US20070129219A1 - Exercise device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to an exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual comprising a frame assembly having a wheelchair receiving area for permitting a wheelchair bound individual to “wheel up” to the device into an operable exercise position. A first crank assembly is attached to the frame assembly and comprises a pair of pedals operably attached thereto for movement with the rotation of the crank assembly. A second crank assembly is attached to the frame comprising a pair of handles operably attached thereto for rotational movement with the second crank assembly. A drive assembly is also provided to operably connect the rotational movement of a first crank assembly to the rotational movement of the second crank assembly, wherein the rotational movement of one crank assembly drives the rotational movement of the other crank assembly.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION
• This invention relates to an exercise device. More particularly, this invention relates to an exercise device for a wheelchair bound person.
BACKGROUND
• Patients undergoing physical therapy, paraplegic individuals, and individuals who have other degenerative diseases or birth defects have special needs with regard to physical therapy equipment. Such individuals often have limited or no mobility and decreased ranges of motion or appendage movement in one or more limbs. For these individuals, there is a need for therapy and exercise to move muscle groups, increase circulation and increase strength. Likewise, these individuals may choose to exercise for the general health benefits. Regardless, these individuals need equipment that is safe, fun, and effective. Moreover, this equipment must be convenient to use. For instance, if the wheelchair bound individual must always travel to a gym or to a physical therapy center, the incentive to exercise is much lower. Thus, an exercise device is needed that is available in a home or is transportable which benefits individuals from a variety of groups with disabilities, and specifically, wheelchair bound individuals (including those in need of physical therapy, exercise, and the like). Additionally, it is advantageous to provide such a device in a form that facilitates a total body workout in a relatively short period of time.
• Various types of physical therapy and exercise equipment are currently available for clinical and home use, including devices such as stepping machines, stationary bicycles, and recumbent body exercisers.
• Stepping machines or steppers, typically include a pair of pedals that move up and down, simulating the climbing of steps in response to weight and physical effort. Unfortunately, stepping machines require the user to stand during exercise. This presents a significant problem for a person with limited mobility, or more specifically, for a wheelchair bound individual or individual undergoing physical therapy. To use the stepping machine, the user must stand upon the pedals in an upright position and must be able to maintain balance and coordination to move the steps while continuing to remain upright. A wheelchair bound individual is unable to hold him or herself up and maintain the balance necessary to use the device. An individual who does not have use of his or her legs would not benefit from a stepper, as the user would not be able to manipulate the device. An additional limitation of a stepping machine is that it does not condition the upper body.
• In comparison, stationary bicycles do not require the user to stand upon and move a pair of steps, as stationary bicycles typically comprise a seat positioned above, or adjacent a pair of rotatable petals with a fixed range of motion. A stationary bicycle, in which the user is positioned on a seat above the pedals, requires the user to sit on the seat and lean forward to hold onto a set of handles which may be stationary or movable. Unfortunately, in order to use the stationary bicycle the user must be capable of climbing onto the seat and must possess sufficient strength, balance and coordination to maintain him or herself on the seat while moving the pedals over a fixed range of motion, and where applicable, manipulating movable handles which move forward and backward. Likewise, a stationary bicycle with a seat that is positioned adjacent to the pedals requires the user to be able to position him or herself in the seat and extend his or her legs to manipulate pedals that are positioned in front of the user. Similar to a stepper, the stationary bicycle presents serious difficulty to the wheelchair bound individual or individual with limited mobility as it requires the individual to be able to lift him or herself out from the wheelchair and onto the stationary bicycle, or would require the assistance of a physical therapist or another individual to lift the individual into position on the device, making these devices highly inappropriate and ineffective for home use by a wheelchair bound individual. Moreover, that individual must be able to simultaneously balance him or herself on the bicycle and move the pedals. In addition, an individual who does not have use of his or her legs would have serious difficulty in operating the pedals of the stationary bicycle.
• In addition to steppers and stationary bicycles, recumbent exercisers are also commercially available. Recumbent devices typically include movable pedals and corresponding movable handles that move in a coordinated manner to simulate coordinated arm and leg movement. Generally, recumbent exercisers include a seat that requires the user to sit down in a plane horizontally displaced from the pedals. As a result, these devices require the individual to step over the seat or be placed into the seat by the physical therapist or another. Thus, such devices are equally inaccessible to individuals with limited mobility, such as a wheelchair bound person, as they require the ability to get out of the wheelchair and onto the exercise device. Moreover, the recumbent exercise devices are often quite large, making them difficult to move and taking up significant space, ultimately making them poor exercise equipment for home use. Accordingly, recumbent exercisers are not convenient or useful to individuals in wheelchairs or within the home.
