Site News  |   Monitor Keywords  |   Monitor Archive  |   Organizer  |   Account Info  |

Recumbent elliptical exercise device with apparatus for elongated stride

Recumbent elliptical exercise device with apparatus for elongated stride description/claims

This application relies upon provisional application Ser. No. 60/784,279 filed in the United States Patent Office on Mar. 21, 2006.

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to an aerobic exercise machine. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a recumbent elliptical exercise apparatus with elongated stride.

2. Background

Although offered by various manufacturers under a variety of generic names, generally speaking, an elliptical exerciser is an aerobic exercise machine wherein the user's feet travel in a generally elongated elliptical path while the user walks, jogs, runs, or climbs. Many elliptical exercisers include a feature for simultaneously exercising the upper body.

There are many advantages to using a mechanical device to aerobically train rather than simply running or jogging. For example, such machines typically provide the user with meaningful feedback in regard to the exercise performed. For example, a typical aerobic exercise machine may provide the user with a real-time display of power produced by the user (i.e. Watts), as well as totalizing displays of information such as calories expended or equivalent miles run. In addition, properly designed equipment reduces the risk of injury, and, as part of a rehabilitation program, allows easy monitoring by a therapist.

Elliptical exercisers have proven to provide a quantifiable, low impact workout with meaningful results, and are, therefore, a viable alternative to treadmills, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, rowing machines, and the like. In that regard, elliptical exercisers have thus far been very popular in relation to other aerobic machines.

In a typical elliptical exerciser, the user's feet rest on individual pedals which are mounted on rails. A first end of each rail is attached to a bell crank such that the first end of each rail travels in a circular path. The left end of the bell crank is 180 degrees out of phase with the right end of the bell crank such that as one foot moves forward, the other foot moves backward and as one foot moves up, the other foot moves down. The second end of each rail, depending on the particular machine, is constrained to move in a track, over a fixed roller, or guided by a swing arm, thereby producing backward and forward motion in response to the movement of the bell crank. The resulting stride of each foot of the user follows a generally elliptical path. The exact dimensions of the ellipse are dependant on a variety of variables such as the length of the rail, the position of each pedal on its rail, the diameter of the circle traveled by the bell crank, and the path traversed by the end of the rail opposite the bell crank. The perceived level of difficulty in using an elliptical exerciser and the comfort of the user are also dependant on these variables.

A limitation of a typical elliptical exerciser is the amount of floor space occupied by the machine. Whether in a home, a health club, or a rehabilitation facility, ideally, an exercise machine will occupy as little floor space as possible, especially where such floor space is rented by the square foot. The size of an elliptical exerciser is dictated by, among other things, the length of the pedal rails and the space required to allow the horizontal movement of the rails in response to the motion of the bell crank.

Another related limitation arises from the hazzard produced by the movement of the rail end opposite the bell crank. This is especially true with elliptical exercisers where the rails move outside the footprint of the frame of the machine. A person walking near the machine may be struck by a rail or trip over a rail. Accordingly, many manufacturers provide a cover over the end of the rails, adding cost and further occupying floor space.

A further limitation of many elliptical exerciser designs is that some machines have a roller on the free end of the pedal rail or a pivot on a swing arm very close to the floor. It has been a common practice for some health clubs to place exercise machines near a swimming pool. In addition, some facilities pour excessive water on the floor during cleaning. Either of these situations will subject rollers and pivots placed near the floor to potential water damage.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an elliptical exerciser wherein, the back end of the pedal rails pivot from a fixed position, rather than swinging in an arc, traversing a fixed roller, or moving in a track, while still allowing the front end of the rails to traverse a circular path.

It is a further object of the present invention to locate rotating or oscillating components of the pedal rails a sufficient distance above the floor to avoid subjecting such components to water in a typical commercial or institutional environment.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a seat on the exercise apparatus for the user to sit upon whereby the apparatus becomes a recumbent elliptical exercise device.

The present invention provides an elliptical exerciser which incorporates a telescoping rail mechanism wherein, the back end of the rail merely pivots, rather than moving linearly or swinging in an arc. The horizontal component of the motion created by the bell crank is accommodated by the telescopic rail. The vertical component of the motion is accommodated by the pivot.

In the inventive elliptical stepper, a front portion of each rail connects to the corresponding end of a bell crank. The back end of each rail connects to a pivot which is provided on the frame, preferably several inches above the floor surface. The front portion of the rail is in sliding engagement with the rear portion the rail such that the rail is rigid in regards to vertical forces but will telescopically extend or retract in response to tensile or compressive forces, respectively.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following description of the preferred embodiments.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

• What Is a Patent?
• What Is a Trademark or Servicemark?
• What Is a Copyright?
• Patent Laws