Differential motion machine
View Patent ↗A differential motion machine for closely simulating natural human motion is provided. A user mountable carriage is designed to slide freely, in the fore and aft directions. The carriage contains a power transfer element, such as pedals, arm levers or the like, which convert the user's motions into a means for propelling the carriage relative to a dynamic element. A dynamic element generally consists of an endless belt or the like driven by a motor or by a slight incline to a base frame which engages the power transfer element. Additionally, a force element causes a force against the carriage preferable relative to the dynamic element. This force to the carriage simulates the drag and other resistances encountered in nature.
1. A human motion device, comprising:
a frame having a front end and a rear end;
a carriage supported on said frame and adapted for user engagement, said carriage further adapted for generally reciprocating movement between said ends;
a dynamic element capable of movement in a first direction;
a means for providing a force against said carriage, said force urging said carriage in said first direction; and
a means for engaging said carriage against said dynamic element to enable the user to propel said carriage in a second direction.
2. A human motion device, comprising:
a carriage adapted for user engagement and reciprocating movement;
a dynamic element capable of movement in a first direction;
a means for providing a force against said carriage, said force urging said carriage in said first direction; and
a means for engaging said carriage against said dynamic element to enable the user to propel said carriage in a second direction.
3. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 , further having a means for maintaining said carriage between said ends.
4. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is driven by a motor.
5. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element includes a generator.
6. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is coupled to a flywheel causing a rotation thereof when said carriage is moving in said first direction.
7. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said carriage is supported by a bearing system.
8. A human motion device as defined in claim 7 wherein said bearing system includes a shock absorption system.
9. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 further having a means for inclining and/or declining the device.
10. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein the means for providing a force against said carriage is adjustable.
11. A human motion device as defined in claim 10 wherein said force element is positioned on said carriage.
12. A human motion device as defined in claim 10 wherein said force element is user weight dependent.
13. A human motion device as defined in claim 10 wherein said force element is capable of being calibrated based upon user inputs.
14. A human motion device as defined in claim 10 wherein said force element is a servo motor.
15. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is driven by a slight incline of the device.
16. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is driven by a weight and pulley system.
17. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is motor driven.
18. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is a belt.
19. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is a cable.
20. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said dynamic element is a chain.
21. A human motion device as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for maintaining is capable of generally maintaining the user between said ends by increasing or decreasing the speed of said dynamic element.
22. A human motion device as defined in claim 21 wherein said means for maintaining is capable of anticipating a change in the incline/decline of the device.
23. A human motion device as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for maintaining said carriage between said ends include a pair of stops.
24. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said carriage includes two pedals.
25. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said carriage includes one pull element.
26. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said carriage includes two arm levers.
27. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said means for user engagement includes a two way dependent transmission.
28. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said means for user engagement includes a two way independent transmission.
29. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said means for user engagement includes a four way dependent transmission.
30. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said means for user engagement includes a four way independent transmission.
31. A human motion device as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein said means for user engagement includes a multiple gear ratio transmission.