• While many disadvantages exist in the foregoing exercise devices, it is generally understood that rotation or oscillation caused by a bicycle movement provides a low impact-type of exercise which is especially easy on the knees, ankles and feet. Therefore, exercise devices that comprise a rotational bicycle-type movement are extremely beneficial to handicap, wheelchair bound individuals, those in physical therapy and others with limited mobility. Unfortunately, to date, exercise devices have not been available which are convenient, effective, and useable by such individuals and which include a bicycle-type movement.
• Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an exercise device that may be used by a wheelchair bound individual, a handicap individual or individual with limited mobility that is usable from home or in an exercise facility, is light weight, of reasonable size, and provides a workout for a large portion of the body through the use of a bicycle movement. Moreover, what is needed in the art is a convenient, effective, total body exercise device that is usable by a wheelchair bound individual without the need for assistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In view of the foregoing, the invention provided comprises an exercise device that is usable by a wheelchair bound individual without the need to remove him or herself from the chair. Moreover, the present invention provides a means of exercising, strengthening one or more major muscle groups, and facilitating cardiovascular conditioning through coordinated lower body and upper body movement based upon the motion of either the upper body or the lower body moving the various systems and subsystems of the present invention.
• The invention is therefore directed to an exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual comprising a frame assembly having a wheelchair receiving area for permitting a wheelchair bound individual to “wheel up” to the device into an operable exercise position. A first crank assembly is attached to the frame assembly and comprises a pair of pedals operably attached thereto for movement with the rotation of the crank assembly. The pedals preferably have foot retaining means thereon for removably securing an individual's feet to the pedals. A second crank assembly is attached to the frame comprising a pair of handles operably attached thereto for rotational movement with the second crank assembly. A drive assembly operably connects the rotational movement of the first crank assembly to the rotational movement of the second crank assembly, wherein the rotational movement of one of the crank assemblies drives the rotational movement of the other crank assembly.
• Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device for a person with limited mobility of the legs or arms that is easy to use from a wheelchair, is lightweight, of reasonable size, is usable from home or in an exercise facility, and provides a workout for a large portion of an individuals body through the use of a bicycle movement. Moreover, an object of the exercise device of the present invention is usability by a wheelchair bound individual without the need for assistance.
• Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, of which:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention.
• FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the exercise device ofFIG. 2 with the casings removed from the frame.
• FIG. 3 is a cut-away elevational view of an embodiment of the lower portion of the drive assembly of the exercise device of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the lower portion of the drive assembly shown inFIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the upper portion of the drive assembly of the exercise device of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention from the wheelchair receiving end thereof.
• FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention from the end opposite that shown inFIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of the present invention showing the device in use by a wheelchair bound individual.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The Figures show anexercise device100 embodying the present invention and illustrating the principal components and sub-assemblies thereof.
• As will be seen by reference to the Figures and description herein, theexercise device100 of the present invention provides numerous advantages over currently available devices. Most noticeably, theexercise device100 of the present invention provides an easy, lightweight, and reasonably sized exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual. The individual in the wheelchair simply wheels up to the exercise device of the present invention, secures his or her feet in theretention device118 located on or in connection with thepedals116, (which, as will be seen, are positioned at the same height as the foot supports of the wheel chair), grasps thehandles122, securing his or her hands if appropriate, and rotates one or both of thecrank assemblies114,120.
