Suspension system for glider exercise device
A glider device includes a pair of swingably mounted foot platforms pivotally supported by links at their heel ends. A spring cage, including a tension spring and a compression spring, is included in each link to resiliently support the heel end of the foot platform. The spring cage limits displacement of the tension spring and includes a compression spring that cushions the displacement of the tension spring.
This invention relates in general to glider type exercise equipment, such as the equipment described and claimed in the inventor's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,795,268, 5,857,940, D390,628 and D403,033, and in particular to a novel suspension system for such equipment. The patented exercise gliders feature very low impact in a device that simulates a full range of natural striding motion, including aggressive striding, for achieving an upper and lower body workout.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ARTWith the patented exercise devices, a full range of striding motion is very closely simulated while impact on the user's body is practically eliminated. Significantly, the aerobic effect experienced is readily controllable by merely accelerating the striding action and lengthening the stride, precisely as can be done when aggressively striding over a stationary surface. However, unlike striding, with the inventive device a user can lean backward and forward to transfer significant weight to his arms without loss of balance or control. This not only increases the aerobic effort and enables an upper body workout, but also varies the muscle groups that are being exercised.
The spring suspension system of the present invention adds a slight cushion effect to the rear of each foot platform for enhancing the gliding action. Essentially, tension springs permit the heel ends of the foot platforms to move up and down (within defined limits) to resiliently modify the radial paths traversed by the foot platforms. The effect is to further reduce the stress on both the user's body and the exercise machine structure. The novel suspension system is achieved with a simple, low cost, spring structure that may be readily added to the fold-away versions of the patented gliders.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONA principal object of the invention is to provide a novel suspension system for a low impact glider exercise apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel glider exercise apparatus.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved suspension system for a low impact glider exercise apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
The invention comprises a shock absorbing arrangement in the link that supports the swingable foot platform from the frame of a glider type exercise machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to
As more clearly shown in
In
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the spring cage may be located anywhere in the link, although its placement as shown at rear pivot 30 is preferred. In the preferred embodiment of the invention tension spring 50 has an overall length of 3.375 in. and a spring rate of 76 lbs/in. and compression spring 54 has an overall length of 1.5 in. and a spring rate of 108 lbs/in.
What has been described is a novel suspension system for a glider type exercise device that further reduces the stress on the user's body and the exercise apparatus when performing provides a low impact simulation of walking and striding, including aggressive striding, aerobic upper and lower body exercises. It is recognized that numerous changes to the described embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its true spirit and scope. The invention is to be limited only as defined in the claims.
Claims
1. A glider exercise machine comprising:
- a frame;
- a foot platform;
- a link coupled between a pivot on said frame and a pivot on said foot platform for swingably supporting said foot platform from said frame; and
- a spring in said link for absorbing shock.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said spring is a tension spring and further including;
- a spring cage, for limiting displacement of said tension spring, coupled to one of said pivots; and
- said tension spring being coupled to the other of said pivots.
3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein said spring cage includes a resilient stop for cushioning displacement of said tension spring.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein said resilient stop comprises a compression spring.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein said link comprises a cable and wherein said resilient stop includes an orifice through which said cable freely passes.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5, further including an intermediate member coupling said tension spring to said cable; and a washer for cushioning impact between said intermediate member and said compression spring.
7. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein said spring cage is coupled to said pivot on said frame and said tension spring is coupled to said pivot on said foot platform.
8. The exercise machine of claim 7, further including a cover over said spring cage, said tension spring and said compression spring.
9. A glider exercise machine comprising:
- a frame having rear pivots;
- a pair of foot platforms having heel end pivots;
- a pair of links coupled between said rear pivots and said heel end pivots for swingably supporting said pair of foot platforms from said frame; each of said links including:
- a tension spring;
- a spring cage, for limiting displacement of said tension spring, coupled to said rear pivot;
- a resilient stop, including a compression spring, for cushioning displacement of said tension spring; and
- said tension spring being coupled between said spring cage and said heel end pivot.
10. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein each said link comprises a cable and wherein said resilient stop includes an orifice through which said cable freely passes.
11. The exercise machine of claim 10, further including an intermediate member coupling said tension spring to said cable; and a washer for cushioning the impact between said intermediate member and said compression spring.
12. The exercise machine of claim 11, further including a protective shield over said spring cage, said tension spring and said compression spring.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 8, 2003
Publication Date: Mar 10, 2005
Inventors: Royce Husted (Forest, VA), Joel Husted (Forest, VA)
Application Number: 10/657,645