Cyclical skating motion exercise machine

Abstract

A cyclical skating motion exercise machine has a base frame assembly. A first pedal arm mounted on a first pedal axle, wherein the first pedal axle is substantially vertical. A first link assembly mounted to the first pedal arm at a first pedal joint. The first pedal joint provides motion between the first link assembly and the first pedal arm. A first pedal mounted to the first pedal arm for supporting a user's foot. A second pedal arm is mounted on a second pedal axle, wherein the second pedal axle is substantially vertical. A crank assembly has a first link assembly is mounted to the crank assembly, and the crank assembly has rotational inertia is substantially orthogonally to the first pedal axle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of Chu, Yong Ser. No. 12 / 383,185 Cyclical Skating Motion Exercise Machine filed Mar. 20, 2009 and is therefore also entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 070,238, filed Mar. 3, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus that simulates a ski or skating motion for training a user the coordination and building body muscles.[0004]2. Discussion of Related Art[0005]Many ski or skating stationary exercise machines have been introduced in the field of the art with each machine having advantages and disadvantages compared to other machines. However, none of the related prior arts show a simple way to symmetrically simulate a ski or skating motion using a single crank axle linked with pedal assemblies that are based on arc motions or pivot motions for an effective use of an inertial component such a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a cyclical skating motion exercise machine that simulates ski or skate motion on a stationary system for working out the lower body of a user. It includes a base frame assembly, pedal arms, and a crank assembly. The crank assembly has a link assembly that is connected to the pedal arms, providing a smooth operation of the pedals and handles. The link assembly has a single crank assembly with an orthogonal orientation of its rotational axis relative to the axes of the pedal assemblies. The machine also includes a flywheel system to maintain a long life of belts and a link assembly that minimizes slack in axial direction. The technical effects of the invention include a more effective workout for the lower body, a more symmetrical movement of the pedals, and a smoother operation of the machine."

Problems solved by technology

However, none of the related prior arts show a simple way to symmetrically simulate a ski or skating motion using a single crank axle linked with pedal assemblies that are based on arc motions or pivot motions for an effective use of an inertial component such as a flywheel in the system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,460 to Miller discloses a skate training apparatus with a flywheel connected with the pedals using a flexible line such as chain links, but the flywheel has to change its rotational direction whenever the user changes the direction of the side motion, that doesn't create the smooth inertial effect with the direction change in motion.

However, the embodiments have two crank axles and two separate crank arms making the skating machine complicated and costly to build.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,032 to Chu teaches a simplified skating exercise machine with a single crank with its axle near parallel to the axes of the pedal assemblies, however the embodiments of the art offers non-symmetrical ski or skating motion in which the speed of the pedals going one direction is different from the speed going in the opposite direction in a cycle at a given rotational speed and direction of the crank assembly.

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