• If the individual does not have use of his or her legs, the rotation of the upper crankassembly120 by use of the individuals arms and hands drives the movement of the lower crankassembly114, also driving movement of the individual's legs, ankles and feet, and potentially abdomen, because the feet are secured to thepedals116 of thecrank assembly114 which is driven to rotate by the rotation of the upper crankassembly120. Conversely, movement of the legs will cause the movement of the arms, hands, and upper body. In this way, an individual with limited or no mobility of the legs, or conversely limited or no mobility of the arms, is provided a means to facilitate the movement of same by the use of his or her “functional” appendages. Moreover, the device permits the wheelchair bound individual to wheel him or herself up to the device and engage in total body exercise without the need for assistance by others, such as a personal trainer or physical therapist. Thus, the wheelchair bound individual can, by him or herself from home, improve strength, circulation, general health, flexibility and overall well being.
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, theexercise device100 of the preferred embodiment is a stationary device which comprises aframe110 supported byground engaging supports130,132. A first or lower crankassembly114 is attached to theframe assembly110 and has a pair ofpedals116 operably attached thereto for movement with the rotation of thecrank assembly114, similar to a bicycle crank assembly. Thepedals116 may have foot retaining means118 thereon for removably securing an individual's feet to thepedals116. A second or upper crankassembly120 is also attached to theframe110 and includes a pair ofhandles122 operably attached thereto for rotational movement with the second crankassembly120, similar to a bicycle crank assembly. A means of retaining a users hands123 thereon may be provided for removably securing the user's hands to thehandles122.
• Adrive assembly124 operably connects the rotational movement of thefirst crank assembly114 to the rotational movement of the second crankassembly120, whereby the rotational movement of one crankassembly114 or120 drives the rotational movement of the other crank assembly114 or120. Thedrive assembly124 specifically comprises adrive belt126 surrounding at least a portion of, and operably connected to, thefirst crank assembly114. Thedrive belt126 extends to, at least partially surrounds and operably engages the second crankassembly120. Anintermediate idler roller128 may also be provided, mounted to theframe assembly110 by a mounting device or support (discussed in further detail below). Theintermediate roller128 engages thedrive belt126 at a distance between thefirst crank assembly114 and the second crankassembly120. As discussed above, the rotation of one crankassembly114 or120 of thedrive assembly124 drives the rotation of the other crank assembly114 or120 through the various components discussed.
• Theexercise device100 of the preferred embodiment will now be described in further detail. Turning specifically to theframe assembly110, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, theframe assembly110 of theexercise device100 of the present invention supports the various operative components described herein and comprises a tubular frame which is supported by one or moreground engaging supports130,132. The frame and its various components may be composed of aluminum, chromoly, steel, and the like, or a combination thereof. Theframe110 comprises a supporting structure for thestationary exercise device100 and can be of any suitable construction. While a tubular frame is provided, it is contemplated that any frame shape, type, or material suitable for the proposes of the present invention would be acceptable for use without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
• In the illustrated, preferred embodiments, theframe110 comprises a firstground engaging support130 for supporting or bracing the exercise device on one side thereof (FIG. 6) and a secondground engaging support132 for supporting or bracing the exercise device on a second side thereof (FIG. 7). The firstgrounding engaging support130 may comprise at least onehorizontal support rod134 for the lateral and stationary support of theexercise device100. The secondground engaging support132 may, likewise, comprise ahorizontal support rod134 for lateral and stationary support. While not required, the secondground engaging support132 may further comprise one ormore support extensions136 extending in a generally perpendicular direction (seeFIG. 1). As can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment, theperpendicular extensions136 are attached in a manner that positions same below thehorizontal support rod134 so that thehorizontal support rod174 is raised a distance above the ground. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal support rod is raised approximately 8 inches off the ground. However, one of skill in the art would understand that this distance is provided merely by way of example and any height suitable for the purposes described would be acceptable for use with the present invention. Thesesupport extensions136 may further be curved as provided in the embodiment shown or straight. One or morerubberized coatings137 or the like may be provided on theground engaging supports130,132 on a portion thereof, such as on thehorizontal support rod134 orsupport extension136 to provide a resistance to movement or slipping across the ground or floor.
• Referring toFIG. 2, thehorizontal support rods134 are positioned at each end of theexercise device100. Thesehorizontal support rods134 may be equivalent in length or may vary in length. For example, in the preferred embodiment the horizontal support rods are each 15 inches in length to provide sufficient lateral support for the device. However, it is contemplated that this length may vary without departing from the overall scope of the present invention. Likewise, thehorizontal support rods134 may vary in shape or size provided that they are capable of maintaining at least some lateral and stationary support of theexercise device100.
