US 6,361,476 B1Granted

Variable stride elliptical exercise apparatus

OwnerPaul William Eschenbachinventor

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Cross trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing machines often produce user problems resulting from improper stride length or excessive ankle articulation. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with fewer user problems. Further, the cross trainer is adjustable to vary the motion of the elliptical stride from walking to climbing. A foot support member is guided by a guide on one end and drives a control linkage on the other end. The resulting pedal motion is independently adjustable in stride length and ellipse orientation during operation. Handles are provided for coordinated arm exercise that adjusts with stride adjustment.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An exercise machine comprising;

a framework configured to be supported on the floor;
a crank means rotatably connected to said framework, said crank means projecting outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof;
a pair of guide means, said guide means operably associated with said framework;
a pair of roller means, said roller means operably associated with said crank means;
a foot support member for each foot, said foot support member having a portion supported by said roller means and operably associated with said guide means to move with a generally back and forth orbital movement;
a control linkage, said control linkage having a plurality of control links positioned rearward said exercise machine, operably associated with said crank means and said foot support member;
a pedal means operably associated with said foot support member to move along an elongate curve path having a predetermined curve length;
a means for adjustment, said means for adjustment operably associated with said control linkage and said foot support member to cause a change in the relationship between said control links when desired by the operator;
said pedal means configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of the operator is rotating said crank means whereby said predetermined curve length can be changed.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/550,914Filed 17 Apr 2000 · continuation in part
Priority: 27 Jul 1999
Granted: 26 Mar 2002
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

A63B 22/0023
With an adjustable movement path of the support elements: the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the…
A63B 22/001
Involving an exercising of arms: by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase
A63B 22/0015
Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements: with an…
A63B 22/0664
With support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement: performing an elliptic movement

Family

Application09/361,328Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 27 Jul 1999
Application09/488,593Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 24 Jan 2000
US 6,210,305 B1Parent of this continuation-in-part
US 6,042,512 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 6,361,476 B1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.