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

"The invention is a training or exercise apparatus that uses cardanic motion to create multiple motions. The apparatus includes a crank mechanism with a sun gear and a second gear, which revolves around the sun gear. The second gear is fixed on a crank arm with foot-supporting means. The apparatus also has adjustable crank arms and a flywheel to simulate the body's momentum during different stepping motions. The apparatus can be controlled by a user interface device to adjust speed, resistance, and path. The invention provides a unique training experience that combines cardanic motion with a full cardiovascular workout."

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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