• Preferably, thehorizontal support rods134 are integrally attached to theframe assembly110 via one ormore legs138. As shown inFIGS. 2A, 6 and7, a pair oflegs138 connect thehorizontal support rod134 to thedrive assembly support140 of theframe assembly110. Thelegs138 of the preferred embodiment extend a distance from thedrive assembly support140 and are positioned at an angle extending downwardly away from thedrive assembly support140. In the preferred embodiment, thelegs138 integrally connecting thehorizontal support rod134 of the firstground engaging support130 are approximately 13 inches in length. Thelegs138 integrally connecting thehorizontal support rod134 of the secondground engaging support132 are slightly longer, at approximately 14 inches, to assist in counteracting the force placed upon the device by user manipulation of thedrive assembly124. Again, while specific dimensions are provided, variations may be made in such dimensions without departure from the overall scope of the present invention.
• Additionally, one ormore frame casings142 may be provided, as shown inFIG. 1, to conceal portions of theframe110, to eliminate openings in theframe assembly110, and to provide added rigidity to theframe110. In the preferred embodiment, openings on the device are enclosed and/or contained within panels such as theframe casings142 to prevent children and other items, such as clothing or objects, from either falling through the device or being inserted into certain areas of the device.
• Referring toFIGS. 2 and 2A, thedrive assembly support140 comprises afirst support rod144 integrally attached to theframe assembly110. Thefirst support rod144 extends substantially parallel to the ground between the first130 and second132 ground engaging supports and/or theircorresponding legs138 in a substantially central location between same. Preferably, thefirst support rod144 is positioned below thedrive assembly124 and provides strength to theframe assembly110. In the preferred embodiment, a 16 inch support rod is provided. Thedrive assembly support140 further comprises asecond support rod146. Thesecond support rod146 is integrally attached to and extends in a substantially vertical direction from thelegs138 and/orground engaging support130 to the third driveassembly support rod148. Thesecond support rod146, likewise, provides strength to theframe assembly110. The second drive assembly support rod preferably comprises a 15 inch rod supporting thedrive assembly124 andframe110 against the downward force placed upon same by the user. Thedrive assembly support140 also comprises athird support rod148. Thethird support rod148, at one end thereof, comprises anattachment150 to the first or lower crankassembly114. At the opposite end, a telescopic receptor orheight adjustment mechanism178 is provided to permit the telescopic, sliding adjustment of a fork-arm assembly152. In the preferred embodiment, thethird support rod148 comprises a 14 inch, hollow tubular rod that receives the fork-arm assembly152. The fork-arm assembly comprises a first fork-arm154 and a second fork-arm156 connected to astem157. Thestem157 is slidably received by the hollow tubular end of thethird support rod148. As a result, the fork-arm assembly may be telescopically extended and inserted to increase or decrease the length of the support, thereby accommodating individuals of different height and size as well as variations in seat height of the wheelchair. Thethird support rod148 further comprises anintermediate roller support148 attached thereto for supporting the movable attachment of the intermediate idler roller128 (discussed below). Additional and/or alternative supports may be attached to theframe110 of the embodiment of the present invention without departing from the overall scope of the invention.
• Referring toFIG. 5, supported by thefork arms154,156 of the fork-arm assembly152 is the second or upper crank assembly120 (seeFIG. 2A andFIG. 5). Preferably, the first andsecond fork arms154,156 of the fork-arm assembly are positioned in a vertical plane so that the first fork-arm154 is above the second fork-arm156. An upper cranksupport rod158 is integrally attached to, and extends from the first fork-arm154 to the second fork-arm156 and outward from thesecond fork arm156 as shown in the figures to connect with a secondcrank attachment mechanism160. The secondcrank attachment mechanism160 has the second or upper crankassembly120 operably attached thereto. As referred to herein, the first and second crankattachment mechanisms150,160 preferably comprise crank attachments and corresponding components commonly used on a bicycle. However, alternative means of operably attaching the crank assembly to the frame would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention. Additionally, one ormore frame casings142 may be attached along portions of thedrive assembly support140 and its various components to cover frame openings.
• Turning, specifically, to the intermediate roller support, theintermediate roller support148 comprises aradial arm162 attached at one end to thedrive assembly support140 and attached at its other end to theintermediate idler roller128. Aslot163 is provided on theradial arm162 for changing the position of theidler roller128. Namely, aretention bolt168 may be provided for connecting theidler roller168 within theslot163. The retention bolt may be loosened or removed, and then re-secured to re-position the idler roller in the slot. The position of theintermediate idler roller128 is therefore adjusted by the movable attachment of theidler roller128 within theslot163. Additionally, aheight adjustment member164 may be provided comprising a plurality ofholes166, into which aretention bolt168 or the like can be placed to secure theradial arm162 of theintermediate roller support148 at the appropriate height. Namely, the height of theintermediate roller support148, and thus theintermediate roller128, can be adjusted by removal of theretention bolt168 from thehole166, adjusting the position of theheight adjustment member164 and reinserting theretention bolt168 into thehole166.
• In operation, the position of theintermediate drive roller128 controls and adjusts the tension placed upon thedrive belt126 to secure same in place, and, when appropriate, to provide resistance to thedrive assembly124. A resistance device separate from the idler roller128 (not shown) may also be used in connection with thedrive assembly124 of the present invention as is common in the art to create resistance to movement. The resistance may be applied to one or both of thecrank assemblies114,120 and/or to thedrive belt126 via a frictional-type engagement so as to enable strength training. Likewise, it is contemplated that any means to restrict movement may be provided on the device such as a dead wheel device, pressure invoking device or the like.
• Thedrive assembly124 of the preferred embodiment comprises the first114 and second120 crank assemblies, as well as the link and corresponding components from thefirst crank assembly114 and the second crankassembly120. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second crankassemblies114,120 comprise a circular crank170 having a centralized axis ofrotation172 and a pair of crankarms174 extending outwardly in opposite directions from the central axis172 (seeFIGS. 3-5). At the opposite end of each crankarm174, either a pedal116 or ahandle122 is attached. Thus, each crank assembly318 may be operated by the user in a manner which is comparable to the operation of a bicycle crank, facilitating a similar movement.
• Preferably, the circular crank170 comprises a pulley, such as a 5 inch pulley, having a means for driving the assembly. Specifically, the first and second crankmechanisms114,120 comprise or contain awheel170 having a groove orchannel176. Thechannel176 receives thedrive belt126 therein as shown inFIGS. 3, 4,6 and7. Likewise, theintermediate idler roller128 may comprise a pulley, such as a 3 inch pulley, and contains achannel176 to receive thedrive belt126. Thedrive belt126 is positioned so that it wraps around a portion the first crank114 within thechannel176, extends to the second crank120, wrapping around a portion of thechannel176 of the second crank, then returning to thefirst crank114, thereby forming an endless loop. Theintermediate idler roller128 is positioned at a distance between the first crank114 and thesecond crank120. Thedrive belt126 passes over theintermediate roller128 within thechannel176 thereon. Theintermediate idler roller128 can then be adjusted via theslot163 orheight adjustment member164 as described above to provide tension to thedrive belt126 and secure same in position within thechannels176. In other words, the position of the intermediate roller and tension placed upon the belt may be adjusted by changing the position of the intermediate roller which is adjusted as described hereinabove. Thus, thedrive belt126 comprises an endless loop which trains around thefirst crank assembly114 and second crankassembly120 and is maintained in position and tensioned accordingly to maintain the belt on the respective crank by theintermediate idler roller128. While specific dimensions are referenced above, variations may be made to same without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
• In the preferred embodiment, theexercise device100 of the present invention comprises a belt driven apparatus. An advantage of the belt driven system is that it provides a smooth surface that avoids sharp objects which may harm the user. While a drive “belt” is specifically described, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that, a chain drive having corresponding sprockets or gear wheels, as well as gear wheels, gear trains, and the like (and their corresponding components), capable of imparting rotational movement on a gear or crank assembly would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention.
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, thearea112 formed by theframe assembly110 due to the interconnection of thefirst support rod144, thesecond support rod146, thethird support rod148, fork-arm assembly152 and theground engaging support130, comprises thewheelchair receiving area112. Thewheelchair receiving area112 comprises a space formed by theframe assembly110 that allows the wheelchair to wheel up close to theframe110 so that the wheelchair-bound individual can actuate thepedals116 and handles122 simultaneously without having to lean forward in the chair or over-extend him or herself. In other words, as shown inFIG. 8, thedevice100 is easy and convenient to use from a sitting position in a wheelchair, so the wheelchair-bound individual can exercise without getting out of the chair and without the need for the assistance of a personal trainer or therapist or other person.
• Advantageously, thepedals116 of thedevice110 are high enough that the user may transfer his or her feet from the supports of a wheelchair directly onto thepedals116 with minimal adjustment. Namely, the user may simply raise the foot support on the wheelchair and position his or her foot on top of thepedal116. Moreover, the height and angle of contact of the foot with thepedals116 is high enough that it does not affect or cause significant stress or damage upon the user's ankles. In the preferred embodiment, thepedals116 have approximately 3 ½ inch crank arm, forming a 6-7 inch rotation of travel or stroke length. As a result, the rotation of thecrank assembly114 causes the individual's hips, legs, and ankles to move, but does not invoke significant force or stress upon same due to the small amount of rotation. Likewise, the second crankassembly120, which is engaged by the user's hands and arms, may comprise a small rotation or stroke length, such as a 5 inch crank arm, resulting in a 10 inch rotation of travel or stroke length, so as to cause minimal stress upon same. While a specific rotation or stroke length is provided, pedal rotation and stroke length may vary without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
