AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent Applicant (s) Fitness Brands 2 LLC Invention Titlet STEPPER EXERCISE APPARATUS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the beet method for performing it known to me/us; - 2 STEPPER EXERCISE APPARATUS Technical Field 5 An exercise apparatus is disclosed, in particular a stepper-type exercise apparatus. Background Art 10 Stepping exercisers may be of two kinds. One kind is a very simple structure and is in the form of a swaying exercise apparatus. The stepping exercisers mainly exercise the legs of a user by swaying the leg pedals in different directions. The other kind of stepper exercise 15 machine includes hydraulic cylinders or pistons that offer resistance to one or more of the pedals. These prior devices often can be unstable when in use because a user can tip the apparatus by exerting excessive force on one of the pedals or through user in balance. The prior art 20 devices also are generally limited to working the lower body of a user. Summary of Disclosure 25 The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that such art forms a part of the common and/or general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the stepper exercise 30 apparatus as disclosed herein. In one aspect there is provided a stepper exercise apparatus comprising: a frame having a curved surface contact portion to allow 35 rocking on an underlying surface, a carriage pivotally affixed to the frame, a foot rest support connected to the frame wherein the frame can be rocked by a force applied 3835247_1 (GHMatters) P87801.AU 6/02113 -3 on the foot rest support, and at least one resilient cord having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is coupled to the frame and the second portion is operable by a user for providing resistance to 5 a movement of the user's hand. In an embodiment, the second portion of the cord is provided with a handle such that a user can pull on the cord, in use, to perform an upper body exercise. 10 In an embodiment, a moveable support is connected to the carriage and adapted to rest and move along an underlying surface. 15 In an embodiment, a stabilization member is pivotally connected to the frame. The stabilization member may also be connected to the carriage and/or the moveable support. 20 In use of the stepper exercise apparatus, when the foot rest support is depressed in a direction towards the underlying surface, the frame rocks on the underlying surface thereby causing the carriage and the stabilization 25 member to move in a direction lateral to the depression direction, the stabilization member limiting depression of the foot rest support. In one embodiment the stabilization member may also limit 30 the motion of the moveable support. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a pair of stabilization members, each connected at or adjacent to opposing ends of the frame. 35 In an embodiment the carriage comprises at least a pair of opposing rails being spaced apart from each other. 3835247_1 (GHMatters) P87801.AU 6102113 - 3A Further the spaced rails may provide additional stability because the rails are spaced. 5 In one embodiment the moveable support may comprise a pair of wheels supported on an axle extending between the rails. In a further embodiment the two spaced rails may provide 10 for additional stability by increasing the wheel base for the wheels. In a further embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus may further comprise an additional pivoted linkage connecting 15 between the foot rest support and the carriage. In addition the linkage may be a two bar linkage, with the linkage pivoting when the foot rest support is depressed 3835247_1 (GHMatters) P87801 AU 6/02/13 and with the linkage limiting the depression of the foot rest support to add stability to the apparatus. In a further embodiment the stabilization member is 5 resilient. In yet another embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus further comprises at least one resilient cord. 10 In a further embodiment the cord is removably attached to the frame of one end, the cord comprising a handle at the other end such that a user can pull on the cord, in use, to perform an upper body exercise. 15 In yet another embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus may comprise a pair of cords, with the cords being spaced from each other. In one embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus may 20 comprise a pair of foot rest supports being spaced from each other, each foot rest support adapted to support a foot rest. Furthermore, in use, the foot rest is adapted to receive a 25 user's foot and the user exerting a force on the foot rest to depress the foot rest support. In yet another embodiment the frame comprises pair of arcuate bars, the arcuate bars being spaced from one 30 another and at least one arcuate being adapted to rest against an underlying surface. Furthermore, in use, the at least one arcuate bar bears against the underlying surface to facilitate a rocking 35 motion of the frame, when the foot rest support is depressed. 2767442: (GHMatns) P87801.AU 4/0/1l1 - 5 In another embodiment the apparatus may further comprise a pair of opposed stabilization members. In yet another embodiment each stabilization member is 5 connected to a respective moveable support. In one embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus further comprises an upper cover that cover the upper surface of the frame. 