Elliptical exercise methods and apparatus
OwnerMark A. Krullinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A linkage assembly movably supports a seat relative to a frame for movement of the seat through an elliptical path of motion. The elliptical path may be selectively adjusted by repositioning linkage assembly components relative to one another. At least some of the elliptical paths have a length greater than a diameter defined by a crank that rotates in conjunction with the elliptical motion. Handles are also movably supported by the linkage assembly for movement through an arcuate path of motion. The handle path may be selectively adjusted in conjunction with adjustment of the seat path or independent of adjustment of the seat path.
Claims21
An exercise apparatus, comprising:
- a frame configured to rest on a floor surface;
- a crank rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about a crank axis;
- a beam having a first end and an opposite, second end, wherein the first end is movably supported by the crank at a radial distance from the crank axis and in a manner that accommodates both rotation and translation therebetween;
- a seat disposed on top of the beam;
- and
- a linkage assembly interconnected between the frame, the crank, and the second end of the beam in a manner that links rotation of the crank to movement of the seat through an elliptical path having a major axis that is greater than twice the radial distance and a minor axis that is less than twice the radial distance.
A method of facilitating a rowing-type exercise with a seat that moves through an elliptical path of motion that is selectively adjustable, comprising the steps of:
- providing an exercise apparatus having a frame configured to rest on a floor surface;
- a crank rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about a crank axis;
- a beam having a first end and an opposite, second end, wherein the first end is movably supported by the crank at a radial distance from the crank axis and in a manner that accommodates both rotation and translation therebetween;
- a seat disposed on top of the beam;
- and a linkage assembly, including a first link and a second link, interconnected between the frame, the crank, and the second end of the beam in a manner that links rotation of the crank to movement of the seat through an elliptical path having a major axis that is amplified to exceed an effective crank diameter defined by the crank;
- and
- repositioning the first link relative to the second link to alter the elliptical path.
An exercise apparatus, comprising:
- a frame configured to rest on a floor surface;
- a crank rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about a crank axis;
- a rocker link pivotally mounted on the frame for pivoting about a pivot axis;
- a seat beam having a first end and an opposite, second end, wherein the first end is movably supported by the crank at a radial distance from the crank axis and in a manner that accommodates both rotation and translation therebetween, and the second end is pivotally connected to the rocker link at a first pivot distance from the pivot axis;
- a seat disposed on top of the beam;
- and
- at least one drawbar link having a forwardmost end rotatably connected to the crank, and an opposite, rearwardmost end pivotally connected to the rocker link at a second pivot distance from the pivot axis, wherein the second pivot distance is less than the first pivot distance, and the seat is thereby constrained to move through an elliptical path having a major axis that is amplified to exceed an effective crank diameter defined by rotation of the crank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.