• When necessary, the user may secure his or her feet in position on thepedal116 using afoot retention device118. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, thepedals116 of the preferred embodiment comprise a means for removably securing the foot or shoe to thepedal116. Generally, bicycle pedal designs and mechanisms that lock the pedal onto the shoe or foot may also be used. For example, thepedal116 may comprise a cleat upon which a mating shoe is secured via a snap or friction-type fit. Alternatively, the shoe may be securely fastened to thepedal116 by screws or the like. In such an embodiment, the user would insert or remove his or her foot from the shoe. In the preferred embodiment,pedals116 having a clip-less pedal/cleat design are used. Using this design, a user secures acleat119 onto the shoe and places the shoe having thecleat119 onto thepedal116. The pedal which has a foot retaining means118, such as a “quick connect” pedal, receives thecleat119. The combination snaps or locks together, creating a stable, yet releasable connection between the foot and thepedal116. While specific examples are provided, these examples are for purposes of illustration only, as a variety of common bicycle pedals having retention means thereon may be used with the present invention, including, but not limited to: flat pedals shaped with a frame to fit the shoe of the user; pedals comprising a strap or other connecting means fixed or fastened thereto; toe clips and the like. Designs of pedal/cleat combinations are currently known and in use in a variety of designs in which the pedal and cleat lock rigidly together or allow a freedom of rotational motion between the pedal and cleat depending on the design. Any such design would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention. Likewise, thepedals116 may, in some embodiments, not include a retention means. Preferably, a user of the exercise device of the present invention will obtain his or herpreferred pedals116 for the device and attach, if necessary, theappropriate cleat119 onto the pedals or shoes used with the present invention.
• Thehandles122, preferably, comprise a grip for grasping with a hand. Thehandle122 may comprise a grip commonly known in the art for use with bicycle assemblies, such as rubber grips, textured grips, foam grips, and the like. In addition to, or as an alternative, thehandles122 may be provided having a sticky or tacky substance thereon which secures or removably secures a user's hand to thehandle122. Alternatively, thehandles122 or grips may comprise a Velcro-type substance, such as a hook/loop type fabric which mates with a corresponding hook/loop type fabric placed on a glove or like apparel worn on the user's hands. Like the above-describedhandles122, the Velcro-type system would removably secure the user's hand to thehandle122. In addition, or as an alternative to these systems, thehandles122 may comprise a strap, tether, or other securing means for securing the users a hand on the handle (SeeFIG. 5). While specific devices are listed hereinabove, it is contemplated that any device or means of securely, but removably attaching a user's hands to thehandles122 would be acceptable for purposes of the present invention.
• In the preferred embodiment of theexercise device100 of the present invention, the exercise machine is designed for use by a wheelchair bound person. As can be seen inFIG. 8, theexercise device100 is “wheelchair accessible” and therefore useable by those who are wheelchair bound or undergoing physical therapy. Namely, the wheels of a wheelchair can straddle aground engaging support130 of the device. As referenced above, theframe assembly110, theexercise device100 for a wheelchair bound individual comprises aframe assembly110 having awheelchair receiving area112 for permitting a wheelchair bound individual to “wheel up” to the device into an operable exercise position. Thepedals116 of thedevice100 are positioned at the same height as the foot supports of the wheelchair. Thus, the wheelchair bound person merely needs to transfer his or her foot from the wheelchair support to thepedal116 and, when necessary, secure the foot to thepedal116 via thefoot retaining mechanism118,119. The user may then grasp thehandles122 of the device with his or her hands. In this position, the device may be driven by the individual's arms, or legs, or both, depending upon which appendage has the necessary strength and mobility. As indicated herein, a user's bicycle movement of the legs, ankles and feet will cause the oscillation of, or rotation of the handles, resulting in a movement of the user's hands and arms. Conversely, the movement of the hands and arms will result in the oscillation of, or rotation of the legs, ankles and feet. Therefore, an individual may cause the movement of one muscle group by the movement of another. As a result, an individual with limited or no mobility of certain muscle groups may control the movement of arms or legs by the movement of the other muscle groups or appendages. In this way, the user may keep his or her muscles and tendons active and may engage in cardiovascular conditioning and/or strength training even when limited or no mobility of one or more muscle groups exists. Furthermore, this individual may do so without assistance and from his or her own wheelchair.
• The various mechanisms for theexercise device100 disclosed herein may be combined in numerous combinations, and the invention should not be limited to the particular combinations described and illustrated herein.
• Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention and many of its improvements have been described with a degree of particularity. The previous description is of preferred examples for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. For instance, it would be obvious to substitute a chair for a wheelchair without departing from the overall scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. An exercise device for a wheelchair bound individual comprising:

a frame having a wheelchair receiving area;

a first crank assembly attached to said frame having a pair of pedals operably attached thereto for rotational movement with rotation of said crank assembly, said pedals each having a foot retaining means;

a second crank assembly attached to said frame having a pair of handles operably attached thereto for rotational movement with rotation of said crank assembly; and

a drive assembly operably connecting the movement of said first crank assembly to the movement of said second crank assembly, wherein said movement of one of said crank assemblies drives the movement of the other crank assembly.

2. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein said drive assembly comprises a drive belt operably attached to said first crank assembly and to said second crank assembly to cause the simultaneous movement of said first crank assembly with said second crank assembly.

3. The exercise device ofclaim 2, wherein said drive assembly further comprises an intermediate roller in operable contact with said drive belt.

4. The exercise device ofclaim 3, wherein the intermediate roller is positionally adjustable to tension said drive assembly.

5. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein said first crank assembly comprises a first crank arm having a pedal thereon and a second crank arm having a pedal thereon, said first and second crank arms attached to a substantially circular pulley and positioned for the oscillating movement of said pedals.

6. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein said second crank assembly comprises a first crank arm having a handle thereon and a second crank arm having a handle thereon, said first and second crank arms attached to a substantially circular pulley and positioned for the oscillating movement of said handles.

7. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein said frame comprises:

a first ground engaging support and a second ground engaging support, said first ground engaging support comprising a means for receiving a wheelchair; and

a lower crank assembly support and an upper crank assembly support, said lower crank assembly support positioned at an angle from said upper crank assembly support so that a person may remain seated in a wheelchair while in contact with said pedals and said handles.

8. The exercise device ofclaim 7, wherein said ground engaging support comprises a non-slip device.

9. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein said foot retention device comprises a shoe cleat capable of mating with a corresponding pedal.

10. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein said handle comprises a means for retaining a hand thereon.

11. The exercise device ofclaim 10, wherein said means for retaining a hand comprises a tether.

12. A wheelchair accessible exercise device comprising:

a frame having a wheelchair receiving area;

a first rotatable crank assembly attached to said frame having a first crank arm with a first pedal and a second crank arm with a second pedal, said first and second pedals each having a foot retention device thereon for removably securing a foot;

a second rotatable crank assembly attached to said frame having a first crank arm with a first handle and a second crank arm with a second handle;

a drive assembly operably connected to said first and second crank assemblies, said drive assembly comprising a drive belt operably engaging said first crank assembly and operably engaging said second crank assembly, said drive belt being tensioned by an intermediate roller, and said drive assembly facilitating the coordinated rotation of said first crank assembly with said second crank assembly, wherein the rotation of one crank assembly causes the rotation of the other crank assembly.

13. The exercise device ofclaim 12, further comprising a hand retention device operably attached to said handle for removably securing a hand to said handle.

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