Differential motion machine

Abstract

A differential motion machine for closely simulating natural human motion is provided. A user mountable carriage is designed to slide freely, in the fore and aft directions. The carriage contains a power transfer element, such as pedals, arm levers or the like, which convert the user's motions into a means for propelling the carriage relative to a dynamic element. A dynamic element generally consists of an endless belt or the like driven by a motor or by a slight incline to a base frame which engages the power transfer element. Additionally, a force element causes a force against the carriage preferable relative to the dynamic element. This force to the carriage simulates the drag and other resistances encountered in nature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit as a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 685,625 filed Oct. 15, 2003 which claims benefit under: (i) 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60 / 418,461 filed Oct. 15, 2002; and (ii) as a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09 / 977,123 filed Oct. 12, 2001, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 865,235 filed May 29, 1997. U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,829, which claims benefit of application No. 60 / 018,755 filed May 31, 1996.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing exercise and a method for using such apparatus and in particular to an apparatus which closely simulates many natural forms of exercise such as cross-country skiing, walking, running, biking, climbing and the like. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for replicating the reciprocating nature of motion during exercise, and more particularly to...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although various attempts have been made to simulate cross-country ski exercise or other bilateral exercise on a stationary exercise machine, these attempts have not been fully successful in reproducing the experience with sufficient accuracy to provide many of the health benefits of natural exercise.

It is believed that in such (stationary) machines, pushing against the abdominal pad can lead to lower back stress and fatigue and detracts from an accurate simulation of the natural cross-country ski exercise.

It is further believed that the lack of forward resistance and the associated lack of balance in such devices lead to a long learning curve such that, to successfully use the machine, a user must develop a new technique for walking or skiing which is very different from that found in nature.

Again, it is believed that many stationary exercise devices fail to reproduce this feature of the natural exercise with sufficient accuracy to provide an enjoyable exercise experience and to provide all the benefits available with natural exercise, such as a more natural and less stressful distribution of force on the joints and development of good balance.

Many types of previous exercise devices have failed to provide a completely satisfactory simulation of natural upper body exercise.

Thus it was impossible to accurately simulate double poling or poling with a single arm.

In such devices, if an exerciser was expending a given level of effort, by exerting greater upper body efforts, the user was not, thereby, permitted to correspondingly decrease lower body exercises while maintaining the same overall level of effort.

As discussed below, this stationary aspect prevents these devices from realistically exhibiting the sensation of natural motion.

The rider can therefore maintain the same cadence and force output as he would on level ground resulting in a slower speed up hill.

The stationary nature of these machines precludes the user from experiencing the fore and aft motion encountered while using a real bicycle.

This causes a jerky sensation which translates into an uncomfortable and non-motivating activity, as well as the potentially dangerous wear and tear on the user's joints and muscles.

These designs don't allow for any fore and aft movement of the user's body other than the sliding of the seat.

This results in a jerking sensation at the beginning and end of each stroke.

These rowing machines can cause strain on the back and legs and over-compression of the knees.

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