Patents by Inventor Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.

Robert E. Rodgers, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20120108402
    Abstract: An oscillating inertia system for use in an exercise apparatus that provides instantaneously variable amplitude. In one example, an oscillating inertia system includes a rotational oscillator having inertial mass. The rotational oscillator is coupled to a limb engagement member through a coupling member. During operation, the oscillating inertia system is configured to rotate in one direction, come to a stop, rotate in the other direction, come to a stop, and so on repetitively. This oscillating rotation causes the limb engagement member of the exercise device to move through a range of motion where one extent of the range of motion is fixed and the other extent of the range of motion is variable in real time responsive to a user's exerted/applied force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Patent number: 8092351
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame; a right and left foot members supported by the frame; first and second flexible element coupled to the crank system and foot support members such that downward motion of either foot support member causes rotation of the crank system; and a crank offset assembly configured to prevent the crank system from becoming locked at a top dead center location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8021275
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right support elements and first and second left support elements; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a right guide element coupled to the right foot support member and; a left guide element coupled to the left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the first and second right support elements and the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the first and second left support elements and the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, wherein alternating motion of the right and left foot support members causes the first and second c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7988600
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system comprising first and second crank system coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and coupled to the second crank coupling location, and an adjustment assembly, wherein the user of the exercise apparatus may undertake a stepping motion or an instantaneously variable striding motion, and wherein the structural geometry of the exercise apparatus can be changed with operation of the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7878947
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame; a right and left foot members supported by the frame; first and second flexible element coupled to the crank system and foot support members such that downward motion of either foot support member causes rotation of the crank system; and a crank offset assembly configured to prevent the crank system from becoming locked at a top dead center location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7828698
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad. A majority of a path of motion of the footpad may be below the closed path during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7811208
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device with flexible support elements may include a frame with a base portion. A crank system with crank arms is coupled to and supported by the frame. Right and left pivotal linkage assemblies may each have an arcuate motion member and a foot support member. The arcuate motion member may be coupled to the frame. The foot support member may be coupled to the arcuate motion member. The arcuate motion member may be oriented in a generally vertical position and the foot support member may be oriented a generally horizontal position. Flexible element coupling systems couple the right and left foot support members to the crank system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100173754
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device with flexible support elements may include a frame with a base portion. A crank system with crank arms is coupled to and supported by the frame. Right and left pivotal linkage assemblies may each have an arcuate motion member and a foot support member. The arcuate motion member may be coupled to the frame. The foot support member may be coupled to the arcuate motion member. The arcuate motion member may be oriented in a generally vertical position and the foot support member may be oriented a generally horizontal position. Flexible element coupling systems couple the right and left foot support members to the crank system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100137110
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right support elements and first and second left support elements; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a right guide element coupled to the right foot support member and; a left guide element coupled to the left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the first and second right support elements and the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the first and second left support elements and the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, wherein alternating motion of the right and left foot support members causes the first and second c
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Patent number: 7708668
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device with flexible support elements may include a frame with a base portion. A crank system with crank arms is coupled to and supported by the frame. Right and left pivotal linkage assemblies may each have an arcuate motion member and a foot support member. The arcuate motion member may be coupled to the frame. The foot support member may be coupled to the arcuate motion member. The arcuate motion member may be oriented in a generally vertical position and the foot support member may be oriented a generally horizontal position. Flexible element coupling systems couple the right and left foot support members to the crank system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7708669
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a back and forth path of motion or in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7678025
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right support elements and first and second left support elements; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a right guide element coupled to the right foot support member and; a left guide element coupled to the left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the first and second right support elements and the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the first and second left support elements and the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, wherein alternating motion of the right and left foot support members causes the first and second c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7641598
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member comprising a first right guide element; a left foot support member comprising a first left guide element; a right movable member comprising a second right guide element; a left movable member comprising a second left guide element; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the frame and the first and second right guide elements and operative to move the first crank coupling location when the right foot support member moves; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the frame and the first and second left guide elements and operative to move the second crank coupling location when the left foot support member moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090203501
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system comprising first and second crank system coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and coupled to the second crank coupling location, and an adjustment assembly, wherein the user of the exercise apparatus may undertake a stepping motion or an instantaneously variable striding motion, and wherein the structural geometry of the exercise apparatus can be changed with operation of the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090181828
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad. A majority of a path of motion of the footpad may be below the closed path during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090156369
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a back and forth path of motion or in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090156370
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device with flexible support elements may include a frame with a base portion. A crank system with crank arms is coupled to and supported by the frame. Right and left pivotal linkage assemblies may each have an areuate motion member and a foot support member. The arcuate motion member may be coupled to the frame. The foot support member may be coupled to the arcuate motion member. The arcuate motion member may be oriented in a generally vertical position and the foot support member may be oriented a generally horizontal position. Flexible element coupling systems couple the right and left foot support members to the crank system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, JR.
  • Patent number: 7530926
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad. A majority of a path of motion of the footpad may be below the closed path during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7520839
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a back and forth path of motion or in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7507184
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device with flexible support elements may include a frame with a base portion. A crank system with crank arms is coupled to and supported by the frame. Right and left pivotal linkage assemblies may each have an arcuate motion member and a foot support member. The arcuate motion member may be coupled to the frame. The foot support member may be coupled to the arcuate motion member. The arcuate motion member may be oriented in a generally vertical position and the foot support member may be oriented a generally horizontal position. Flexible element coupling systems couple the right and left foot support members to the crank system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.