiter is adjustable to adjust an angular displacement limit of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a coupling location of said at least one flexible connecting member to the left and right pedal links is adjustable. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the driver links are adjustable in length. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a lifting mechanism coupled to the frame to selectively elevate a forward portion of the frame. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a longitudinal position of the crank is adjustable forwardly and rearwardly on the frame. 
     
     
         21 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and right crank arms;   left and right exercise assemblies, each comprising:
 a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; 
 a foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; 
 a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; 
 a driver link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; 
   at least one flexible connecting member coupled to the left and right driver links;   a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving said at least one flexible connecting member;   wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with rotation of the pivoting assembly.   
     
     
         22 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein said at least one flexible connecting member has a first end connected to the left driver link and a second end coupled to the right driver link. 
     
     
         23 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein said at least one flexible connecting member comprises (i) a first flexible connecting member connected at one end thereof to the left driver link and at an opposite end thereof to the pivoting assembly and (ii) a second flexible connecting member connected at one end thereof to the right driver link and at an opposite end thereof to the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         24 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the left and right exercise assemblies further comprise a handle member with an upper and lower portion, said lower portion of said handle member rigidly connected to said upper portion of said rocker link, said upper portion of said handle member having a grip area adapted to receive a user's hand during exercise. 
     
     
         25 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising a primary flywheel coupled to the crank. 
     
     
         26 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising a resistance mechanism coupled to the pivoting assembly to resist angular displacement of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         27 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the resistance mechanism is adjustable. 
     
     
         28 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         29 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the pivoting assembly includes a carriage assembly having a carriage receiving the flexible connecting member, the carriage being adjustable in a radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         30 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the pivoting assembly comprises a pulley receiving the flexible connecting member mounted to the frame for rotation about an axis. 
     
     
         31 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 30  further comprising a resistance mechanism coupled to the pulley to resist rotation of the pulley. 
     
     
         32 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 31  wherein the resistance mechanism is adjustable to adjust an exercise resistance. 
     
     
         33 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 31  wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a secondary flywheel operatively coupled to the pulley. 
     
     
         34 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising a range limiter operatively coupled to the rotating member to limit angular displacement of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         35 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 34  wherein the range limiter is adjustable to adjust an angular displacement limit of the pivoting assembly. 
     
     
         36 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein a coupling location of said at least one flexible connecting member to the left and right driver links is adjustable. 
     
     
         37 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the driver links are adjustable in length. 
     
     
         38 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  further comprising a lifting mechanism coupled to the frame to selectively elevate a forward portion of the frame. 
     
     
         39 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 21  wherein a longitudinal position of the crank is adjustable forwardly and rearwardly on the frame. 
     
     
         40 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and right crank arms;   left and right exercise assemblies, each comprising:
 a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; 
 a foot supporting platform coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; 
 a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; 
 a driver link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; 
 a suspension link suspended from the frame and pivotally coupled to the driver link; 
   an interconnection linkage coupled to the left and right suspension links to coordinate reciprocal movement of the suspension links;   wherein the left and right foot supporting platforms reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and right foot supporting platforms reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with movement of the interconnection linkage.   
     
     
         41 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 40  wherein the suspension links are adjustable in length. 
     
     
         42 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 40  wherein the driver links are adjustable in length 
     
     
         43 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 40  wherein pivotal coupling of each suspension link to the respective driver link is adjustable along a length of the driver link. 
     
     
         44 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 40  wherein each of the foot supporting platforms comprises a portion fixed with respect to the respective pedal link and an adjustable portion. 
     
     
         45 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 40  wherein the left and right exercise assemblies further comprise a handle member with an upper and lower portion, said lower portion of said handle member rigidly connected to said upper portion of said rocker link, said upper portion of said handle member having a grip area adapted to receive a user's hand during exercise. 
     
     
         46 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 40  wherein a portion of each foot supporting platform is vertically adjustable. 
     
     
         47 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 46  wherein a toe portion of each foot supporting platform is vertically adjustable. 
     
     
         48 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 46  wherein a heel portion of each foot supporting platform is vertically adjustable. 
     
     
         49 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and right crank arms;   left and right exercise assemblies coupled to respective ones of the crank arms, each of the exercise assemblies having a foot supporting platform;   an interconnection mechanism attached to the frame and coupled to the exercise assemblies;   wherein the left and right foot supporting platforms reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with movement of the interconnection mechanism.   
     
     
         50 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 49  wherein the foot supporting platforms are pivotally connected to the respective exercise assemblies. 
     
     
         51 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 50  wherein the foot supporting platforms are pivotally connected to the respective exercise assemblies to permit movement about a non-horizontal axis. 
     
     
         52 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 51  wherein the foot supporting platforms are lockable to prevent movement about non-horizontal axes. 
     
     
         53 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having generally opposed left and right crank arms;   left and right exercise assemblies, each comprising:
 a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; 
 a foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; 
 a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; 
 a driver link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; 
   at least one flexible connecting member coupled to the left and right driver links;   a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving said at least one flexible connecting member;   wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the left and right foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with each other.   
     
     
         54 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having two crank arms out of phase with each other;   two exercise assemblies, each comprising;
 a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; 
 a foot pedal coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; 
 a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion pivotally coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion pivotally coupled to the frame; 
 a driver link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to a respective crank arm and the rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; 
   at least one flexible connecting member coupled to the two exercise assemblies;   a pivoting assembly mounted on the frame receiving said at least one flexible connecting member;   wherein the foot pedals reciprocate forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the foot pedals reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with each other.   
     
     
         55 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank rotatably coupled to the frame, the crank having two opposing crank arms out of phase with one another;   two leg exercise assemblies, each comprising:
 a pedal link having forward and rearward portions; 
 a foot support coupled to the rearward portion of the pedal link; 
 a rocker link having upper and lower portions, the lower portion operatively coupled to the forward end of the pedal link and the upper portion operatively coupled to the frame to provide reciprocating motion; 
 a driver link having forward and rearward portions, the forward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to one of the crank arms and the rearward portion of the driver link pivotally coupled to the pedal link; 
 a suspension support suspended from the frame and operatively coupled to the driver link to provide swinging motion; 
   an interconnection coupled to the suspension supports of each leg exercise assembly to coordinate reciprocal movement of the suspension supports;   wherein the foot supports of each leg exercise assembly reciprocates forwardly and rearwardly in coordination with rotation of the crank and wherein the two foot supports reciprocate upwardly and downwardly in coordination with movement of the interconnection.