FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to cycling exercisers. More specifically, the present invention is a collapsible cycling exerciser that allows a user to perform low impact toning while strengthening cardio stamina. The present invention is a light-weight exerciser that is collapsible, allowing a user to easily transport and store the apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Studies have shown that weight bearing exercises are essential for maintaining and improving bone density. Yet, many weight bearing workouts create high impact stress on joints and muscles. This can cause health problems, especially for people with injuries or arthritis. Additionally, many of the different types of exercise equipment available only work one or two areas of the body, which is a drawback for people who want an overall workout.
Under most circumstances, the ideal piece of fitness equipment provides weight bearing exercise, while limiting impact and providing for a total body workout. Optimizing cardiovascular benefits is also important. Many styles of exercise equipment address one or two of these concerns, but few combine all the advantages in an overall fitness package such as that provided by elliptical cross trainers.
Unfortunately, as with many innovative, beneficial, and popular ideas, elliptical technology has become somewhat corrupted by those who want to cash in on the appeal, but who lack a commitment to or understanding of the true basis for the design. Typical elliptical equipment does not offer the natural, simulated movement of true elliptical cross trainers. Other elliptical equipment features inferior designs and materials, resulting in a jerky or jarring motion that negates the value of the equipment.
The present invention serves to revolutionize stationary cycling exercise machine design in order for a user to perform double low impact toning and to strengthen cardio workouts from the same machine. The present invention strengthens the lower body, the core muscle group, offering all the benefits while in a standing position. The present invention is a light weight and accommodates a variety of users at any fitness level and users at home, health clubs, indoor and outdoor, rehabs center and physical therapy. The present invention serves users who wish to perform a comfortable, smooth-standing cardiovascular workout within their home while getting stronger. The present invention enhances the physical appearance of the user in the least amount of time. The adjustable-stepping-cycling action from the tension resistance mechanism gives you an effective cardiovascular workout while moving your legs and arms in a full range of motion. The present invention helps to tone the leg and arm muscle groups, as well as aid in efficient weight loss, similar to that of traditional cardio bike or traditional standing stepper machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an expanded configuration.
FIG. 2 is a right side exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the expanded configuration, with the bicycle seat detached from the first support post.
FIG. 3 is a top side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the expanded configuration.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted configuration.
FIG. 5 is a right side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a retracted configuration.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention in an expanded configuration.
FIG. 7 is a front side view of the second embodiment of the present invention in an expanded configuration.
FIG. 8 is a right side view of the second embodiment of the present invention in an expanded configuration.
FIG. 9 is a top side view of the second embodiment of the present invention in an expanded configuration.
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the exercising stepper mechanism of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the torsionally elastic mechanism of the exercising stepper mechanism of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12a is a schematic view of the connection between the torsional resistance mechanism, the left pedaling mechanism, and the left handlebar of the present invention.
FIG. 12b is a schematic view of the connection between the torsional resistance mechanism, the right pedaling mechanism, and the right handlebar of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the left handlebar of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a front side view of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a left side view of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an exploded rear perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the exercising stepper mechanism of the third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a collapsible cycling exerciser that provides a full body workout. The present invention allows the body to have a full range of motion while performing a variety of exercises while using the present invention. The present invention minimizes the amount of space required for use and storage. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the present invention comprises a first support post 1, a second support post 2, a left handlebar 3, a right handlebar 4, a left pedaling mechanism 17, a right pedaling mechanism 18, and a torsional resistance mechanism 22. The first support post 1 upholds and positions the left pedaling mechanism 17, the right pedaling mechanism 18, and the torsional resistance mechanism 22. The second support post 2 angles the first support post 1 above the ground. The left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4 exercises the left arm and the right arm of the user, respectively. The left pedaling mechanism 17 and the right pedaling mechanism 18 guide the rotary movement of the legs of the user. The left handlebar 3 and the left pedaling mechanism 17 move in unison in order to exercise the left side of the body. The right handlebar 4 and the right pedaling mechanism 18 move in unison in order to exercise the right side of the body. The torsional resistance mechanism 22 applies resistance to the lower body of the user.
The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows a user to have a full body workout. In order to effectively orient and position the user while exercising on the present invention, the first support post 1 is terminally mounted to the second support post 2, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8. The left handlebar 3 is laterally and hingedly mounted to the first support post 1. Similarly, the right handlebar 4 is laterally and hingedly mounted to the first support post 1, opposite the left handlebar 3. This configuration allows the user to exercise the upper body of the user. More specifically, this arrangement guides the arms of the user in a linear motion, in front of the body of the user. The torsional resistance mechanism 22 is terminally mounted to the first support post 1, opposite the second support post 2 in order to apply resistance to the rotation of both the left pedaling mechanism 17 and the right pedaling mechanism 18. As seen in FIG. 12, the left pedaling mechanism 17 is torsionally and adjacently connected to a at least one flywheel 23 of the torsional resistance mechanism 22. Similarly, the right pedaling mechanism 18 is torsionally and adjacently connected to the at least one flywheel 23, opposite the left pedaling mechanism 17. This configuration requires the user to apply more force and maximizes the workout of the lower body of the user. In order to create a fluid and constant motion while the user is exercising with the present invention, the left handlebar 3 is crankably coupled to the left pedaling mechanism 17, and the right handlebar 4 is crankably coupled to the right pedaling mechanism 18.
The present invention is effectively balanced while in use and is structurally supportive of the user as the present invention further comprises a first base 30 and a second base 31, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. The first base 30 balances and grounds the first support post 1. The second base 31 balances and grounds the second support post 2. The first base 30 is terminally connected to the first support post 1, opposite the second support post 2. Similarly, the second base 31 is terminally connected to the second support post 2, opposite the first support post 1. This configuration equally distributes the force of the weight of the user and the components of the present invention that are upheld by the first base 30 and the second base 31, respectively.
In order for the present invention to be collapsible and to occupy the least amount of space while in not in use, the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4 each comprises a first handlebar portion 5, a second handlebar portion 6, a foldable carriage 7, and a carriage-receiving hole 12, illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7. The first handlebar portion 5 allows a user to grip the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4, respectively. The second handlebar portion 6 orients and positions the first handlebar portion 5 while in an extended configuration. The foldable carriage 7 allows the first handlebar to pivot and to retract into a collapsed configuration. The carriage-receiving hole 12 houses the foldable carriage 7 and mounts the first handlebar portion 5. As shown in FIG. 13, the carriage-receiving hole 12 traverses through and along the second handlebar portion 6, thereby effectively concealing and containing the foldable carriage 7. Moreover, the first handlebar portion 5 rests within the carriage-receiving hole 12. The first handlebar portion 5 is connected adjacent to a first end 8 of the foldable carriage 7, and a second end 9 of the foldable carriage 7 traverses into the carriage-receiving hole 12. This configuration allows the left handlebar 3 and the first handlebar portion 5 to expand and retract. The second handlebar portion 6 is laterally and rotatably connected to the first support post 1, thereby allowing the user to exercise his or her arms through a linear motion in front of his or her body.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4 each further comprises a clamp 13. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the clamp 13 secures the second handlebar portion 6 to the first support post 1. Preferably, the clamp 13 allows the second handlebar portion 6 to be removed or interchanged with another second handlebar. In order to connect the second handlebar portion 6 to the first support post 1, the clamp 13 is laterally and rotatably connected to the first support post 1. Moreover, the clamp 13 is laterally fastened to the second handlebar portion 6.
The preferred embodiment of the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4 are adjustable in length, thereby accommodating a variety of users. In order to accommodate a variety of users, the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4 each further comprises a set of locking holes 14, at least one receiving hole 15, and a locking fastener 16, as shown in FIG. 13. As the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4 mirror each other about the first support post 1, the right handlebar 4 mirrors that of the left handlebar 3 illustrated in FIG. 13. The set of locking holes 14 and the at least one receiving hole 15 allows the locking fastener 16 to traverse through the second handlebar portion 6 and the foldable carriage 7. The locking fastener 16 secures the position of the foldable carriage 7 within the second handlebar portion 6. Furthermore, the foldable carriage 7 comprises a first carriage portion 10 and a second carriage portion 11. The first carriage portion 10 and the second carriage portion 11 allows the foldable carriage 7 to rotate while remaining connected to the second carriage portion 11 and the first carriage portion 10, respectively. More specifically, the first carriage portion 10 is terminally and hingedly connected to the second carriage portion 11. The at least one receiving hole 15 laterally traverses through the second handlebar portion 6, allowing the locking fastener 16 to traverse through the second handlebar portion 6. Similarly, the set of locking holes 14 laterally traverses through the first carriage portion 10, allowing the locking fastener 16 to traverse through the first carriage portion 10. The set of locking holes 14 is distributed along the first carriage portion 10 such that the first handlebar portion 5 may be telescopically engaged with the second handlebar portion 6 and secured to the second handlebar portion 6. The position of the first carriage portion 10 is secured within the second handlebar portion 6 as the locking fastener 16 is engaged to the at least one receiving hole 15 and a selected hole from the set of locking holes 14.
In order for the left handlebar 3 to move in unison with the left pedaling mechanism 17 and, the torsional resistance mechanism 22 to apply resistance to the left handlebar 3, the present invention further comprises a left connecting rod 45, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 12a, and FIG. 12b. Moreover, the torsional resistance mechanism 22 further comprises a left crank 24, illustrated in FIG. 12a. The left connecting rod 45 connects the left handlebar 3 to the torsional resistance mechanism 22. The left crank 24 applies resistance to both the left handlebar 3 and the left pedaling mechanism 17 from the torsional resistance mechanism 22. In order to apply resistance, an input shaft 25 of the left crank 24 is axially connected to the at least one flywheel 23. The left handlebar 3 is terminally and rotatably connected to the left connecting rod 45, thereby applying resistance to the left handlebar 3. The left pedal 20 mechanism is terminally and rotatably connected to an output shaft 56 of the left crank 24, opposite to the left handlebar 3, thereby applying resistance to the left pedal 20 mechanism. The overall configuration of these components preserves the simultaneous rotary motion of both the left pedal 20 mechanism and the left handlebar 3 while orienting the rotary motion parallel to the first supporting post.
In order for the right handlebar 4 to move in unison with the right pedaling mechanism 18 and, the torsional resistance mechanism 22 to apply resistance to the right handlebar 4, the present invention further comprises a right connecting rod 52, and the torsional resistance mechanism 22 further comprises a right crank 26, illustrated in FIG. 12b. Similarly, the right handlebar 4 is terminally and rotatably connected to the right connecting rod 52, thereby applying resistance to the right handlebar 4, as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 12a, and FIG. 12b. An input shaft 27 of the right crank 26 is axially connected to the at least one flywheel 23. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the at least one flywheel 23 is a pair of flywheels. Each flywheel of the pair of flywheels corresponds to the input shaft 25 of the left crank 24 and the input shaft 27 of the right crank 26, respectively. This allows the left handlebar 3 and the left pedaling mechanism 17 to move completely independent of the right handlebar 4 and the right pedaling mechanism 18, sharpening the motor coordination of the user. The right pedal 20 mechanism is terminally and rotatably connected to an output shaft 57 of the right crank 26, opposite to the right handlebar 4, thereby applying resistance to the right pedal 20 mechanism. The overall configuration of these components preserves the simultaneous rotary motion of both the right pedal 20 mechanism and the right handlebar 4 while orienting the rotary motion parallel to the first supporting post.
Moreover, the left pedal 20 mechanism comprises an extension shaft 19 and a pedal 20, also illustrated in FIG. 12. The extension shaft 19 connects the left pedaling mechanism 17 to the torsional resistance mechanism 22. The pedal 20 guides the foot of the user in a rotary motion. The extension shaft 19 is terminally and perpendicularly connected to the output shaft 56 of the left crank 24, thereby orienting the rotary movement parallel to the first support post 1 and allowing the left handlebar 3 to be connected in between the left crank 24 and the left pedaling mechanism 17. The pedal 20 is terminally and rotatably connected to the extension shaft 19, opposite the output shaft 56 of the left crank 24. This configuration allows the resistance from the torsional resistance mechanism 22 to be applied to rotation of the pedal 20 by the left foot of the user. Similarly, the right pedaling mechanism 18 comprises an extension shaft 19 and a pedal 20, and the torsional mechanism further comprises a right crank 26. The extension shaft 19 is terminally and perpendicularly connected to the output shaft 57 of the right crank 26, thereby orienting the rotary movement parallel to the first support post 1 and allowing the right handlebar 4 to be connected in between the right crank 26 and the right pedaling mechanism 18. The pedal 20 is terminally and rotatably connected to the extension shaft 19, opposite the output shaft 56 of the right crank 26. This configuration allows the resistance from the torsional resistance mechanism 22 to be applied to rotation of the pedal 20 by the right foot of the user.
In order to accommodate a variety of users of various sizes, the left pedaling mechanism 17 further comprises a length-adjustment mechanism 21, illustrated in FIG. 12a. The length-adjustment mechanism 21 provides a full range of motion for the corresponding leg of the user as the corresponding foot rotates about the input shaft 25. The length-adjustment mechanism 21 is operatively integrated into the extension shaft 19, wherein the length-adjustment mechanism 21 is used to adjust the length of the extension shaft 19. Similarly, the right pedaling mechanism 18 further comprises a length-adjustment mechanism 21. The length-adjustment mechanism 21 is also operatively integrated into the extension shaft 19, wherein the length-adjustment mechanism 21 is used to adjust a length of the extension shaft 19.
In order to effectively apply resistance to the left handlebar 3, the right handlebar 4, the left pedaling mechanism 17, and the right pedaling mechanism 18, the torsional resistance mechanism 22 further comprises an eddy-current braking system 28 and a user control 29, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 12a, and FIG. 12b. The eddy-current braking mechanism system utilizes the rotation of the input shaft 25 by the applied force of the user from the left handlebar 3 and the left pedaling mechanism 17, as well as the right handlebar 4 and the right pedaling mechanism 18, to apply resistance to the rotary movement of the left crank 24 and the right crank 26, respectively. The user control 29 adjusts the strength of resistance applied to the left crank 24 and the right crank 26. In order for the torsional resistance mechanism 22 to provide adjustable resistance, the at least one flywheel 23 is rotatably mounted to the first support post 1, and the eddy-current braking system 28 is peripherally mounted onto the at least one flywheel 23. More specifically, the eddy-current braking system 28 is in magnetic communication with the at least one flywheel 23. The user control 29 is mounted along the first support post 1 so that the user may easily access the user control 29 while the user is exercising with the present invention. The user control 29 is operatively coupled to the eddy-current braking system 28, wherein the user control 29 is used to selectively adjust a braking force applied onto the at least one flywheel 23. The user control 29 is preferably a dial that the user manually engages to adjust the strength of resistance. The user control 29 being a dial allows the present invention to function without a power source. It is understood in alternate embodiments of the of the present invention, the user control 29 may be an electric console. The electric console allows a user to not only adjust the resistance, but monitor specific physical measurements and exercising performance while exercising with the present invention. Such physical measurements may include calories being burned and weight. The exercising performance that may be monitored may include the rate of cycling and the distance.
The present invention positions the first support post 1 and the second support post 2 with respect to each other and supports a user while exercising with the apparatus as the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a spreader 34, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5. The spreader 34 connects and stabilizes the first support post 1 and the second support post 2. The second support post 2 is hingedly connected to the first support post 1 in between the torsional resistance mechanism 22 and a pair of handlebars, wherein the pair of handlebars includes the left handlebar 3 and the right handlebar 4. This configuration preserves the structural integrity of the first support post 1 and the second support post 2. The first support post 1 is hingedly and terminally connected to the spreader 34. Similarly, the second support post 2 is hingedly and terminally connected spreader 34, opposite to the first support post 1. This configuration allows the first support post 1 to remain connected to the second support post 2 while in collapsed configuration.
In order to easily maneuver the first support post 1 and the second support post 2, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first wheel assembly 35 and a second wheel assembly 37. The first wheel assembly 35 and the second wheel assembly 37 also allows the present invention to slide while in a fully extended configuration, shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The fully extended configuration is such that the first base 30 and the second base 31 as far as the spreader 34 allows. The first wheel assembly 35 allows the first base 30 to easily slide on the ground. The second wheel assembly 37 allows the second base 31 to easily slide on the ground. The first wheel assembly 35 is terminally mounted to the first support post 1, opposite to the hinged connection between the first support post 1, opposite to the hinged connection between the first support post 1 and the second support post 2. Similarly, the second wheel assembly 37 is terminally mounted to the second support post 2, opposite to the hinged connection between the first support post 1 and the second support post 2. This configuration allows the first wheel assembly 35 and the second wheel assembly 37 to come into contact with the ground. A rotation axis 36 of the first wheel assembly 35 and a rotation axis 38 of the second wheel assembly 37 are positioned parallel to the hinged connection between the first support post 1 and the second support post 2 so that the first base 30 and the second base 31 may be easily pulled towards one another in a retracted configuration seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.
In a second and a third embodiment of the present invention, the second support post 2 supports an additional exercise mechanism. In order to support an additional exercise mechanism, the alternate embodiment of the present invention further comprises a support plate 39 and a securing fastener 40, shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9. The support plate 39 allows the first support post 1 to rest on the second support post 2. The securing fastener 40 secures the position of the first support post 1 on the second support post 2. In order to connect the first support post 1 to the second support post 2 of these alternate embodiments of the present invention, the support plate 39 is terminally connected to the second support post 2 and is laterally pressed against the first support post 1. The support plate 39 is attached to the first support post 1 by the securing fastener 40.
More specifically, the alternate embodiments of the present invention comprise an exercising stepper mechanism 41 as the additional exercise mechanism, also seen in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. The exercising stepper mechanism 41 further extends the range of motion of the lower body of the user by allowing the feet of the user to pivot. The exercising stepper mechanism 41 is laterally mounted to the second support post 2, offset from the first support post 1, allowing the user to perform cycling exercises on the first support post 1 and stepping exercises on the second support post 2.
In order for a user to exercise with the exercising stepper mechanism 41, the exercising stepper mechanism 41 of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a left stepper 42, a left hub 43, a left connecting rod 45, a central linkage 46, a central pivot 47, a right stepper 49, a right hub 50, and a right connecting rod 52, shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 10. The left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 uphold and support the corresponding foot of the user. The left hub 43 and the right hub 50 mount the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49, respectively, as well as allow the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 to rotate, respectively. The left connecting rod 45 and the right connecting rod 52 connects the left hub 43 and the right hub 50, respectively, to the central linkage 46. The central linkage 46 connects the left stepper 42 to the right stepper 49. The alternating movement of the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 is defined by the central pivot 47.
The configuration of the components of the exercising stepper mechanism 41 of the second embodiment of the present invention, seen in FIG. 7, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, directs and supports the alternating movement of the feet of the user. The central linkage 46 is rotatably connected to the second support post 2 by the central pivot 47, thereby defining the alternating movement of the exercising stepper mechanism 41. The alternating movement is continuous and fluid as the left connecting rod 45 is terminally and pivotally connected to the central linkage 46. Similarly, the right connecting rod 52 is terminally and pivotally connected to the central linkage 46. The left stepper 42 is laterally and rotatably mounted to the second support post 2 by the left hub 43, and the left connecting rod 45 is laterally and pivotally connected to the left hub 43. This configuration positions the left foot of the user and allows the left foot of the user to move freely about the left hub 43 while preserving the alternating movement of the exercising stepper. Similarly, the right stepper 49 is laterally and rotatably mounted to the second support post 2 by the right hub 50, and the right connecting rod 52 is laterally and pivotally connected to the right hub 50. This configuration positions the right foot of the user and allows the right foot of the user to move freely about the right hub 50 while preserving the alternating movement of the exercising stepper. The left hub 43 and the right hub 50 are positioned opposite each other about the second support post 2 in order to comfortably position the left foot and the right foot about the second support post 2.
In order to allow the left foot and the right foot to freely and comfortably pivot about the left hub 43 and right hub 50 while preserving the alternating movement of the exercising stepper mechanism 41, a rotation axis 48 of the central pivot 47 is coincident with a sagittal plane 55, shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 10. Consequently, a rotation axis 44 of the left hub 43 is oriented at a left acute angle with the sagittal plane 55, and a rotation axis 51 of the right hub 50 is oriented at a right acute angle with the sagittal plane 55. The left acute angle is equal to the right acute angle in order to provide proper form for a user, thereby maximizing the workout of the user.
The exercising stepper mechanism 41 further comprises a torsionally elastic mechanism 53, illustrated in FIG. 11, that provides varied resistance to the movements of the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49. The torsionally elastic mechanism 53 is operatively integrated into the central pivot 47, wherein the torsionally elastic mechanism 53 is used to return the central linkage 46 to an equilibrium orientation. This configuration evenly applies resistance to both the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49. The torsionally elastic mechanism 53 is preferably manually controlled by a dial similar to that of the torsional resistance mechanism 22. The dial is preferably mounted onto the second support post 2 in order for the user to easily access the dial while exercising with the present invention.
The additional exercise mechanism of the third embodiment of the present invention is preferably an exercising stepper mechanism 41, seen in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18. The exercising stepper mechanism 41 also extends the range of motion of the lower body of the user by allowing the feet of the user to pivot. In this third embodiment however, the legs of the user are toned more as the legs of the extension and retraction of the user is larger than that of the second embodiment. The exercising stepper mechanism 41 is laterally mounted to the second support post 2, offset from the first support post 1, allowing the user to perform cycling exercises on the first support post 1 and stepping exercises on the second support post 2.
In order for a user to exercise with the exercising stepper mechanism 41 of the third embodiment of the present invention, the exercising stepper mechanism 41 comprises a left stepper 42, a left track 58, a pulley 60, a right stepper 49, and a right track 61, shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17. The left track 58 defines the path of and upholds the left stepper 42. Similarly, the right track 61 defines the path of and upholds the right stepper 49. The pully 60 connects the left stepper 42 to the right stepper 49. The pulley 60 defines an alternating motion between the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 as both the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 moves towards and away from the pulley 60.
The overall configuration of the aforementioned components of the third embodiment of the present invention, allows the user to increase the range of extension and retraction as well as preserve the compact functionality of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17. The left track 58 and the right track 61 are terminally and hingedly connected to the second support post 2, thereby allowing the left track 58 and the right track 61 to fully extend and stabilize the second support post 2 with respect to the first support post 1. This arrangement also allows the left track 58 and the right track 61 to retract and limit the amount of space occupied by the present invention while not in use. In order to balance the force required to push both the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 about the second support post 2, the pulley 60 is rotatably and laterally connected to the second support post 2 in between the left track 58 and the right track 61.
The legs of the user are toned as the left stepper 42 is slidably mounted along the left track 58, and the right stepper 49 is slidably mounted along the right track 61, creating a larger range of motion. The left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 are preferably parallel to the ground with the present invention in a fully extended configuration. This parallel orientation allows the user to better balance himself or herself while using the exercising stepper mechanism 41 of the third embodiment of the present invention. The left track 58 and the right track 61 are preferably parallel to the second support post while in a fully extended configuration, forcing the user to engage his or her core as well as tone the legs of the user.
The range of motion is increased and the legs of the user are effectively exercised as the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 are tensionably tethered to each other about the pulley 60 in order to define the alternating movement of the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 with respect to each other. The left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 are preferably tethered to each other about a chain. Alternate embodiments may comprise a left stepper 42 and a right stepper 49 that are tethered by a wire rope, a steel cable, a flat belt, a V-belt, and so on. More specifically, the chain engages with a pulley gear, the wire rope and steel cable engages with a pulley wheel, the flat belt engages with a flat idler pulley, and the V-belt engages with a V-pulley wheel. The left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 both preferably comprise a set of wheels that allows the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 to continuously traverse along the left track 58 and the right track 61, respectively. The set of wheels reduce the friction between the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 with that of the left track 58 and the right track 61, respectively. In another embodiment of the present invention, a pedal of the left stepper 42 and a pedal of the right stepper 49 of the third embodiment of the present invention are rotatably connected to a brace of the left stepper 42 and a brace of the right stepper 49. Both brace of the left stepper 42 and the brace of the right stepper 49 are slidably engaged with the left track 58 and the right track 61, respectively. This allows the feet of the user to pivot and apply force against the left stepper 42 and the right stepper 49 at various angles, respectively, thereby preventing the body of the user from getting used to the exercise.
The exercising stepper mechanism 41 of the third embodiment of the present invention further comprises a left foot 59 and a right foot 62, seen in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17. The left foot 59 and the right foot 61 stabilizes the left track 58 and the right track 61 onto the ground, respectively, while in a fully extended configuration. While in the fully extended configuration, the left track 58 and the right track 61 are both oriented at an acute angle with the sagittal plane. The fully extended configuration resembles the structural shape of a pyramid. The acute angle between the left rack 58 and sagittal plane, and the acute angle between the right track 61 and the sagittal plane preferably mirror each other. The left foot 59 is terminally and hingedly connected to the left track 58, opposite to the pulley 60. Similarly, the right foot 62 is terminally and hingedly connected to the right track 61, opposite to the pulley 60. This arrangement effectively mounts the exercising stepper mechanism 41 of the third embodiment of the present invention onto the ground, while structurally supporting the first support post 1, while in the fully extended configuration. This arrangement also reduces the amount of space occupied by the present invention while in a retracted configuration and in storage, as seen in the schematic view of FIG. 18.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a bicycle seat 54 allows a user to sit while exercising with the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bicycle seat 54 is laterally attached to the first support post 1. The bicycle seat 54 is preferably aligned with the first support post, effectively balancing the user between while exercising with the apparatus. The bicycle seat 54 is also preferably removable so that the bicycle seat 54 may be removed if the user wishes to stand while pedaling. In another embodiment of the present invention, a bottle holder is mounted adjacent the first support post 1. The bottle holder contains and suspends a beverage within reach of the user. The user may continually exercise as the user refreshes himself or herself with a drink.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Application
20180117394
