Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-04-24
Donnelly, Jerome W. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
C482S070000, C482S148000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220990
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates in general to fitness equipment and in particular to an aerobic exercise machine which simulates low impact jumping jack-type motions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Because of a growing appreciation for the benefits of regular exercise and because constraints of time and space prevent many persons from indulging in activities such as running, swimming and walking, the market for exercise equipment is rapidly increasing. It is generally desirable to exercise a number of different muscles over a fairly large range of motion so as to provide for even physical development and a maximum level of exercise. It is further desirable that exercise equipment provide a smooth, relatively natural motion so as to avoid jarring or irregular strains which can damage muscles and joints. It is also desirable that exercise equipment be relatively easy to use and of simple, low cost construction.
While a number of different exercise systems are known in the prior art, such systems suffer from a number of shortcomings which limit their utility. Stationary bicycles are widely used; however, they are employed in a sitting position and consequently, the number of muscles exercised is small. Furthermore, the range of motion provided by a stationary bicycle is fairly limited. Stationary devices for simulating cross country skiing are also in widespread use. While these systems exercise more muscles than do stationary bicycles, the relatively flat, shuffling foot motion provided thereby does not adequately exercise all of the leg muscles through a wide range of motion. Further, those with provisions for arm movement require a learned balance and thus are not easy to use. Stair climbing equipment which also has become popular, exercises only the lower body. Treadmills and the like permit walking or jogging, but are jarring to knee and ankle joints and like cross country skiing devices, require a learned balance. Thus, they are not easy to use.
There is a need for an exercise device which is simple, easy use and which provides for a smooth low impact exercise that uses a relatively large number of muscles through a large range of motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed towards a machine for low impact personal exercise that is simple, easy to use, and works a relatively large number of muscles through a large range of motion. The machine has a base with a support post extending vertically upward from its rearward end. A foot support is positioned perpendicular to the support post and above the base. The foot support pivots on a forward facing pivot mounted to the support post about a first axis that is generally perpendicular to the post. A handle is pivotally mounted to the support post at a second forward facing pivot and rotates about a second axis parallel to the first. The first pivot point is higher than the second pivot point. The handle is pivotally joined to the foot support and the second pivot can slide vertically in engagement with the support post. Resistance is provided by an electromagnetic coil that resists the vertical sliding of the second pivot point. The foot support is generally planar and adapted to accept a human foot in an axis parallel to the first axis and an axis perpendicular to the first axis. The person is supported on the foot supports above the base. The handle is extensible along a line perpendicular to the first axis and rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the first axis.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 36031 (1999-01-01), Piaget et al.
patent: 5603675 (1997-02-01), Wu
patent: 5681244 (1997-10-01), Hsieh
patent: 5876307 (1999-03-01), Stearns et al.
patent: 6042510 (2000-03-01), Miller
Bracewell & Patterson LLP
Bradley James E.
Donnelly Jerome W.
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