Exercise stair device

Abstract

The exercise stair device is a lightweight compact unit which simulates the exercise obtained while climbing stairs. In one form, two small carriages providing foot supports move on adjacent tracks which are about three feet long and inclined at an angle of about 35.degree. with the horizontal. The carriages are connected to one another so that when one moves up, the other moves down and vice versa. The rate of exercise is determined by the rate at which the carriages descend. The apparatus includes means for providing a resistance (counterforce) to motion of the foot supports which increase with velocity. Under the full weight of the user the steps descend at a uniform rate determined by his weight. This resistance means dissipates the energy transmitted thereto in the process. In a second form, the exercise device has two pivotally mounted arms which carry foot supports. These arms are interconnected so that as one pivots upwardly, the other pivots downwardly. Similar energy dissipating means are connected to the arms to dissipate the energy imposed on the arms during use.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.