US5882281A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exercise methods and apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1998-04-22
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Granted: 1999-03-16
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Expires: 2018-04-22
Abstract
Abstract An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A support member is movably supported between a frame and a crank rotatably mounted on the frame. The foot supporting member moves vertically together with the support member and horizontally relative to the support member.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth W. Stearns
- 👤 Joseph D. Maresh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:38
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B22/00; A63B22/0015; A63B22/0023; A63B22/0002; A63B22/001; A63B22/06; A63B22/0664; A63B22/0017; A63B2022/002; A63B2022/067
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; left and right cranks rotatably mounted on said frame; left and right rocker links pivotally mounted on said frame; left and right rails having first ends rotatably connected to respective cranks and second ends rotatably connected to respective rocker links; left and right foot supports movably mounted on respective rails; at least one left link interconnected between said left rocker link and said left foot support in such a manner that rotation of said left crank causes said left foot support to move vertically together with said left rail and horizontally relative to said left rail; and at least one right link interconnected between said right rocker link and said right foot support in such a manner that rotation of said right crank causes said right foot support to move vertically together with said right rail and horizontally relative to said right rail.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; left and right cranks rotatably mounted on said frame; left and right rocker links pivotally mounted on said frame; left and right rails having first ends rotatably connected to respective cranks and second ends rotatably connected to respective rocker links; left and right foot supports movably mounted on respective rails; at least one left link interconnected between said left rocker link and said left foot support in such a manner that rotation of said left crank causes said left foot support to move vertically together with said left rail and horizontally relative to said left rail; and at least one right link interconnected between said right rocker link and said right foot support in such a manner that rotation of said right crank causes said right foot support to move vertically together with said right rail and horizontally relative to said right rail.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of linking rotation of left and right cranks to generally elliptical motion of left and right foot supporting members, comprising the steps of: providing a frame sized and configured to support a person relative to an underlying floor surface; rotatably mounting the left and right cranks on the frame; pivotally mounting left and right rocker links on the frame; movably interconnecting left and right rails between respective rocker links and respective cranks; movably mounting left and right foot supports on respective rails; and connecting the foot supports to respective rocker links in such a manner that rotation of the cranks causes each of the foot supports to move vertically together with a respective rail and horizontally relative to a respective rail.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of linking rotation of left and right cranks to generally elliptical motion of left and right foot supporting members, comprising the steps of: providing a frame sized and configured to support a person relative to an underlying floor surface; rotatably mounting the left and right cranks on the frame; pivotally mounting left and right rocker links on the frame; movably interconnecting left and right rails between respective rocker links and respective cranks; movably mounting left and right foot supports on respective rails; and connecting the foot supports to respective rocker links in such a manner that rotation of the cranks causes each of the foot supports to move vertically together with a respective rail and horizontally relative to a respective rail.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-09-14 | 2003-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-15 | 2006-09-14 | 2007-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-15 | 2010-09-14 | 2011-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |