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US 7,465,254 B2Granted
Exercise methods and apparatus
OwnerJoseph D. Mareshinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An exercise apparatus includes left and right rigid connector links having first portions rotatably connected to respective cranks, second portions constrained to move in reciprocating fashion, and third portions configured to support a person's feet. The resulting assembly links rotation of the cranks to movement of the foot supports through generally elliptical paths. The connection points may be moved relative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of the paths.
Claims21
A method of facilitating seated exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame adapted to rest upon a floor surface;
- mounting left and right linkage assemblies on the frame, wherein each of the linkage assemblies includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the frame, a guide mounted on the frame, and a connector link movably interconnected between the rotating member and the guide in a manner that links rotation of the rotating member to movement of a connector link portion through a generally elliptical path;
- connecting a left foot support to a respective said portion, and connecting a right foot support to a respective said portion;
- connecting left and right handles to respective said linkage assemblies;
- and
- mounting a seat on the frame to support a person in a seated position within reach of each said foot support and within reach of said handles.
3 more elements
A method of facilitating seated exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame adapted to rest upon a floor surface;
- mounting left and right linkage assemblies on the frame, wherein each of the linkage assemblies includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the frame, a guide mounted on the frame, and a connector link movably interconnected between the rotating member and the guide in a manner that links rotation of the rotating member to movement of a connector link portion through a generally elliptical path;
- connecting a left foot support to a respective said portion, and connecting a right foot support to a respective said elliptical path;
- mounting a seat on the frame to support a person in a seated position within reach of each said foot support, wherein the seat is mounted on the frame in a manner that defines a horizontal seat plane that extends beneath each said guide.
1 more element
A method of facilitating seated exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame adapted to rest upon a floor surface;
- mounting left and right linkage assemblies on the frame, wherein each of the linkage assemblies includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the frame, a guide mounted on the frame, and a connector link movably interconnected between the rotating member and the guide in a manner that links rotation of the rotating member to movement of a connector link portion through a generally elliptical path;
- connecting a left foot support to a respective said portion, and connecting a right foot support to a respective said portion;
- and
- mounting a seat on the frame to support a person in a seated position within reach of each said foot support, wherein the seat is mounted on the frame in a manner that defines a horizontal seat plane that extends beneath each said rotating member.
2 more elements
A method of facilitating seated exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame adapted to rest upon a floor surface;
- mounting left and right linkage assemblies on the frame, wherein each of the linkage assemblies includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the frame, a guide mounted on the frame, and a connector link movably interconnected between the rotating member and the guide in a manner that links rotation of the rotating member to movement of a connecter link portion through a generally elliptical path;
- connecting a left foot support to a respective said portion, and connecting a right foot support to a respective said portion;
- and
- mounting a seat on the frame to support a person in a seated position within reach of each said foot support, wherein the seat is mounted on the frame in a manner that defines a horizontal seat plane that extends beneath at least a portion of each said connector link.
2 more elements
A method of facilitating seated exercise activity, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame adapted to rest upon a floor surface;
- mounting left and right linkage assemblies on the frame, wherein each of the linkage assemb1ies includes a rotating member rotatably mounted on the frame, a guide mounted on the frame, and a connector link movably interconnected between the rotating member and the guide in a manner that links rotation of the rotating member to movement of a connector link portion through a generally elliptical path;
- connecting a left foot support to a respective said portion, and connecting a right foot support to a respective said portion;
- and
- mounting a seat on the frame to support a person in a seated position within reach of each said foot support, wherein each said guide is a rocker link, and the mounting step involving the linkage assemblies involves pivotally connecting a first end of each said guide to a respective said connector link, and pivotally connecting an opposite, second end of each said guide to the frame.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.