Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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EXERCISE APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING SKATING MOVEMENT
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and more particularly,
an
apparatus which in use is adapted to simulate an athlete's natural skating or
roller blading
movement, whereby the user's legs travel simultaneously in a lateral and
rearward motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercise apparatus which simulate walking, running and stair climbing are well
known.
Running and walking exercise apparatus typically comprise an inclined moving
belt or treadmill
upon which the user walks or runs. Stair climbing or stepping apparatus
typically include a pair
of hinged pedals upon which a user stands, and in which the pedals are moved
up and down by
the user shifting his or her weight to simulate stair climbing movement. While
conventional
exercise apparatus achieve the exercise and movement of the biceps femoris
muscle, they are
poorly suited to provide toning and exercise the remaining leg muscles used in
skating, such as
abductors and adductor muscles, the gastrocnemius muscle, the soleusmuscle the
gracilis muscle
and/or the sartorius muscle.
In an effort to provide an exercise apparatus better adapted to exercise
muscles used in
skating, United States Patent No. 5,718,658 to Miller et al describes a skate
training apparatus
which includes a pair of cantilevered support arms which are adapted to
support a user's legs in
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lateral movement. Similarly, United States Patent No. 6,234,935 to Chu
describes a skating
exercise machine which is adapted to simulate skating movement by the use of a
pair of
cantilevered supports geared so as to move in an arcuate plane. The exercise
apparatus of Chu
and Miller, however, suffer the disadvantage in that in their operation, the
user's feet are
maintained in a generally forward oriented position while moving about a
lateral horizontal arc.
In contrast, in roller blading or ice skating, an individual typically
performs a skating stride
whereby the position of each foot during each stride moves so as to turn
outwardly, to provide an
increased thrust force.
Heretofore, conventional skate training apparatus suffer the further
disadvantage in that
they are poorly suited to mimic the forward motion achieved in skating
movement. In particular,
as prior art skating devices are adapted to provide lateral movement
substantially in a horizontal
plane, conventional skating exercise apparatus fail to account for the change
in leg and foot
position experienced by a skater during actual forward movement. Furthermore,
conventional
skating exercise devices which operate to move the user's leg only in a
horizontal plane as the
user's leg moves outwardly, may result in increased stressing on the user's
Achilles and/or
fibularis tendons.
Conventional skating exercise devices suffer a further disadvantage in that
their complex
design makes manufacture difficult, and the cantilevered arrangement of the
user supporting
pedals may be susceptible to premature wear and failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus
which, in use,
permits toning and exercise to a wide variety of leg muscles, including one or
more of the biceps
femoris muscle, the gracilis muscle, the sartorius muscle, the gastrocnemius
muscle and/or the
soleus muscle.
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Another object of the invention is to provide exercise apparatus which is
designed to
simulate an athlete's natural ice skating or roller blade movement during
forward motion.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which in
use, imparts
a lateral and rearward movement to a user's legs, while producing minimal
stresses on the
Achilles and/or Fibularis tendons.
Another object of the invention is to provide an ice or roller blade skating
simulating
apparatus which, in use, is adapted to guide a user's foot reciprocally in
downwardly and
outward or rearwardly curving movement so as to better simulate the forward
gliding motion
achieved in skating.
A further object of the invention is to provide a simplified exercise
apparatus which may
be easily and economically manufactured, and which in use provides to a user a
leg motion
which approximates the motion performed by ice skating.
Another object of the invention is to provide a robust exercise apparatus
which is adapted
to support a user's feet in movement during a natural skating motion.
The present invention provides an exercise apparatus used to simulate skating
or roller
blading movement in a user. The apparatus includes a pair of pedals adapted to
support the foot
of a user standing thereon in simulated skating movement. Each pedal may be
coupled to or
provided as part of an associated shuttle, which is movable along or by one or
more respective
guide assemblies adapted to guide the pedals and user's feet in a downwardly
and/or rearwardly
curving movement.
In one embodiment, the guide assembly includes a rail assembly which includes
one or
more rails having rail portions which curve away from each other. Each rail
portion extends
from a respective proximate forwardmost end, outwardly and rearwardly. More
preferably, the
curved rail portion of each of the rail assemblies is provided in a
substantially mirror
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arrangement and curve downwardly from their respective forwardmost ends so as
to slope
downwardly and rearwardly to a lowermost distal portion. The slope of the rail
assemblies may
be constant along their length, or alternately may vary in degree between the
proximate and
distal portions.
A guide member or mechanism may be provided to assist in positioning and/or
maintaining the shuttles in sliding movement along each guide assembly. More
preferably, the
guide member limits movement of the shuttles in reciprocal sliding movement
along an
associated rail assembly so as to guide the feet of the user in skating or
roller blade movement.
A resistance mechanism may also be provided to enable the user to vary the
resistance to which
the shuttles move along the rails as, for example, to provide a workout of
increased or decreased
difficulty.
In another embodiment, the guide assembly used to support and/or limit the
pedals in
movement along a respective downward and/or rearwardly curving path includes a
pair of
cantilevered support or swing arms. The swing arms are coupled to either a
respective individual
or a single common pivot. In one possible construction, each swing arm may,
for example,
consist of a rigid metal or composite bar which has an elongate length
selected at between about
0.5 to 1 meter. Each swing arm is positioned so that a forward end of each
swing arm is movable
from a forward proximal position where the swing arm extends generally
forwardly from the
pivot, and is rotatable in a limited arcuate movement rearwardly outwardly
therefrom. A shuttle
supporting an associated pedal is coupled towards the forwardmost end of each
respective swing
arm. Although not essential, most preferably individual pedals are pivotally
secured to an
associated shuttle so as to be pivotable relative to the forwardmost end of
the swing arms as the
swing arms are rotated about the pivot or their respective pivots. The
location of the pivots
towards a rearward portion of the skating apparatus and more preferably
rearwardly of a user
standing on the pedals in use of the apparatus, enables the pedals to be
reciprocally moved along
respective predetermined paths of movement which curve outwardly and
rearwardly away from
each other.
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To achieve downward curving movement of each pedal in use of the apparatus, in
one
construction the swing arms are pivotally mounted in an orientation oriented
so that each swing
arm is inclined in the front to back orientation of the skating machine.