10 In a further embodiment the apparatus comprises a display and a user interface, the display and the user interface being disposed in the upper cover. 15 In another aspect there is provided a stepper exercise apparatus comprising: a frame, a carriage pivotally affixed to the frame, a foot rest support connected to the frame, 20 a moveable support connected to the carriage and adapted to rest and move along an underlying surface, at least one resilient cord, wherein the cord is removably attached to the frame. 25 In an embodiment the cord comprises a handle such that a user can pull on the cord, in use, to perform an upper body exercise. In another embodiment the apparatus may further comprise a 30 stabilization member pivotally connected to the frame, the stabilization member also connected to the moveable base. In use of the stepper exercise apparatus, when a foot rest support is depressed, the carriage pivots causing the 35 moveable support and the stabilization member move in a direction lateral to the depression direction, the 27674421 (GHvatcrs)PI7OOlAU4/06MI stabilization member limiting depression of the foot rest support In a further embodiment the apparatus may comprise a top 5 cover, a display and a user interface, the display and the user interface being disposed on the top cover. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the 10 illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 15 Brief Description of the Figures Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the stepper exercise apparatus as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, 20 by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a stepper exercise machine 25 Figure 2 shows perspective view of one embodiment of a stepper exercise machine as shown in figure 1. Figure 3 shows an end view of the stepper exercise machine shown in figure 2. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment 30 of the stepper exercise machine. Figure 5 shows a top view of the stepper exercise machine. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments 35 The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the stepper exercise apparatus and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the 2767442 1 (GBHMamuh) PVsd.AI 4CU ilM I -7 disclosure. Various embodiments described herein are directed toward an exercise apparatus, in particular a stepper exercise 5 apparatus 100, that is stable and can target multiple muscle groups. In general a stepper exercise device targets the leg muscles and the glutes. Stepper exercise machines work by a user stepping on a pedal or footrest. The user generally depresses or sways the pedal or 10 footrests to exercise the legs. The stepping action pushes the pedal or footrest against a resistance to work or provide resistance for the leg muscles and the glutes of a user. Here glutes means the buttock muscles of a human. 15 Some general prior art stepper exercise machines can sometimes be unstable especially when a user is using the stepper machine. The stepper machine can tip over if a user exerts too much force or depresses a pedal or footrest vigorously or with a large force. 20 Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a stepper exercise machine 1. The stepper exercise machine 1 comprises a frame 2 with a side cover 3 and a top cover 4 attached to the frame 2. 25 The frame 2 is substantially rigid and made from a rigid material such as steel, aluminum or any other suitable metal. The frame 2 comprises a pair of parallel bars 5, at least one cross bar 6 and pair of arcuate bars 7, wherein 30 the cross bar 6 extends between the bars 5 or the arcuate bars 7. The cross bar 6 provides reinforcement to the frame 2. The arcuate surface of the arcuate bars 7 bears against an underlying surface such as the ground when in use. In another form the arcuate surface 7 is part of the 35 bare 5, wherein the bar 5 is shaped to include an arcuate surface 7. The frame 2 further comprises a central rod 8 that extends between the two bars 5. In one alternate 2767442_ (GHMam) Pg701.AU 410111 - 8 embodiment the frame 2 may comprise one or more cross bare extending between the arcuate bars 7 or the bars 5 to link the arcuate bars and maintain the arcuate bars 7 in a spaced relationship. These cross bars may provide 5 rigidity. The stepper exercise apparatus 1 further comprises a carriage 10. The carriage 10 is pivotally affixed to some part of the frame 2. In one form the carriage 10 is 10 pivotally connected to the central rod 8. in one form the carriage 10 is adapted to pivot about the central rod 8. In other alternate forms the carriage 10 may be pivotally attached and may pivot about a different point of the frame 2. 15 In another form the central rod 8 extends between the bars 5. The frame 2 may comprise a pair of bearing members 13. The bearing members 13 may be attached to the frame 2. In one form each bearing member 13 is attached to each bar 5. 20 The bearing members 13 may extend outward from the bars 5. The bearing member 13 comprises an aperture 14 to receive the central rod 8. The aperture 14 may include a bearing surface (not shown) that allows a central rod 8 to rotate within the bearing member 13, 25 The carriage 10 comprises a pair of rails 11, as seen in figure 3. The rails 11 are opposed to each other. In one form the rails 11 may be parallel to each other, The rails 11 are spaced apart from each other. The spacing between 30 the rails 11 may be any suitable dimension, for example in one form the spacing may be 10cm, in another form the spacing may be 15 cm and so on, The carriage 10 in a further form may comprise an upright 35 bar 12. The at least one upright bar 12 that extends upright from the carriage 10. The upright bar 12 attaches to the frame 2 or the central rod 8. In one form the 2767442_1 (GHMatters) F780I AU "O0l11 - 9 upright bar is perpendicular to the central rod 8. The central rod 8 rotates in order to allow the carriage 10 to pivot. The central rod 8 rotates, causing the upright bar to pivot which causes the entire carriage 10 to pivot 5 about central rod 8. The carriage 10 further comprises at least one moveable support 15. The moveable support 15 is connected to an end of the carriage 10 and adapted to rest on and move along 10 an underlying surface. The underlying surface is the ground. The stepper exercise apparatus sits on the ground when in use, hence the moveable support 15 sits on and is adapted to move along the ground in use. In one form the moveable support 15 is a wheel. In other forms the 15 moveable support 15 may be a moveable track, a slidable member or any other moveable member. In one embodiment the carriage 10 comprises two opposing ends, where the rails 11 terminate. The carriage 10 20 comprises a pair of moveable supports 15, connected to the opposing ends such that one support 15 is opposed to the other support. This means one moveable support 15 is connected to one end of the carriage 10 while the other moveable support 15 is connected to the other (opposing) 25 end of the carriage 10. In this embodiment the carriage 10 comprises an axle 16 at each end of the carriage, wherein the axle 16 extends between the rails 11. Each moveable support 15 is fixed to the axle 16 and adapted to rotate about the axle 16. 30 In a further embodiment as seen in figure 3, the moveable support 15 comprises a pair of wheels 17. The carriage 10 comprises a pair of wheels 17 at each end of the carriage 10. Each pair of wheels 17 is disposed about and arranged 35 to rotate about the axle 16. The wheels 17 are spaced apart from each other at each end of the carriage 10. The 2767442_ (GHMlcrs) P87801 AU 4/M/11 - 10 wheels 17 can be made from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, rubber and so on. The stepper exercise apparatus 1 further comprises at 5 least one foot rest support 20 attached to the frame 2, the foot rest support 20 further adapted to hold up a foot rest 21. The foot rest support 20 is attached to the frame 2 in any suitable manner, such as by screwing, bolting, riveting and so on. The foot rest support 20 may be any 10 suitable shape. In one form the foot rest support 20 is an elongate member. The foot rest support 20 may be removably attached to frame 2. The foot rest 21 is shaped to receive a users foot. The 15 foot rest 21 may be any suitable shape such as a rectangle, oval, square, circle or any other suitable shape. In another form the foot rest 21 may be shaped with curved sections or in a further alternate form the foot rest 21 may be shaped like a human foot. The foot rest 21 20 may be made from any suitable material such as plastic, rubber or metal. The foot rest 21 can be formed from any suitable process such as molding, casting, vacuum forming and so on. The foot rest 21 is attached to the foot rest support 20 in any suitable manner. In one form the foot 25 rest 21 may be bolted, screwed, riveted or glued to the foot rest support 20. In another form the foot rest 21 may be formed integral to the foot rest support. The apparatus 1 further comprises at least one 30 stabilization member 30. The stabilization member 30 comprises two ends and a body. The stabilization member 30 can be any suitable shape. The body of the stabilization member 30 is an elongate shape. Each end of the stabilization member 30 is substantially rounded. In 35 one form the ends may be greater in size in one dimension. One end of the stabilization member 30 is pivotally attached to the frame 2. In another form the 2767442_1 (GHMNIters)PB7801,AU408/11I - 11 stabilization member 30 may be pivotally connected to the foot rest support 20. The other end of the stabilization member 30 is connected to the moveable support 15. In one embodiment, such as the illustrated embodiment, the second 5 end of the stabilization member 30 is connected to the axle 16. The stabilization member 30 may be made from any suitable material such as rubber, plastic, metal or any other suitable material. In one embodiment the stabilization member 30 is made from an elastic material. 10 In one embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus 1 comprises a pair of stabilization member 30. The stabilization members 30 are spaced apart from each other and may be positioned in an opposed arrangement. One 15 stabilization member 30 is connected to one moveable support 16 while the other stabilization member 30 is connected to the other moveable support 15. The stepper exercise apparatus 1 may further comprise at 20 least one linkage 50. The linkage 50 comprises a first bar 51 and a second bar 52. The first bar 51 is arranged to connect to a part of the carriage 10. In one form the first bar 51 may connect to the central rod 8 but in alternate forms may connect to other parts of the carriage 25 10. The first bar 51 is arranged to extend substantially horizontally in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 1. In another form the first bar 51 is arranged to extend laterally toward the moveable support 15. The second bar 52 is arranged to connect to the foot 30 rest support 20. In another form the second bar 52 may connect to the frame. The second bar 52 extends toward the underlying surface in a substantially vertical direction. It should be understood the second bar 52 does not extend exactly vertically. The first bar 51 and the second bar 52 35 are pivotally connected to each other. The first and second bar 51, 52 are substantially perpendicular to each other when pivotally connected to each other, and form a 2707442j (GHMatrs) P37C ].AU 4/f1 I - 12 two bar linkage. The apparatus 1 includes a two such linkages 50, one linkage associated with one foot rest support 20 while the other linkage 50 is associated with the other foot rest support. The two linkages are opposed 5 to each other. The stepper exercise apparatus 1 comprises a pair of handles 40. The handles 40 may removably attached to the frame 2. Each handle 40 is attached to or adjacent an 10 opposing end of the frame 2. The handles 40 extend upward from the frame 2. In one form the handles 40 may be to parallel to each other. In another form the handles 40 may diverge or converge toward each other, 15 In one embodiment of the handles 40, the handles may comprise a base arm 41 and a secondary arm 42. The base arm 41 may be hollow. The secondary arm 42 is telescopically extendable from the base arm 41. The secondary arm 42 can be housed within the base arm and 20 then extended out of the base arm 41. The base arm 41 includes one or more locking apertures 43. The secondary arm 41 comprises one or more locking protrusions 44 that can engage with the locking apertures 43 to lock the secondary arm 41 at different locations to vary the length 25 of the handles 40. The handles 40 can be gripped by a user when using the stepper exercise apparatus 1. The following is a description of using the apparatus. In use a user stands on the apparatus 1, by placing one foot 30 on one foot rest 21. The user depresses the foot rest 21 by exerting a force on it. When the foot rest 21 is depressed the frame 2 moves toward the foot rest 21 that was depressed. The frame 2 rocks toward the foot rest that was depressed, along the arcuate rail 7. The arcuate 35 rail 7 bears against the underlying surface and rocks toward the foot rest 21 that was depressed. The rocking of the frame 2 and the pivoting of the carriage 10 provide 27674421 (GHMdtter)PU7L01.AU 4/0S, 1 - 13 forces and resistance against a user's lower body muscles, in particular leg muscles but also provide resistance against the core muscles of the user. This is advantageous because multiple muscle groups of the user are worked with 5 the use of the apparatus 1. Further the core muscles may also be targeted in addition to the leg muscles which provides for an effective work out. The force from the user or the foot rest 21 also can cause 10 the carriage 10 to pivot. The carriage 10 pivots and moves toward the foot rest 21 that was depressed. The pivoting of the carriage 10 causes the moveable support 15 to move toward the foot rest 21 was depressed. The moveable support 15 moves in a direction lateral to the 15 direction of the torce applied to the foot rest 21 by the user. The depression of one foot rest 21 (and hence the depression of the foot rest support 20) also causes the stabilization member 30 to pivot. The stabilization member 30 pivots due to the force a user pushing down on the foot 20 rest 21 and foot rest support 20. The stabilization member 30 also moves in the direction of the moveable support 15 because one end of the stabilization member 30 is connected to the moveable support 15. The stabilization member 30 limits the depression of the foot rest support 25 20 because the stabilization member 30 is resilient and has a fixed dimension. The stabilization member 30 limits the movement of the moveable support 15. The stabilization member 30 makes the apparatus 1 more stable because the depression of the foot rest support 20 is limited hence 30 the apparatus does not tip over. The force on one foot rest 21 causes one foot rest 21 to be depressed while the opposing foot rest 21 rises in a direction opposite to the depression of the first foot 35 rest 21. The moveable support 15 attached to the opposing foot rest 21 moves in the same direction as the moveable support 15 attached to the depressed foot rest support 20. 2767442_1 (CHMatter)F7801,AU 4fD8/11 - 14 The opposing stabilization member 30 also moves in the same direction as the opposing moveable support 15. The stabilization member 30 being connected to the frame 5 and the moveable support 15 is advantageous because the stabilization member limits the movement of the moveable support 15 during use so that the apparatus 1 does not tip over in use due to excessive force exerted on the foot rest support by the user. The stabilization member 30 also 10 rests on the underlying surface when in use, because the stabilization member 30 connects to a moveable support 15, in particular about the axle 16. The stabilization member 30 provides for additional support when the apparatus 1 is in use. The stabilization member 30 provides an extra 15 support point for the apparatus 1. The carriage 10 also provides additional stability to the apparatus 1. As described earlier the carriage 10 comprises two rails 11. The two rails 11 provide extra 20 rigidity and stability because the rails 11 are spaced apart from each other. The spaced apart rails provide a wider span which results in greater stability. In one embodiment the carriage may comprise one or more cross bars that connect between the rails 11. The cross bars 25 provide for additional support and rigidity. The cross bars allow the carriage to operate as one unit. The frame 2 may also comprise plurality of lateral bars that add rigidity to the frame 2. 30 In one embodiment each moveable support 15 comprises two wheels 17. The wheels 17 are spaced apart from each other because the rails 11 are spaced. The spaced rails 11 increases the wheel base and provides for additional stability. 35 The linkage 50 is a two bar linkage. The linkage pivots when the apparatus 1 is in use. The linkage 50 limits the 2757442_1 {GMj*tr) P&701AU 4QW11 - 15 depression of the foot rest support 20 due to the first and second bar 51, 52 being pivotally connected and being substantially perpendicular to each other when connected. The linkage limits the depression of the foot rest support 5 20 hence adding to the stability of the apparatus because a user cannot tip the apparatus over when using the apparatus 1. In one embodiment the carriage 10, the stabilization 10 member 30 and the linkage 50 all cooperate to provide additional stability. The carriage 10, stabilization member and the linkage 50 may all operate together to stop the apparatus from tipping due to force applied to the foot rest 21 and the foot rest support 20. The cross bars 15 and the interconnection of the linkage 50 and the stabilization member 30 to the carriage 10 associates all these parts with one another such that they may act as one part, which increases the stability of the apparatus in use. The linkage 50, carriage 10 and the stabilization 20 member cooperating also provides for greater rigidity. In a further embodiment the top cover 4 comprises a display 60 and a user interface 61, as seen in figure 5. The apparatus 1 or top cover 4 may further comprise a 25 processor (not shown). The processor may be arranged to store various exercise programs that may be pre programmed. The processor is also arranged to receive inputs from the user interface 61, process the inputs and send output to the display 60. The top cover 4 is adapted 30 to be connected to the upper or top surface of the frame. The display 60 may be any suitable display such as an LCD screen, a touch screen or any other screen that is adapted to display information to a user. The user interface 61 may be any suitable interface that allows a user to input 35 commands to the processor. The commands may be any suitable commands that enhance the exercise experience for example the user can input the length of a work out, or 27674421 (GHMateu) P878 .AU 4(06/11 - 16 input a command to display the work done and so on. The display 60 can display various information for example time remaining in the work out, or the time of day or the calories burnt and so on. The processor may have stored in 5 it various information that may relate to the use of the machine for example the relationship between time of use to work done or calories burnt, or a stop watch function or a timer function or any other suitable program. 10 In a further embodiment the stepper exercise apparatus 1 comprises at least one cord 70, as shown in figure 1 and figure 4. The cord 70 is an optional feature that can be fitted to the exercise apparatus 1. In one form the apparatus 1 comprises two cords 70 attached to opposite 15 ends of the frame, as shown in figure 4. The cord 70 may be removably attached to the frame 2. The cord may comprise a clip arrangement 71 that allows the cord to be removed from the frame 2. The cord 70 is a resilient cord that can be stretched. The cord also comprises a handle 72 20 to allow a user to grip the cord. The cord 70 allows a user to perform an upper body exercise. In use, the user pulls on the cord 70 to perform an upper body exercise for example a bicep curl. In use the user can pull on a single cord 70 or both cords 70 at the same time to perform an 25 upper body exercise. The cord 70 is advantageous because the user can perform a lower body and upper body exercise at the same time, allowing a user to work multiple muscle groups. 30 it will be understood to persons skilled in the art that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the stepper exercise apparatus as disclosed herein. 35 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word 2767442_ (QHM;tr) PR7SOtAU 4/O 1 I - 17 "comprise" or variations such as comprisess" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in 5 various embodiments of the stepper exercise apparatus as disclosed herein. 2707442_1 (GMattrs) P87701.AU 4/00111