US6527677B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elliptical motion exercise machine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2001-01-22
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Granted: 2003-03-04
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Expires: 2021-01-22
Abstract
Abstract A multiple rigid bar mechanism serving as an exercise machine which may be characterized as providing a motion path along a closed curve. In the simplest embodiment, the mechanism comprises a motion bar rotatably connected to a flywheel and a trunnion element. The flywheel is rotatably secured to the machine frame about a flywheel base joint, and is eccentrically connected to the motion bar at a flywheel motion bar first joint. Upon input force from the machine operator at a motion bar force input region, the motion bar will be caused to pivot about a motion bar trunnion region thus effecting the motion bar first joint to translate at an eccentric radius about the flywheel or crank rotational axis. The mechanism may be used to exercise the operators upper and/or lower body, and may be described as having a reciprocating type of resistive motion with inertial characteristics of a flywheel.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph D. Maresh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:49
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B22/00; A63B22/06; A63B22/0664; A63B22/0002; A63B22/001; A63B22/0025; A63B2022/0033; A63B2022/0676; A63B2022/0682; A63B21/00; A63B21/005; A63B21/0051; A63B21/012; A63B21/015; A63B21/22; A63B21/225; A63B2208/00; A63B2208/02; A63B2208/0228; A63B2208/0238
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
An elliptical motion exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a crank member mounted on said frame and rotatable about an axis relative to said frame; a force receiving member having a first portion configured for engagement by a person, and a second portion rotatably connected to said crank member at a point radially displaced from said axis; a guide member connected to said frame and operative to direct a third portion of said force receiving member through a reciprocal path as said crank member rotates, wherein said first portion of said force receiving member is directed through a generally elliptical path as said crank member rotates; and a variable length member interconnected between said frame and one of said force receiving member and said guide member, wherein said variable length member resists movement of said guide member relative to said frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
An elliptical motion exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a crank member mounted on said frame and rotatable about an axis relative to said frame; a force receiving member having a first portion configured for engagement by a person, and a second portion rotatably connected to said crank member at a point radially displaced from said axis; a guide member connected to said frame and operative to direct a third portion of said force receiving member through a reciprocal path as said crank member rotates, wherein said first portion of said force receiving member is directed through a generally elliptical path as said crank member rotates; and a variable length member interconnected between said frame and one of said force receiving member and said guide member, wherein said variable length member resists movement of said guide member relative to said frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said guide member pivotally mounted on said frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said generally elliptical path is selectively adjusted by pivoting said guide member to a different orientation relative to said frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said variable length member includes a cylinder and a rod that are interconnected in telescoping fashion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said generally elliptical path is selectively adjusted by relocating a point of interconnection between said guide member and said force receiving member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said variable length member includes a cylinder and a rod that are interconnected in telescoping fashion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said variable length member is a linear damper.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said variable length member is pivotally interconnected between said frame and said force receiving member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first portion is proximate a distal end of said force receiving member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said second portion is proximate an opposite distal end of said force receiving member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said guide member is a rocker link that is pivotally interconnected between said frame and said force receiving member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said guide member is a rocker link that is pivotally interconnected between said frame and said force receiving member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said guide member is a rocker link that is pivotally interconnected between said frame and said force receiving member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said first portion is a hand receiving member that is sized and configured for grasping by the person.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said first portion is a hand receiving member that is sized and configured for grasping by the person.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said first portion is a hand receiving member that is sized and configured for grasping by the person.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said first portion is a hand receiving member that is sized and configured for grasping by the person.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said first portion is a hand receiving member that is sized and configured for grasping by the person.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first portion is a hand receiving member that is sized and configured for grasping by the person.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a seat mounted on the frame.
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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) | 2006-03-03 | 2006-09-02 | 2007-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-03-03 | 2010-09-02 | 2011-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-03-03 | 2014-09-02 | 2015-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |