MXPA98009797A - Stationary exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus consisting of: a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor, first and second oscillating members, each oscillating member having a first and second end and a middle portion, said middle portion of each member adapted to be rotatably supported by said frame; coupling means for rotating the second ends of said first and second oscillating members in a substantially circular path about a common axis while said first end of each of said ones first and second oscillating members follow a predetermined closed oval trajectory: a first articulated system having a first foot member and a first arm member, said first foot member pivotally connected to said first swing member near said first end of said first leg oscillating member, said pivotal connection being close to one end of said first foot member, and said first foot member pivotally connected at its other end to one end of said first arm member, said first arm member pivotally connected to said frame proximate the other end of said first arm member; a second articulated system having a second foot member and a second arm member, said second foot member pivotally connected to said swing member near said first end of said second pivoting member, said pivotal connection being close to one end of said second foot member, and said second foot member pivotally connected at its other end to one end of said second arm member, said second arm member pivotally connected to said frame close to the other end of said second arm member, as which each foot of the device user substantially follows the oval path closed and each user's hand follows a trajectory substantially arches

Description

STATIONARY EXERCISE APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved stationary exercise apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved exercise apparatus that allows the user to move their feet in a predetermined closed path that more accurately represents the movement of the body associated with the ascent of stairs. 2. - Description of the Background Art Climbing stairs is a common way of exercising for the cardiovascular system. However »with prolonged use it can strain the ankles» knees and other joints. Walking is also a common form of exercise but does not exert a burden on the cardiovascular system to the extent that stair climbing exercises do so. Therefore »there is a need for an improved stationary exercise device which will exert a load on the cardiovascular system as the exercise of climbing stairs is born but does not unduly stress or strain the ankles» knees and other joints. Prior art devices for climbing stairs have two common disadvantages. First »they require excessive lifting of the knees or an exaggerated vertical movement of the lower part of the legs. See, for example »US patents. Nos. 3 »316 > 898; 4,949,953; 4,989,857; and 5,135,477. Alternatively, devices that tend to promote a more natural movement of the knees or ankles are difficult to ascend and descend due to the configuration of the devices. See »for example the patent of E.U.A. No. 5 »242» 343. Therefore »there is a need for an improved stationary exercise device that promotes the movements of the feet» ankles and legs in a more natural and rhythmic movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a few words »the invention relates to an improved stationary exercise device. A frame is provided which includes a base portion adapted to be supported on the floor »a middle portion and an upper portion. A coupling assembly is adhered to the frame that includes a pulley that defines a pivot axis. Two oscillating members are positioned in spaced relation to the base portion of the frame. In the preferred embodiment, each oscillating member includes a portion bent backward and supported by the base portion near the confluence of the bent and straight portions of each oscillating member by a roller. The other "leading" end of each oscillating member is "directly or indirectly" bonded to the pulley of the coupling assembly. In this way, the rotation of the pulley rotates one end of each oscillating member in a circular motion while the other end of each oscillating member moves in a predetermined closed path. The preferred embodiment also includes a pair of articulated systems. Each articulated system consists of a first and second rod. The first rod is pivotally connected at one end to the rear end of the corresponding oscillating member. This first rod also includes a foot cushion. The second rod is connected pivotally to the other end of the first rod and the second rod is then pivotally connected to the upper portion of the frame. The second rod may include a handle portion that is held by the user. Thus, each articulated system serves to define a predetermined closed path for the movement of the foot pad as it moves relative to the frame. Further »the movement of the second rod of each articulated system serves to pivot the handle portion. In an alternate embodiment, each oscillating member consists of two non-aligned members fixedly attached to each other. A roller is adhered to each oscillating member in the fixed union of the two non-aligned members. The roller adjusts to an inclined surface of the base portion of the frame. In the case of the preferred embodiment, this alternate embodiment also includes a pair of articulated systems each comprising two rods. The first rod includes a foot cushion which is pivotally connected near one end of the first rod to a corresponding oscillating member remote from the coupling assembly. The second rod is pivotally connected to the other end of the first distal rod of said foot cushion and the second rod is then pivotally connected distant from said pivotal connection of the first