Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Stair climbing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-15
2001-04-17
Crow, Stephen R. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Stair climbing
C482S057000, C482S070000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217486
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more particularly to exercise equipment which can be used to provide a user with an elliptical step exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of different types of exercise apparatuses that exercise a user's lower body by providing a circuitous stepping motion. These elliptical stepping apparatuses provide advantages over other types of exercise apparatuses. For example, the elliptical stepping motion generally reduces shock on the user's knees as can occur when a treadmill is used. In addition, elliptical stepping apparatuses exercise the user's lower body to a greater extent than, for example, cycling-type exercise apparatuses. Examples of elliptical stepping apparatuses include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,316,898; 5,242,343; 5,383,829; 5,499,956; 5,685,804; 5,759,136; 5,762,588; 5,779,599; 5,792,026; 5,899,833 and German Patent No. DE 2 919 494.
However, known elliptical 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 elliptical stepping motion of some apparatuses does not produce an optimum foot motion including heel to toe flexure. Moreover, due to their mechanical arrangement, some previous stepping exercise apparatuses can be difficult for the user to mount. Also, for those exercisers that include arm handles for upper body exercise, the range of motion of the arm handle in many instances does not provide for a comfortable upper body exercise. A need therefore exists for an improved elliptical stepping exercise apparatus. One such improved elliptical stepping exercise apparatus can be found in a commonly owned application entitled “Cross Training Exercise Apparatus”, Ser. No. 08/814,487 (hereinafter “the '487 application”). The entire disclosure of the '487 application is incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an elliptical stepping exercise apparatus that exercises the user's lower and upper body in an easy to use and comfortable manner.
Another object of the invention is to provide a stepping exercise apparatus that simulates a natural foot motion thereby promoting exercise efficiency.
Another object of the invention is to provide an elliptical stepping exercise apparatus that has a bent pedal lever thereby making it easier for the user to mount.
Another object of the invention is to provide an elliptical stepping apparatus that provides for upper body exercise utilizing arm handles connected to rockers which in turn are connected to the pedal levers where the arm handles are approximately the same length as the rockers.
In addition, unlike some examples of elliptical stepping apparatuses such as the machine shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,829, the preferred embodiment of the invention does not utilize a coupling member to pivotally couple the pedal levers to the pivot axis. By contrast, the present invention uses a stroke link which is pivotally connected between a crank arm and a lower section of the pedal lever. Additionally, the pedal lever is not pivotally connected to the crank but instead rides on a roller and is bent to provide easier user access to the machine. As a result of the action of the stroke link and the roller, the end of the bent pedal lever travels in an elliptical path. A significantly different and unique foot motion will result due to the elliptical path taken by the end of the pedal lever.
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.
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Brunswick Corporation
Crow Stephen R.
McMurry Michael B.
Ryan Kathleen A.
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