The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 28, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 29, 1998
Mark D Hildebrandt, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Todd A Sutton, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Steve W Sarns, Livonia, MI (US);
NuStep, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A recumbent apparatus for exercise and physical therapy providing a lower body workout, an upper body workout and cardiovascular conditioning, the apparatus comprising a frame having a forward end and a rearward end, the frame generally defining a longitudinal axis extending between the forward and rearward ends, a seat supported by the frame, a left leg assembly and a right leg assembly, the leg assemblies supported by the frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the leg assemblies positioned generally toward the forward end and each including an upwardly extending leg lever terminating in a pedal, a left arm assembly and a right arm assembly, the arm assemblies supported by the frame for pivoting movement also about the pivot axis, the arm assemblies positioned generally toward the forward end and each including an upwardly extending arm lever terminating in a handle, the left leg assembly being connected to the right arm assembly enabling movement therewith and defining a first connected assembly, the right leg assembly being connected to the left arm assembly enabling movement therewith and defining a second connected assembly, the connected assemblies coupled by at least one generally stiff mechanical linkage to a cam such that forward movement in one of the connected assemblies induces rearward movement in the other the connected assemblies, thereby enabling contralateral movement of the arm and leg assemblies, a first belt coupled to the cam and a first one way clutch, wherein the cam is actuated by the stiff mechanical linkage in a first direction and the first belt is actuated by the cam, the first belt rotating the first one way clutch, a second belt coupled to the cam and a second one way clutch, wherein the cam is actuated by the stiff mechanical linkage in a second direction and the second belt is actuated by the cam, the second belt rotating the second one way clutch, the first and second one way clutches coupled with a pulley which is further coupled to a resistance device by a third belt, the resistance device providing resistance to the movement of the arm and leg assemblies about the pivoting axis.