Patent ID: 7163491
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a support frame and a ring gear supported by said support frame, said ring gear comprising an effective working diameter and being generally fixed relative to said support frame; a crank supported for rotation about a crank axis relative to said support frame, said crank comprising an effective crank-arm length; a planetary gear positioned within and engaged with said ring gear, said planetary gear being rotationally connected to said crank about a planetary gear axis and comprising an effective working diameter, said planetary gear axis being generally parallel to and offset from said crank axis; a foot-pedal rotationally connected to said planetary gear, whereby said foot-pedal follows a substantially elliptical foot-path as pedal circulates about said planetary gear axis and said crank rotates about said crank axis; and said effective working diameter of said planetary gear being equal to one-half said effective working diameter of said ring gear.