Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Stair climbing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-28
2001-03-06
Crow, Stephen R. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Stair climbing
C482S051000, C482S070000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196948
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to exercise methods and apparatus, and the preferred embodiment is an elliptical motion exercise machine which alternatively facilitates stepping and striding motions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate a variety of exercise motions. For example, treadmills allow a person to walk or run in place; stepper machines and climber machines allow a person to climb in place; bicycle machines allow a person to pedal in place; and still other machines allow a person to skate and/or stride in place. Yet another type of exercise equipment facilitates relatively more complicated exercise motions and/or better simulates real life activity. Such equipment typically links a relatively simple motion, such as circular, to a relatively more complex motion, such as elliptical. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved elliptical motion exercise machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one respect, the present invention may be seen to provide a novel linkage assembly and corresponding exercise apparatus suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. On a preferred embodiment, left and right connector links have forward portions which are pivotally connected to respective rocker links; intermediate portions which are movably connected to respective cranks; and rearward portions which are sized and configured to support a person's feet. In a first mode of operation, the connector links are rotatably connected to respective cranks. In a second mode of operation, the connector links are rollably connected to respective cranks, and left and right drawbars are imposed between respective cranks and respective rocker links in a manner which amplifies the horizontal displacement of respective connector links.
In another respect, the present invention may be seen to facilitate foot travel through more than one fixed elliptical path. On the preferred embodiment, a first path has a generally vertical major axis and accommodates a stepping motion, and a second path has a generally horizontal major axis and accommodates a striding motion. Switching between the two types of paths is accomplished by imposing/removing a constraint on/from a first portion of the linkage assembly and conversely removing/imposing a constraint from/on a second portion of the linkage assembly. Additional features and advantages of the present invention may become more apparent from the detailed description that follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5997445 (1999-12-01), Maresh et al.
patent: 6024676 (2000-02-01), Eschenbach
patent: 6042512 (2000-03-01), Eschenbach
patent: 6045487 (2000-04-01), Miller
patent: 6080086 (2000-06-01), Maresh et al.
patent: 6090013 (2000-07-01), Eschenbach
Maresh Joseph D.
Stearns Kenneth W.
LandOfFree
Elliptical exercise methods and apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Elliptical exercise methods and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Elliptical exercise methods and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2491027