Virtual-reality based flycycle exercise machine

Claim 1

An exercise machine for providing motion in three dimensions through the use of a four-bar linkage to generate the sensation of motion through a three dimensional computer generated virtual environment, comprising: a frame which is stationary and fixed to a platform; a gondola suspended in said frame by a four-bar linkage, such that roll and lateral motion of said gondola provided by said four-bar linkage generates the sensation of banked turning and the pitch angle resulting from pendular rotation of said gondola about the points of suspension of said gondola from said frame so as to generate the sensation of climbing and diving through a three-dimensional computer generated virtual environment; a seat mounted onto said gondola and fixed on a coupling link of said four-bar linkage; a pedal-operated drive train having a pair of pedals mounted on said coupling link in front of said seat with which a user controls simulated speed in said computer generated virtual environment through the rate of rotational pedaling by said user, thereby generating the sensation of motion; a stationary handlebar means fixed to said frame with which said user exercise upper body strength through the arms and hands by pulling and pushing against the gravitational weight of said user and said gondola to achieve and to hold the desired bank right or left and the desired pitch angle up or down in a coordinated manner to control the direction of a simulated three-dimensional movement in said computer generated virtual environment; and a video monitor fixed on said coupling link of said four-bar linkage of said gondola in front of said seat for said user to view said computer generated virtual environment.