MXPA00005497A

MXPA00005497A - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: MXPA00005497A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/005497A
Authority: MX
Inventors: R Lee Rawls; James A Duncan; John Arthur Ohrt
Original assignee: Stairmaster Sports/Medical Products Inc
Priority date: 1997-12-03
Filing date: 2000-06-02
Publication date: 2002-03-05

Abstract

The present invention is an exercise apparatus having right and left foot pedals (12, 14) with a forward end thereof pivotally supported by right and left swing arms (16), and a rearward end thereof pivotally supported by right and left lift arms (18). In an alternative embodiment a lift cable is used. A swing control member interconnects the swing arms to provide a dependent action with the rearward movement of one pedal causing the forward movement of the other, and an interconnect member interconnects the rearward end portions of the pedals to provide a dependant action with the downward movement of the rearward end ofone pedal causing the rearward end of the other pedal to move upward. The swing control member and the interconnect member are operatively disconnected such that while the forward and rearward movement of the right and left pedals have dependent action, and the downward and upward movement of the right and left pedals have dependent action, the forward and rearward movements, and the downward and upward movements are independent of each other.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to a stationary exercise apparatus that allows the user to exercise using natural movements of walking and climbing steps in one place.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are a variety of exercise devices that allow the user to exercise by simulating a walking movement. Some of these devices also allow for a step-up movement. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,000,443 illustrates a walking exerciser having right-to-left pedals, each fixedly attached to a lower end of a corresponding one of the right and left oscillating arms. The oscillating arms each have an upper end pivotally attached to a frame. The user stands on the left and right pedals, and exercises by swinging the legs back and forth to simulate the walk. Each of the pedals can be moved back and forth along an arcuate path defined by the manufacturer about the pivot axis of the upper end of the oscillating arm carrying the pedal. A cable interconnects the right and left oscillating arms, so that, when one pedal moves backward, the other moves forward, and vice versa, to provide a reciprocal dependent oscillatory action. The exerciser allows the user to use a length of walk when exercising that is natural for the user, but the movement of the foot pedals, and consequently, the user's foot on them, is limited to a reciprocating movement as length of the simple arched trajectory without a significant variation in the angle of the pedal that simulates the possible height of the walk (lifting of the heel). To experience a change in the angle of the foot during a walk that has a more natural heel lift for a walking movement, a user must lift the foot at least partially off the pedal, or swing the foot over the pedal. In U.S. Patent Number 5,613,924 a similar walk exerciser is shown using right and left oscillating arms pivoting independently of one another. Again, the foot pedals are limited to move along a simple arched path without significant variation in the height of the walk. A different styling design for a walk exerciser is shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,242,343; 5,383,829; 5,518,473, and 5,562,574. In these exercisers, the pedals for the right and left feet are carried on a corresponding one of links for right to left feet, each link having an end attached to a corresponding right and left bell crank of a steering wheel. The other end of each foot link is guided by a corresponding right and left track, or is suspended by a corresponding right and left oscillating arm. With this configuration, an oval open path for the foot is possible, so that, when exercising on the apparatus, the user experiences a walk that has both a length of walk and a height of walk. A limited degree of adjustability is provided in at least one disclosed modality, for adjusting the inclination of the foot pedals, before starting an exercise, by using connecting bolts and a plurality of bolt receiving holes, becoming the adjustment before the exercise starts. However, with these exercisers, the length of the walk and the height of the user's walk are determined entirely by the construction of the exerciser, without variability for the length or height of natural walk of a particular user. further, there is no capacity to vary the length or height of the walk while an exercise is in progress in response to the user changing in a natural way or by choice his length or height of walk. Users of different sizes and with different lengths and natural walking heights, must move all their feet along the same oval path defined by the manufacturer. A walking exerciser is shown that allows the user to walk using their natural walking length and walking height, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,299,993 and 5,499,596. In the disclosed exerciser, the right and left pedals are each supported on a corresponding assembly of the right and left articulated link assemblies. Each link assembly includes a generally vertical arm having an upper end pivotally attached to a frame, and a lower end pivotally attached to a front end of a generally horizontal arm comprising a pair of arm members in a four-bar configuration. The free rear end of the generally horizontal arm supports one of the foot pedals. The exerciser uses rollers under each horizontal arm to support the arm from below and limit the downward travel thereof when the user's weight is applied to the pedal carried by the arm. The right and left link assemblies operate independent of each other, and allow the user to move their feet with a natural walking length and walking height, while exercising, without being limited to a pedal path defined by the fixed manufacturer. However, the exerciser has less than desirable construction and operation. In addition, in a disclosed embodiment, the vertical arms are coupled to a crank assembly that undesirably limits the user to a fixed walk length that may not simulate the user's natural walking length. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that there has been a need for a walking exerciser that can be used for walking exercises, such as walking, jogging, and running, and stair climbing exercises in the same place, that accommodate the length of walk and natural walking height of the user, and that does not limit the user to a fixed length or height of walk that may not agree with the user. The exerciser must allow the user to change the length and height of the walk he is using during the progress of an exercise without requiring the user to adjust the positions of the equipment. This walking exerciser should provide a strong and durable construction, and should operate with a sense of exercise that is more desirable to users than currently available walking exercisers. The present invention satisfies these needs, and furthermore provides other related advantages.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention resides in an exercise apparatus that allows a user to exercise while standing on the user's feet. The apparatus includes pedals for the right and left laterally spaced feet, each having a front end portion sized to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion sized to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot on it. The apparatus further includes right and left pedal support members, which, in the illustrated embodiments, include right and left oscillating arms that support the right and left pedals, respectively. The oscillating arms have an upper end portion pivotally attached to a frame, for oscillating back and forth relative thereto, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the front end portion of the corresponding pedal, for reciprocating movement back and forward of the pedals with the oscillating arms in variable back and forth quantities by the user during an exercise. The right and left pedal support members also support the right and left pedals for pivotal movement downward and upward of the rear end portions thereof in relation to the front end portions thereof in downward amounts. and upwards variables by the user during an exercise. The apparatus further includes right and left heel raising members attached to the rear end portion of the corresponding right and left pedal, such that, in response to a downward movement of the rear end portion of a pedal, a corresponding upward movement of the rear end portion of the other pedal. In an illustrated embodiment, the right and left heel elevation members include a cable, and in another illustrated embodiment include right and left lifting arms, with an upper end pivotally attached to the frame, and a lower end pivotally attached to the portion of rear end of the corresponding right or left pedal. The apparatus further includes an oscillatory control member that engages the right and left pedal support members, such that the backward movement of one of the right and left pedals causes forward movement of the other. In the illustrated embodiments, the components for producing the backward and forward dependent movement of the right and left pedals, and the dependent movement downward and upward of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals, are operatively disconnected. As such, the back and forward movement of the pedals, and the downward and upward movement of the pedals, are independent of each other. In the illustrated embodiments, a resistance device is operatively coupled to the right and left pedal support members to resist their backward movements. In addition, a spring assembly is used to cushion the extreme limit of the downward travel of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals, and to limit the extent of travel downward. Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front isometric view of the right side of a walking exercise apparatus incorporating the present invention, showing the pedals for the right and left feet substantially fully extended back and forth, respectively. Figure 2 is a front elevated view of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a left side elevation view of a pedal assembly on the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, showing an erect support frame from the right side in line in phantom. Figure 4 is a schematic elevated view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, showing a user exercising with a running walk, and illustrating the travel cycles of the pedal pivot rearward and the pedal pivot forward . Figure 5 is a fragmentary schematic top view of the right side of the pedal assembly on the left side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, showing an erect support frame on the left side, and the left pedal in different positions, as the user is exercised with a running walk, producing a reverse pedal pivot travel cycle similar to that shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is another fragmentary schematic elevated view of the right side of the left side pedal assembly therein positions shown in Figure 5, showing the same length of stroke, but showing a cycle of travel for the toe portion of the user. Figure 7 is a schematic elevated view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, showing the user exercising with a running length walk, which has little walking height, as in an oscillating movement of the leg, and illustrates the travel cycles of the pedal pivot rearward and the pedal pivot forward. Figure 8 is a schematic elevated view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, showing the user exercising with a jogging walk, which has a shortened walking length, and illustrating the travel cycles of the pedal pivot backwards and the pedal pivot forward. Figure 9 is a schematic elevated view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, showing the user exercising with a climbing step, which has primarily the walking height with little walking length, and which illustrates the cycles travel of the pedal pivot backwards and the pedal pivot forward. Figure 10 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, with the right and left side and front side support frames removed. Figure 10A is an elevated view of the left side of a pedal assembly on the right side, as shown in Figure 3, with the pedal rotated downwards. Figure 11 is an elevated view of the left side of the exercise apparatus as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1, illustrating the pulse system without illustrating the frame, with the exception of the right and left side support frames shown in phantom line, with the right and left oscillating arms and the pedals substantially fully extended. Figure 13 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus as shown in Figure 12, with the right and left oscillating arms in a neutral rest position. Figure 14 is a front isometric view of the left side of the exercise apparatus as shown in the Figure 12, which illustrates a resistance mechanism used to resist the oscillatory movement of the right and left oscillating arms. Figure 15 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus as shown in the Figure 12, with the components of the heel elevation interconnection system removed. Figure 16 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus as shown in the Figure 12, with the components of the tread length interconnection system and the resistance mechanism removed. Figure 17 is an enlarged front elevational view of a bead lift spring assembly of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bead lift spring assembly of Figure 17; taken substantially along line 18-18 thereof. Figure 19 is an isometric view of the disassembled heel lift spring assembly shown in Figure 17. Figure 20 is a front isometric view of the right side of an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 21 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 20, with components of the heel elevation interconnection system removed, and the cover and support frame for the components of the walk length interconnection system removed. Figure 22 is a front isometric view of the right side of the exercise apparatus of Figure 20, with the components of the walk length interconnection system removed, and the cover and support frame for the components of the lift interconnection system of heel removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in the drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention is incorporated in an exercise apparatus, indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 allows the user to primarily exercise the lower part of the body of the user, while standing on the exercise apparatus, and moving the user's legs and feet in a variety of movements that simulate the movement of running, jogging, and walking, and the movement of climbing steps in the same place, all referred to herein as "walk", with different amounts of walk length and walk height. The apparatus 10 accommodates a variety of user walk lengths, and allows the user to change the length of the walk while an exercise is in progress, without requiring any adjustment by the user, of the positions of the equipment. The apparatus 10 moves automatically in immediate response to the length of walk used by the user during the exercise, and allows an infinite user variability of the length of the walk through a wide range of walking lengths in any time during the exercise. As used herein, "walk length" refers to the distance between the trailing and trailing end extensions of the user's foot during a repetition of exercise. The apparatus 10 also accommodates a variety of user walking heights, and allows the user to change the height of the walk while an exercise is in progress, without requiring any adjustment by the user, of the positions of the equipment. The apparatus 10 moves in an automatic and immediate manner in response to the walking height used by the user during the exercise, and allows infinite user variability of the height of the walk through a wide range of walking heights at any time during the exercise. As used herein, "walk height" refers to the distance between the end-to-bottom and top-to-toe extensions of the heel portion of the user's foot during a repetition of exercise. Alternatively referred to as heel elevation, the amount of walking height indicates the angle of the user's foot during the repetition of the exercise. The apparatus 10 allows the user to vary the length of the walk independently of the height of the walk, and vice versa, thus allowing the user to fit into their natural walking length and walking height during the exercise, without being limited to a length or height of individual walks selected by the manufacturer, to be used by all users without variation. In addition, the apparatus 10 allows the user to vary infinitely the length of the walk or the height of the walk, or both, while the exercise is in progress, as desired by the user, without adjusting the positions of the equipment. The apparatus 10 also provides dependence on the back and forward movements of the right and left feet, and dependence on the downward and upward movements of the right and left feet, as will be described in more detail below. The result is an exercise apparatus with better construction and feel, and greater flexibility and ease in operation, which can simulate all the movements of type of walk, from running to climb steps in the same place, with movements of length and height of walking that agree with the natural movements for the user, and that automatically changes the length and height of the foot pedal while the exercise is in progress, in response to any changes in the length and height of walking used by the user. For purposes of illustration, a first embodiment of the fully assembled apparatus 10 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The apparatus 10 is configured for a user 2 (shown in Figures 4, and 7-9), to exercise while standing, with the right and left feet of user 4 and 6, respectively, on the right foot pedals and left laterally separated 12 and 14, respectively. Each of the pedals 12 and 14 is suspended from above by an oscillating arm placed forward 16, and a lifting arm placed backwards 18.

