Extended range elliptical machine
The invention relates to a novel elliptical machine designed on orthopedic standards of body kinetics wherein the handles rotate 360 degrees and the foot pedals slide fore and aft and roll forwards and backwards as the user is exercising on the machine. This novel machine provides maximum efficacy and safety while a user is exercising, and does not limit the range of motion to the standard fixed elliptical motion of merely forward and backwards.
The invention relates to a novel elliptical exercise device wherein the range of arm motion is expanded to a 360 degree motion and the foot pedals are adjustable with additional range of motion than that in the present art.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention most closely corresponds with USPTO Class 482/52 wherein significance is attributed to conditioning or developing a muscle employed as the user ascends or descends a set of steps or operates apparatus which imitates ascending or descending a set of steps.
In its simplest form, the invention comprises a novel elliptical machine wherein the arm movement is not fixed in a linear or forward and reverse motion, but allows the user to rotate the handles in a 360 degree range for maximum muscular and cardiovascular benefit. The foot pedals are novel in design and utility in that they are set in a grooved notch and may slide and roll forward and backwards providing a more natural gait and work in cooperation with the arm movements.
There are obviously many elliptical devices on the market and in the art. This invention is novel over all that exist in the art due to the 360 degree arm movement and foot pedal design and operation. The operability of the invention was based upon research from an orthopedic body mobility standpoint to maximize efficacy as well as align with ergonomic body movements so as to avoid over stressing the user's body.
SUMMARY, OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGESThe human body can only function as regards mobility in certain fashions. Kinetic angles are important as one exercises using an apparatus of any kind. Unnatural body movements can cause stress on joints and muscles and lead to physical problems down the road. The inventive machine avoids the unnatural body movements while providing effective muscle and cardiovascular exercise.
The arm handles are mounted on plates which are attached to a shaft connected to the foot mechanism of the elliptical machine. The handles are bicycle handle-like and have padded grips. When a user grasps the handles, they can turn them 360 degrees, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
While the user is turning the handles, the foot mechanism works in tandem on a separate notched track base. The hand grips are telescopic so they may be adjusted to the user's arm length for maximum efficacy and safety.
The foot mechanism is connect via a base shaft to the vertical handle rail mechanism. The foot pedals themselves are essentially half circles with a rounded, notched bottom that rests and slides in a receiving notched shaft. The foot pedals can slide fore and aft within the notched base, and roll forward and backwards within the notched track. This motion allows a less fixed foot placement and maximizes efficacy and safety.
The hand mechanism support shaft is hinged and thus may be folded for ease of movement and storage.
In summary, the inventive elliptical machine is novel in the art and designed based upon orthopedic principles to maximize efficacy and safety beyond the elliptical machines in the present art.
The invention is described in further detail by reference to the drawings in which:
The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes various embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention. The description includes what are presently believed to be the best modes of carrying out the invention.
In this regard, the invention is illustrated in 4 relatively simple figures; although sufficiently complex as to illuminate to one skilled in the art of such software architecture, programming, and computer operations a viable method for making or using said invention.
Claims
1. An elliptical machine providing extended range of motion comprising:
- a) 360 degree arm movement handles
- b) a notched track foot pedal mechanism
- c) telescopic arm handles
- d) hinged folding arm handle shaft
2. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein the arm handles are padded and graspable and rotate on a base 360 degrees either clockwise or counterclockwise when a user spins said handles.
3. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein said foot pedals are half-circular in shape and have a protruding notch on the lower portion of the pedal which fits into a receiving slot on the track.
4. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein said foot track pedal mechanism comprises a track which receives the notched foot pedal and allows for movement fore and aft in the track and a forward and backward roll of the pedal within the track.
5. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein the arm handles are telescopic so as to be adjustable to user's arm length.
6. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein the arm handle shaft is hinged and foldable for movement and storage.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 12, 2011
Publication Date: Mar 14, 2013
Inventor: Lisa Hopp (Littleton, CO)
Application Number: 13/199,861