Apparatus for Physical Exercise, and a Crank Device and Foot Supporting Platforms for Use With Such Apparatus

Abstract

A crank device comprising foot supports with means for controlling stability and angle relative to the motion. There are linkages for stabilising and keeping a correct angle relative to an apparatus frame during a full rotation. The foot supporting means have also means for adjusting the angle to create a toe-heel tilt. The foot supporting means in form of platforms have optional tilt movement with an adjustable mechanism, the movement transverse the stepping motion, for utilising proprioseptive training and exercise.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercise, and a crank device and foot supporting platforms for use with such apparatus, as defined in the introductory part of the attached independent claims. The invention is useful to provide for a choice among a plurality of different workout options related to simulation of movements, and to provide means for adjustment thereof according to user defined options. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established and accepted. Because the major population in the western world live close together in towns and cities, far from the countryside and because of inclement weather, time constraints and for other reasons, it is not always possible to walk, jog, run or ski outdoors. Various types of indoor exercise equipment have been developed for aerobic exercise and to exercise leg muscles commonly used in walking, running, skiing, and other outdoors ac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide improved exercise apparatus that provides for a plurality of motions ranging from linear to elliptical or elliptical like foot movement similar to that of walking, jogging, running, climbing and skiing.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a controlled posture and angle of the feet supports related to the exercise apparatus to match the stride and any movement required by the user.

[0016] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide tilting of feet supports being operative on the exercise apparatus to create a degree of instability, which imposes challenges to the muscles and balance of the user.

[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus, which requires minimal space to operate and store, yet is still easy to operate, simple and reliable in operation and maintenance, and provides a cost-efficient piece of exercise apparatus capable of providing a greater variety of modes of use in a single piece of equipment compared with prior art devices.

[0018] Further, the present invention also aims at providing a crank device useful for the exercise apparatus and which provides for a greater range of modes of use, and is capable of contributing to the versatility previous unknown to a single piece of apparatus for physical exercise. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems solved by technology

Because the major population in the western world live close together in towns and cities, far from the countryside and because of inclement weather, time constraints and for other reasons, it is not always possible to walk, jog, run or ski outdoors.

Although effective to some extent, they all have disadvantages.

Treadmills have the drawback of producing high impact on the user's hips, back, legs and knees.

Stair steppers, however, do not develop all of the muscles commonly used in running.

Furthermore, such machines are difficult to use in sprint type exercises.

Such movement does not mimic running and thus offers exercise only to a limited range of muscles.

This however would require a lot of floor space.

They also often have big crank wheels and many bars linked to each other and such trainers have limited means for adjustment of stride length and orbit of the pedals or platforms.

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