Recumbent pedal exerciser

An exercise apparatus for perfoming pedalling exercise by a user in a recumbent position which comprises:

• a base means having an elongated dimension with a first end and a second end and adapted for being supported with said elongated dimension in a substantially horizontal direction;
• a pair of guide means for guiding respectively one pedal of a pair of pedals on a path between a first guide position closest to said first base end and a second guide position closest to said second base end;
• said pair of pedals, each mounted on a respective one of said guide means;
• a pair of idler pulley wheels, each rotatably mounted on said base means adjacent and below said first guide position with axes substantially perpendicular to said direction;
• a pair of drive shafts, each rotatably mounted below said idler pulley substantially perpendicular to said direction and each having a first and second shaft end;
• a pair of flexible linkages, each having a first linkage end secured to one of said guide means and a second linkage end secured to and wrapped around a first one of said drive shafts and looped around one of said idler pulley wheels respectively;
• a pair of one way clutch means having a first clutch end coupled to one of said second shaft ends respectively and a second clutch end for permitting said respective drive shaft to turn said second clutch end in one direction only;
• a wheel assembly means for providing resistance to movement of said pedals in said direction from said first guide position toward said second guide position including a wheel axle rotatably mounted with one end coupled to one said second clutch end and another end rigidly coupled to said other second clutch end;
• a pair of spring return means, each having one end secured to said base means and another end secured to one of said drive shafts respectively for returning said respective pedal to a starting position adjacent to said first track end;
• said base means, pair of guide means, pedals, pulley wheels, drive shafts, linkages, clutch means, spring return means, and wheel assembly means arranged in operable combination with one another to permit a user to force each one of said pedals to from said first guide position toward said second guide position against a force of resistance provided by turning said wheel assembly means and return said pedal to said first guide position when the user releases said pedal.