US 4,708,338 AGranted

Stair climbing exercise apparatus

OwnerLanny L. Pottsinventor

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An exercise apparatus that simulates stair-climbing for a user. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, and a plate on the frame perpendicular to the base. A right pedal and a left pedal are on opposite sides of the plate. A drive system assembly on the plate has a right pedal sprocket, a left pedal sprocket, and a drive sprocket, wherein the right sprocket or left sprocket turn the drive sprocket in one direction only and the right and left sprockets are free to overrun in the opposite direction. The right pedal oscillates between an upper position at rest and a lower, rearward position under the weight of the user and drivingly engages the right pedal sprocket. The left pedal, operating independently of the right pedal, oscillates between an upper position at rest and a lower, rearward position under the weight of the user and drivingly engages the left pedal sprocket. A speed increasing transmission has an input and an output. A continuous chain drivingly engages the drive sprocket and the transmission input. A continuous belt engages the transmission output and an alternator which acts as a dynamic brake. A load resistor connected to the alternator is capable of absorbing the electrical energy output of the alternator. An alternator control and monitor is provided.

Claims6

Dependent claims

An exercise apparatus that simulates stair-climbing for a user which comprises:

(a) a frame having a base;
(b) a plate on said frame perpendicular to said base;
(c) a right pedal and a left pedal, said pedals being on opposite sides of said plate;
(d) drive system assembly means mounted on said plate in order to sum reciprocating motion into continuous and fluid rotary motion, said drive system assembly means having a right pedal sprocket, a left pedal sprocket and a drive sprocket, wherein said drive sprocket is driven by either said right sprocket or said left sprocket in one direction only and said right and left sprockets are free to overrun in the opposite direction;
(e) independently operating right pedal means and left pedal means being on opposite sides of said plate, wherein said right pedal means oscillates said right pedal between an upper position at rest and a lower, rearward position under the weight of the user and drivingly engages said right pedal sprocket, and wherein said left pedal means oscillates said left pedal between an upper position at rest and a lower, rearward position under the weight of the user and drivingly engages said left pedal sprocket;
(f) speed increasing transmission means mounted on said plate having an input and an output;
(g) a continuous chain drivingly engaging said drive sprocket and said transmission input;
(h) dynamic brake means mounted on said plate;
(i) a continuous belt engaging said transmission output and said dynamic brake means;
and
(j) dynamic brake control and monitor means mounted on said plate whereby the speed of said transmission means, said drive system assembly means and said pedal means are controlled and monitored.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/892,101Filed 4 Aug 1986
Granted: 24 Nov 1987
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

A63B 21/157
Arrangements for force transmissions: ratchet-wheel links; Overrunning clutches; One-way clutches
A63B 21/023
Using resilient force-resisters: wound springs
A63B 21/154
Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains: using special pulley-assemblies
A63B 22/0056
With cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis: the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis