Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Stair climbing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-03
2001-03-27
Crow, Stephen R. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Stair climbing
C482S051000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206804
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to exercise methods and apparatus and more particularly, to exercise equipment which facilitates exercise through a curved path of motion.
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 allow a person to climb in place; bicycle machines allow a person to pedal in place; and other machines allow a person to skate and/or stride in place. Yet another type of exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate relatively more complicated exercise motions and/or to better simulate real life activity. Such equipment typically uses some sort of linkage assembly to convert a relatively simple motion, such as circular, into a relatively more complex motion, such as elliptical.
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 encouraging generally elliptical exercise motion. The linkage assembly allows foot supports to travel along elliptical paths which may be altered by adjustable components at the operator's discretion.
In a preferred embodiment, a rocker link and a crank are interconnected in series between a frame and each foot support. More specifically, the rocker link is rotatably interconnected between the frame and the crank; and the crank is rotatably interconnected between the rocker link and the foot support. Rotation of the cranks causes the foot supports to move back and forth in cyclical fashion, and the pivotal nature of the rocker links allows the foot supports to be moved a discretionary distance in a second, perpendicular direction. Many advantages and improvements of the present invention may become apparent from the more detailed description that follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5735774 (1998-04-01), Maresh
patent: 5935046 (1999-08-01), Maresh
LandOfFree
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 Exercise methods and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Exercise methods and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2468754