US5445583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Floating back pad leg exerciser
Assignee: Dream Visions LLC
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Filing: 1995-01-12
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Granted: 1995-08-29
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Expires: 2015-01-12
Abstract
Abstract An exercise machine supports the user with a backrest that is slideable along a guide member. The guide member extends upwardly from the frame of the machine and is inclined to the rear so that the user is supported in a semi-recumbent position. A pair of longitudinal beams are pivotally mounted on either side of the frame. Footpads are provided at the forward ends of the beams so that a user of the apparatus can comfortably engage the beams with his feet. The beams independently pivot on the frame so that the user can operate them in an alternating reciprocating fashion. A resistance mechanism resists the downward movement of the beams and a biasing force is provided to return the beams in an upward direction. To utilize the apparatus, the user engages the footpads with his feet and then presses against the footpads to elevate the backrest along the guide member. The resistance level is then gradually reduced and the user maintains an elevated position with a striding action against the beams. For any particular level of resistance, the user and the backrest will "float" at a height that varies as a function of the effort exerted by the user, the object of the exercise being to stay "afloat".
Inventors
- 👤 Theodore G. Habing
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:32
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B21/00; A63B21/15; A63B21/157; A63B21/40; A63B21/4041; A63B21/4047; A63B22/00; A63B22/0048; A63B22/0056; A63B22/0025; A63B2022/0038; A63B21/005; A63B21/0053; A63B21/008; A63B21/0083; A63B21/0085; A63B21/0087; A63B21/22; A63B21/225; A63B22/20; A63B22/201; A63B22/205; A63B2208/00; A63B2208/02; A63B2208/0204; A63B2208/0228; A63B2208/0238
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a support for supporting a user of said apparatus in a generally semi-recumbent posture; a pair of pedals independently movably coupled to the frame for movement between an elevated position and a depressed position, each pedal having a footpad for engagement by a respective foot of the user; and resistance means coupled to the pair of pedals for resisting a downstroke of each pedal to the depressed position and for assisting return of each pedal to the elevated position; wherein said support is freely movable from a lower rest position to a range of elevated positions during the user's operation of the pedals at a rate sufficient to prevent the pedals from descending to their respective depressed positions and wherein the apparatus lacks means for restricting movement of the support within the range of elevated positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a support for supporting a user of said apparatus in a generally semi-recumbent posture; a pair of pedals independently movably coupled to the frame for movement between an elevated position and a depressed position, each pedal having a footpad for engagement by a respective foot of the user; and resistance means coupled to the pair of pedals for resisting a downstroke of each pedal to the depressed position and for assisting return of each pedal to the elevated position; wherein said support is freely movable from a lower rest position to a range of elevated positions during the user's operation of the pedals at a rate sufficient to prevent the pedals from descending to their respective depressed positions and wherein the apparatus lacks means for restricting movement of the support within the range of elevated positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame includes an inclined guide member behind the support and the support is movable engaged therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the guide member is pivotally coupled to the frame and further including adjustment means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the guide member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the footpad has first and second operating surfaces inclined with respect to each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein one of the first and second operating surfaces is oriented for the user to stand generally upright on the pair of footpads for utilizing the apparatus in a stair-climbing mode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a hand rail coupled to the frame at a forward position thereof disposed for grasping by the user when standing generally upright on the pair of footpads.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seat attached to the frame at a location adjacent to a lower portion of the support when the support is in the rest position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for restraining the pedals in an elevated starting position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the resistance means comprises a uni-directional driveshaft coupled to each of the pair of pedals, a flywheel, and means for transferring rotational energy from the driveshaft to the flywheel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising means coupled to the flywheel for retarding rotation thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
178 words
An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a guide member coupled to the frame; a support slideably coupled to the guide member for supporting a user of said apparatus in a generally semi-recumbent position, said support being freely slideable along the guide member in a partially vertical direction while the apparatus is in use; a pair of pedals coupled to the frame for independent movement between an elevated position and a depressed position, each pedal having a footpad at a forward end thereof for engagement by a respective foot of the user; and resistance means coupled to the pair of pedals for resisting a downstroke of each pedal to the depressed position and for assisting return of each pedal to the elevated position; wherein said support is movable from a lower rest position to a range of elevated positions during the user's operation of the pedals at a rate sufficient to prevent the pedals from descending to their respective depressed positions and wherein the apparatus lacks means for restricting movement of the support within the range of elevated positions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
178 words
An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a guide member coupled to the frame; a support slideably coupled to the guide member for supporting a user of said apparatus in a generally semi-recumbent position, said support being freely slideable along the guide member in a partially vertical direction while the apparatus is in use; a pair of pedals coupled to the frame for independent movement between an elevated position and a depressed position, each pedal having a footpad at a forward end thereof for engagement by a respective foot of the user; and resistance means coupled to the pair of pedals for resisting a downstroke of each pedal to the depressed position and for assisting return of each pedal to the elevated position; wherein said support is movable from a lower rest position to a range of elevated positions during the user's operation of the pedals at a rate sufficient to prevent the pedals from descending to their respective depressed positions and wherein the apparatus lacks means for restricting movement of the support within the range of elevated positions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the guide member is pivotally coupled to the frame and further including adjustment means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the guide member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the footpads has first and second operating surfaces inclined with respect to each other.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein one of the first and second operating surfaces is oriented for the user to stand generally upright on the pair of footpads for utilizing the apparatus in a stair-climbing mode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a seat attached to the frame at a location adjacent to a lower portion of the support when the support is in the rest position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the resistance means comprises a uni-directional driveshaft coupled to each of the pair of pedals, a flywheel, and means for transferring rotational energy from the driveshaft to the flywheel.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising means coupled to the flywheel for retarding rotation thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising means for restraining the pedals in the elevated starting position.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of performing a lower body exercise comprising the steps of: (a) providing an exercise apparatus having: (i) a frame; (ii) a support movably coupled to the frame for supporting a user of the apparatus in a generally semi-recumbent posture, said support being freely movable between a rest position and a range of elevated positions; (iii) a pair of pedals movably coupled to the frame for movement between an elevated position and a depressed position, each pedal having a footpad for engagement by a respective foot of the user; (iv) means coupled to the pair of pedals for resisting a downstroke of each pedal to the depressed position and for assisting return of each pedal to the elevated position; (b) positioning a posterior portion of the user's body on the support; (c) positioning the user's feet on respective ones of the footpads; (d) the user striding alternately against the footpads at a rate sufficient to maintain the user's body and support within the range of elevated positions.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of performing a lower body exercise comprising the steps of: (a) providing an exercise apparatus having: (i) a frame; (ii) a support movably coupled to the frame for supporting a user of the apparatus in a generally semi-recumbent posture, said support being freely movable between a rest position and a range of elevated positions; (iii) a pair of pedals movably coupled to the frame for movement between an elevated position and a depressed position, each pedal having a footpad for engagement by a respective foot of the user; (iv) means coupled to the pair of pedals for resisting a downstroke of each pedal to the depressed position and for assisting return of each pedal to the elevated position; (b) positioning a posterior portion of the user's body on the support; (c) positioning the user's feet on respective ones of the footpads; (d) the user striding alternately against the footpads at a rate sufficient to maintain the user's body and support within the range of elevated positions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 19 further comprising the step, before step (c), of setting resistance to the downstroke of at least one of the pedals to a high level.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 20 further comprising the step, before step (d), of reducing said high level of resistance to a lower level.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-28 | 1999-02-27 | 1999-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-28 | 2003-02-27 | 2003-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-28 | 2007-02-27 | 2007-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |