초록 ▼

A walking exercise device is disclosed, which allows a user to move through normal walking motions while lying supine in a position of reduced (preferably no) axial gravitational loading on his spine. The device permits prolonged walking without the limitations of spinal vibration and stress and of

A walking exercise device is disclosed, which allows a user to move through normal walking motions while lying supine in a position of reduced (preferably no) axial gravitational loading on his spine. The device permits prolonged walking without the limitations of spinal vibration and stress and of foot fatigue. Pivoting arm and leg supports are mechanically linked such that the opposing pairs of limbs move in a counter motion to each other as in normal walking. These movements are performed with the assistance of a flywheel to control the walking pace or to provide adjustable resistance against which the user must exert himself. Hinges or a knee flexure roll may be provided to flex the knees and provide foot stroke during each step. The device may be operated by the user\s own exertions or may be motor driven for use by infirm persons. Spinal massage mechanism and head and neck traction devices which may be operated simultaneously are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus to permit a person to perform coordinated motions of walking while maintaining his or her spine in an at least partially free of axial gravitational loaded state, which comprises: a rigid frame including a generally flat platform at the top thereof, said platform having a surface to suppor

Apparatus to permit a person to perform coordinated motions of walking while maintaining his or her spine in an at least partially free of axial gravitational loaded state, which comprises: a rigid frame including a generally flat platform at the top thereof, said platform having a surface to support said person from the hips superiorly in a supine position with at least reduced gravitational loading axially along said person\s spine, said frame having a right side, a left side, an axial centerline, a shoulder end and a hip end, all corresponding to the location of the counterpart portions of said supported person\s body; a pair of leg supports, each support pivotally mounted to the hip end of said frame and pivotable in a vertical plane, one support disposed on the right side and one support disposed on the left side of said centerline; a pair of arm exercisers, one disposed on the right side and one disposed on the left side of said centerline, the arm exercisers each consisting essentially of an elongated member positioned substantially perpendicular to the flat platform and having a handgrip disposed at one end thereof, the handgrip being adapted to be engaged by the hand of a person, said arm exercisers being adapted to move in a generally vertical plane and being positioned to maintain the person\s natural wrist and elbow angle with the arms substantially unsupported while performing the motion of walking; linkage means for joining said arm exercisers and leg supports to cause the right side arm exerciser and left side leg support to move vertically and synchronously in one direction and the left side arm exerciser and right side leg support to move vertically and synchronously in the other direction when said apparatus is activated; and inertial means, connected to the linkage means for maintaining the synchronous opposed movement of said leg supports and arm exercisers for a period of time while said person remains in said supine position with said spine in said state of at least reduced axial loading.