US20240157193A1

Movatterモバイル変換

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Publication number: US20240157193A1
Application number: US18/388,828
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth W Stearns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-15
Filing date: 2023-11-11
Publication date: 2024-05-16
Also published as: CN118105670A; WO2024107413A1

Abstract

A stepper exercise apparatus may include a frame pivotally supporting two pedals connected to the frame. Two cylinders are pivotally connected to the two pedals and to the frame. The pedals may be interconnected to move in coordinated movement in opposite directions. The cylinders provide exercise resistance to the force alternatively applied to the pedals by the user. An exercise resistance adjustment assembly may be actuated to adjust the exercise resistance setting of the stepper exercise apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/425,677, filed Nov. 15, 2022, which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a stepper exercise apparatus, more particularly a mini stepper exercise apparatus having adjustable exercise resistance capabilities.

Conventional stepper exercise machines typically comprise two pedals pivotally secured on a supporting frame. Two hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected to respective pedals and the supporting frame. A user standing on the pedals alternatively shifts his weight from one pedal to the other. The user's weight overcomes a resistive force from the hydraulic cylinders. The pedals are interconnected so that as one pedal is forced downward the other pedal is moved an equal distance upward. Repetitive stepping of the pedals simulates a stair climbing exercise.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a stepper exercise apparatus may include a frame pivotally supporting two pedals connected to the frame. Two cylinders are pivotally connected to the two pedals and to the frame. The pedals may be interconnected to move in coordinated motion in opposite directions. The cylinders provide exercise resistance to the force alternatively applied to the pedals by the user. An exercise resistance adjustment assembly may be actuated to adjust the exercise resistance setting of the stepper exercise apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG.1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.2 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.1.

FIG.3 is an enlarged partial front view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.1 with some structural components omitted.

FIG.4 is a side view of a second embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.5 is a front view of a third embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.6 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.5.

FIG.7 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.8 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.7.

FIG.9 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.10 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.9.

FIG.11 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.12 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.11.

FIG.13 is a partial enlarged front view of an exercise resistance assembly for a seventh embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.14 is a front view of an eighth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.15 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.14.

FIG.16 is a top view of a ninth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.17 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.16.

FIG.18 is a front view of a tenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.19 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.18.

FIG.20 is a front view of an eleventh embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.21 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.20.

FIG.22 is a front view of a twelfth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.23 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.22.

FIG.24 is a rear view of a thirteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.25 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.24.

FIG.26 is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.27 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.28 is a perspective view of an exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.28 is another perspective view of the exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.30 is a partial perspective view depicting an alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.31 is another partial perspective view depicting the alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration shown inFIG.30.

FIG.32 is a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.33 is a side view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.32.

FIG.34 is a partial perspective view depicting a twist and turn assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.32.

FIG.35 is another partial perspective view of the twist and turn assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.32.

FIG.36 is a perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.37 is a partial perspective view depicting a helical assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.37.

FIG.38 is another partial perspective view depicting the helical assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.37.

FIG.39 is a perspective view of a seventeenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.40 is a partial perspective view depicting a rack and pinion assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.39.

FIG.41 is a partial perspective section view of a selector shaft collar of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.32.

FIG.42 is another partial perspective view with some structural elements omitted depicting the rack and pinion assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance shown inFIG.40.

FIG.43 is a left side partial perspective view of a stepper exercise apparatus including a resistance range limiting member.

FIG.44 is a right side partial perspective view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.43.

FIG.45 is a partial perspective view depicting an alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.46 is a partial perspective view depicting an alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.47 is a partial perspective view depicting an alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.26.

FIG.48 is a perspective view of an eighteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus.

FIG.49 is a partial perspective view depicting a rack and pinion assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown inFIG.48.

FIG.50 is a partial section view of the rack and pinion assembly shown inFIG.49.

FIG.51 is a rear perspective view without supporting structure of the adjustment mechanism of the rack and pinion assembly shown inFIG.50.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIGS.1-25, some structural elements have been omitted for convenience and clarity. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the stepper exercise apparatus described herein includes all structural elements required so that the stepper exercise apparatus may function for its intended purpose.