The apparatus 10 includes a stationary frame 20 having base frame members of the right and left sides, laterally spaced apart, which engage the floor 22. A front base frame member 24 is fixedly attached to the front ends of the frame members base of the right and left sides 22, and extends between them. The front base frame member 24 is an upwardly open channel with an upper cover 26. The right and left laterally supported side frame members 28 and 30, respectively, have a lower end portion fixedly attached to a portion. corresponding to the right and left end portions of the front base frame member 24, and extends upwards therefrom. The support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30 are outwardly covered channels with covers 32. It is noted that the right and left pedals 12 and 14, and the oscillating arm and the lifting arms 16 and 18 that the they support, are shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the right pedal 12 placed substantially fully rearwardly, and the left pedal 14 placed substantially fully forward, as would be the case when in use with a user on them exercising with a movement of walking. When the exercise apparatus 10 is at rest, as shown in Figure 10, the right and left pedals 12 and 14 assume a central neutral position substantially direct below the location at which the right and left oscillating arms pivotally join. 16 and the right and left lifting arms 18 to the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30. The frame 20 has an additional support provided to the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30 by a pair of rear support frame members 34. Each of the rear support frame members 34 has a lower end fixedly attached to a rearward end portion of the corresponding member of the right frame base frame members. and left 22. An upper end of each rear support frame member 34 is attached to a rear face of an upper end portion 36 of the corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30. A protective plate 37 extends by the distance between an upper portion of each of the rear support frame members 34, and the corresponding member of the members of support frame of right and left sides 28 and 30, plate 37 shown only in Figure 1. A rear base frame member 38 extends between, and is fixedly attached to, a rear end portion of each of the base frame members of the right and left sides 22. A central portion of the rear base frame member 38 is configured to serve as a step 40, to facilitate a user standing behind the apparatus 10, climbing the step above the steps. Left and right pedals 12 and 14 to perform an exercise. A handle 42 is fixedly attached to a front face of the upper end portions 36 of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30. The handle 42 has right and left side portions projecting forward and a slightly inward, and meet a transverse portion in which a control board 44 is mounted. The transverse portion of the handle 42 also has a pair of handles 46 attached thereto for the user's right and left hands to hold. when standing on the left and right pedals 12 and 14 during an exercise, as an alternative to holding the handle 42. The apparatus 10 also includes right and left handles 42 attached to a front side of a corresponding one of the oscillating arms 16, which can be held by the user while standing on the right and left pedals 12 and 14 during an exercise, to achieve exercise the upper body. A base end portion 50 of each handle 42 is pivotally mounted to the oscillating arm for adjustable angular movement relative thereto, and projects forwardly from the oscillating arm. A safety pin that can be operated by the user 52, allows the user to secure the handle 42 in an angular orientation selected in relation to the corresponding arm of the right and left oscillating arms 16, for the travel of the handles 48 in the angle selected with the oscillating arm during an exercise. The handles 48 are illustrated in the drawings bent downwardly against the oscillatory arms 16, but when used, they would rotate to a position projecting upwards relative thereto. The handles 48 allow the user to apply a forward and downward force on them with their hands during an exercise, to selectively help to propel the right and left oscillating arms 16 backward during the exercise, and in doing so, the user achieves Exercise the upper body. Each of the right and left oscillatory arms 16 has an upper end portion 54 pivotally attached to the upper end portion 36 of a corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30, by an arrow 56, to oscillate backwards and forwards in relation to frame members. The right and left oscillating arms 16 are oriented or generally extending upwards, and each is located laterally inwardly of one face inward of the corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30. A portion of lower end 58 of each of the right and left oscillating arms 16 has a front end portion 40 of the corresponding pedal of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 pivotally attached thereto, for reciprocating movement back and forth of the pedal with the oscillating arm. The front end portion 60 of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 is sized to receive a corresponding front end or tip portion of the user's right or left foot thereon. As will be described in more detail below, the left and right oscillating arms 16 move the left and right pedals 12 and 14 attached thereto with a reciprocating member back and forth along an arcuate path, as oscillatory arms move back and forth in varying amounts back and forth variable by the user during an exercise. The right and left pedals 12 and 14 are each located laterally inward of the right and left oscillating arm 16 with which they are attached. Accordingly, the oscillating arm with which the pedal is attached, is located between the corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30 and the pedal, and defines a space 61 between the right oscillating arms and left where user 2 is standing, while on the left and right pedals 12 and 14 during an exercise. The right and left oscillating arms 16 support the front end portion 60 of the corresponding right and left pedals 12 and 14 in a cantilever shape on a pivot pin 62 that extends completely from side to side through the front end portion. 60 of the corresponding pedal. Each of the right and left lifting arms 18 has an upper end portion 64 pivotally connected through a corresponding linkage of the right and left pivot links 70, with the upper end portion 36 of the corresponding member of the members of Support frame for right and left sides 28 and 30, at a location below the pivotal joint location of the corresponding arm of the right and left oscillating arms 16, and outwardly from the upper end portion 54 of the corresponding right and left oscillating arms 16. The right and left lifting arms 18 are oriented or generally extending upwards, and each is located laterally inwardly of the face inwardly of the corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30. A lower end portion 66 of each one of the right and left lifting arms 18 joins pivotally to a rear end portion 68 of the corresponding pedal of the right and left pedals 12 and 14. The rear end portion 68 of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 is dimensioned to receive a back end or heel portion of the user's right and left foot on it. The front end portion 60 and the rear end portion 68 of each of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 are sized large enough to receive the right and left feet 4 and 6 on them, from a wide variety of users. , both younger and older than the average adult foot size. As will be described in more detail below, the right and left lifting arms 18 provide a lifting force to the rear end portions 68 of the left and right pedals 12 and 14 attached thereto, to move the pedals upwardly, and provide walking height during a repetition of exercise in variable amounts by the user during an exercise. Additionally, the right oscillating arm and the right lifting arm together provide an oscillating support for the right pedal 12, and limit the downward travel thereof, to provide an uninhibited oscillatory movement of the right pedal out of the support contact with any structure under it during an exercise. In a similar manner, the left oscillating arm and the left lifting arm together provide an oscillating support for the left pedal 14, and limit its travel downward, to provide an uninhibited oscillatory movement of the left pedal out of the support contact with any structure under it during an exercise. The construction and operation of the right and left pivot links 70 are best illustrated in Figures 4, 7, 8, and 9. With reference to Figure 4, the upper end portion 64 of the right lift arm 18 is shown pivotally to a first free end portion 72 of the right pivot link 70. A second end portion 74 of the right pivot link 70 is pivotally joined to the upper end portion 36 of the right side support frame member 28. The link The left pivot pin 70 is of identical construction and operation to those of the first free end portion 72 thereof pivotally attached to the upper end portion 64 of the left lift arm 18 and the second end portion 74 thereof pivotally attached to the upper end portion 36 of the left side support frame member 30. To reduce the opportunity for the user's fingers to be bruised between the upper end portion. 64 of the lifting arm and the pivot link 70, the pivot link is formed with a portion of the hand guard plate 76, and the upper end portion 64 of the lift arm 18 is formed with a portion of a pestle. 78 hands guard that overlaps. The right and left pedals 12 and 14 are each located laterally inward of the right and left lifting arms 18 to which they are attached. Accordingly, the lifting arm to which the pedal is attached is located between the corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30 and the pedal, and define a back portion of the space 61 where the user 2 is standing while on the left and right pedals 12 and 14 during an exercise. In addition, the right and left lifting arms 18 are positioned rearwardly of the corresponding arm of the right and left oscillating arms 16. The right and left lifting arms 18 pivotally support the rear end portion 68 of the right foot pedals and corresponding left 12 and 14 in a cantilever shape on a pivot pin 80 which extends completely from side to side through the rear end portion 68 of the corresponding pedal. Each of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 has a foot stop 81 attached thereto, and a toe clip 82 where the toe portion of the user is placed when on the pedal. The right and left toe tips 82 are placed on the corresponding pedal of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 to engage and limit forward positioning of the toe portion of the user placed on it in a rearward position of the pivot pin 62, location of the pivotal joint of the lower end portion 58 of the corresponding right and left oscillating arms 16 to the front end portion 60 of the pedals for the corresponding right and left feet 12 and 14. As will be described below, by locating the toe portion of the user behind the pivotal attachment point of the oscillating arm to the foot pedal, the user's toe performs a path of travel more than according to a natural movement that the simple reciprocating arched movement made by the pivot pin 62 when the arms oscillate Right and left cilatorios 16 backwards and forwards. A further description of the construction and operation of the apparatus 10 will be provided below.; however, to understand the basic operation of the apparatus 10, reference is made to Figures 4 to 9, which show the apparatus in a somewhat schematic form, and in several figures show the user 2 placed in the space 61 between the arms oscillating and pivoting rights, and the left pivotal and oscillating arms, with the right foot of the user 4 on the right pedal 12, and the left foot of the user 6 on the left pedal 14. In Figure 4, the user is shown 2 exercising with a walking movement that simulates running, using a length of walk, that is, the distance of travel of the user's foot during the repetition of an exercise between the largest extensions backwards and forwards of its route, and a substantial walking height, i.e., the distance of travel of the heel portion of the user's foot during the repetition of an exercise between the larger extensions downward and upwardly e its route. The path of travel resulting from the left and right pedals 12 and 14, measured on the pivot pin 80, located immediately below the heel portion of the user's foot, at the pivotal point of the lift arm 18 up to the pedals right and left 12 and 14, is shown as an oval stroke cycle open for a repetition of exercise, and is indicated in the drawings by reference letter A. The arrowheads on trajectory A indicate the direction of travel of the heel portion of the user's foot along the trajectory during a repetition of exercise. The different positions of the pedal along a repetition of exercise with a similar walking movement are shown in Figure 5, illustrating the positions of the left pedal 14. The vertical height of the open cycle travel path A indicates the amount of heel elevation being applied by user 2 with his right and left feet 4 and 6 on the right and left pedals 12 and 14 of apparatus 10 during the repetition of an exercise. A particular user having a naturally large heel elevation while walking will draw a much more open heel travel path A, the length of the lower segment of the path A being traced as the heel moves backward is significantly separated from, and below the upper segment of the path A traced as the heel moves forward. Because the toe portion of the user is positioned further forward of the pivot pin 8, and closer to the pivot pin 62, the toe portion moves along a path of travel with much less variation of vertical height, as will be described in more detail below. As a result of the greater variations in the movement of the heel in relation to the movement of the toe, the user experiences an angular variation of the feet in relation to the legs during an exercise. As will be described later, because the apparatus 10 responds to the movements of the user's feet, different users can use different walking heights, and even the same user can use different walking heights during an exercise to simulate walking with a natural walking height for the user. The walking height can be varied by the user of choice, or as a result of normal factors that vary naturally the length of the walk used, such as the speed of the exercise, the length of the walk, the style used, or the state of fatigue. This allows all users of the apparatus 10, all the time during an exercise, to use a natural walking height that can vary during the exercise. The change in the height of the walk can be seen in Figure 7 for user 2 using substantially the same length of walk, but with a significantly reduced walking height. The lower segment of the backward movement of the path of travel of the heel A is very close to the upper segment of the forward movement of the path of travel of the heel A. The movement shown in Figure 7 is substantially one of the user simply by swinging his legs backwards and forwards. The user 2 is shown in Figure 8 exercising with a walking movement that has a much shorter walking length, but with a substantial walking height to simulate the trot. Again, the walking height of the path of travel of the heel A responds to the walking height used by the user 2, and can be changed as desired at any time by any amount by the user during the exercise. Other users who subsequently use the apparatus 10, may use different walking heights, without changing the positions of the equipment. In Figure 9, the user is shown exercising with a walking movement that simulates climbing steps in the same place, with very little length of walk, but with a significant walking height. This produces a relatively closed path of the heel A travel for the heel stroke of the user's feet, and the longitudinal axis of the path is oriented upward. It is observed that, if the user simulates climbing steps in the same place without any length of walk, that is, without the user's feet moving forward or backward, the path of travel of heel A would be in an arched line extending generally up. The amount that the user raises his heels in relation to the tips of his feet during the repetition of an exercise, determines the limits of travel end of the path of travel of the heel A. More elevation of the heel will produce a path of travel of the heel A longer, and less elevation of the heel will produce a path of shorter heel A travel. Referring again to Figure 4, the path of travel of the left and right pedals 12 and 14, measured at the pivot pin 62, located generally forward of the toe portion of the user, at the point of attachment of the pivot of the oscillating arm 16 with the corresponding right and left pedals 12 and 14, is shown as a closed arched linear trajectory B. The path of travel B is simply an arc of a circle having a radius determined by the distance between the arrow 56, wherein the oscillating arm joins pivotally to the supporting frame members of the corresponding right and left sides 28 and 30 and the pivot pin 62, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally attached to the corresponding right and left pedals. The trajectory of travel B extends between the positions more backwards and more forward of those for the right and left feet 12 and 14, and corresponds to the length of the walk used for the repetition of the exercise. The length of the path of travel B can be changed at any time during an exercise, simply when the user changes to a shorter or longer walk length. The front end portion 60 of the pedals for the right and left feet 12 and 14, and the pivot pin 62 which joins them to the right and left oscillating arms 16, move with a simple reciprocating arched movement along the path of travel B, tracing the path backwards and forwards segments of backward and forward movement overlapped by the trajectory. The feet 4 and 6 of the user 2 on the right and left pedals 12 and 14 have their front portion or end of the toe placed in the corresponding toe clip 82 against the foot stops 81, located rearwardly of the pivot pin 62, wherein the oscillating arms 16 are pivotally attached to the pedals. As such, the toe portion of the user undergoes a path of travel with an oval stroke cycle open for the repetition of an exercise. The path of travel is indicated in Figure 6 by the letter of reference C. The path of travel C has a much more closed cycle than the path of travel of the heel A. The path of slightly open path C provides a walk height more natural for the toe portion of the user than would occur if the foot stops 81 and the toe clips 82 were placed on the pivot pins 62, where the tip portion of the foot foot would travel along the path of travel B. If desired, the stops for the foot 81 and the toe clips 62 can be moved closer to the pivot pin 62, in order to reduce the height of the foot. walk from the tip of the foot, or further back to increase the walking height of the toe. The illustrated location is approximately 10 centimeters backward from the pivot pin 62. The forward and backward extensions between which the pedals 12 and 14 travel along the path of travel B during the repetition of an exercise depend on the length of walk used by the user 2. This length can be infinitely varied by the user at any time during the exercise. As noted above, the oscillating movement of the leg illustrated in Figure 7 has substantially the same walking length as the stroke movement illustrated in Figure 4. The walking length of the jogging movement shown in Figure 8 has a trajectory of travel B much shorter, and the movement of climbing stairs in the same place shown in Figure 9 has almost no walking length. Returning now to the description of the construction of the apparatus 10, Figure 10 shows the apparatus with the covers 32 removed from the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30, and the cover 2 removed from the base frame member front 24. The interior of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30, and the interior of the front base frame member 24, serve as compartments inside of which many of the moving components of the apparatus are located. 10, to keep them away from user 2 while he is exercising. This includes the components of the heel elevation interconnection system, the components of the walk length interconnection system, and at least a portion of the components of the resistance mechanism, as will be described later. The operation of these components is described with reference primarily to Figures 10 to 19. As noted above, the lower end portions 58 of the right and left oscillating arms 16 are pivotally attached to the front end portion 60 of the right pedals and corresponding left 12 and 14 by means of the pivot pin 62. The right and left oscillating arms 16 support the corresponding right and left pedals 12 and 14 for the downward and upward pivotal movement of the rear end portion 68 of each pedal in relation to the front end portion 60 thereof, in amounts down and up variable by the user during an exercise. The variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion 68 of each of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 corresponds to the amount of downward movement of the heel portion of the user's foot on the end portion. Rear of the pedal applied by the user during the exercise. The range of downward and upward movement of the rear end portion 68 of the pedals for the right and left feet 12 and 14, and accordingly, the range of stroke height that can be achieved using the apparatus 10, is in part determined by the location in which the pivot pin 80 is attached with the right and left lifting arms 18 to the pedals, and also by the angular lengths and orientations of the lifting arms 18 and the pivot links 70 by which the lifting arms are pivotally joined to the supporting frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30. The lower limit of travel of the rear end portion 68 of the right and left pedals 12 and 14, when a user of a sufficient body weight is standing on the pedals, is reached when an imaginary line, indicated by the reference letter X in the Figure 10A, extending between the pivotal point of attachment of the second end portion 74 of the pivot link 70 to the corresponding member of the right side support frame members ei left 28 and 30, and the pivotal point of attachment of the first end portion 72 of the pivot link 70 to the upper end portion 64 of the corresponding lift arm 18, is in a straight line configuration with an imaginary line, indicated by the reference letter Y in FIG. 10A, which extends between the pivotal attachment point of the upper end portion 64 of the lifting arm 18 to the first end portion 72 of the pivot link 70, up to the junction point pivotal (i.e., pivot pin 80) of the lower end portion 66 of the lift arm 18 to the corresponding right and left pedals 12 and 14. When the mechanical links of the lift arm and the pivot link are in this position, the effective lever arms are in straight line configurations, and further downward rotation of the pedal around the pivot pin 62 is not possible by pivotally joining the portion n of front end 60 of the pedal with the lower end portion 54 of the oscillating arm 16. As will be described later, the apparatus 10 is designed in such a way that no user will have a sufficient body weight to make the lifting links reach the limit described. The typical final position of the lifting links under the weight of a user is similar to that shown in Figure 10A. However, first it is necessary to understand the interconnection of the right and left lifting arms 18 to produce a downward and upward movement dependent on the right and left pedals 12 and 14. As illustrated more clearly in Figure 16, the second end portion 74 of the pivot link 70 connecting the corresponding right and left lifting arm 18 to the corresponding right and left side support frame members 28 and 30, is pivotally joined by a gear arrow 84 to the steering member. support frame of the right or left side corresponding 28 or 30 using bearings. The gear shaft 84 carries an upper toothed wheel 86 fixedly connected to it, to rotate with the arrow, and on which a flexible chain segment 88 is inserted. A rear end of the chain segment 88 is connected by a tensioning spring. 90 to the corresponding member of the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 or 30, by means of a connecting member 92. The forward ends of the chain segments 88 inserted on the upper sprockets of the right and left sides 86 they connect to each other through a series of components that will now be described. In particular, the front end of the chain segment 88 is connected through a master link with a 90 ° C turn 94, to an upper end of a flexible chain segment 96 having its links oriented at 90 ° C in relation with the links of the chain segment 88. The chain segment 96 passes around a lower idler 98, and has a lower end attached to a corresponding end of the right and left ends 100 and 102 of a bar 104 of a spring assembly 106 shown in Figures 17 to 19. The spring assembly 106 serves to cushion the end portion. of the downward travel of the rear end portion 68 of the right and left pedals 12 and 14, and also serves to limit its final travel, because no user has a sufficient body weight to push the pedal to its lowest travel possible defined by the lifting links described above. As illustrated in Figures 17 to 19, the spring assembly 106 includes a tubular body 108 having tightly attached left and right end caps 110, each having a central opening 112 therein. The rod 104 is positioned inside the tubular body 108, and has its right end 100 projecting through the opening 112 in the end cap 110 fixedly attached to the right end of the tubular body 108, and projecting the left end 102 through the central opening of the end cap fixedly attached to the left end of the tubular body. The bar 104 has a spring coupling disc 114 welded thereto at its longitudinal center, and a right spring 116 is mounted concentrically on the bar between the disc 114 and the right end 100 of the bar, and a spring is concentrically mounted left 118 on the bar, between the disc and the left end 102 of the bar. The entire spring and rod assembly is received in a bushing tube 119, which is placed inside the tubular body 108, and protects the inner wall of the tubular body 108 from damage by the movement of the springs 116 and 118. Bearing the bar 104 the springs 116 and 118 mounted thereon, positioned inside the tubular body 108, the end caps 110 are fixedly attached to the end flanges of the tubular body by a plurality of screws 120. The assembled spring assembly 106 is fixedly joined to frame 20 of apparatus 10 inside base frame member 24.

