Patents by Inventor Paul William Eschenbach

Paul William Eschenbach has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6991587
    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. Elliptical cross trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing elliptical cross trainers often use excessive pedal articulation which can overwork the ankle to achieve a longer stride. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with less pedal articulation that is more ankle friendly. One end of a foot support member is guided by a guide for back and forth movement while the other end is guided by an orbital link to drive an alternator and flywheel. The resulting pedal motion is foot friendly. Stride length can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6966872
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of abdominal exercise with the operator using the sit-up or crunch movements. More particularly, an exercise apparatus that exercises the abdominal and back muscles with the lower torso of the operator supported by a moving seat while the upper torso of the operator is supported by a moving seatback. Continuous support of the lower back prevents back strain. The articulation of the seatback is coordinated with the movement of the seat. Adjustment is provided to adjust the rate of movement of the seat relative to the seatback. Handles are provided such that the arm muscles can assist the sit-up or crunch movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6849034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates in-place 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 independent motion of the feet. A linkage is provided for each foot pedal to guide the pedal with reciprocating motion wherein the toe of the foot moves faster than the heel of the foot. Resistance is provided to resist the downward movement of the pedals. Handle movement is coordinated with the pedal movement for total body crosstraining. The handles can be moved or rendered stationary to provide turnabout exercise. Low knee stress allows long duration exercise without hurting knees common with some crosstrainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6837829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that stimulates in-place jogging and climbing with elliptical 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. A linkage is provided for each foot pedal to guide the pedal with reciprocating motion wherein the toe of the foot moves faster than the heel of the foot. A pair of cranks operably associated with the pedals provide dependent pedal motion. Handle movement is coordinated with the pedal movement for total body crosstraining. Low knee stress allows long duration exercise without hurting knees common with some crosstrainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6830538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism that converts a force supplied from an operator or other means along a complex curve path into rotary motion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cyclodial drive mechanism configured for an operator driven or motor driven exercise apparatus such as a stationary bicycle, recumbent stationary bicycle, cross trainer or other devices. The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of pedals which follow more complex curves having two or more lobes and spirals. More particularly, a cyclodial drive mechanism based upon a linkage and gear pair can be incorporated into several exercise apparatus to drive a flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040235621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates in-place jogging and climbing with elliptical 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. A linkage is provided for each foot pedal to guide the pedal with reciprocating motion wherein the toe of the foot moves faster than the heel of the foot. A pair of cranks operably associated with the pedals provide dependent pedal motion. Handle movement is coordinated with the pedal movement for total body crosstraining. Low knee stress allows long duration exercise without hurting knees common with some crosstrainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040235622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates in-place 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 independent motion of the feet. A linkage is provided for each foot pedal to guide the pedal with reciprocating motion wherein the toe of the foot moves faster than the heel of the foot. Resistance is provided to resist the downward movement of the pedals. Handle movement is coordinated with the pedal movement for total body crosstraining. The handles can be moved or rendered stationary to provide turnabout exercise. Low knee stress allows long duration exercise without hurting knees common with some crosstrainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6811517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates PoleStriding. Lower body exercise including walking, jogging and climbing with upper body elliptical are exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported treadles with tread belts for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the treadles. A linkage is provided to coordinate the up and down dependent movement of the treadles. Ski pole handle movement is coordinated with the treadle movement for total body PoleStriding. Low knee stress allows long duration exercise without hurting knees common with some crosstrainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040102291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism that converts a force supplied from an operator or other means along a complex curve path into rotary motion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cyclodial drive mechanism configured for an operator driven or motor driven exercise apparatus such as a stationary bicycle, recumbent stationary bicycle, cross trainer or other devices. The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of pedals which follow more complex curves having two or more lobes and spirals. More particularly, a cyclodial drive mechanism based upon a linkage and gear pair can be incorporated into several exercise apparatus to drive a flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040067829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of abdominal exercise with the operator using the sit-up or crunch movements. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus that exercises the abdominal and back muscles with the lower torso of the operator supported by a moving seat while the upper torso of the operator is supported by a moving seatback. Continuous support of the lower back prevents back strain. The articulation of the seatback is coordinated with the movement of the seat. Means to adjust the rate of movement of the seat relative to the seatback are provided. Handles are provided such that the arm muscles can assist the sit-up or crunch movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6715779
    Abstract: A compact scooter supported by a pair of wheels is propelled by the cyclic operation of a pair of stabilized pedals by a standing user with hands on a handlebar. The elongate pedals having curved ends are connected to a crank and rocker link for predetermined pedal angles configured to maintain heel contact during the cyclic operation. The feet are positioned on pedal extensions with the heels of the feet rearward of the crank pivots to develop superior crank torque imposed upon the wheels for faster speed and better startup acceleration. Stunt features are provided to perform wheelies, rail grinding and step maneuvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6659486
    Abstract: A compact exercise scooter supported by a pair of wheels is propelled by the cyclic operation of a pair of stabilized pedals by a standing user with hands on a handlebar. The elongate pedals are connected to a crank and guide for predetermined pedal angles configured to maintain heel contact during the cyclic operation. The feet are positioned on pedal extensions with the heels of the feet rearward of the crank pivots to develop superior crank torque imposed upon the wheels for faster speed and better startup acceleration. A means of adjustment is provided to change the predetermined pedal angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6645129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pull/push exercise with an exercise machine that exercises the abdominal, back and leg muscles with the operator recumbent in the face upwards position. Foot contacts follow an arcuate curve path positioned above the recumbent operator. Resistance is provided for each foot contact where the abdominal muscles of the operator pull the lower leg contact towards the operator. Handles are provided to support the arms of the operator. A situp assist device can be used in conjunction with leg pull to exercise the upper abdominals. A leg curl feature is added to the apparatus to allow leg curls. Weight stack resistance is also available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6612969
    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. Elliptical trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing elliptical trainers consume excessive floorspace and often lack adjustable pedal motion. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with adjustable pedal motion. Adjustment can be automatic during operation or manual. Handles are provided for coordinated arm exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6547701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pull/push exercise with an exercise machine that exercises the abdominal, back and arm muscles with the operator recumbent in the face upwards position. Foot contacts follow a closed elongate curve positioned above the recumbent operator. A linkage is provided for each foot contact in conjunction with a crank to drive a flywheel. Arm exercise is coordinated with the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20030001350
    Abstract: An exercise scooter supported by a pair of wheels is propelled by the cyclic operation of a pair of stabilized pedals by a standing user. The elongate pedals are connected to a crank and guide for predetermined pedal angles configured to maintain heel contact during the cyclic operation. The feet may be moved during operation along the pedals to change leverage imposed upon the wheels for better startup acceleration or easy cruising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20030001349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a human powered exercise scooter. More particularly, the invention allows a standing user to power the wheeled scooter by moving stabilized pedals with the feet along a closed loop arcuate curve to drive at least one wheel of the scooter. Further, steering, hand brake and stunt features are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6500099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pull/push exercise with an exercise machine that exercises the abdominal, back and leg muscles with the operator recumbent in the face upwards position. Foot contacts follow an arcuate curve path positioned above the recumbent operator. Resistance is provided for each foot contact where the abdominal muscles of the operator pull the lower leg contact or foot contact towards the operator. Handles are provided to support the arms of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6482132
    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 positioned close together 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 are large and consume excessive floor space. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine having a full length stride yet requiring significantly less floor space than full size elliptical exercise machines found in Health Clubs. Further, the load resistance, crank and drive linkage are positioned below the pedals allowing a simple shroud which acts as a step. Pedals are as close together as desired. Handles are coupled to the foot support member with connector links for coordinated arm exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 6440042
    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. Elliptical trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing elliptical trainers consume excessive floorspace and often lack adjustable pedal motion. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with adjustable pedal motion during operation. Further, the pedal stride length and pedal lift height are independently adjustable. The intermediate portion of a foot support member is guided by a guide member and drives a crank linkage on one end with pedal on the other end. The resulting pedal motion is foot friendly. Handles are connected to the crank linkage for coordinated arm exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach