US 5,573,480 A · Stationary exercise apparatus

Abstract

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.

Claims30

Dependent claims

An apparatus for exercising comprising:

a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor;
first and second reciprocating members, each reciprocating member having a first end and a second-end, a portion of said first and second reciprocating members adapted for substantially linear motion;
a coupling member having (i) a pulley supported by said frame defining a pivot axis, and (ii) means for attaching said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley so that rotation of said pulley results in the rotation of said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members in a substantially circular path about said pivot axis while a portion of each of said first and second reciprocating members distal said second end of each said first and second reciprocating member moves in a reciprocating pattern;
and
first and second pivotal linkage assemblies for orienting the bottom of the feet of the user of the apparatus so that each foot of the user follows a substantially elliptical path during operation of the apparatus.

2 more elements

An exercising device comprising:

a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor;
a first linkage assembly having:
(i) a first reciprocating member, and
(ii) a first foot member, said first reciprocating member having a first end and a second end;
a second linkage assembly having:
(i) a second reciprocating member, and
(ii) a second foot member, said second;
reciprocating member having a first end and a second end;
and
a coupling member having:
(i) a pulley supported by said frame defining a pivot axis;
and
(ii) means for attaching said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley so that rotation of said pulley results in the rotation of said second ends of said reciprocating members in a substantially circular path about said axis while a portion of each of said first and second reciprocating members distal said second end of each said first and second reciprocating member moves in a reciprocating pattern;
said first foot member being pivotally connected proximal one end between said first and second ends of said first reciprocating member;
said second foot member being pivotally connected proximal one end between said first and second ends of said second reciprocating member,
wherein each foot of the user of the device follows a substantially elliptical path.

13 more elements

An exercising device comprising:

a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor;
first and second reciprocating members, each reciprocating member having a first end and a second end;
a coupling member having (i) a pulley supported by said frame defining a pivot axis, and (ii) means for attaching said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley so that rotation of said pulley results in the rotation of said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members in a substantially circular path about said pivot axis while a portion of each of said first and second reciprocating members distal said second end of each of said first and second reciprocating member moves in a reciprocating pattern;
first and second linkage assemblies, said first linkage assembly pivotally connected proximate one end to said first reciprocating member proximate said first end of said first reciprocating member, said second linkage assembly pivotally connected proximate one end to said second reciprocating member proximate said first end of said second reciprocating member, each linkage assembly being pivotally attached at its other end to said frame distally from said coupling member,
wherein each foot of the user follows a substantially elliptical path.

2 more elements

An exercise device comprising:

a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor;
a first linkage assembly having a first reciprocating member and a first foot member, said first reciprocating member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first reciprocating member being adapted for reciprocating movement, said first foot member having a first and second member pivotally attached proximate said first end of said first foot member to said first reciprocating member proximate said first end of said first reciprocating member;
a second linkage assembly having a second reciprocating member and a second foot member, said second reciprocating member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second reciprocating member being adapted for reciprocating movement, said second foot member having a first and second end, said second foot member pivotally attached proximate said first end of said second foot member to said second reciprocating member proximate said first end of said second reciprocating member;
and
a coupling member having a pulley supported by said frame defining a pivot axis and means for attaching said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley so that rotation of said pulley results in the rotation of the second ends of said reciprocating members in a substantially circular path about said axis and wherein each foot of the user of the device follows a substantially elliptical path.

2 more elements

An exercising device comprising:

a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor;
a first linkage assembly having a first reciprocating member and a first contact member, said first reciprocating member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first reciprocating member being adapted for reciprocating movement, said first contact member having a first end and a second end and pivotally attached proximate said first end of said first contact member to said first reciprocating member proximate said first end of said first reciprocating member;
a second linkage assembly having a second reciprocating member and a second contact member, said second reciprocating member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second reciprocating member being adapted for reciprocating movement, and said second contact member having a first end and a second end and pivotally attached proximate said first end of said second contact member to said second reciprocating member proximate said first end of said second reciprocating member;
and
a coupling member having a pulley connected to said frame defining a pivot axis and means for attaching said second ends of said first and second reciprocating members to said pulley so that rotation of said pulley results in the rotation of said second ends of said reciprocating members in a substantially circular path about said pivot axis,
wherein during operation of the device, each foot of the user follows a substantially elliptical path and each hand of the user follows a substantially elliptical path.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stationary exercise apparatus

Life of this patent

Stationary exercise apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30