In operation, when the user shifts his weight more towards the right pedal 12 than towards the left pedal 14, the irregular weight causes a greater downward force to be applied on the lift arm 18 connected to the right pedal. This downward force is transmitted to the pivot link 70 to which the lifting arm 18 is attached, resulting in its rotation in the counter-clockwise direction, and also the counter-clockwise rotation of the hands. gear arrow clock 84 connected to it (as seen from the right side in Figure 16). The upper gear 86 linked to the gear arrow 84 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction. This rotation transmits an upward force to the front end of the chain segment 88 introduced on the upper sprocket 86, and to the upper end of the chain segment 96 with which it is attached. This upward force applies a pull force directed to the right on the right end 100 of the bar 104 of the spring assembly 106, causing it to move towards the right side of the apparatus 10 (to the left as seen in Figure 18). ). The disc 114 fixedly attached to the bar 104 thereby engages with the inward end of the right spring 116 trapped between the disc and the end cap on the right side 110 (on the left in Figure 18), which serves as a spring stop, and begins to compress the right spring 116.

The right spring 116 is selected with a spring constant to initially provide little resistance when coupled by the disk as a result of the initial downward travel of the rear end portion 68 of the right pedal 12, to progressively resist downward movement. , and to totally counteract the downward movement for a user of a normal body weight, before the downward movement is limited by the lifting links described above. As such, the right spring 116 serves not only to cushion the downward travel of the rear end portion 68 of the right pedal 12 as it travels downward, also helps to establish the end limit of the downward travel. The right spring 116 serves to limit the downward travel for the users in conjunction with the lifting links, because, as the rear end portion 68 of the right pedal 12 moves downward, the effective lever arms of lifting arm 18 and pivot link 70 begin to approach a straight line configuration, thereby progressively reducing effective leverage or lever advantage, and thereby progressively transmitting less of the user's body weight to the user's body assembly. spring 106, until the transmitted force is sufficiently low to be completely counteracted by the right spring 116.

It is noted that, although it is not a primary function, the right spring 116 will also apply a sufficient upward return force on the rear end portion 68 of the right pedal 12, back through the chain segments 88 and 96 and the lifting arm 18, for raising the rear end portion of the right pedal in the event that the user exits the right and left pedals. This will return the pedals to a neutral position, with both left and right pedals at approximately the same angle. Although the operation of the spring assembly 106 has been described with respect to a downward force that is applied to the right pedal 12, the spring assembly operates in the same manner using the left spring 18, when the user shifts his weight more toward the left pedal 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the right and left springs 116 and 118 are selected with a spring constant such as to provide the end limit of travel down for an adult user of an average and greater body weight, instead of the lift link. In addition, the spring assembly 106 is designed to provide sufficient travel of the disc 114 inside the tubular body 108, to sufficiently compress the right and left springs 116 and 118 for a greater amount than will actually be experienced if a user of a body weight average uses the device 10.

The components of the heel elevation interconnection system and the components of the bead lift spring assembly just described, also serve for the function of interconnecting the right and left lifting arms 18, in order to provide a downward movement and upwards dependent on the lifting arms. The force applied to the bar 104 of the spring assembly 106 to move it to the right side as a result of the user changing his weight towards the right pedal 12, is also transmitted by means of the movement of the left end 102 of the bar 104 to the chain segment 96 and chain segment 88 on the left side, to apply a rotational force in the clockwise direction (as seen from the right side in Figure 16) on top gear 86 mounted on the left side. the left side support frame 30. This clockwise rotating movement is transmitted through the right side pivot link 70 and the right side lift arm 18 to the rear end portion 68 of the right pedal 14, to make its rear end portion move up. As such, the right and left pedals 12 and 14 move with a dependent movement with the downward movement that results in the upward movement of the other. It is noted that the upward movement of one pedal will not push the other pedal down; however, in normal operation, the user of the apparatus 10 would not apply an upward force with his feet when placing them on the pedals. However, it is noted that, in an alternative mode not illustrated, the right and left pedals are not limited to a downward and upward movement dependent on one direction, and are interconnected, such that the jerk motion upwards of one pedal is transmitted to a downward force applied to the other pedal. In yet another alternative embodiment not illustrated, the downward and upward movements of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals are not dependent. From the provided description of the apparatus 10, it will be understood that the right and left lifting arms 18 are interconnected by interconnecting members, such that, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion 68 of any of the right or left pedals 12 or 14, corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the pedal, applied by the user during the exercise, will result in a lifting force being applied on the lifting arm on the opposite side, for raising the rear end portion of the pedal from the opposite side upwards, with a variable amount of upward movement corresponding to the variable amount of downward movement of the pedal where the user has changed his weight. Accordingly, no matter how hard the user forces down the rear end portion 68 of a pedal, a corresponding upward travel of the pedal on the opposite side results. Furthermore, the amount of downward movement of the pedal simply responds to the downward movement of the user's foot on the pedal, without restricting the movement to a length of travel defined by the manufacturer, and the downward stroke, and consequently the travel towards Above the opposite pedal, it is determined by the downward travel that the user wishes to experience before changing his weight to the opposite pedal, and start the downward movement of that pedal. The apparatus 10 further includes the components of the walk-length interconnection system and the components of the resistance mechanism. The apparatus 10 utilizes not only the downward and upward movement dependent on the right and left pedals 12 and 14, but also the backward and forward movement dependent on the left and right oscillating arms 16, and therefore, the right and left pedals. As best illustrated in Figures 12 to 15, the arrow 56 to which the upper end portion 54 of the right and left oscillating arms 16 is fixedly attached, is itself rotatably mounted by bearings to the frame members of the frame. the corresponding right and left sides 28 and 30. The arrow 56 has a gear 122 fixedly attached thereto to rotate with the arrow. A segmented chain assembly 124 includes a pair of flexible chain segments 126. The right side chain segment 126 has an upper end portion 128 inserted on a rear side of the right side gear 122, and a fixedly attached end link. to gear. The left side chain segment 126 has an upper end portion 130 inserted on a rear side of the left side gear 122, and an end link fixedly attached to the gear. The chain segments 126 each extend downwardly from the corresponding gear 122, with a lower end thereof connected to an upper end of a corresponding bar of the right and left side bars 132. A flexible chain segment 134 has their opposite ends attached to a lower end of each of the bars 132, and extends around the idler sprockets of the right and left sides 136 placed inside the base frame member 24. The segmented chain assembly 124 also includes a pair of flexible chain segments 138. A right side chain segment 138 has an upper end portion 140 inserted on a right side of the right side gear 122, and an end link fixedly attached to the gear. The left side chain segment 138 has an upper end portion 142 inserted on a front side of the left side gear 122, and an end link fixedly attached to the gear. The chain segments 138 each extend downwardly from the corresponding gear 122, with a lower end thereof connected to an upper end of a corresponding link of the links of the right and left side bar 144. The link of right side bar 144 connects to chain segment 146 through a spring 147. A lower end of each of the bar links 144 is attached to an opposite end of a flexible chain segment 146 extending between bar links of the right and left sides, and is introduced on idler pulleys 148 placed on the base frame member 124, as best shown in Figure 15. The right side bar link 144 is connected to the chain segment 146 through a spring 147. The segmented chain assembly 124 acts in much the same way as a continuous chain cycle interconnecting the gears 122 of the right and left 16 oscillating arms. result, in response to the variable amounts of backward movement of the right pedal 12 corresponding to the amount of backward movement of the user's right foot during an exercise, the gear on the right side 122 is caused to rotate in the direction of the hands of the user. clock (as seen from the right side in Figure 15), and transmit a force upwardly on the right side chain segment 126, which is transmitted through the right side bar 132 and the chain segment 134 to the left side bar 132 and the left side chain segment 126 as a downward force. This downward force is transmitted to the left side gear 122 as a force in the counterclockwise direction (as seen in Figure 15), which rotates the left swing arm 16 in the opposite direction to clockwise, and moves the left pedal 14 attached thereto forward, in an amount corresponding to the amount of variable movement backward of the right pedal 12. The reverse occurs when the user moves the left pedal 14 backward, and results in a variable amount of forward movement of the right pedal 12 corresponding to the amount of backward movement of the left pedal 14. The segmented chain assembly 124 thus interconnects the left and right oscillating arms 116, and causes the backward movement of one produces the forward movement of the other, to provide the movement of the right and left sides dependent on the oscillating arms of the right and left sides 16 and the pedals of the right and left sides 12 and 14 attached to the same. It is noted that, with the segmented chain assembly 124 described, the dependence is actually in both directions, because if a user applies a forward force to one of the pedals, the opposite pedal will move backward, but these forces will not normally be encountered during a normal exercise using the apparatus 10. However, it does help to return the pedals to a neutral position when not standing on them. The apparatus 10 has been described as having a downward and upwardly dependent pedal lift between the right and left sides, to produce a dependent walking height movement, and a dependent backward and forward pedal movement between the right and left sides. left, to produce a dependent walk length action. However, the components of the heel elevation interconnection system and the interconnection components of the walking length are operatively disconnected from each other, such that the movement of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 and of the arms oscillatory 18 in the backward or forward direction, will not produce a prescribed downward or upward movement of the rear end portions 68 of the right and left pedals relative to their front end portions 60. The reverse is also true, wherein the downward or upward movement of the rear end portion 68 relative to the front end portion 60 of the pedals 12 and 14, will not necessarily produce a backward or forward movement of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 or the oscillating arms 16. Accordingly, although the apparatus 10 provides walking length movements of right and left pedals or dependent, and variable lengths of walking by the user in response to the particular walking length used by the user, and walking height movements of dependent left and right pedals and variable walking heights by the user in response to the height of The walk used by the user, the length of the pedal walk and the height of the foot pedals are independent of one another, and can be varied in independent quantities. The result is an extremely flexible exercise device that produces an exercise of a very good and natural feeling, which allows the user to use their natural walking length and walking height, and to vary both independently and as desired during an exercise. , without requiring changes of team positions. In order to allow the user to control the energy expended during an exercise using the apparatus 10, a resistance device is operatively connected to the right and left oscillating arms 16, and therefore, to the right and left pedals 12 and 14, to resist their backward movements. The resistance device is controlled by the user through the control board 44, to require the user of the apparatus to perform a desired amount of work while exercising. Still with reference to Figures 11 to 15, the backward movement of the right and left pedals 12 and 14, and of the corresponding right and left oscillating arms 16, is transmitted to the resistance device by a pair of flexible chain segments 150., each having an end attached to a lower end of the corresponding bar of the right and left rods 132. Its other end is connected to a tension spring 152, having an end 154 fixedly attached to a corresponding member of the frame members. of support of the right and left sides 28 and 30. A transverse pulse arrow 154 is rotatably supported by bearings in the base frame member 24, and extends laterally between the support frame members of the right and left sides 28 and 30 inside the base frame member 24. An end portion of the right side of the impulse shaft 154 has a one-way clutch bearing 156 mounted thereon, and an end portion of the left side of the pulse shaft has a one-way clutch bearing 158 mounted thereon. The right-side chain segment 150 is inserted over the one-way clutch bearing on the right side 156, and the left-side chain segment 150 is introduced over the one-way clutch bearing on the left side 158. One-way clutch on the left and right sides 156 and 158 are configured in such a way that their rotation in the clockwise direction (as seen from the right side, as shown in Figure 15) transmits a rotating pulse to the impulse arrow 154 to rotate it clockwise. As described above, when the right pedal 12 is moved backward, the clockwise rotation resulting from the engagement of the right side 122, applies an upward force on the right side bar 132. Because the right side chain segment 150 has its end connected to the right side bars 132, the upward force is also applied thereto, which rotates the clutch bearing of a right side track 156 in the direction of the hands of the clockwise, and transmits a rotary pulse force clockwise to the pulse arrow 154. As described above, this same movement transmits a downward force to the left side bar 132, and therefore, a downward force on the left side chain segment 152 introduced on the one-way clutch bearing on the left side 158. As seen from the right side, this produces a fu in the counterclockwise direction on the one-way clutch bearing on the left side 158, primarily through the left-side tension spring 152 which collects the loose part in the left-side chain segment 150, when the left side bar 132 moves downward. The force in the counterclockwise direction applied to the one-way clutch bearing on the left side 158 rotates it freely in the opposite direction to that of the hands of the clock without applying any rotary pulse force in the counterclockwise direction to the pulse arrow 154. Accordingly, the only rotary pulse experienced by the pulse arrow 154 will be the rotary pulse in the direction clockwise of the one-way clutch bearing on the right side 156. When the left pedal 14 is moved backward, the operation of described above, the left-side one-way clutch bearing 158 providing a rotary pulse force clockwise to the pulse arrow 154, and overrunning the one-way clutch bearing 156 without providing no rotary impulse to the impulse arrow. As such, the backward movements of the right and left pedals 12 and 14 are summed by the pulse arrow 154 in the rotary movement in the clockwise direction of the pulse arrow. As shown best in 14, the pulse arrow 154 has a pulse gear 160 fixedly attached to its left end to rotate with the pulse arrow. A continuous cycle chain 162 is introduced over the pulse gear 160 and a smaller diameter gear 164. The smaller diameter gear 164 is mounted to rotate on a common rotating shaft with a larger diameter pulley 166 to rotate with the same. The gear 164 and the pulley 166 are rotatably supported by the left side support frame member 30. An impulse band 168 is introduced on the pulley 166 and a pulse pulley of an alternator 170 having a smaller diameter than the pulley 166. The alternator is supported by the left-side support frame member 30. With the described configuration of the large-moment gear 160 by rotating a smaller-diameter gear 164, which rotates the large-diameter pulley 166 , and by driving the pulley 166 to a smaller diameter pulse pulley of the alternator 170, an increasing speed transmission results. In a conventional manner, the operation of the alternator 170 is controlled by the control board 44 and the related circuit (not shown), to provide resistance to the clockwise rotation of the impulse arrow, which results from the movement backward of the right and left pedals 12 and 14, as described above. The control board 44 controls the alternator 170. The alternator 170 is controlled based on the load or work load, preferably to require constant work at a selected work level. Although an alternator and an increasing speed transmission are shown as the resistance device used by the apparatus 10, other resistance devices, such as friction brakes and eddy current brakes, can be used. It is noted that the primary function of the tension springs 152 attached to the chain segments 150 introduced on the right and left clutch bearings 156 and 158, is to keep the chain segments inserted on the sprockets of the clutch bearings one way. However, the tension springs 152 also serve for the function of returning the oscillating arms 16, and consequently, the right and left pedals 12 and 14 with which they are attached, to a central neutral position, when the user steps down from the pedals When the right and left pedals 12 and 14 are returned to the neutral centered position, they are in a good position for the user to easily climb over them, first climbing to the step 40 forming a part of the rear frame member 38, and then climbing on the pedals. In the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 10, the arrow 56 to which the upper end portion 54 of the right and left oscillating arms 16 is attached, and about which the pivot of the oscillating arms is attached to the frame members of the support of the right and left sides 28 and 30, at a height above the right and left pedals, which places the hip joints of the user with an average adult height standing on the right and left pedals during an exercise at approximately height of the arrow 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrows on the right and left sides 56 are pivotally attached to the support frame members on the right and left sides 28 and 30, at a height above the right and left pedals 12 and 14 when they are in a neutral resting position of about 76 centimeters to 127 centimeters, with 102 centimeters being preferred for the height of the arrow 56 above the corresponding pedal. In the illustrated embodiment of apparatus 10, a walk length of at least 30 centimeters is provided to accommodate a small walk length, but allows the walking length to be increased to at least 91 centimeters for a longer walk length. In the illustrated mode, the walking length used can be still less than 30 centimeters, such as when the step-up movement is made in the same place, illustrated in Figure 9. In the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 10, a height range of walk from at least 8 to 10 centimeters as a minimum range, up to at least 23 to 28 centimeters as a maximum range. Although the apparatus could be constructed to provide other lengths and heights of walking, it is believed that the ranges identified are appropriate to serve a variety of users of different sizes, and to accommodate a user of average adult height. An exercise apparatus 200 comprising an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 described above, is shown in Figures 21 and 22. Although it has a simpler and less expensive construction, the basic operation of the apparatus 200 is very similar. As with the apparatus 10, the apparatus of the alternative embodiment 200 includes the right and left pedals 212 and 214, respectively, each pivotally connected by a pivot pin 262 in a cantilever shape, to a lower end of a corresponding arm of the right and left oscillating arms 216. The apparatus 200 includes a frame having a pair of right and left front support legs 228 and 230, respectively, which are telescopic for boarding. An upper end of each support leg 228 and 230 is pivotally joined to a corresponding portion of the right and left upper end portions 232 and 234, respectively, of a U-shaped rear support frame 236. The rear support frame 236 includes a floor engaging, which laterally extends the frame portion 238. The apparatus 20 is constructed in such a way that the right and left support legs 228 and 230 can be folded with respect to the rear support frame 236, to provide a transportation and compact storage of the apparatus 200. The left and right locks 240 are pivotally coupled to the right and left support legs 228 and 230, and locked to the upper end portions 232 and 234 of the rear support frame 236, to maintain to the support legs in the appropriate position while the apparatus 200 is being used. A handle 242 is attached to each of the right and left support legs 228 and 230 , and projects forward from them to be held by the user while exercising. The upper ends of the right and left support legs 228 and 230 each have a pair of plates 244 fixedly attached thereto, the upper end of each support leg being placed between one of the pairs of plates. The upper end portions 232 and 234 of the rear support frame 236 are also placed between the pair of corresponding plates, and pivotally joined thereto by a pivot bolt 246. The pairs of plates of the right and left sides 244 also they serve to pivotally support an upper end of the right and left oscillating arms 216, using the arrows supported by bearings 248 for the oscillatory movement backwards and forwards of the right and left oscillating arms 216. The upper end of each of the arms oscillatory right and left has a pulley 250 fixedly attached thereto. The apparatus 200 does not use the lifting arms 18, such as those used in the apparatus 10, but rather provides the lifting force to a backward end portion 268 of the right and left pedals 212 and 214, using a pair of lifting cables 270. The right-side lifting cable 270 has an end 272 attached to a cable clamp 274 fixedly attached to the rear end portion 268 of the right pedal 212. The left-side lifting cable 270 has one end 276 attached to a left cable clamp 278 fixedly attached to the rear end portion 268 of the left pedal 214. The right side lift cable 270 is inserted on a right side pulley 280 which is carried by the right side swing arms. 216, and passes over the pulley on the right side 250 joined to the upper end of the oscillating arms on the right side. The left side lifting cable 270 has the same configuration. As best shown in Figure 22, the lifting cables of the right and left sides 270 pass down and forward from the pulleys 250, through the right and left support legs 228 and 230, respectively, which are tubular. with a hollow center. Lifting cables 270 exit from each of the right and left support legs 228 and 230, through an inward opening 282 in each leg, where an idler 284 is rotatably mounted to the leg. The hoisting ropes 270 pass over the idler pulleys 284, and end with their ends attached to the central portion of a spring assembly 206, which has a construction and operation similar to those of the spring assembly 106 described for the apparatus 10. As with the apparatus 10, the right and left pedals 212 and 214 have a dependent heel raising movement, and are cushioned, and have their downward travel limited by the use of the spring assembly 206. As shown in Figure 20, the spring assembly is mounted on a support frame 224 having a cover 226. As best shown in Figure 21, the apparatus 200 utilizes an oscillation control wire 290 to interconnect the left and right oscillating arms 216. One end on the right side 292 of the cable 290 is fixedly attached to the right oscillating arm 216, and one end of the left side 294 of the cable is fixedly attached to a left oscillating arm 216. The control cable of oscillation 290 is introduced on four idler pulleys 296, and is wrapped around a friction disc brake 298, which applies a frictional braking force to the oscillation control wire 290 as the friction disc brake rotates in the clockwise direction, and in the counterclockwise direction, in response to the backward movement of the right and left oscillating arms 216. The friction disc brake 298 is of a conventional construction. The idler pulleys 296 and the friction disc brake 298 are mounted on the support frame 224 shown in Figure 20. The oscillation control cable 290 and the friction disc brake 298 resist backward movement of the right pedals and left 212 and 214, and the left and right oscillating arms 216 with which they are attached, when the user moves his feet back while standing on them. As with the apparatus 10, the apparatus 200 has its right and left oscillating arms 216, and therefore, the right and left pedals 212 and 214 interconnected, to produce a dependent oscillatory movement, moving the movement backward from one pedal to the other pedal forward. Also, as with the apparatus 10 described above, the apparatus, while having the dependence on right and left walking height, and the dependence on right and left walking length, the amount of walking height used by the user, and the amount of length of walk used by the user, are completely independent of one another. It will be appreciated that, while the specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In accordance with the above, the invention is not limited, except for the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: a frame; pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally spaced apart, and each having a front end portion sized to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion dimensioned to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillatory arm of the right pedal facing upwards supporting the right pedal, this right swing arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame to oscillate back and forth relative thereto, and a pivotally attached lower end portion to the front end portion of the right pedal, for the reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, in variable backward and forward amounts by the user during the exercise along an arched path, corresponding to the backward variables variables of the backward movement of the right pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating arm to the right pedal for movements pivot down and up your end portion rear in relation to its front end portion in downward and upward amounts variable by the user during the exercise, the variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding with the amount of downward movement. of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillatory arm of the left pedal facing upward supporting the left pedal, the left swing arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame to oscillate back and forth relative thereto, and a pivotally attached lower end portion to the front end portion of the left pedal for reciprocating backward and forward movement of the left pedal therewith, in variable forward and backward amounts by the user during exercise along an arched path, the amounts corresponding backwards variables of the backward movement of the left pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating arm to the left pedal for pivotal movements down and up your by rear end portion relative to its front end portion in downward and upward amounts variable by the user during the exercise, the variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillation control member which engages the frame and the right and left oscillating arms in response to the backward movement of the left oscillating arm corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise , moving the oscillation control member to the right oscillating arm forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the amount of backward movement variables of the left oscillating arm, and in response to this backward movement of the right oscillating arm, corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the oscillating control member to the left swing arm forward, corresponding variable forward movement amount of the same with the variable backward movement amount of the right oscillating arm; and right and left lifting arms oriented upwards, the right lifting arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the rear end portion of the right pedal, with the lifting arm left an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the rear end portion of the left pedal, the right and left lifting arms interconnecting by an interconnecting member, such that, in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the interconnection member applies a lifting force of the right side on the right lifting arm, to raise the a rear end portion of the right pedal upward with an amount of upward movement, the variable upward amount of movement corresponding thereto with the variable downward amount of movement of the left pedal, and in response to the downward movement of the portion of the rear end of the right pedal, corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the interconnection member applies a lifting force of the left side on the arm of the user. left elevation, to raise the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, its amount of upward movement varying with the variable downward movement amount of the right pedal, with the oscillation control member and the lifting arms operatively disconnected , in such a way that the movement of the oscillating arms The right and left handles by the oscillation control member, and the movement of the right and left pedals by the right and left lifting arms, are independent of each other.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interconnecting member includes a flexible member.

The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper end portions of the right and left lifting arms are pivotally connected to the frame through the right and left links, respectively, a first end portion of the body being pivotally connected to the frame. right link to the upper end portion of the right lift arm, and a second end portion of the right link to the frame pivotally connected, and a first end portion of the left link pivotally connected to the upper end portion of the lift arm left, and a second end portion of the left link with the frame connecting pivotally.

The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second end portions of the right and left links are urgeably connected together by the interconnection member, to transmit the lifting force of the right side resulting from the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the left pedal to the rear end portion of the right pedal, and to transmit the lifting force of the left side resulting from the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the Right pedal to the rear end portion of the left pedal.

The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second end portions of the right and left links are urgeably connected together by the interconnection member moving in a first direction relative to the frame to transmit the force of the right side elevation resulting from the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the left pedal, to the rear end portion of the right pedal, and moving in a second direction relative to the frame, to transmit the lifting force of the left side resulting from the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot. the right pedal, to the rear end portion of the left pedal, the interconnection member engaging with, and compressing, a first spring portion, against a first stop when moving in the first direction, this first spring portion having a constant and selected spring length to cushion and limit the movement of interconnecting member in the first direction, and therefore, downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, and coupling the interconnecting member with, and compressing, a second spring portion against a second stop when moving in the second direction, the second spring portions having a constant and spring length selected to cushion and limit the movement of the interconnection member in the second direction, and therefore, the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal.

The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the right link is oriented relative to the right lift arm to rotate through successive positions, providing a decreasing leverage between the right pedal and the interconnection member, to As the rear end portion of the right pedal moves downward after the interconnect member has engaged and partially compressed the second spring portion against the second stop, and the left link is oriented relative to the arm of the second pedal. left elevation to rotate through successive positions, providing a decreasing leverage between the left pedal and the interconnect member, when the rear end portion of the left pedal moves downward after the interconnect member has engaged and compressed partially to the first spring portion against the first stop.

The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first spring portion and the second spring portion are first and second springs separated with the ends inwardly, one toward the other, and outwardly terminating away from each other, the ends being disposed outwardly of the first and second springs to engage the first and second stops, respectively, and the interconnecting member extending through the first and second springs, and having a spring engaging member fixedly attached thereto. in a position between the ends inwardly of the first and second springs, the spring engaging member engaging with the inward end of the first spring when moving in the first direction, and engaging with the end inward of the second spring when move in the second direction.

The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first and second springs are placed in a tubular compartment, the first and second stops being fixedly attached to the first and second ends of the compartment, respectively, the interconnecting member extending from end to end through the compartment, with the spring coupling member positioned therein, this compartment being fixedly attached to the frame.

The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interconnecting member includes a flexible pulse member extending between the second end portions of the right and left links, to transmit the lifting forces of the right and left sides. left between them.

The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the right and left links are joined in a pulsed manner with the right and left pulse transmission members mounted to rotate relative to the frame., and the flexible pulse member is introduced over the right and left pulse transmission members to thereby transmit the lifting forces of the right and left sides between the second end portions of the right and left links.

The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the right oscillating arm and the right lifting arm together provide an oscillating support for the right pedal, and limit its travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibiting the right pedal out of a support contact with any structure beneath it, and the left swing arm and the left lift arm together provide an oscillating support for the left pedal, and limit its travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibiting the left pedal outside of the support contact with any structure below it.

The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating arms.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, which further includes a resistance device operably connected with the right and left pedals, to resist their backward movements.

The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the resistance device is connected with the right and left oscillating arms, to resist its backward movements, thus resisting the backward movements of the right and left pedals.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, wherein the resistance device is connected with the right and left oscillating arms through the oscillation control member.

The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the oscillation control member transmits backward movements of the right and left oscillating arms to the resistance device, which resists its backward movements.

The exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the resistance device includes a rotationally mounted pulse member, to which the oscillation control member transmits the backward movements of the right and left oscillating arms, the movements being toward behind each of the right and left oscillating arms applied separately to the impulse member, to rotate each one of the impulse member in a single rotating direction, and in this way add up the separate backward movements of the right and left oscillating arms in a unidirectional rotary output of the pulse member, this rotary output of the pulse member being transmitted to a rotation resistant to the brake of the pulse member, thereby resisting the backward movements of the right and left pedals.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the driving member is a laterally extending thrust arrow, rotatably supported by the frame, the driving arrow having a right end portion toward a right side of the frame and the right oscillating arm, and a left end portion towards a left side of the frame and the left oscillating arm, these movements being backwards of the right oscillating arm transmitted to the right end portion of the impulse arrow, and the movements being towards behind the left oscillating arm transmitted to the left end portion of the impulse arrow.

The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating arms, to move the right oscillating arm backward in response to forward movement of the left oscillating arm , and to move the left oscillating arm backwards in response to forward movement of the right oscillating arm.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, which also includes right and left handles to be held by the user during the exercise, joining the right handle to the right oscillating arm to travel with it, and joining the left handle to the left oscillating arm to travel with it.

The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the right and left handles include angular adjustments operable by the user to select an angular position of the right and left handles in relation to the right and left oscillating arms, respectively.

22. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes support frame portions of the right and left sides laterally spaced apart, with the upper end portion of the right oscillating arm, and the upper end portion of the right arm. right elevation, pivotally attached to the supporting frame portion of the right side, and the upper end portion of the left oscillating arm, and the upper end portion of the left lifting arm being pivotally attached to the supporting frame portion of the side left.

23. The exercise apparatus of claim 22, wherein the oscillation control member includes portions of oscillation control member of the right and left sides, and the interconnection member includes interconnecting member portions of the right and left sides. left, and wherein the support frame portions of the right and left sides include an enclosure, enclosing this enclosure of the support frame portion of the right hand side to the right hand oscillation control member portions, and portions thereof. of interconnecting member on the right side, and enclosing the enclosure of the support frame portion on the left side to the oscillation control member portions on the left side and the interconnecting member portions on the left side.

24. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the right and left oscillating arms are laterally placed outwardly of the right and left pedals, respectively, and define a space between the right and left oscillating arms where the user stops during the exercise.

25. The exercise apparatus of claim 24, wherein the right and left lifting arms are placed laterally outwardly of the right and left pedals, respectively.

26. The exercise apparatus of claim 24, wherein the upper end portions of the right and left oscillating arms are pivotally joined to the frame at a height above the right and left pedals when they are in a rest position of between. 76 and 127 centimeters.

The exercise apparatus of claim 24, wherein the upper end portions of the right and left oscillating arms are pivotally attached to the frame at a height above the right and left pedals, respectively, to place a right chain link and a user's left chain joint with an average adult height standing on the right and left pedals during exercise, at approximately the height of the pivotal joints above the right and left oscillating arms.

The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower end portions of the right and left oscillating arms are pivotally joined to the forward end portions of the right and left pedals at right and left pivot locations, respectively, and which further includes right and left foot stop members attached to the right and left pedals, respectively, these right and left foot stoppers being placed on the right and left pedals, to engage and limit the front placement of the front portions of the user's right and left feet on the right and left pedals, in the backward positions of the right and left pivot locations.

29. The exercise apparatus of claim 28, wherein the right and left foot stop members are toe clips.

30. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: a frame; pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally spaced apart, and each having a front end portion sized to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion dimensioned to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillatory arm of the right pedal facing upwards supporting the right pedal, this right swing arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame to oscillate back and forth relative thereto, and a pivotally attached lower end portion to the right pedal for the reciprocating movement backwards and forwards of the right pedal with it, in amounts back and forth variable by the user during the exercise along an arcuate trajectory, the amounts corresponding to the back moving variables towards back of the right pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating arm to the right pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its extremity portion or forward in quantities downward and upwardly variable by the user during the exercise, the variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the foot of the user on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillatory arm of the left pedal facing upward supporting the left pedal, the left swing arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame to oscillate back and forth relative thereto, and a pivotally attached lower end portion to the left pedal for the reciprocating movement backwards and forwards of the left pedal with it, in amounts back and forth variable by the user during the exercise along an arched trajectory, the quantities corresponding to the back moving variables towards back of the left pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating arm to the left pedal for pivotal movements downward and upward of its rear end portion in relation n with its front end portion in downward and upward amounts variable by the user during the exercise, the variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillation control member which engages the frame and the right and left oscillating arms in response to the backward movement of the left oscillating arm corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise , moving the oscillating control member to the right oscillating arm forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the amount of backward movement variables of the left oscillating arm, and in response to this backward movement of the right oscillating arm , corresponding with the backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the oscillating control member to the left oscillating arm forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the amount of backward movement varies of the right oscillating arm; and right and left lifting arms oriented upwards, the right lifting arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the right pedal, the left lifting arm having a higher end portion pivotally attached to the frame, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the left pedal, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the left pedal, applied by the user during the exercise, moving the right lift arm to the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, the variable upward amount thereof corresponding with the variable downward amount of movement of the left pedal , and in response to the downward movement of the extremity portion or rear of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the left lifting arm the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards with the amount of upward movement, the variable amount of upward movement thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the right pedal, the oscillation control member and the lifting arms being operatively disconnected, in such a way that the movement of the right and left oscillating arms by the oscillation control member and the movement of the right and left pedals by the right and left lifting arms, are independent of each other.

31. The exercise apparatus of claim 30, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating arms.

32. The exercise apparatus of claim 30, wherein the right and left lifting arms are interconnected by an interconnecting member, such that, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the interconnecting member applies a lifting force of the right side on the right lifting arm to raise the rear end portion of the right pedal upwards, the variable amount of upward movement thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the left pedal, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the pedal. the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the interconnection member applies a lifting force of the left side on the left lifting arm, to lift the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, the variable amount of upward movement thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the right pedal.

33. The exercise apparatus of claim 32, wherein the interconnecting member includes a flexible member.

34. The exercise apparatus of claim 30, wherein the right oscillating arm and the right lifting arm together provide an oscillating support for the right pedal, and limit its travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibiting the right pedal out of the support contact with any structure below it, and the left oscillating arm and the left lifting arm together provide an oscillating support for the left pedal, and limit its travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibition of the left pedal outside the Support contact with any structure below it.

35. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: a frame; pedals for the right and left feet, these right and left pedals being laterally spaced, and each having a front end portion for receiving a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot on it; an oscillating arm of the right pedal supporting the right pedal, the right swing arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame, to oscillate back and forth relative thereto, and a lower end portion attached to the right pedal , for the reciprocating movement backwards and forwards of the right pedal with it, in amounts back and forth variable by the user during the exercise, along an arched trajectory, the variable amounts corresponding backwards of the backward movement. of the right pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating arm to the right pedal for the downward and upward movements of its portion of rear end relative to its front end portion in upward amounts variable down and down by the user during the exercise, the variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillating arm of the left pedal supporting the left pedal, the left oscillating arm having an upper end portion pivotally attached to the frame, to oscillate back and forth relative thereto, and a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for the reciprocating movement backwards and forwards of the left pedal with the same, in amounts back and forth variable by the user during the exercise along an arched trajectory, these amounts corresponding backward variables of the backward movement of the pedal left with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating arm to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its end portion rear in relation to its front end portion, in c antities downward and upwardly variable by the user during the exercise, the variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillation control member that engages the frame and the right and left oscillating arms in response to the backward movement of the left oscillating arm corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal, applied by the user during the exercise, moving the swing control member to the right swing arm forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the variable backward movement amount of the left swing arm, and in response to the backward movement of the right swing arm , corresponding with the backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the oscillating control member to the left oscillating arm forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the amount of variable backward movement of the right oscillating arm; and a lifting control member that engages the frame and right and left pedals in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot. on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the lifting member to the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, the amount of upward movement thereof varying with the variable downward movement amount of the left pedal , and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the lifting member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, corresponding the amount of movement variable upward movement of the same with the variable downward movement amount of the right pedal, the oscillation control member and the lifting member being operatively disconnected, such that the movement of the right and left oscillating arms by the control member oscillation control, and the movement of the right and left pedals by the lifting member, are independent of each other.

36. The exercise apparatus of claim 35, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating arms.

37. The exercise apparatus of claim 35, wherein the elevation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left pedals.

38. The exercise apparatus of claim 35, wherein the right and left oscillating arms, and the lifting control member, together provide an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limit their travel downward, to provide a oscillatory movement without inhibition of the right and left pedals outside the support contact with any structure below them.

39. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating arm of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and that has a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal with it, in variable back and forth quantities by the user during the exercise, along a right path, the variable amounts corresponding backward of the backward movement of the right pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating arm to the right pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion in amounts downward and upwardly variables by the user during the exercise, the amount corresponding to Variable garlic of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillating arm of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating backward and forward movement of the left pedal with it, in backward and forward quantities variable by the user during the exercise along a left trajectory, the amounts corresponding backwards varying the backward movement of the left pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating arm to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in amounts downward and upwardly variables by the user during the year, corresponding to variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillation control member that engages the right and left oscillating arms in response to the backward movement of the left oscillating arm corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the control member oscillating to the right forward swing arm, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the variable backward movement amount of the left swing arm, and in response to the backward movement of the right swing arm, corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the oscillating control member to the left oscillating arm forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the amount of backward movement corresponding arm variable os right cilatorio; and a lifting control member that engages the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the pedal left applied by the user during the exercise, moving the lifting control member to the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, the variable upward movement amount thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the left pedal, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, by moving the lifting control member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, the amount corresponding variable upward movement of the same with the variable downward movement amount of the right pedal.

40. The exercise apparatus of claim 39, wherein the oscillation control member and the elevation control member are operatively disconnected, such that the movement of the right and left oscillating arms by the oscillation control member , and the movement of the right and left pedals by the lifting control member, are independent of each other.

41. The exercise apparatus of claim 39, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating arms.

42. The exercise apparatus of claim 39, wherein the lifting control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left pedals.

43. The exercise apparatus of claim 39, wherein the right and left oscillating arms and the lifting control member together provide an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limit their travel downward, to provide an oscillatory movement. No inhibition of the right and left pedals outside the support contact with any structure below them.

44. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, in variable back and forth quantities by the user during the exercise, along a right path, the variable amount backward corresponding to the backward movement of the right pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal. applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in amounts downward and toward up by the user during the year, the amount corresponding to variable downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, in amounts back and forth variable by the user during the exercise along a left trajectory, the variable backward amount of the backward movement of the left pedal corresponding with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion in variable downward and upward amounts by the user during the year, corresponding to variable downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise; an oscillation control member which engages the right and left oscillating members in response to the backward movement of the left oscillating member corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the control member oscillating to the right forward oscillating member, the variable forward movement amount thereof corresponding to the variable backward movement amount of the left oscillating member, and in response to the backward movement of the right oscillating member corresponding to the movement towards behind the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the oscillation control member to the left oscillating member forward, the variable amount of forward movement thereof corresponding with the variable backward movement amount of the m right oscillating member; and a lifting control member that engages the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the pedal left applied by the user during the exercise, moving the lifting control member to the rear end portion of the right pedal upwards, the variable upward movement amount thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the left pedal, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the lifting control member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upward, the amount of upward movement thereof varying with the amount of movement downward variable of the right pedal.

45. The exercise apparatus of claim 44, wherein the oscillation control member and the elevation control member are operatively disconnected, such that the movement of the right and left oscillating members by the oscillation control member , and the movement of the right and left pedals by the lifting control member, are independent of each other.

46. The exercise apparatus of claim 44, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating members.

47. The exercise apparatus of claim 44, wherein the elevation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left pedals.

48. The exercise apparatus of claim 44, wherein the right and left oscillating members, and the lifting control member, together provide an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limit their downward travel to provide a movement. oscillatory without inhibition of the right and left pedals outside the support contact with any structure below them.

49. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, to along a right path, the lower end portion of the right oscillating member supporting the right pedal for the downward and upward rotating movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion, in varying amounts by the user during the exercise; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal with the same as along a left trajectory, the lower end portion of the left oscillating member supporting the left pedal for the downward and upward rotating movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion in varying amounts by the user during the exercise; and a lifting control member that engages the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, the lifting control member moving the rear end portion of the right pedal upwardly. , and in response to this downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal, moving the lift control member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upward.

50. The exercise apparatus of claim 49, wherein the lifting control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left pedals.

51. The exercise apparatus of claim 49, wherein the lift control member includes right and left lift arms, and an interconnect member, the right lift arm having a pivotally supported upper end portion, and a portion thereof. bottom end pivotally attached to the right pedal, the left lift arm having a pivotally supported upper end portion, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the left pedal, the right and left lift arms being interconnected by the interconnection member, such that, in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, the interconnect member applies a lifting force of the right side on the right lift arm, to raise the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, and in response to the downward movement of the extremity portion or rear of the right pedal, the interconnection member applies a lifting force of the left side on the left lifting arm, to raise the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards.

52. The exercise apparatus of claim 49, wherein the right and left oscillating members and the lifting control member together provide an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limit their travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibition of the right and left pedals, outside the support contact with any structure below them.

53. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion; an oscillation control member that engages the right and left oscillating members in response to backward movement of the left oscillating member, the oscillating control member moving the right oscillating member forward, and in response to backward movement of the oscillating member; right oscillating member, moving the oscillation control member to the left oscillating member forward; and a lifting control member that engages with the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, moving the lift control member to the rear end portion of the right pedal toward up, and in response to movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal, moving the lift control member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, the oscillation control member and the lift control member being operatively disconnected, such that the movement of the right and left oscillating members by the oscillation control member, and the movement of the right and left pedals by the lifting control member, are independent of each other.

54. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion;an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion; and a lifting control member that engages with the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, moving the lift control member to the rear end portion of the right pedal toward up, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal, moving the lift control member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upwardly, the lift control member being operatively disconnected from the members oscillatory right and left, such that the up and down movements of the right and left pedals by the elevation control member are independent of reciprocating back and forth movements of the right and left oscillating members.

55. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion; and an oscillation control member that engages the right and left oscillating members in response to backward movement of the left oscillating member, moving the oscillating control member to the right oscillating member forward, and in response to backward movement of the right oscillating member, moving the oscillation control member to the left oscillating member forward; the oscillation control member being operatively disconnected from the right and left pedals, such that the reciprocating back and forth movements of the right and left oscillating members by the oscillation control member are independent of the upward movements and down the right and left pedals.

56. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal, for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, in forward and backward amounts variable by the movements of the back and forward feet applied by the user while on the right and left pedals during exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for the movements downward and upward of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in downward and upward amounts variable by the downward and upward movements of the feet applied by the user while on the right pedals and left during the exercise; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, in variable back and forth quantities by the back and forward foot movements applied by the user while on the right and left pedals during exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for movements downward and upward of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in downward and upward amounts variable by the movements of the down and upward feet applied by the user while on the right pedals; left during the exercise; an oscillation control member which engages the right and left oscillating members in response to the backward movement of the left oscillating member corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the control member oscillating to the right forward oscillating member, the variable forward movement amount thereof corresponding to the variable backward movement amount of the left oscillating member, and in response to the backward movement of the right oscillating member corresponding to the movement towards behind the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the oscillation control member to the left oscillating member forward, the variable amount of forward movement thereof corresponding with the variable backward movement amount of the m right oscillating member; and a lifting control member that engages the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the pedal left applied by the user during the exercise, moving the lifting control member to the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, the variable upward movement amount thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the left pedal, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, by moving the lifting control member to the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, the amount corresponding variable upward movement of the same with the variable downward movement amount of the right pedal.

57. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the oscillation control member and the elevation control member are operatively disconnected, such that the movement of the right and left oscillating members by the oscillation control member, and the movement of the right and left pedals by the lifting control member, they are independent of each other.

58. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the oscillation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left oscillating members.

59. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the elevation control member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left pedals.

60. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the lift control member includes right and left lift arms, and an interconnect member, the right lift arm having a pivotally supported upper end portion, and a portion thereof. bottom end pivotally attached to the right pedal, the left lift arm having a pivotally supported upper end portion, and a lower end portion pivotally attached to the left pedal, the right and left lift arms being interconnected by the interconnection member, such that, in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot while on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the interconnection member applies a lifting force of the right side ho on the right lifting arm, to raise the rear end portion of the right pedal upward in an upward amount of movement corresponding to a downward amount of movement of the left pedal, and in response to the downward movement of the portion of rear end of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot while on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the interconnection member applies a lifting force of the left side on the arm of the user. left elevation, to raise the rear end portion of the left pedal upward, in an upward amount of movement corresponding to a downward amount of movement of the right pedal.

61. The exercise apparatus of claim 60, wherein the interconnecting member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left lifting arms.

62. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the right and left oscillating members, and the lifting control member, together provide an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limit their travel downward, to provide a oscillatory movement without inhibition of the right and left pedals outside the support contact with any structure below them.

63. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal, for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, in forward and backward amounts variable by the movements of the forward and backward feet applied by the user while on the right and left pedals during exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for the movements downward and upward of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in downward and upward amounts variable by the downward and upward movements of the feet applied by the user while on the right pedals and left during the exercise; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, in variable back and forth quantities by the back and forward foot movements applied by the user while on the right and left pedals during exercise, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for movements downward and upward of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in downward and upward amounts variable by the movements of the down and upward feet applied by the user while on the right pedals; left during the exercise; a right lifting member that supports the right pedal, and which applies a lifting force of the right side on the right pedal, to raise the rear end portion of the right pedal upward in a variable amount of upward movement by the corresponding user to the movements of the feet applied by the user while on the right and left pedals during exercise; and a left lifting member that supports the left pedal, and which applies a lifting force of the left side on the left pedal, to raise the rear end portion of the left pedal upward, in a variable amount of upward movement by the user corresponding to the movements of the feet applied by the user while on the right and left pedals during exercise, providing the right and left oscillating members and the right and left lifting members together an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limiting its downward travel to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibiting the left and right pedals away from the support contact with any structure beneath them.

64. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, the right and left pedals being laterally separated, and each having an end portion front to receive a front end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, and a rear end portion to receive a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon; an oscillating member of the right pedal that supports the right pedal for oscillatory movement back and forth, and having a lower end portion attached to the right pedal for reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the right oscillating member to the right pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion; an oscillating member of the left pedal that supports the left pedal for oscillatory movement backwards and forwards, and which has a lower end portion attached to the left pedal for reciprocating movement backward and forward of the left pedal therewith, supporting the lower end portion of the left oscillating member to the left pedal for the downward and upward movements of its rear end portion relative to its front end portion; a right lifting member supporting the right pedal, and applying a lifting force of the right side on the right pedal, to raise the rear end portion of the right pedal upwards during exercise; and a left lifting member that supports the left pedal, and which applies a lifting force of the left side on the left pedal, to raise the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards during exercise, providing the right and left oscillating members and the right and left lifting members together an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limiting their travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibiting the right and left pedals away from the support contact with any structure below them. , the right and left oscillating members and the right and left elevation members being operatively disconnected, such that the back and forward movements of the right and left pedals by the right and left oscillating members, and the downward and up the end portions The rear left and right pedals are independent of each other, whereby the oscillating movements of the right and left pedals, and their elevation movements, can be carried out independently by the right and left pedals. the user.

65. The exercise apparatus of claim 64, wherein the right-hand lifting member is a right-hand suspension member that supports the right-hand pedal from above, and the left-lifting member is a left-hand suspension member that supports to the left pedal from above.

66. The exercise apparatus of claim 64, wherein the right-side suspension member has a lower end portion attached to the rear end portion of the right pedal, and the left-side suspension member has an end portion. bottom attached to the rear end portion of the left pedal.

67. The exercise apparatus of claim 66, wherein the right oscillating member has a lower end portion attached to the front end portion of the right pedal, and the left oscillating member has a lower end portion attached to the portion of front end of the left pedal.

68. The exercise apparatus of claim 53, wherein the oscillation control member moves the right oscillating member forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of the backward movement of the left oscillating member, and moves the oscillatory member left forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right oscillating member.

69. The exercise apparatus of claim 53, wherein the lift control member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, in an upward amount corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the left pedal. , and moves the rear end portion of the left pedal upward by an amount upward corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the right pedal.

70. The exercise apparatus of claim 53, wherein the oscillation control member moves the right oscillating member forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of the backward movement of the left oscillating member, and moves the left oscillating member forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right oscillating member, and the lifting control member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upward in an upward amount corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the left pedal, and moves the rear end portion of the left pedal upward by an amount upward corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the right pedal.

71. The exercise apparatus of claim 54, wherein the lifting control member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upward by an amount upward corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the left pedal, and moves the rear end portion of the left pedal upward by an amount upwards corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the right pedal.

72. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the oscillation control member moves the right oscillating member forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of the backward movement of the left oscillating member, and moves the member oscillatory left forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right oscillating member.

73. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, each having a front end portion for receiving a front end portion of the foot. the user's corresponding foot on it, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, the right pedal being supported for reciprocating movement back and forth thereof, while allows the rear end portion of the right pedal to move downwardly and upward relative to its front end portion, and the left pedal being supported for reciprocating backward and forward movement, while allowing the end portion Rear of the left pedal moves down and up relative to its end portion of the front; a first pedal interconnect member engaging with the right and left pedals, in response to backward movement of the left pedal, moving the first pedal interconnect member to the right pedal forward, and in response to backward movement of the pedal right, moving the first pedal interconnecting member to the left pedal upward; and a second pedal interconnect member engaging the right and left pedals, in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, the second pedal interconnect member moving the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal, the second pedal interconnect member moving the rear end portion of the left pedal upwardly, the first and second pedal interconnecting members being operatively disconnected, in such a way that the reciprocating back and forth movements of the right and left pedals are independent of the up and down movements of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals.

74. The exercise apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the left pedal, and moves to the pedal. left forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right pedal.

75. The exercise apparatus of claim 73, wherein the second foot pedal interconnect member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upward by an amount upward corresponding to a downward amount of downward movement of the foot portion. rear end of the left pedal, and moves the rear end portion of the left pedal upward by an amount upward corresponding to a downward amount of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal.

76. The exercise apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the left pedal, and moves the pedal. left forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right pedal, and the second pedal interconnect member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upward by an amount upwards corresponding to a downward amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, and moving the rear end portion of the left pedal upward by an amount upwards corresponding to a downward amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal.

77. The exercise apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first pedal interconnect member is urgeably coupled with a brake that resists backward movement of the right and left pedals.

78. The exercise apparatus of claim 73, wherein each of the right and left pedals is operatively connected to a resistance member that provides increased resistance to downward movement of its rear end portion when it moves downwardly under the weight of the user.

79. The exercise apparatus of claim 78, wherein the resistance member further limits the extent of downward movement of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals.

80. The exercise apparatus of claim 78, wherein the resistance member further provides a pedal return force upward to the rear end portions of the right and left pedals for at least a portion of their upward movement., when the user's weight is removed at least partially.

81. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, each having a front end portion to receive a front end portion of the foot. the user's corresponding foot on it, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, the right pedal being supported for reciprocating movement back and forth thereof, while allows the rear end portion of the right pedal to move downwardly and upward relative to its front end portion, and the left pedal being supported for reciprocating backward and forward movement, while allowing the end portion Rear of the left pedal moves down and up relative to its front end portion; a pedal interconnect member that engages with the right and left pedals, in response to backward movement of the left pedal, moving the pedal interconnect member to the right pedal forward, and in response to backward movement of the right pedal, moving the pedal interconnect member to the right pedal forward; the rear end portion of the right pedal being movable downward relative to its front end portion in downwardly variable amounts by the user within a range of maximum downward movement during the exercise, corresponding to the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the rear end portion of the right pedal being independently movable downward with respect to the reciprocating movements back and forth of the right and left pedals; and the rear end portion of the left pedal being movable downward relative to its front end portion in variable downward amounts by the user within a range of maximum downward movement during the exercise corresponding to the amount of downward movement of the pedal. the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the rear end portion of the left pedal being independently movable downward with respect to the reciprocating movements back and forth of the right and left pedals.

82. The exercise apparatus of claim 81, wherein the pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward, in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the left pedal, and moves to the left pedal. forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right pedal.

83. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, each having a front end portion to receive a front end portion of the foot. the user's corresponding foot on it, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, the right pedal being supported for reciprocating movement back and forth thereof, while allows the rear end portion of the left pedal to move downward and upward in relation to its front end portion, and the left pedal being supported for reciprocating back and forth movement, while allowing the end portion Rear of the left pedal moves down and up relative to its front end portion; a pedal interconnect member that engages the right and left pedals in response to the backward movement of the left pedal, moving the pedal interconnect member to the left pedal forward, and in response to the backward movement of the right pedal, moving the pedal interconnecting member to the left pedal forward; the rear end portion of the right pedal being movable downward relative to its front end portion in downwardly variable amounts by the user within a range of maximum downward movement during the exercise, corresponding to the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; and the rear end portion of the left pedal being movable downward relative to its front end portion in variable downward amounts by the user within a range of maximum downward movement during the exercise corresponding to the amount of downward movement of the pedal. the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise.

84. The exercise apparatus of claim 83, wherein the pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of the backward movement of the left pedal, and moves the left pedal forward in a forward amount corresponding to an amount backwards of the backward movement of the right pedal.

85. The exercise apparatus of claim 83, wherein the right pedal can be moved backward in variable backward amounts by the user within a range of maximum backward movement during exercise corresponding to the amount of rearward movement of the pedal. ie of the user on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, and the left pedal can be moved backwards in variable backward quantities by the user within a range of maximum backward movement during the exercise, corresponding to the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise.

86. The exercise apparatus of claim 85, wherein the rear end portion of the right pedal can move independently downward with respect to the reciprocating back and forth movements of the right and left pedals, and the end portion. Rear of the left pedal can be moved independently downward with respect to the reciprocating movements back and forth of the right and left pedals.

87. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, each having a front end portion to receive a front end portion of the foot. the user's corresponding foot on it, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot thereon, the right pedal being supported for reciprocating movement back and forth thereof, while allows the rear end portion of the right pedal to move downwardly and upward relative to its front end portion, and the left pedal being supported for reciprocating backward and forward movement, while allowing the end portion Rear of the left pedal moves down and up relative to its front end portion; a pedal interconnect member that engages with the right and left pedals, in response to backward movement of the left pedal, moving the pedal interconnect member to the right pedal forward, and in response to backward movement of the right pedal, moving the pedal interconnect member to the left pedal forward; a right heel raising member that engages with the right pedal to move the rear end portion of the right pedal upward after its downward movement; and a left heel raising member that engages the left pedal to move the rear end portion of the left pedal upward after its downward movement.

88. The exercise apparatus of claim 87, wherein the pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the left pedal, and moves the left pedal toward forward in a forward amount corresponding to a backward amount of backward movement of the right pedal.

89. The exercise apparatus of claim 87, wherein the right and left heel elevation members are operatively interconnected, such that the right bead lift member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upwardly in responsive to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal, and the left heel raising member moves the rear end portion of the left pedal upward in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal .

90. The exercise apparatus of claim 89, wherein the pedal interconnect member is operatively disconnected from the right and left heel raising members, the reciprocating movements being backward and forward of the right and left pedals independent of each other. the up and down movements of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals.

91. An exercise apparatus for a user to exercise while standing on the feet of the user, which comprises: pedals for the right and left feet, each having a front end portion to receive a front end portion of the foot. the user's corresponding foot on it, and a rear end portion for receiving a rear end portion of the user's corresponding foot on it; a right pedal support member supporting the right pedal for the reciprocating movement back and forth of the right pedal, in variable forward and backward amounts by the user during the exercise along a right path, the amount corresponding variable backwards of backward movement of the right pedal with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the right support member to the right pedal for downward and upward movements of its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in downward and upward amounts variable by the user during the exercise, corresponding to the variable amount downward of the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the foot d the user on the rear end portion of the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise; a left pedal support member supporting the left pedal for reciprocating backward and forward movement of the left pedal in variable forward and backward amounts by the user during the exercise along a left trajectory, the variable amount backward of the backward movement of the left pedal corresponding with the amount of backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, supporting the left support member to the left pedal for movements towards down and upward from its rear end portion in relation to its front end portion, in downward and upward amounts variable by the user during the exercise, the variable amount downward corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal with the amount of downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the rear end portion of the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise; a first pedal interconnect member that engages with the right and left pedals, in response to the backward movement of the left pedal corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, moving the first member interconnecting pedals to the right pedal forward, and in response to this backward movement of the right pedal corresponding to the backward movement of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, by moving the first interconnection member of pedal to left pedal forward; and a second pedal interconnect member engaging with the right and left pedals, in response to downward movement of the rear end portion of the left pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the left pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the second pedal interconnect member moving the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, and in response to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the right pedal corresponding to the downward movement of the rear end portion of the user's foot on the right pedal applied by the user during the exercise, the second pedal interconnect member moving the rear end portion of the left pedal upward.

92. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the first pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the variable amount of rearward movement of the left pedal, and moves the left pedal forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding with the variable backward movement amount of the right pedal.

93. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the second pedal interconnect member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upward, the amount of upward movement thereof varying with the amount of downward movement corresponding thereto. variable of the left pedal, and moves the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, the variable upward amount thereof corresponding with the variable downward amount of movement of the right pedal.

94. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the first pedal interconnect member moves the right pedal forward, the variable amount of forward movement corresponding thereto with the variable backward movement amount of the left pedal, and moves the left pedal forward, corresponding to the variable forward movement amount thereof with the variable backward movement amount of the right pedal, and the second pedal interconnect member moves the rear end portion of the right pedal upwards , the variable amount of upward movement thereof corresponding with the variable downward movement amount of the left pedal, and moving the rear end portion of the left pedal upwards, the amount of upward movement thereof varying correspondingly with the amount Variable downward movement of the right pedal.

95. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the first pedal interconnect member and the second pedal interconnect member are operatively disengaged, such that the movement of the right and left pedals back and forth, it is independent of the movement of the rear end portions of the right and left pedals downwards and upwards.

96. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the first pedal interconnect member includes a flexible member operatively interconnecting the right and left pedals.

97. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the second pedal interconnect member includes a flexible member that interconnects the right and left pedals.

98. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, wherein the first and second interconnecting members together provide an oscillating support for the right and left pedals, and limit their travel downward to provide an oscillatory movement without inhibiting the right and left pedals. left outside the support contact with any structure below them.

99. The exercise apparatus of claim 91, which further includes a resistance device operably connected with the right and left pedals, to resist backward movement thereof.

100. The exercise apparatus of claim 99, wherein the resistance device is connected to the first pedal interconnect member, to resist backward movements of the right and left pedals, thereby resisting backward movements of the pedal. the right and left pedals.

101. The exercise apparatus of the claim 100, wherein the resistance device includes a rotationally mounted pulse member, to which the first pedal interconnect member transmits the backward movements of the right and left pedals, these movements being backwards of each of the right pedals and left applied separately to the driving member, for each one to rotate the driving member in a single rotating direction, and in this manner, summing the backward movements separated from the right and left pedals into a unidirectional rotary output of the driving member, the rotary output of the pulse member being transmitted to a brake resisting the rotation of the pulse member, thus resisting the backward movements of the right and left pedals.