rod to said upper portion of said frame. As in the case of the preferred modality, the second rod may include a handle portion. In yet another alternate mode the oscillating member consists of two non-aligned members which are fixedly connected at one end. A roller is also adhered to each oscillating member in this fixed connection. The roller serves to adjust an inclined surface of the base portion of the frame. In this alternating mode, however, the inclined surface serves to lift in a forward position away from the equalizing assembly. This is "the user will turn his back on the coupling assembly" as opposed to the alternate mode described above. As in the case of the first alternate mode, this second alternate mode also includes a pair of pivotal link assemblies consisting of a first rod and a second rod. Each standing rod includes a foot cushion. The forward end of each remote oscillating member of said coupling assembly is connected pivotally close to one end of each first rod. The other end of each first rod is pivotally connected to one end of said second rod. Each second rod is then pivotally connected, remote from said pivotal connection to said first rod, to said upper portion of said frame. As in the case of the previous modalities, the second rod may include a handle portion. All the odds serve to exercise both the upper and lower groups of the body. The user's feet move through a closed path that more accurately represents a preferred anatomical movement of the ankles and knees. Simultaneously, the muscle groups of the upper body can be exercised through the arched movement of the handles. The most important features of this invention have been summarized rather broadly so that the detailed description can be better understood. There are, of course, additional features of the invention which will be described below and which also form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to more fully describe the drawings used in the detailed description of the present invention, a brief description of each drawing is provided. Figure 1 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an elevation view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Referring to Fig. 1, a frame 10 is shown as consisting of a base portion 12, an "intermediate portion 14" and an upper portion 16. A coupling assembly or system 20 is fixed relative to the frame and consists of a pulley 22 and crank members 24. A resistive brake system 26 is also shown which includes a pulley 28 and a band 30. Two oscillating members 32 are positioned in the lower vicinity of the frame 10. Each oscillating member 32 has a portion bent (or not aligned) 32a in relation to the straight portion 32b. The other end 38 of each oscillating member 32 is pivotally connected to one end of a crank 24. The other end of the crank 24 is adhered to the pulley 22 on the pivot shaft 27 of the coupling system 20. The axis of the pivot 27 it is the axis around which the pulley 22 rotates. The preferred embodiment also includes a pair of articulated systems 41. Each articulated system 41 consists of a foot member 40 and an arm member 42. A foot pad 50 is adhered to one end of each foot member 40. The end 37 of each oscillating member 32 is pivotally connected to this end of the foot member 40 adjacent the foot pad 50 and the pivotal connection 39. The other end 43 of each foot member 40 is pivotally connected to one end of an arm member. 42 at the connection 45. Each arm member 42 is then pivotally connected at the connection 47 to the upper portion 16 of the frame 10. As shown, each foot member 40 may include a bend 54 that serves to orient each foot cushion 50"and consequently each foot of the user, in a slightly inclined position when the foot cushion is at its highest point throughout. of the path 102. Moreover, the upper part of each arm member 42 can be releasably disengaged close to the connection 47 as shown and described in the patent of the co-pending Applicant with Serial No. 08 / 653,333 filed May 24, 1996 whose specification is incorporated herein by reference and becomes part of this patent application. In the operation of the preferred modality the user * U, T promotes the present invention from the rear or the sides and initiates an upward movement which results in the displacement of each oscillating member 32 in relation to a roller 36. Simultaneously »a circulating movement occurs at the second end 3T of each oscillating member 32. That also results in the revolution of the point 39 at the end 37 of each oscillating member (and the corresponding end of the foot member 40) in a predetermined closed oval trajectory 102. This provides a more natural and rhythmic movement for the feet »ankles and legs. In this way the user can achieve the superior cardiovascular work associated with a stair lift but without the unpleasant and unnatural movement of the feet, ankles, knees and legs associated with prior art devices. Simultaneously »the user's arms move through the arcuate path 104 which provides improved cardiovascular exercise to the upper body muscle groups. A brake resisting system 26 operates in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. A sturdy brake 26 serves to increase or decrease the load on the pulley 22 through the pulley arrangement 2S / band 30. Thus »the resistant brake 26 serves to increase or decrease the degree of cardiovascular work Referring now to figure 2» an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. For this modalityidentical, two-digit reference numerals will be used to designate similar parts discovered in the preferred embodiment but with a series prefix of 100. The frame 110 consists of a lower portion 112"an average portion 114 and an upper portion 116. A system coupling 120 is included having identical components of the coupling system 20 described above for the preferred embodiment. Additionally, the coupling system 120 operates in an identical manner to the coupling system 20 described above for the preferred embodiment. A pair of oscillating members 132 are also included. Each oscillating member consists of two non-aligned members 132a and 132b which are fixedly connected at the confluence 133. A roller 136 is also rotatably connected to each oscillating member 132 at the confluence 133. Each roller is adjusted and wound on the inclined member 113 of the frame 110. A second end 138 of each oscillating member 132 is pivotally connected to one end of each crank 124. Referring still to FIG. 2 »this alternate embodiment also includes a pair of linkage assemblies 141» each consisting of one member standing 140 and an arm member 142. Each foot member 140 also includes a foot pad 150 adhered to one end of the foot member 140. An oscillating member 132 is pivotally connected to the connection 139 near the end of the foot member 140 having the foot cushion 150. The other end of each foot member 140 is pivotally connected at the 145 to an arm member 142. Each my The arm member 142 is then pivotally connected at 147 to the upper portion 116 of the frame 110. The arm member 142 may include handle portions 151. In the operation of this alternate mode, the user "U" ascends the device from the side or the back, places both feet on the cushions 150 »holds the handles 151 and starts an ascension movement. At this point the reels 136 of each oscillating member 132 are displaced in a linear fashion along the member 113. As in the case of the preferred embodiment the ends 138 of each oscillating member 132 move in a circular motion about the pulley 122. Such oscillating member movement 132 also results in the revolution of the point 139 at the end of each oscillating member and the corresponding standing member 14? in a predetermined and ovally closed preferred path 202. As in the case of the preferred embodiment »such a path movement provides a natural movement of the feet» ankles and legs. Additionally »the hands of the user move in arched path 204» thus »the combined movement of the paths 202 and 204 provides superior cardiovascular work both in the upper and lower part of the muscular groups of the body. Referring now to Figure 3, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. As before, similar parts will be designated by the same two-digit reference numerals co or shown in the preferred embodiment but now with a series of prefixes of 200. The frame 210 again consists of a base portion 212, an average portion 214 and an upper portion 216. A coupler system 220 is also provided which is identical in structure and operation to the coupling system 20 of the preferred embodiment. This alternate embodiment also includes a pair of oscillating members 232. Each oscillating member consists of two non-aligned members 232a and 232b which are fixedly connected at the joint 233. A winder 236 is also rotatably connected to each oscillating member 232 at the joint 233 Each winder 236 is adjusted and wound onto the inclined member 213 of the frame 210. Each oscillating member 232 includes a second end 238 pivotally adhered to one end of a crank 224. Referring still to FIG., as in the case of the previous modalities »this alternate modality also includes a pair of pivotal link assemblies 241. Each pivotal link assembly 241 consists of a foot member 240 and an arm member 242. A foot cushion 250 is attached to one end of each foot member 240. A member 232a of each oscillating member 232 is pivotally connected to the connection 239 near one end of the foot member 240. The other end of each member 240 is pivotally connected to the 245 to a end of the arm member 241. Each arm member 241 is then pivotally connected to the upper portion 216 of the frame 210 at point 247. In the operation of this alternate mode »the user" U "ascends the device from the side or the back »holds the handles 237 and begins a movement of ascent. Unlike the previous modalities »the user faces far from the coupling system 250 which can have certain advantages» particularly in the manufacture of this device. As the user begins the upward movement, the reel 236 of each oscillating member 232 moves in a linear motion along the member 213 and the ends 238 of each oscillating member 232 move in a generally circular motion. Simultaneously »the point 239 of each oscillating member 232 moves in a predetermined closed path 302 while the handles 251 move in an arcuate path 304. As in the case of the preferred embodiments, such paths 302 and 304 provide preferred anatomical movement of the Ankles and knees thus providing superior cardiovascular work for the upper and lower groups of the muscles of the body. In the case of all these three modalities, only the general average portion of each oscillating member 32/132/232 is rotatably adjusted to the base frame. In the case of the two alternate embodiments, the middle portion is more clearly defined by the location of rollers 136 and 236. In the case of the preferred embodiment, the winder 36 which is fixed to the base portion 12 of the frame 10 is adapted to use an average portion of each oscillating member 32 generally as shown by the two displacement variations illustrated by the two oscillating members 32 in Figure 1. A stationary and improved exercise device as detailed which aximizes the exercise cardiovascular and yet minimizes stress on critical joints »particularly the ankles and knees. Obviously, modifications and alterations to the modalities described herein will be apparent to those with skill in the art in view of this description. However, it is designed that all these variations and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of this invention as claimed.

Claims (5)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - An exercise apparatus consisting of: a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor; first and second oscillating members, each oscillating member having a first and second end and a middle portion »said middle portion of each member adapted to be rotatably supported by said frame; coupling means for rotating the second ends of said first and second oscillating members in a substantially circular path about a common axis while said first end of each of said first and second oscillating members follow a predetermined closed oval trajectory; a first articulated system having a first foot member and a first arm member, said first foot member pivotally connected to said first pivoting member near said first end of said first pivoting member said pivotal connection being close to an end of said first foot member »and said first foot member pivotally connected at its other end to one end of said first arm member» said first arm member pivotally connected to said frame proximal to the other end of said first arm member; and a second articulated system having a second foot member and a second arm member, said second foot member pivotally connected to said oscillating member close to said first end of said second pivoting member, said pivotal connection being close to one end of the arm. said second foot member "and said second foot member pivotally connected at its other end to one end of said second arm member, said second arm member pivotally connected to said frame close to the other end of said second arm member, according to which each user foot of the device substantially follows the closed oval path and each user's hand follows a substantially arcuate path.
2. 2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said oscillating members consist of non-aligned portions.
3. 3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said frame includes at least one member inclined in relation to the floor to support said oscillating members.
4. 4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 »further characterized in that said apparatus additionally comprises means for introducing a controllable resistive force to said pulley.
5. 5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4 »further characterized in that it comprises means for disengaging at least a portion of said arm members eliminating arcuate movement. & . - An exercise apparatus consisting of: a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor; a first articulated system having a first oscillating member »a first foot member and a first arm member» said first oscillating member has a first and second non-aligned portions and being adapted for linear movement on said frame close to the confluence of the said non-aligned portions "said first foot member has a first and second end, said first foot member being adhered pivotally close to said one to the first end of said first foot member to one end of said first swing member» said first leg member foot being pivotally connected at its second end to one end of said first arm member, said arm member pivotally connected to said frame close to the other end of said first arm member; a second articulated system having a second oscillating member, a second foot member »and a second member of arm »said second oscillating member has a first and second non-aligned portions being adapted for linear movement on said frame near the confluence of said non-aligned portions of said second oscillating member» said second member of foot has a first and second ends »said second foot member being adhered pivotally close to said first end of said second foot member to one end of said second swing member» said second foot member being pivotally connected at its second end to one end of said second leg member "arm" said second arm member pivotally connected to said frame near the other end of said second arm member; and a coupling assembly having a pulley supported by said frame defining a pivot axis and means for adhering said second ends of said first and second oscillating members to said pulley so that rotation of said pulley results in the rotation of the second ends of said oscillating members in a substantially circular trajectory around said axis, according to which each foot of the user of the device follows a predetermined closed path having a preferred anatomical pattern and the user's hands follow an arch path. default. 7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 6 »further characterized in that said frame includes at least one member inclined in relation to the floor to support said oscillating members. 8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 6, further characterized in that said apparatus further comprises means for introducing a controllable resistive force to said pulley. 9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 6 »further characterized in that it comprises means for disengaging at least a portion of said arm members by eliminating the arcuate path. 10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 6 »further characterized in that said coupling assembly further includes: a first element adhered to one end of said pulley near said axis of the pivot and at its other end to said second end of said first oscillating member; and a second element adhered to one end of said pulley near said axis of the pivot and at its other end to said second end of said second oscillating member. 11. An exercise apparatus consisting of: a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor; first and second oscillating members »each oscillating member has a first and second portion not aligned and adapted for linear movement on said frame near the confluence of said non-aligned portions; coupling means for rotating the second ends of said first and second oscillating members in a substantially circular path about a common axis while said first end of said first and second oscillating members follow a predetermined closed oval trajectory; a first articulated system having a first foot member and a first arm member »said first foot member pivotally connected to said first swing member near one end of said first pivoting member» said pivotal connection being close to one end of said first foot member, and said first foot member pivotally connected at its other end to one end of said first arm member, said first arm member pivotally connected to said frame close to the other end of said first arm member; and second articulated system having a second foot member and a second arm member, said OR second foot member pivotally connected to said second swing member near one end of said second swing member, said pivotal connection being close to one end said second foot member and said second foot member pivotally connected at its other end to one end of said second arm member said second arm member pivotally connected to said frame close to the other end of said second arm member »According to which each foot of the user of the device remains substantially between the oval path? closed and each user's hand follows a substantially arcuate trajectory. 12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 »further characterized in that said frame includes at least one member inclined in relation to the floor to support said oscillating members close to said non-aligned portions. JO 13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 »further characterized in that said apparatus further comprises means for introducing a resistive force so that the rotation of said second ends of said first and second oscillating members becomes progressively more difficult. 14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 »further characterized in that it further comprises means for disengaging at least a portion of said first and second arm members by eliminating the arcuate path.