Exercise device
OwnerLarry Millerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An exercise device includes a frame which supports a pair of foot links so that a first end of each foot link is pivotably coupled to the frame for motion about an arcuate path. A guide which is supported by the frame engages each foot link and directs a second end of each foot link along a closed, curved, generally teardrop shaped path of travel. This combination of motions defined by the foot link provides a natural running and stepping motion in which the heel of a user's foot initially rises faster than the toe as the foot move begins to forward and subsequently falls faster than the toe as the foot begins to move backward.
Claims7
An exercise device comprising:
- a frame having a pivot axis defined thereon, said frame configured to be supported on a floor;
- a first and a second foot link, each foot link including a first end, a second end and a foot engaging portion therebetween;
- a coupling member associated with the first end of each foot link for pivotally connecting said first end to said pivot axis at a predetermined distance therefrom so that said first end travels in an arcuate path about said axis;
- a first and a second guide, each guide being pivotally supported by said frame and configured to engage a respective one of said foot links through at least one roller element and to direct the second end thereof along a closed, curved path of travel as the first end of said respective one of said foot links travels along said arcuate path;
- so that when the exercise device is in use, and when a foot of a user which is disposed upon the foot engaging portion of a foot link travels forward, from a rearmost position, a heel portion of the foot initially rises at a faster rate than a toe portion thereof, and when the foot travels rearward, from a foremost position, the heel portion thereof initially lowers at a faster rate than the toe portion.
An exercise device as in claim 7, further including a handle supported by said frame proximate the second ends of the foot links.
An exercise device comprising:
- a frame having a pivot axis defined thereon, said frame configured to be supported on a floor;
- a first and a second foot link, each foot link including a first end, a second end and a foot engaging portion therebetween, said foot engaging portion being configured so that when the exercise device is in use, a user's foot is disposed with a heel portion thereof closest to the first end of the foot link and a toe portion closest to the second end of the foot link;
- a coupling member associated with the first end of each foot link for pivotally coupling said first end to said pivot axis at a predetermined distance therefrom, so that said first end travels in an arcuate path about said axis;
- a first and a second guide, each guide being pivotally connected to the frame and operative to slidably engage a respective one of said first and second foot links and to direct the second end thereof along a closed, curved path of travel as the first end of said respective foot link travels along said arcuate path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.