Patent US644482A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6565486B2
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Elliptical exercise methods and apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 2001-04-16
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Granted: 2003-05-20
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Expires: 2021-04-16
Abstract
Abstract An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a foot supporting member. The linkage assembly includes a first link having a first end rotatably connected to a first rocker link, an intermediate portion rotatably connected to the crank, and a second end rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supporting member. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member is rotatably connected to a second rocker link. An upper distal portion of the second rocker link is sized and configured for grasping by a person standing on the foot supporting member.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth W. Stearns
- 👤 Joseph D. Maresh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:40
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B22/00; A63B22/06; A63B22/0664; A63B22/0002; A63B22/001; A63B2022/067; A63B21/00; A63B21/22; A63B21/225; A63B22/0015; A63B2210/00; A63B2210/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a left crank and a right crank, wherein each said crank is rotatably mounted on said frame at a common first axis; a left first link and a right first link, wherein each said first link has an intermediate portion, a first distal portion, and a second, opposite distal portion, wherein each said intermediate portion is rotatably connected to a respective said crank at a respective point radially displaced from said first axis, thereby defining a respective second axis, and each said first distal portion is constrained to move in reciprocating fashion relative to said frame, thereby defining a common path of reciprocal movement; a left second link and a right second link, wherein each said second link has a rearward portion rotatably connected to said opposite distal portion of a respective said first link, an intermediate portion sized and configured to support a person's foot, and a forward portion constrained to move in reciprocating fashion relative to said frame; and a means for selectively adjusting a distance measured between said common path and said first axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a left crank and a right crank, wherein each said crank is rotatably mounted on said frame at a common first axis; a left first link and a right first link, wherein each said first link has an intermediate portion, a first distal portion, and a second, opposite distal portion, wherein each said intermediate portion is rotatably connected to a respective said crank at a respective point radially displaced from said first axis, thereby defining a respective second axis, and each said first distal portion is constrained to move in reciprocating fashion relative to said frame, thereby defining a common path of reciprocal movement; a left second link and a right second link, wherein each said second link has a rearward portion rotatably connected to said opposite distal portion of a respective said first link, an intermediate portion sized and configured to support a person's foot, and a forward portion constrained to move in reciprocating fashion relative to said frame; and a means for selectively adjusting a distance measured between said common path and said first axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a left rocker link is rotatably interconnected between said frame and said first distal portion of said left first link, and a right rocker link is rotatably interconnected between said frame and said distal portion of said right first link.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 2 , wherein each said rocker link is rotatably connected to said first distal portion of a respective said first link at any of several locations along a respective said first link.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said means includes a left pin that inserts through a hole in said left rocker link and any of several holes in said left first link, and a right pin that inserts through a hole in said right rocker link and any of several holes in said right first link.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 2 , wherein each said first link rotates about a respective third axis relative to a respective said rocker link, and each said rocker link rotates about a respective fourth axis relative to said frame, and each said fourth axis is disposed above and behind said first axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a left rocker link rotatably interconnected between said frame and said forward portion of said left second link, and a right rocker link as rotatably interconnected between said frame and said forward portion of said right second link.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 6 , wherein each said rocker link has an upper distal portion which is sized and configured for grasping by a person standing on said intermediate portion of each said second link.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a let handlebar link and a right handlebar link, wherein each said handlebar link is rotatably mounted on said frame, and selectively linked o a respective rocker link.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
The exercise apparatus of claim 8 , wherein a left pin is selectively inserted through aligned holes in the left handlebar link and the left rocker link, and a right pin is selectively inserted through aligned holes in the right handlebar link and the right rocker link.
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) | 2006-05-19 | 2006-11-18 | 2007-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-05-19 | 2010-11-18 | 2011-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-05-19 | 2014-11-18 | 2015-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |