Elliptical step mechanism
OwnerJohn Rogusinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In an exercise apparatus that includes a frame that is adapted for placement on the floor, a pivot axle supported by the frame, a pedal lever and a pedal, a mechanism is provided that allows the pedal to be selectively moved by a user relative to the pedal lever in order to produce a variety of elliptical paths. As a result, by varying the pedal position relative to the pedal lever, the corresponding elliptical path of the pedal can be changed, for example, relative to a fixed, horizontal plane, such as the floor, to simulate an uphill, horizontal or downhill gait.
Claims20
An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- a pivot axel rotatably supported by said frame;
- a pedal lever having a first and a second end;
- a first assembly engaged with said pedal lever to permit said first end of said pedal lever to move in a generally linear direction;
- a second assembly including a member secured to said pivot axel engaged with said pedal lever to permit said second end of said pedal lever to move in a generally circular or elliptical motion with respect to said pivot axel;
- and
- a pedal mounting mechanism including a pedal movably secured to said pedal lever such that said pedal is selectively positionable in at least a first position and in a second position along the length of said pedal lever.
An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- a pivot axle supported by said frame;
- a pedal lever;
- a first assembly for connecting a first portion of said pedal lever to said pivot axle;
- a second assembly for connecting a second portion of said pedal lever to said frame;
- a pedal moveably mounted to said pedal lever;
- and
- a mechanism including an actuator for selectively moving said pedal to a plurality of positions on said pedal lever including a first position and a second position such that said pedal travels along a substantially inclined elliptical path when said pedal is in said first position and along a substantially horizontal elliptical path when said pedal is in said second position.
An exercise apparatus comprising:
- means, including a pedal mounted on a pedal lever, for generating an elliptical motion of said foot pedal;
- and
- means for selectively moving said pedal on said pedal lever to alter said elliptical motion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.