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).
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Patent number: 7316632Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. The crank system may include crank rollers. In certain embodiments, arm links may be coupled to the frame. The apparatus may include foot members that travel in multiple paths. The foot members may be coupled to the arm links. The foot members may be coupled to the crank system through cam devices. The crank rollers may be located below the foot members such that at least a portion of a user's foot passes above the crank roller during use of the apparatus. A user of the apparatus, by varying the user's stride, may selectively vary a path of the foot members. The foot members may be cross coupled so that the left foot member moves in opposition to the right foot member.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7244217Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame having a first end and a second end. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system may be located closer to the second end of the frame than the first end of the frame. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7214168Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system and the foot member may be coupled such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially curvilinear path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7201705Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system and the foot member may be coupled at a location between the footpad and the crank system. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7179201Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. In certain embodiments, arm links may be coupled to the frame. The apparatus may include foot members that travel in multiple paths. The foot members may include footpads. The foot members may be coupled to the arm links. The foot members may be coupled to the crank system through cam devices. The variable stride systems may be coupled to the foot members such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad. The foot members may be cross coupled so that the left foot member moves in opposition to the right foot member.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7172531Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system and the foot member may be coupled such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7169088Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A movable member may be coupled to the crank system. The movable member may travel in a substantially curvilinear path during use of the apparatus. A foot member may be coupled to the movable member. The foot member and the movable member may allow a user of the apparatus to selectively control the path of the foot member. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially curvilinear path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 7169089Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system may include a cam device having a cam surface. The length of the cam surface may be greater than the crank diameter of the crank system. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially curvilinear path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 6626802Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided for enabling reciprocating motion of the user's legs or feet while the user remains generally stationary. The apparatus includes a stationary frame, a first longitudinal rail supported, at least partially, by the frame, and a second longitudinal rail also supported, at least partially, by the frame and in generally parallel relation with the first rail. The apparatus further includes a first foot carriage assembly movably engageable along the first rail, a second foot carriage assembly movably engageable along the second rail, and an inertia drive assembly disposed proximate the first and second rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5989163Abstract: This is a stationary exercise apparatus capable of more accurately representing body motion associated with walking and running. The apparatus includes an inertia system which enables the apparatus to accelerate each reciprocating pedal up to a predetermined velocity. In this manner, the exercise workout is more natural since the user only has to expend energy normally associated with walking or running and not the operation of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5938567Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device may include linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: CCS Fitness, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5924962Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device may include linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: CCS Fitness, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5813949Abstract: A stationary exercising apparatus which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more movement of the foot platform in a substantially elliptical path while each foot platform, or a predetermined reference plane for each platform, remains substantially parallel with the floor through at least a portion of the lower half of the elliptical path proximate the forward end of the elliptical path.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: CCS, LLCInventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5772558Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints, particularly the ankles and knees. A frame supports a linkage assembly having at least one linkage member with a camming surface. The linkage assembly is in turn connected to a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move the linkage assembly in such a manner as to generate a preferred closed path movement for the foot in a preferred anatomical pattern minimizing unnecessary stress in the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: CCS, LLCInventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5766113Abstract: A stationary exercising apparatus which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact on critical joints through the generation of a predetermined elliptical path movement while maintaining foot platforms substantially parallel with the floor. A base structure supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. A linkage assembly is included which operates in conjunction with the reciprocation of one end of the reciprocating members to maintain the foot platforms substantially parallel with a reference plane while revolving the foot platforms in a substantially elliptical path. The apparatus may include additional linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arms along a predetermined arc.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: CCS, LLCInventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5743834Abstract: An exercise apparatus which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet provides minimal impact on critical joints. A base structure is provided which supports a pair of reciprocating members that are displaced in a generally reciprocating manner at one end yet orbit at the other end through a coupler assembly attached to the frame. The coupler assembly includes a mechanism to variably adjust the radius of the arcuate motion while the device is in use. A structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally closed path during the exercise. By being able to continuously variably adjust the size of the orbit, the user can fine tune the height and length of the closed path which redefines the foot motion to a preferred path for the anatomy of the particular user.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5738614Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device includes linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout. The arm members are retractable.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5690589Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise and also pivot while moving through the elliptical path. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device may include linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: 5683333Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device may include linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: CCS, LLCInventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
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Patent number: RE38803Abstract: A stationary exercising apparatus which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact on critical joints through the generation of a predetermined elliptical path movement while maintaining foot platforms substantially parallel with the floor. A base structure supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. A linkage assembly is included which operates in conjunction with the reciprocation of one end of the reciprocating members to maintain the foot platforms substantially parallel with a reference plane while revolving the foot platforms in a substantially elliptical path. The apparatus may include additional linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arms along a predetermined arc.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.