Preferably each swing
arm is mounted so as to incline upwardly in the forward direction at an
inclined angle of between
about 5° and 40° and more preferably about 10° and
25° when the forwardmost end of the swing
arm is moved to a forwardmost position. In an alternate construction, the
shuttles may be
mounted to each swing arm on a helically threaded mount or post. The helical
threads of the
shuttle post are used to threadedly engage a complementary threaded socket
formed in or
coupled to the swing arm. In this construction, pivotal movement of the swing
arms in use of the
exercise apparatus produces relative twisting movement of the helical threads
of the post and
socket. This relative movement in turn vertically raises or lowers the
shuttles and pedals relative
to each swing arm as it pivots. Again, a resistance mechanism and/or a linkage
may be provided
to permit return movement of each shuttle to the forwardmost position, as the
other shuttle is
moved.
In another embodiment, the apparatus may include a guide assembly for guiding
the
pedals in a rearwardly outward and downward curving movement which includes of
a pair of
outwardly and rearwardly extending support arms. Most preferably, the support
arms extend
rearwardly and outwardly from a forward axial center position of the skating
machine at a height
selected between about .4 and 1.4 meters above the ground. A rocker arm
assembly suspended
from each support arm in turn is used to pivotally support an associated
shuttle. The rocker arm
assemblies are mounted so as to be pivotally coupled to the respective support
arm so as to
extend vertically therefrom. An associated shuttle used to support a pedal is
in turn mounted to
the lower end of each rocker arm. More preferably, the shuttles are pivotally
secured to an end
portion of a respective rocker arm which is remote from the associated support
arm. In this
construction, the pivotal movement of the rocker arm relative to the support
arms results in the
downwardly curving movement of the pedals along a respective predetermined
path from a
raised forward position, rearwardly outward to a lower distal position, such
that each shuttle path
curves downwardly and rearwardly outward in a mirror arrangement away from the
other.
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In a further embodiment, the guide assembly used to mount and guide the foot
pedals
and/or shuttles in rearwardly and/or downwardly curving movement could, for
example,
comprise a rigid support which is journaled in part about a spherical joint.
In one simplified
construction, the guide assembly includes a pair of J-shaped steel frame
members mounted
symmetrically in a mirror arrangement to each side of the machine. Each J-
shaped frame
member is suspended at its upper end by a spherical bearing, and mounts a
respective one of the
shuttles at its lower end. A tensioning wire or cable coupled to the lower end
of each J-shaped
member is used to restrict movement of both the lower end of each frame member
and the shuttle
supported thereby in arcuate movement as the frame member is moved about the
spherical
bearing. More preferably, the tensioning wire most preferably extends in the
generally
horizontal orientation and is secured at one of its ends to the lower end of
the J-shaped frame
member, and at its other end towards a rearward pivot point spaced towards a
rearward central
portion of the skating machine, and which more preferably locates
substantially rearward of a
user in use of the apparatus.
In an alternate possible construction, the wire may be replaced by a second
rigid
horizontal frame member which extends in generally the same horizontal
orientation as the
tensioning wire. In such a construction the horizontal frame member may be
mounted at each of
its ends by spherical joints. It is to be appreciated that this construction
enables the end of the
support member and shuttle to move along a path of movement extending from a
forwardmost
raised position and which curves downwardly and rearwardly to a lower
position.
In one aspect, the present invention resides in a skating exercise apparatus
for simulating
skating or roller blading movement in a user, said apparatus including,
a pair of shuttles, each of said shuttles including a frame for supporting a
foot of said user
standing in a generally forward facing position thereon,
a pair of guide assemblies, each guide assembly supporting a respective one of
said
shuttles in reciprocal movement along a predetermined path, said predetermined
paths extending
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in a direction away from the other in a generally mirror arrangement from
raised proximal upper
position and curving downwardly and/or rearwardly to a lower distal position,
and whereby alternating reciprocal movement of said shuttles along said
predetermined
path moves the feet of a user thereon substantially in skating or roller
blading movement.
More preferably, in said distal position said pedal is repositioned in an
orientation
generally transverse to said direction of said predetermined path at an angle
of between about
15° and 30° relative to horizontal to position the toes of said
user's foot thereon.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in an ice skating exercise
apparatus
comprising,
a pair of shuttles, each for movably supporting a foot of a user standing in a
generally
forward facing position thereon,
a guide assembly,
said guide assembly supporting and limiting each said shuttles in movement
along a
respective predetermined path, said predetermined paths oriented in a
substantially mirror
arrangement and each extending in a direction away from the other from a
generally adjacent
raised proximal upper end portion and curving downwardly and rearwardly to a
lower distal end
portion,
whereby the movement of said shuttles along said associated predetermined path
substantially simulates the user's foot movement during skating.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in an ice skating or roller
blading
exercise apparatus,
a pair of shuttles, each of said shuttles including a frame for movably
supporting a foot of
a user standing in a generally forward facing position thereon,
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a guide assembly limiting movement of said shuttles in reciprocal movement
along a
respective predetermined path, each of said predetermined paths extending in a
direction away
from the other from a respective forward proximal end portion and curving
rearwardly to a
respective lower distal end portion,
and whereby movement of said shuttles along said associated predetermined path
moves
the user's feet in simulated skating or roller blading movement.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in an exercise apparatus for
simulating
skating or roller blading movement in a user, said apparatus including,
a pair of shuttles, each of said shuttles including a frame and for supporting
a foot of said
user in a generally forward facing position thereon, and a guiding mechanism,
a pair of guide rail assemblies, each said guide rail assembly extending in a
direction
away from the other in a substantially mirror arrangement from raised proximal
upper ends and
curving downwardly and rearwardly to a lower distal end portion,
each said guiding mechanism guiding said associated shuttle in movement along
an
associated one of said rail assemblies between the proximal end and distal end
portion,
and whereby alternating reciprocal movement of said shuttles along said
associated rail
assemblies moves the feet of a user thereon substantially in skating or roller
blading movement.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in an ice skating exercise
apparatus
comprising,
at least one pair of guide rails oriented in a substantially mirror
arrangement and each
extending from a substantially adjacent raised proximal upper end portion and
curving
downwardly and rearwardly to a lower distal end portion,
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a pair of shuttles, each for movably supporting a foot of a user thereon and
including a
frame and a guide assembly for retaining said shuttle in sliding movement
along an associated
one of said pair of rails between the proximal end portion and the distal end
portion, and
whereby the sliding movement of said shuttles along said associated pair of
rails
substantially simulates the user's foot movement during skating.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in an ice skating or roller
blading
exercise apparatus,
a pair of shuttles, each of said shuttles including a frame for movably
supporting a foot of
a user therein, and a guiding mechanism,
a pair of guide rail assemblies, each said guide rail assembly extending in a
direction
away from the other from a respective forward proximal end and curving
rearwardly to a
respective lower distal end portion,
each said guiding mechanism guiding said associated shuttle in movement along
an
associated one of said rail assemblies between the proximal end and distal end
portion,
and whereby movement of said shuttles along said associated rail assemblies
moves the
user's feet in simulated skating or roller blading movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to the following detailed description taken together
with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figures l and 2 illustrate schematically an exercise apparatus in accordance
with a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figures 3 and 4 show perspective side views of the apparatus of Figure 1 with
the
cowling removed and a user thereon;
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Figures 5 illustrates schematically the tensioning mechanism and cable pulley
arrangement used in the exercise apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows an enlarged partial exploded view of the cable pulley
arrangement shown
in Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a partial perspective view of the right side of the shuttle and
rail assembly
of Figure 3;
Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the shuttle and rail assembly of
Figure 7;
Figure 9 illustrates schematically a partial front view of the shuttle and
rail assembly for
use with the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a second embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 10 illustrates an enlarged schematic view of a guide mechanism used in
securing a
shuttle to a guide rail assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with
a further
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 illustrates a schematic partially cutaway view of a torque converter
for use in
the exercise apparatus of Figure 11;
Figures 13 to 15 illustrate one-way clutch constructions to be used with the
torque
converter of Figure 12;
Figure 16 illustrates an enlarged schematic view showing the attachment of a
pivot arm to
one of rocker arms used in the apparatus of Figure 11;
Figure 17 shows schematically a side view of the crank mechanism 158 used to
actuate
the pivot arms in the apparatus of Figure 11;
Figure 18 shows a schematic view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with a
further
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 19 shows a schematic side view of the exercise apparatus of Figure 18;
Figure 20 illustrates schematically a preferred shuttle and foot pedal mount
used in the
exercise apparatus of Figure 18;
Figure 21 illustrates the geometric path of movement of the foot pedals using
the exercise
apparatus of Figure 18;
Figures 22a and 22b illustrate schematically a hydraulic clutch mechanism used
for
providing resistance in the apparatus of Figure 18;
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Figure 23 illustrates an alternate foot pedal/shuttle mounting construction
for use with an
apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 24 illustrates a modified shuttle assembly for use with the apparatus
of Figure 23;
Figure 25 illustrates the geometric path of movement of the foot pedals in use
of the
apparatus of Figure 23;
Figure 26 illustrates schematically an exercise apparatus in accordance with a
further
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 27 illustrates an exercise apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment of the
invention; and
Figure 28 illustrates the geometric path of movement of the foot pedals of the
apparatus
of Figures 26 and 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 illustrates an exercise apparatus 10 which includes a pair of movable
pedals
12a,12b which, as will be described, are adapted to provide a user 8 (Figure
2) with an exercise
workout which simulates an athlete's movement when ice skating or roller
blading. The
apparatus 10 is shown as a free standing unit and includes a base 14, a handle
assembly 16 and a
microprocessor control and display 18. The microprocessor control and display
18 permits the
user 8 to select from a variety of stored exercise programs which simulate
skating or roller
blading workout activities. The control display 18 is mounted to an uppermost
end of the handle
16 and in addition to activating a selected exercise program, includes a
series of controls 19
which, as will be described, provide signals to vary the tension on the pedals
12a,12b and/or
select predetermined computerized exercise workouts.
Figure 1 shows best the apparatus 10 as being substantially symmetrical about
a central
vertical axis A-A~ and which extends in a front-to-back direction of the
apparatus 10. The
handle assembly 16 includes a pair of fixed laterally extending grips 17a,17b
secured to an
upright support adjacent to the control panel 18. The grips 17a,17b extend
laterally outward
from the central axis A-A~ of the apparatus 10. It is to be appreciated that
the configuration of
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the grips 17a,17b is selected so that they may be comfortably grasped by the
user 8 to assist in
his or her balancing on the exercise apparatus 10 standing in the forward
facing position shown
in Figure 2 during its use. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of movable
handles (not shown)
could be substituted to provide the user 8 with an upper body workout.
The base 14 has a size selected to provide the apparatus 10 with sufficient
stability to
support the user 8 standing thereon in a forward facing position in using the
apparatus 10 as part
of a gym or health club exercise routine. While Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the
apparatus 10 with a
covering cowling 20 in place, and which provides the apparatus 10 with a more
aesthetically
pleasing appearance, Figures 3 and 4 show best the apparatus 10 with the
cowling removed for
increased clarity. A tubular steel support frame 21, dynamotor 22 and two
guide tracks 24a,24b
are housed within the cowling 20 and form part of the base 14.
Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8 show the guide tracks 24a,24b best as each including a
pair of
parallel spaced, tubular steel rails 26,26'. The rails 26,26' are bent such
that each guide track
24a,24b curves outwardly and rearwardly from respective adjacent proximal ends
25a,25b to a
distal end 27a,27b. Each of the pairs of rails 26,26' is joined and supported
at the proximal inner
ends 25a,25b of each track 24a,24b by a steel inner vertical support 28, and
at their distal ends
27a,27b by a steel outer vertical support 30. The height of the supports 28
are most preferably
selected greater than that of the vertical support 30 such that the guide
tracks 24a,24b each slope
downwardly from their proximal ends 25a,25b towards the distal ends 27a,27b.
Most preferably,
the guide tracks 24a,24b have the identical mirror construction and extend
from the mid-axis A-
A, (Figure 1 ) of the apparatus 10, curving outwardly therefrom and extending
rearwardly
downward in opposing directions to the respective distal ends 27a,27b. As seen
best in Figure 8,
although not essential, most preferably the degree of downward curvature of
the tracks 24a,24b
gradually decreases in the direction away from the axis A-A~.
The pedals 12a,12b are formed as a flat metal plate sized to support,
respectively, the
right and left feet of the user 8. The pedals 12a,12b are shown best in
Figures 4 and 7 as being
coupled to a respective shuttle 32a,32b, and which are each movable along an
associated guide
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13
track 24a,24b to provide the user 8 with the desired movement. The pedals
12a,12b are mounted
so as to extend upwardly through a corresponding slit 34a,34b (Figure 1 )
formed in the cowling
20. It is to be appreciated that the slits 34a,34b have a curvature
corresponding to that of the
tracks 24a,24b, so as to permit the substantially unhindered movement of the
shuttles 32a,32b
along each associated track 24a,24b. Although not essential, straps (not
shown) may optionally
be provided to assist in maintaining the user's 8 feet in the desired position
on the pedals
12a,12b.
Figures 7 and 8 show best the construction of the shuttle 32a, the shuttle 32b
having the
identical construction. The shuttles 32 include a metal frame 40 which spans
across the
respective pair of rails 26,26' forming each track 24a,24b. The frame 40
includes a pair of
distal-most vertical pedal support members 42 which are oriented closest to
the distal ends
27a,27b of the tracks 24a,24b, respectively, and a pair of proximal-most
vertical pedal support
members 44 which are spaced closest to the proximal track ends 25a,25b. As
shown best in
Figure 8, the members 42 have a vertical height selected greater than that of
the member 44.
Most preferably, the height of the members 42 is chosen relative to that of
the members 44 such
that the pedal 12 supported thereby assumes an orientation with its planar
upper surface 46
(Figure 8) positioned in an orientation inclined at between about 0 and about
t 15° relative to the
horizontal when the shuttles 32 are moved along the associated tracks 24 to a
position
substantially adjacent to the proximal end 25 shown by arrow 50. Furthermore,
as the shuttles 32
move adjacent to the distal end 27 of each associated guide track 24 to the
position shown by
arrow 52, the increased height of the pedal support members 42 results in the
pedal I 2 tilting
forwardly so that its upper surface 46 assumes an orientation inclined at
between about 15 and
50°, and more preferably about 30°.
It is to be further appreciated that as the frame 40 moves along its
associated guide track
24 towards the distal end 27 in the direction of arrow 56, the orientation of
the pedals 12a,12b
rotate with the curvature of the rails 26,26', moving from a generally forward
orientation when
the shuttle 32a,32b coupled thereto is spaced adjacent to the proximal end 25,
and a position
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14
rotated therefrom in a general outward facing orientation when the shuttles 32
are moved to the
track distal ends 27.
Figures 7 and 8 show best each shuttle 32 as including a number of guide
wheels
identified generally as 62. The guide wheels 62 are rotatably secured to the
frame 40 for rolling
movement along the associated guide track 24. Most preferably, the shuttle 32
includes two
pairs of load bearing guide wheels 62a,b and 62c,d (Figure 7) which engage and
roll along an
uppermost surface of the associated guide rails 26,26', respectively. One and
preferably at least
a pair of guide wheels 62e,62f (Figure 8) are positioned beneath a
corresponding load bearing
wheel 62a,62b of the shuttle 32. The wheels 62e,62f are located in a position
engaging an
underside of the guide rail 26 to prevent the shuttle 32 from being raised
therefrom. Similarly,
pairs of horizontal locating guide wheels 62g,62h,62i,62j (Figure 7) engage
the inside facing
surfaces of the respective rails 26,26' to prevent the lateral movement of the
shuttle 32 from the
track 24 and maintain its correct orientation thereon. Although not essential,
the guide wheels 62
are most preferably provided with a generally concave peripheral surface 64
(Figure 8), having
an internal curvature corresponding to the circumferential curvature of each
tubular rail 26,26'.
Most preferably, each of the shuttles 32a,32b are independently movable
relative to each
other against the tension of a return cable 70 (Figure 3). As shown best in
Figures 3 to 6, the
tensioning cables 70 consist of flexible steel aircraft cable coupled to a
tensioning mechanism 72
operating in conjunction with the dynamotor 22. The tensioning mechanism 72 is
shown best in
Figure 5 as including a fly wheel 74 which is rotatable about an axle 76, a
tensioning strap 78,
which is provided in contact with a circumferential periphery of the fly wheel
74, and a Gaming
motor 80. The Gaming motor 80 is powered by the dynamotor 22 and operates in
response to
signals received from the controller 18. Through the controller 18, the motor
80 is operated to
selectively increase or decrease the friction contact between the tensioning
strap 78 and the fly
wheel 74, to produce a corresponding increase or decrease in the apparatus
resistance.
As shown best in Figures 5 and 6, each of the tensioning cables 70 are secured
at one end
to a respective shuttle frame 40 extending about a pulley 82 and being wound
about the
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periphery of an associated cylindrical spool ratchet 84a,84b. The spool
ratchets 84 are each
provided with a through opening 86 defined by a radially extending rack 88.
The spool ratchets
84a,84b are journaled for rotation in one common direction about a chain drive
axle 90 which
has secured at its end a toothed sprocket 92. As shown in Figure 6, a one-way
rotary bushing 94
is secured to the chain drive axle 90 for selective engagement with the rack
88 of each spool 84.
The rotary bushings 94 are each provided with a pair of radially opposed
spring biased cams
96a,96b which are adapted to engage the teeth of the rack 88 only in the
forward movement of
the axle 90 for rotation therewith, while permitting the ratchet spools 84 to
rotate relative thereto
on return movement in the opposite direction. A drive chain 98 extends about
the tooth sprocket
92 and a drive sprocket 100 coupled to the fly wheel axle 96, whereby rotation
of the axle 90 and
sprocket 92 acts to rotate the fly wheel 74 and provide power to the dynamotor
22.
A pair of elastomeric return cords or shock cords 102 are shown in Figure 5 as
being
secured at one end to the apparatus frame 21, and at their other end to an
outer periphery of an
associated spool ratchet 84. It is to be appreciated that the resiliency of
the elastomeric cords
102 act to pull the spool ratchet 84 to a fully returned position, whereby the
return cable 70 is
wound fully about the periphery of the ratchet 84, resulting in the shuttle 32
coupled thereto
moving to a start position adjacent the axis A-Ai.
In operation, the user 8 stands on the apparatus 10 grasping the handle grips
17a, l 7b with
his feet facing forward and resting on the pedals 12a,12b in the manner shown
in Figure 2. The
controller 18 is then activated by the user 8 to select a preprogrammed
workout stored therein,
whereby the controller 18 will provide a set of program signals to the motor
80 to adjust the
pressure applied to the flywheel 74 by the tensioning strap 78.
To initiate the exercise workout, the user 8 pushes outwardly and rearwardly
with the
right foot 110 (Figure 2) on the right pedal 12a to start skating movement. As
the user's foot 110
moves away from the axis A-A~, the shuttle 32a travels along the track 24a
towards its distal end
27a. As the pedal 12a moves away from the start position adjacent the axis A-
A,, its upper
surface 46 begins along its lateral width W (Figure 5) to tilt forwardly in
the direction of the rail
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16
27, pivoting about a horizontal axis, as it travels towards the distal end 27a
of the track 24a.
Furthermore, as the shuttles 32a,32b each travel along the respective tracks
24a,24b, the pedals
12a,12b rotate with the curvature of the rails 26,26'. As a result, the user's
leg is rotated so that
the toes of the user are oriented to face outwardly in a position generally
transverse to both the
track 24a,24b length and path of shuttle 32a,32b movement as each leg is
extended rearwardly.
Although not essential, more preferably as the user's leg is rotated and
extended, the pedals
12a,12b are repositioned with their longitudinal length L (Figure 5) oriented
generally transverse
to the path of shuttle movement. More preferably, as each pedal 12a,12b moves
rearwardly to
the distal ends 27a,27b, the upper surface of the pedals 12a,12b incline
downward along its
longitudinal length to point the user's foot and toes at a downward angle at
up to 45° and
preferably 15° to 30°, and more preferably about 25°
relative to horizontal. The rotation and tilt
of the user's foot thus enables the leg to be extended rearward and downward
without placing
significant rotational forces on the user's ankle. This, in turn, more closely
simulates the thrust
forces achieved in forward skating movement.
As the shuttle 32a moves towards the distal end 27a of the track 24a, the
tensioning cable
70 unwinds from the spool 84 and imparts a rotational force on the spool
ratchet 84. In addition
to stretching and causing the return cord 102 to wind about the spool ratchet
84, the movement of
the spool ratchet 84 results in the engagement of the rack 88 with the cams 96
on the periphery
of the rotary bushing 94. The engagement between the cams 96 and rack 88
causes the bushing
94 and axle 90 to rotate with the spool 84 producing a corresponding rotation
in the sprocket 92,
drive chain 94 and flywheel drive sprocket 100 against the friction of the
tensioning strap 78.
The rotation of the drive chain 94 operates to rotate the fly wheel 74 about
the axle 76 providing
additional power to the controlling dynamotor 22.
Following movement of the pedal 26a to the distal end 27a of track 24a, the
user 8 shifts
his weight onto the left foot 112 (Figure 3) to move the pedal 12b along the
track 24b towards
the distal end 27b. It is to be appreciated that the pedal 12b travels along
the track 24 in the
mirror manner to that of pedal 12a.
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
17
Furthermore, as the user 8 shifts his weight onto pedal 12b, the return cable
70 which is
coupled to the shuttle 32a is wound about spool ratchet 84 associated
therewith by the return
elasticity of the cord 102. The winding of the cable 70 about the spool 84
draws the shuttle 32a
in return movement along the track 24a to the start position adjacent to the
axis A-A~ and
proximal end 25a. As indicated, with the return movement of the elastomeric
cord 102 and the
rewinding of the cable 70 about the spool ratchet 84, the ratchet 84 rotates
relative to the rotary
bushing 94 without the engagement of cams 96 with the rack 88. In this manner,
the axle 90 and
drive sprocket 100 are driven in only one direction of rotation by the
successive engagement of
the spool ratchet 84 which is coupled to the return cable 70 secured to each
of the two shuttles
32a,332b.
The skating motion is thus simulated by the apparatus 10 with the user
sequentially
shifting his or her weight between the pedals 12a,12b. In addition to more
closely simulating a
true skating motion, the rotational movement of the pedals 12a, l2b as they
move along the guide
tracks 24a,24b optimizes the exercise of the user's 12 leg muscle groups, as
the user shifts his
weight between the pedals 12a,12b.
Optionally, the apparatus 10 could be provided with a motorized lift (not
shown) which
could be selectively activated to raise or lower the proximal ends 25a,25b of
the tracks 24a,24b
at the axis A-A~ relative to their distal end providing a more varied workout.
Similarly, the
control display 18 could be used to alter the length of maximum movement of
the shuttles
32a,32b along the tracks 24a,24b to simulate different stride lengths and/or
provide either
variable or constant tension to the cables 70 as the shuttles 32a,32b are
moved.
Figure 9 shows an alternate possible sled and pedal construction in accordance
with a
second embodiment of the invention and wherein like reference numerals are
used to identify
like components. In Figure 9, the pedals 12a,12b are mounted to the respective
shuttles 32a,32b
in a cantilevered arrangement. In particular, the pedals 12a,12b are
positioned so as to extend
inwardly towards each other over the distal-most shuttle supports 42. It is
believed that the pedal
and shuttle configuration of Figure 9 is advantageous in that it permits the
full return of the
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
18
pedals l2a,l2b to a position substantially aligned with the axis A-A~. This
configuration would
advantageously simulate most closely, true skating movement where on skating
in forward
movement, a user's foot orients directly over the individuals center of mass.
Although the preferred embodiment illustrates the pedals 12a,12b as being
mounted to a
wheeled shuttle 32 or trolley which travels along pairs of tubular guide rails
26,26' the invention
is not so limited and other assemblies for guiding movement of the pedals in
outwardly rearward
and/or downward curving movement may also be used. Similarly, although the
detailed
description describes the guiding mechanism used to maintain each shuttle
32a,32b on its
associated rail assembly 24a,24b as comprising a series of spaced guide wheels
62, other guide
assemblies including, without restriction, the use of dovetail slide bearings,
ball bearings, or the
like, could also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Other
shuttle arrangements and guide configurations are also possible and will now
become apparent.
Reference may be had to Figure 10 which illustrates one possible alternate
shuttle guide
assembly. In Figure 10, two pairs of slide bushings 120,122 are provided in
place of the offset
wheel construction shown in Figure 3. The slide bushings 120,122 are adapted
to engage a
single tubular steel rail 124 in longitudinal sliding movement therealong. The
bushings 120,122
are secured to each other by a series of threaded screws 130 and are further
provided with a
curved slide surface 134,136, respectively, having a profile selected
complementary to the radius
of curvature of the rail 124.
While Figure 3 illustrates the use of cables 70 to provide independent return
movement of
the shuttles 32, the invention is not so limited. Chains or belts could be
substituted for the cables
70 with adjustments made to the pulley arrangement. In a more economical
construction, the
shuttles 36 could be connected to each other for dependent movement, or
alternately, the use of
cables to provide return movement could be omitted in their entirety.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention discloses the tensioning
mechanism as
comprising a flywheel 74 and adjustable tensioning strap 78, it is to be
appreciated that other
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
19
tensioning devices could also be used, including without restriction, weights
or pressure stacks,
fan resistant mechanisms and electromagnetic resistance mechanisms.
Although the detailed description of the invention describes the shuttle frame
40 as
configured to incline in a forward direction as the shuttles 32 move
rearwardly along the tracks
24, the invention is not so limited. The shuttles 32 could include a platform
which is maintained
at a relatively constant angle relative to the horizontal as the shuttle 32
moves. Alternate shuttle
frame configurations could also be used.
Similarly, while the use of elastomeric shock or bungee cords 102 are
described as
assisting in the return movement of the shuttles 32 and pedals 12 to the
initial starting position,
the shock cords 102 could be omitted in their entirety and the shuttles 32
moved in return
movement through the exertions of the user 8 alone. Alternately, other return
mechanisms,
including, without limitation, resiliently extendable springs, could also be
employed.
Although the Figures illustrate an exercise apparatus 10 in which the shuttles
32a,32b
move along a respective rail assembly 24a,24b, which each comprise a pair of
parallel curved
rails 26,26', the rail assemblies 24 could each consist of either a single
rail or three or more rails
configured to guide a shuttle 32 associated therewith in the desired degree of
arcuate movement.
While the detailed description describes and illustrates the tracks 24a,24b as
curving
downwardly rearward towards their respective distal ends 27a,27b, other track
configurations are
also possible. For example, the tracks 24a,24b could be formed either
substantially flat, or the
tracks 24a,24b could slope rearwardly to the distal ends 27a,27b at a constant
angle.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes the pedals
12a,12b as
being movable along a set of tubular steel rails 26,26', the invention is not
so limited. It is to be
appreciated that other constructions which do not incorporate a tubular frame
21 and/or guide
tracks 24a,24b, are also envisioned by the inventor and will now become
apparent. By way of
non-limiting example, Figure 11 shows an alternate possible apparatus 10 which
is adapted to
simulate skating movement and wherein like reference numerals are used to
identify like
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
components. In the exercise apparatus 10 of Figure 11, a pair of foot pedals
12a,12b are
provided for supporting the feet of a user standing in a forward facing
position thereon. As with
the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 10 of Figure 11 is
symmetrical about its
central mid-axis A-A~.
In use, the apparatus 10 is adapted to supportingly move each foot of the user
along
respective predetermined paths which extend largely mirror arrangement about
the axis A-Ai
from a respective raised proximal upper position curving downwardly and extend
rearwardly
outward to a lower distal moved position. The apparatus 10 includes a lower
frame 148 which is
adapted to rest on the floor. The frame 148 includes an axially forward
positioned vertical
support 149 which extends to a height of approximately one meter above the
floor. A pair of
support arms 152a,152b are coupled to an upper end of the vertical support
149. The support
arms 152a,152b extend in a mirror arrangement substantially horizontally and
in an orientation
angling rearwardly and outwardly relative to the mid-axial plane A-A~. As
shown best in Figure
11, a rocker arm assembly 150a,150b is pivotally suspended from an end portion
of each support
arm 152a, l 52b, respectively. As will be described, the rocker arm assemblies
150a,150b are
used to mount a respective shuttle 32a,32b which each in turn pivotally
supports a respective
pedal 12a,12b.
The rocker arm assemblies I50a,150b are provided to guide the pedals 12a,12b
in
movement along a respective predetermined path which curves downwardly and
extends
rearwardly outward relative to the central mid-axis A,-Al of the apparatus 10
without tracks.
As shown in Figure 11, the foot pedals 12a,12b are pivotally mounted for
movement
relative to each shuttle 32a,32b. A pivot arm 156a,156b connected to a crank
mechanism 158
(shown best in Figure 17) is used to impart pivoting movement on an associated
rocker arm
assembly 150a,150b. In particular, as shown best in Figures 11 and 17, each
rocker arm
assembly 150a,150b consists of a pair of parallel spaced pivotal rod members
154a,154'and
154b, 154'b which are adapted to be pivoted in the outwardly rearward
direction of the support
arms 152a,152b. The reciprocal pivoting movement of the rocker arm assemblies
150a,150b
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
21
enables movement of the shuttles 32a,32b and pedals 12a,12b along a respective
predetermined
path between a forward raised proximal position, when the shuttles 32a,32b are
moved closest to
the mid-axis A-A~, and which curves downwardly to a rearward lower distal
position, as the
shuttles 32a,32b are moved rearwardly therefrom.
The pivot arms 156a,156b are used to link the crank mechanism 158 to a
respective
rocker arm 154a,154b to provide for the reciprocal return movement of the
shuttles 32a,32b.
Furthermore, the pivoting movement of the pedals 12a,12b relative to the
shuttles 32a,32b allows
the user's foot to twist and point outwardly as each pedal 12a, l2b moves
rearwardly and
downward, to assist in maintaining the user's foot in a more natural neural
position as is or her
leg is extended.
Figure 16 shows a partial schematic illustration of the pivot arm 156
connection to each
rocker arm 154. Most preferably, the pivot arms 156 are adapted to be coupled
at a number of
vertically spaced locations to each rocker arm 154, thereby permitting
adjustment in the overall
length of the path of pivotal movement of the shuttles 32a,32b in reciprocal
movement. Figure
16 shows best one end of the pivot arm 156 as being pivotally secured to a
slidable sleeve 188 by
means of a rod end bearing 190. The sleeve 188 is slidable in the direction of
arrow 200 along a
portion of the length of the rocker arm 154, as for example to the position
shown in phantom
with reference to pivot arm 156'. The rocker arm 154 further includes a number
of spaced
adjustment holes 192. A locating pin 194 coupled to the sleeve 188 is
resiliently biased by
means of a helical spring 196 into engagement with a selected adjustment hole
192 to couple the
pivot arm 156 at the desired location. It is to be appreciated, by raising or
lowering the sleeve
188 relative to the rocker arm 154, the degree of downward curving movement of
the foot pedals
12a,12b may be adjusted to better suit the skill of the user.
Figure 17 shows the crank mechanism 158 as including a crank arm 170 which is
driven in rotary movement by a driven chain or belt 172. The drive belt 172 is
in turn driven by
means of a suitable torque converter 174 which as shown in Figure 12
incorporates a stator 180
and one-way clutch mechanism 182 to maintain single directional rotation of
the crank arm 170.
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
22
Possible suitable one-way clutch mechanisms 182 for unidirectional movement of
the torque
converter 174 are shown in Figures 13 to 15 as possibly comprising a roller
one-way clutch
(shown in Figure 13), a sprag clutch (shown in Figure 14) or a hydraulic-type
clutch 182 of the
type of Figure 15. The one-way clutch of Figure 15 includes a segmented
chamber 184 which is
adapted to hold a suitable clutch fluid 186. The segmented walls of the
chamber 184 thus
preventing or restricting rotational movement of the fluid 186 within the
torque converter 174.
The crank arm 170 is provided at each end with a spherical bearing 202a,202b.
Each of the
spherical bearings 202a, 202b are used to pivotally secure an end of the
respective pivot arms
156a,156b to upper and lower ends of the crank arm 170. The belt 172 is used
to translate the
unidirectional rotational movement from the torque converter 174 to the crank
arm 170 to effect
its rotation. A weight 206 may further be provided as an inertia device to
maintain momentum.
Figure 18 shows an alternate possible construction for the apparatus 10 used
to simulate
skating movement in which like reference numerals are used to identify like
components. In the
apparatus of Figure 10, a pair of rigid steel swing arms 210a are provided to
guide the user's feet
in downwardly and rearwardly curving movement. Each of the swing arms 21 Oa,21
Ob are
mounted to a pivot 212. Preferably, the pivot 212 is positioned along the mid-
axis A-Ai of the
apparatus 10 towards a rearward location, such that the pivoting axis A~,-A~,
locates rearwardly of
a user in use of apparatus 10. A shuttle 32a,32b is secured towards a
forwardmost end of each
swing arm 210a,210b, respectively. As with the earlier embodiments, each
shuttle 32a,32b
supports a respective pedal 12a,12b used to support the foot of a user in a
generally forward
facing position on the apparatus 10. Figure 18 further shows a flexible cable
70 as being used to
couple the forward end portions of the swing arms 210a,210b to each other in
return reciprocal
movement.
Figure 18 further shows the apparatus as including a torque converter 222. In
a
simplified construction, the torque converter 222 may comprise a hydraulic
torque converter
which includes a suitable fluid which as shown best in Figures 22a and 22b is
selected to provide
resistance as the pedals 12a,12b are reciprocally moved. Other types of torque
converts 222
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
23
including those described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 11
may, however,
also be used.
Figure 20 shows a preferred shuttle mount for use with the left swing arm 210b
of the
apparatus 10 of Figure 18, the right swing arm 210a being identical. In
particular, the pedal 12b
is most preferably rotatable relative to the swing arm 210b to allow the
repositioning of the
user's foot and ankle in the neutral position as each pedal 12b is pivoted
away from the axis A-
A~. In one simplified construction, the shuttle 32 includes a urethane pad 224
which permits
angular deflection of the pedals 12b as the swing arm 210b is pivoted. In
Figure 20, the urethane
pad 224 is selected to permit not only the inclination of the pedal 12b in
generally a direction of
pedal movement laterally at an angle of between about 15 to 50°
relative to the horizontal as the
pedal moves outwardly rearward, but also with an angular deflection relative
to the pedal length
L (Figure 19), so that the pedal 12b tilts downward in the direction of its
longitudinal length and
outwardly generally transverse to the path of shuttle movement at an angle of
up to 45°,
preferably 15 to 30° and more preferably about 25°. The downward
tilting of the pedal 12b
advantageously assists in pointing to the user's toes in a generally downward
orientation as his or
her leg is extended.
As shown best in the profile of Figure 19, in a simplified construction the
pivot 212 is
oriented in a rearwardly inclined position. As a result, when moved to a
forward position so that
the shuttles 32a,32b are moved closest to the mid-axis A~-A~, the swing arms
210a,210b are
inclined upwardly in the forward direction at an angle a which preferably is
selected at between
and 35°, and more preferably about 30°. As shown in Figure 21,
the forward inclination of the
swing arms 21 Oa,21 Ob permits movement of the foot pedals 12a,12b to move
along a respective
predetermined rearwardly curving path 220a,220b which slopes from a forward
position
downwardly and rearwardly to a rearward position. Most preferably, each swing
arm has a
length selected at between about .5 and 1.5 meters with the result that the
predetermined paths
220a,220b have an arcuate length of between about .75 and 3 meters. It is to
be appreciated that
with the apparatus 10 of Figure 19, the apparatus provides for outwardly
rearward curving
movement of the pedals 12a,12b. By transferring the user's weights from pedal
12a to 12b, the
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
24
user's feet are guided in reciprocal movement along respective predetermined
paths extending
away from each other in a generally mirror arrangement from raised proximal
upper positions, so
as to slope on a constant angle downwardly and rearwardly to a lower distal
position.
Although Figure 18 illustrates the apparatus 10 as incorporating a single
pivot 212, it is to
be appreciated that in a less preferred construction, each of the swing arms
210a,210b could be
mounted to separate pivots, each spaced generally towards the axis A,-A for
downwardly and
rearwardly curving movement.
Figure 23 shows alternate possible construction for the swing arm 210b (swing
arm 210a
being identical) and shuttle 32b for use in the apparatus of Figure 18. In
Figure 23, the shuttle
32b is provided with a helically threaded shaft 230. The helically threaded
shaft 230 is
threadedly engaged with a complementary internally threaded socket 232 formed
in the
forwardmost end of the swing arm 210b. The helical threads may be provided
with a constant
thread pitch or spacing along their length, but more preferably include a
wider thread pitch
towards an upper end of the shaft 230 It is to be appreciated that as the
swing arm is moved
about the pivot 212, the placement of the user's foot on the pedal 12b results
in the rotational
movement of the pedal 12b and shaft 230 relative to the socket 232 and end of
each swing arm
210b. The threaded engagement of the shaft 230 and socket 232 thus results in
the pedal 12b
moving vertically in the direction of arrows 240a,240b relative to the swing
arm 210a,210b at
different rates depending on the swing arm 210 position to achieve
simultaneous downward and
rearward curving movement of the user's foot as each swing arm 21 Oa,21 Ob is
pivoted from the
position shown in phantom rearwardly from the axis A-Al.
Figure 24 shows a modified threaded mount for use with the construction shown
in
Figure 23. In a further possible construction, a belt drive 242 could be used
to engage a toothed
sprocket 244 to provide exaggerated vertical movement of the threaded shaft
230 in the direction
of arrow 240 as each swing arm 210 is pivoted. The belt drive 242 may
optionally be threadedly
engaged with a corresponding tooth surface provided on the pivot 212.
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
Figure 25 illustrates schematically the geometry of movement of the pedals
12a,12b
along a respective arcuate path (shown by arrows 252a,252b) relative to the
mid-axial plane A-
A1 of the apparatus 10. As shown, the swing arm 210 and shuttle 32
construction of Figure 23 is
adapted to effect movement of the pedals 12a,12b in a mirror arrangement and
reciprocally along
the respective predetermined paths 252a,52b from a respective raised position
which is spaced
forwardmost and proximate to each other, curving continuously rearwardly and
downwardly in
the direction of the arrows 250a,250b to a lower rearward and outward
position.
As with the construction shown in Figure 20, as each pedal 12a,12b moves
downwardly
rearward, the pedal 12a, l2b tilts in their longitudinal direction transverse
to the path of pedal
movement to allow movement of the user's toe to point outwardly, and more
preferably so as
also to point downward. More preferably, the pedals 12a,12b are adapted to
simultaneously tilt
lataerally forwardly concurrently with their outward rotation, as for example
by inclusion of the
urethane sleeve 24 (Figure 20) to assist in maintaining the user's foot in
more of a neutral
position, minimizing ankle strain.
Figures 26 and 27 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention in which
like reference
numerals are used to identify like components. Each of Figures 26 and 27 show
in isolation a
support member 300 which is adapted to support a left foot of a user. The
support member 300
is for use with an apparatus frame (not shown) in supporting the left foot
when the user stands
standing in the forward facing position on the exercise apparatus. It is to be
appreciated that an
identical support structure is provided to support the user's right foot, and
wherein left and right
support members 300 are mounted symmetrically positioned about a central mid-
axis of the
exercise apparatus.
Figure 26 illustrates the support member 300 as including a generally J-shaped
steel tube
302. The upper end of the tube 302 is mounted by means of a spherical bearing
304 to the
apparatus frame (not shown) so as to be pivotal in approximately 360°
movement thereabout.
The foot pedal 12b is secured to the lower end of the J-shaped tube 302. A
tensioning cable 310
is coupled at one of its ends to the end of the tube 302, and at the other end
to an anchor shaft
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
26
312. Optionally, a movable cam 314 may be provided to permit adjustment in the
pivot length of
the bottom end of the tube 302. The cam 314 is movable radially in the
direction of arrows 350
in a selected number of positions. As is apparent, by moving the cam 314, it
is possible to vary
the radius of curvature along which the path of the lower end of the J-shaped
tube 302 moves.
Figure 28 shows schematically the geometry of movement of the pedal 126 with
the tube
302 of Figure 26. As shown best in Figure 28, a skating apparatus 10
incorporating the support
300 as shown in Figure 26 permits a user to stand on the pedals (12b shown)
enabling a pedal
126 to move in a radially outwardly and downwardly path from a forward raised
position to a
lower rearward position. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that an
appropriate return
member such as a spring or cable may be used to couple the lower ends of
similarly mounted J-
shaped members 300 mounted in a mirror arrangement to provide for reciprocal
movement of a
pair of pedals 12 along respective predetermined paths.
Figure 27 shows an alternate possible support frame member 300 to that shown
in Figure
26, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. In
place of the
tensioning cable 310, the construction of Figure 27 incorporates a second
rigid horizontal metal
or composite bar 330. The bar 330 is coupled at a first end to a vertical
frame member 332 by
way of a spherical joint 334, and at its second other end to a further
spherical joint 336. As with
the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the support member 300 is adapted to guide
individual foot
pedals (foot pedal 12b shown in phantom) along a predetermined path shown
graphically in
Figure 28 from a raised proximal upper position and curving substantially
continuously
downwardly and rearwardly to a lower distal moved position.As with the
embodiment shown in
Figure 20, the pedal 12b may, for example, be mounted to guide assembly for
pivoting
movement along a urethane plastic or other rubber-type pad 224 to accommodate
for angular
deflection and/or inclination as each pedal 12 is moved downwardly rearward.
Although the detailed description describes and illustrates a preferred
apparatus
construction, the invention is not so limited. Many variations and
modifications will now appear
CA 02466543 2004-05-07
27
to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention reference may
be had to the
appended claims.
