Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Reexamination Certificate
1997-06-09
2001-01-23
Yu, Mickey (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
C482S052000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176814
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more particularly to exercise equipment which can be used to exercise the upper body and the lower body of the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of different types of exercise apparatus that exercise a user's lower body by providing a circuitous stepping motion. These orbital stepping apparatuses provide advantages over other types of exercise apparatuses. For example, the orbital stepping motion generally does not jar the user's joints as can occur when a treadmill is used. In addition, orbital stepping apparatuses exercise the user's lower body to a greater extent than, for example, cycling-type exercise apparatuses or skiing-type exercise apparatuses. Examples of orbital stepping apparatuses include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,316,898, 5,242,343, and 5,279,529, and German Patent No. DE 2,919,494.
However, known orbital stepping exercise apparatuses suffer from various drawbacks. For example, some apparatuses are limited to exercising the user's lower body and do not provide exercise for the user's upper body. In addition, the orbital stepping motion of some apparatuses produces an un-natural heel to toe flexure that reduces exercise efficiency. Moreover, known orbital stepping exercise apparatuses are limited in the extent to which the user can achieve a variety of exercise experiences. Consequently, boredom ensues and the user may lose interest in using the orbital stepping exercise apparatuses. A need therefore exists for an improved orbital stepping exercise apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an orbital stepping exercise apparatus that exercises the user's lower and upper body.
Another object of the invention is to provide an orbital stepping exercise apparatus that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure and thereby promotes exercise efficiency.
Another object of the invention is to provide an orbital stepping exercise apparatus that can be used in a multiplicity of modes by an individual user.
Another object of the invention is to provide an orbital stepping apparatus that can be tailored to the individual needs and desires of different users.
These and other objectives and advantages are provided by the present invention which is directed to an exercise apparatus that can be employed by a user to exercise the user's upper and lower body. The exercise apparatus includes a frame that is adapted for placement on the floor, a pivot axis supported by the frame, a pedal bar which has first and second ends, a pedal that is secured to the pedal bar, an ellipse generator, and a track. The ellipse generator is secured to both the pivot axis and to the first end of the pedal bar such that the first end of said pedal bar moves in an elliptical path around the pivot axis. The track is secured to the frame and engages the second end of said pedal bar such that the second end moves in a linear reciprocating path as the first end of the pedal bar moves in the elliptical path around said pivot axis. Consequently, the pedal also moves in a generally elliptical path. As the pedal moves in its elliptical path, the angular orientation of the pedal, relative to a fixed, horizontal plane, such as the floor, varies in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure.
A second embodiment of the invention includes a frame, a pivot axis that is supported by the frame, a pedal lever, a coupler, a guide member, a pedal that has a toe portion and a heel portion, and a coupling member. The coupler pivotally couples a first end of the pedal lever to the pivot axis at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis such that the first end of the pedal lever moves in an arcuate pathway around the pivot axis. The guide member is supported by the frame and engages a second end of the pedal lever such that the second end of the pedal lever moves in a reciprocating pathway as the first end moves in the arcuate pathway. The coupling member couples the pedal with the second end of the pedal lever such that the toe portion is intermediate the heel portion and such that the heel portion is raised above the toe portion when the second end of the pedal lever moves in the reciprocating pathway away from the pivot axis. The angular orientation of the pedal thus varies in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toes flexure.
A third embodiment of the invention includes a frame, a pivot axis that is supported by the frame, a track, a coupling assembly, a pedal assembly, and a pedal tie. The coupling assembly supports the track near a first end thereof, on the pivot axis at a first predetermined distance from the pivot axis, such that the first end of the track moves in a vertically reciprocating arcuate path relative to the pivot axis. The pedal assembly includes a pedal that slidably engages a second end of the track. A first end of the pedal tie is secured to the coupling assembly at a second predetermined distance from the pivot axis. A second end of the pedal tie is secured to the pedal assembly such that the pedal moves in a linear reciprocating path along the track as the first end of the track moves in the vertically reciprocating arcuate path. As the pedal moves, the angular orientation of the pedal varies in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure.
All three embodiments of the invention can be used in either a forward stepping mode or in a backward stepping mode. All three embodiments of the invention can also include a resistance member, a data input member, and a control member. The resistance member applies a resistive force to the pedal. The data input means permits the user to input control signals. The control means responds to the input control member to control the resistance member and apply a braking force to the pedal. The user can thus control the amount of resistance offered by the pedal and so can vary the degree of effort required to move the pedal. The invention thus can accommodate the individual needs and desires of different users. In addition, all three embodiments of the invention can include an arm handle and an arm handle coupling member that couples the arm handle to the pedal such that the arm handle moves in synchronism with the pedal. The invention thus can be employed by the user to exercise the user's upper and lower body.
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Eschenbach Paul W.
Lenz Steven M.
Mueller Clifford F.
Oglesby Gary E.
Rosenow Charles J.
Brunswick Corporation
McMurry Michael B.
Pothier Denise
Ryan Kathleen A.
Yu Mickey
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