Referring first toFIGS.1-3, a first embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral100. Thestepper exercise apparatus100 may include aframe110 having

base members

112 and113 spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. A generally vertically extending support member, for example but without limitation, apost114 may be fixedly secured to thebase member112. Asupport bar116 may have one end connected to thepost114 and an opposite end connected to thebase member113.

Axels

118 may extend radially outward from thepost114. Theaxles118 may include one end fixedly secured proximate to an upper end of thepost114 and a free opposite end. Foot supports120 may include asleeve122 at a forward end thereof. Eachfoot support120 may be rotatably connected torespective axles118. Afoot pedal124 may be secured on a top surface of the foot supports120. Abracket132 may be secured proximate to an upper end of thepost114. The foot supports120 may be operatively connected for dependent reciprocal movement.

Exercise resistance provided by theexercise apparatus100 may be adjusted. The user may select an exercise resistance level over a range of settings. An exercise resistance assembly operably supported onframe110 may include a selector, shifter and the like, such as but not limited to, rocker levers and push buttons, to change an exercise resistance setting. Rocker levers142,143 may be secured to the bracket132 (shown inFIGS.1-3). The rocker levers142,143 may be rotatably supported by ashaft144 secured to thebracket132. The rocker levers142,143 may extend in opposite directions in cooperative engagement with one another. The rocker levers142,143 may include downwardly extendingpawls146 adapted to engage theteeth148 of agear134 which is supported by thebracket132 at apivot shaft136 which is fixedly secured to thepost114. Each of the rocker levers142,143 may include anextension150, best shown inFIG.3.

The exercise resistance assembly may further include anactuator shaft164 having one end connected to a transversely extendingbar166. The opposite end of theactuator shaft164 may be pivotally connected to thegear134 at apivot pin168. Thepivot pin168 may be radially offset from the rotational axis ofgear134 which is defined by thepivot shaft136.

Thebar166 may includearms170 extending generally rearward from the opposite ends of thebar166. Thearms170 may project throughslots172 in respectiveupstanding pillars174 secured to thebase member112. Thepillars174 may be spaced apart from thepost114. Thearms170 may extend through theslots172 at an angle thereby contacting a bottom edge of theslots172 at acontact point173. Thearms170 may pivotally connect to thecylinders162 atpivot axles165. Eachcylinder162 may include an opposite end connected to an underside region proximate a distal end of arespective foot support120.

Exercise resistance of thestepper exercise apparatus100 may be adjusted by pressing down on a

rocker lever

142,143. Referring now toFIG.3, a user may press down on therocker lever142 to rotate thegear134 clockwise. Simultaneously, thelever extension150 of therocker lever142 exerts an upward force to rotate therocker lever143 upward, thereby disengaging thepawl146 of therocker lever143 from thegear134. When the user lifts his foot, compression and extension springs145 (shown inFIG.5) provide biasing forces returning the rocker levers142,143 to their original position and thepawls146 into contact with thenext tooth148 ofgear134.

Referring now toFIG.4, clockwise rotation of thegear134 moves theactuator shaft164 andtransverse bar166 in a downward direction. Downward movement of theactuator shaft164 moves theends163 of thecylinders162 upward. The exercise resistance provided by thestepper exercise apparatus100 is a function of the distance between thefoot support axles118 andcylinder pivot axles165. Less exercise resistance is provided as the distance between thepivot axles165 and thefoot support axles118 decreases. Repeatedly pressing therocker lever142 rotates thegear134 forcing theactuator shaft164 to move downward and theends163 of thecylinders162 to move upward. Incrementally decreasing the distance between thepivot axles165 and thefoot support axles118, incrementally decreases the exercise resistance provided by thestepper exercise apparatus100.

Referring again toFIG.3, pressing down on therocker lever143 rotates thegear134 in a counterclockwise direction. Simultaneously, thelever extension150 of therocker lever143 exerts an upward force on therocker lever142 disengaging thepawl146 of thelever142 from thegear134. Counterclockwise rotation of thegear134 advances theactuator shaft164 upward. Upward movement of theactuator shaft164 forces the forward ends of thearms170 to rotate downward and move theends163 of thecylinders162 downward, thereby increasing the distance between thepivot axles165 and thefoot support axles118, and increasing the exercise resistance provided by thestepper exercise apparatus100.

InFIG.4, a second embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral200. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus200 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus100 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus200 may include a visual indicator of the exercise resistance level setting of thestepper exercise apparatus200. To this end, adisc210 may be fixedly secured to thegear134 by ashaft212 concentric with thepivot shaft136 which secures thegear134 to thebracket132. Indicia may be provided on the circumferential edge of thedisc210 indicating the resistance level setting of thestepper exercise apparatus200. By way of example, but not by limitation,disc210 may include numerals 1-20 to indicate a range of resistance levels from easy to difficult. The user may set the desired resistance level by pressing down on the rocker levers142,143 as more fully described above with reference toFIGS.1-3.

Referring now toFIGS.5 and6, a third embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral300. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus300 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus100 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus300 may include the capability to set the exercise resistance level for one leg of a user independent of the exercise resistance level set for the other leg.

Separate exercise resistance assemblies may be provided operatively connected to respective foot supports120. For each exercise resistance assembly, an upper end of anactuator shaft364 may be pivotally connected to thegear134. The opposite end of eachactuator shaft364 may be pivotally connected torespective arm366 that is rotatably secured to anupstanding clevis connection368 fixedly secured to thebase member112. Opposite ends of thearms366 may be pivotally connected to thecylinders162 atrespective axles165. In this configuration, the stepping movement of onefoot support120 may not be dependent or affected by theother foot support120 and an exercise resistance level may be set that is specific for each leg of the user.

InFIGS.7 and8, a fourth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral400. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus400 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus100.

Thestepper exercise apparatus400 may include anactuator shaft464 having one end pivotally connected to thegear134 atpivot pin168. The opposite end of theactuator shaft464 may be pivotally connected totransverse bar166. Pivotarms466 may be rotatably secured toupstanding clevis connections468 fixedly secured to thebase member112. The opposite ends of thepivot arms466 may be coupled to thecylinders162 atpivot axles165. Thetransverse bar166 may be pivotally connected to a protruding region of thepivot arms466. Raising and lowering thetransverse bar166 rotates thepivot arms466 to raise and lower the proximal ends of thecylinders162.

Referring now toFIGS.9 and10, a fifth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral500. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus500 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus100.

Thestepper exercise apparatus500 may include a generally vertically extendingstanchion510 fixedly secured to thepost114. Atransverse handlebar512 may be fixedly secured to an upper region of thestanchion510. Secondary rocker levers514,515 may be pivotally connected proximate to the upper distal end516 of thestanchion510. The secondary rocker levers514,515 may be operatively connected to the rocker levers142,143. For example, but without limitation, the secondary rocker levers514,515 may be respectively connected to the rocker levers142,143 by connector links, cables and the like. Manipulation of the rocker levers514,515 by the user may be transmitted to

rocker levers

142,143 to operate in the manner described above to incrementally increase/decrease the exercise resistance level of thestepper exercise apparatus500.

Referring now toFIGS.11 and12, a sixth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified byreference numeral600. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus600 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus100 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus600 is provided with a linear action exercise resistance assembly.

The exercise resistance assembly may include anactuator shaft664. A pair of bar clamps672 and674 spaced apart and in facing relationship to one another may be secured to frame members (not shown in the drawings). The bar clamps672,674 may include drive rings676,677 and

brake plates

678,679.Springs680 may be compressed between drive rings676,677 and a respective stop shoulder (not shown in the drawings). The

brake plates

678,679 may be pivotally supported opposite respective drive rings676,677. Theactuator shaft664 may pass through aligned apertures in the drive rings676,677 and

brake plates

678,679 and through the compression springs680.

The drive rings676,677 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theactuator shaft664. Theactuator shaft664 may be advanced up and down by pressing down on

push buttons

685,687 to pivot a

respective brake plate

678,679. For example, pressing down onpush button685 pivots thebrake plate678 to push thedrive plate676 to bind against theactuator shaft664 and continued downward pressure forces theactuator shaft664 to move upward. While theactuator rod664 may move through the

brake plates

678,679 in the upward direction, downward movement of theactuator shaft664 is prevented by thebrake plate679 because it is not oriented perpendicular to theactuator shaft664 and therefore thebrake plate679 binds against downward movement of theactuator shaft664. A similar process may be followed to advance theactuator shaft664 downward by pressing on thepush button687 and engaging thebrake plate679 to bind thedrive plate677 against theactuator shaft664.

Referring now toFIG.13, a seventh embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus may more clearly illustrate the one-way drive function of the bar clamps for advancing and retracting theactuator shaft664. For convenience and clarity in the drawings, structural elements (frame members, brackets and the like) supporting the

clamps

772 and774 for cooperatively engaging theactuator shaft664 are omitted.

Bar clamps772,774 may be fixedly supported spaced apart from one another in an aligned facing relationship. InFIG.13, theactuator shaft664 is locked or set to a selected exercise resistance level. Thebrake plate676 prevents upward movement of theactuator shaft664 and thebrake plate678 prevents downward movement of theactuator shaft664. A user may change the exercise resistance level by pressing down on therocker lever776, indicated by thearrow779, thereby movingpush rod780 downward. Thepush rod780 may include alobe782 proximate to the distal region of thepush rod780. Upon downward movement of thepush rod780,lobe782 engages thebrake plate679 and rotates it about its pivot point so that thebrake plate679 is positioned substantially perpendicular to theactuator shaft664. Thedistal end784 of thepush rod780 engages acam786 that is configurated to apply a downward force to thedrive ring677. Continued pressure on thecam786 forces thedrive ring677 into binding engagement with theactuator shaft664, and move it downward. Thebrake plate678 permits downward movement but not upward movement of theactuator shaft664.

Referring still toFIG.13, upward movement of theactuator shaft664 may be accomplished by pressing down on therocker lever776, indicated by thearrow781, thereby liftingpush rod780 upward to rotate thebrake plate678 into a substantially perpendicular position relative to theactuator shaft664. Aprotrusion778 on thepush rod780 contacts and rotates acam788 upward forcing thedrive ring676 into binding contact with theactuator shaft664, to move it upward.

InFIGS.14 and15, an eighth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral800. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus800 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus600 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus800 includes separate exercise resistance assemblies operatively connected to respective foot support linkages.

Thestepper exercise apparatus800 may include

brake plates

810 and812 engaging theactuator shaft664. The

brake plates

810,812 may be spring loaded to engage theactuator shaft664. Aspring814 between the

brake plates

810,812 may apply a biasing force to maintain binding contact of one or the

other brake plates

810,812 with theactuator shaft664. Depressing the

push buttons

685,687 rotates

respective brake plates

810,812 to advance and retract theactuator shaft664 to an exercise resistance setting selected by the user.

Referring now toFIGS.16 and17, a ninth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral900. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus900 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus800 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus900 provides the user visual indication of the exercise resistance level setting. Thestepper exercise apparatus900 may include apulley910 rotatably supported above theactuator shaft664. Acord912 routed over thepulley910 may have one end secured to theactuator shaft664 and the opposite end connected to aspring914 anchored to acover916 enclosing thepulley910 andcord912.

Indicia may be provided on thecord912 indicating the resistance level setting of thestepper exercise apparatus900. As theactuator shaft664 moves up and down, a portion of thecord912 passes by awindow918 through which the exercise resistance setting is visible to the user.

InFIGS.18 and19, a tenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral1000. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1000 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus600 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus1000 may include clevisbrackets1010 fixedly secured to thebase member112. Theclevis brackets1010 may includesidewalls1012 havingcurved slots1014 configured to receive theaxles165 coupling thecylinders162 to thebase member112. Actuation of the exercise resistance assembly may move thepivot axles165 along thecurved slots1014, thereby increasing/decreasing the distance separating thepivot axles165 and thefoot support axles118 to provide the desired exercise resistance.

Referring now toFIGS.20-25, dependent configurations of stepper exercise apparatus are disclosed. InFIGS.20 and21, an eleventh embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified byreference numeral1100. Thestepper exercise apparatus1100 may include a frame having

base members

1112 and1113 spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. A generally vertically extendingpost1114 may be fixedly secured to thebase member1112. Asupport bar1116 may interconnect the

base members

1112,1113. Thesupport bar1116 may have one end fixedly connected proximate to an upper end of thepost1114 and an opposite end fixedly connected to thebase member1113.

Axels

1118 may extend radially outward from thepost1114. Theaxles1118 may include one end fixedly secured proximate to an upper end of thepost1114 and an opposite free end. Foot supports1120 may include asleeve1122 at a forward end thereof. Thesleeve1122 may be configured to rotatably connect the foot supports1120 torespective axles1118. Afoot pedal1124 may be secured on a top surface of the foot supports1120.

Apulley1130 may be rotatably secured to a bottom region of thesupport bar1116. Acable1132 may be routed over thepulley1130. The distal ends of thecable1132 may be connected to downwardly extendingconnectors1134 fixedly secured torespective sleeves1122. The pulley-cable configuration enables reciprocal or oppositional dependent movement of the foot supports1120. As a user steps on afoot support1120 to rotate it downwardly about anaxle1118, theopposite foot support1120 is rotated upwardly about itsrespective axle1118 to simulate a stepping exercise movement.

InFIGS.22 and23, a twelfth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified byreference numeral1200. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1200 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus1100 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus1200 includes adrive shaft1210 pivotally connected to a bottom region of thesupport bar1116.Connection rods1212 connect the distal ends of thedrive shaft1210 to downwardly extendingconnectors1134 fixedly secured torespective sleeves1122. The horizontally orienteddrive shaft1210 connects the foot supports1120 for reciprocal or oppositional dependent movement. When a user steps on onefoot support1120 moving it downwardly, theother foot support1120 moves upwardly to simulate a stepping exercise movement.

Referring now toFIGS.24 and25, a thirteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified byreference numeral1300. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1300 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus1100 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus1300 includes adrive bar1310 rotatably connected to an upright post1312 at apivot shaft1314 defining a horizontal axis. The post1312 may be fixedly secured to supportbar1116.Rollers1316 may be rotatably supported at the opposite distal ends of thedrive bar1310. Therollers1316 may be in rolling contact a bottom region of the foot supports1120.Drive bar1310 may pivot about the horizontal axis defined by thepivot shaft1314 to reciprocate the foot supports1120 to simulate a stepping exercise movement.

Referring now toFIGS.26-31, a fourteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified byreference numeral1400. Thestepper apparatus1400 may include a frame having

base members

1412 and1413 spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. A generally vertically extendingpost1414 may be fixedly secured to thebase member1412. Asupport bar1416 may interconnect the

base members

1412,1413. Thesupport bar1416 may have one end fixedly connected to thepost1414 and an opposite end fixedly connected to thebase member1413.

Axels

1418 may extend radially outward from opposite sides of thepost1414. Eachaxle1418 may include one end fixedly secured proximate to an upper end of thepost1414. Acylindrical sleeve1422 may be fixedly secured to a forward or proximal end of eachfoot support1420. Thesleeves1422 may be configured to rotatably connect the foot supports1420 torespective axles1418, which define the rotational axis of the foot supports1420. Afoot pedal1424 may be secured onto a top surface of eachfoot support1420. Driverods1428 may be fixedly secured to thesleeves1422. Thedrive rods1428 may project downward from thesleeves1422 and operatively engageforce transmitting crossbars1430 rotatably supported by thepost1414. Thecrossbars1430 extend radially outward from thepost1414.

Stepper exercise apparatus

1400 may include twocylinders1434, which may be, but not limited to, two hydraulic cylinders. Each of thecylinders1434 may have a distal end pivotally connected to an underside region proximate a distal end of arespective foot support1420. A proximal end of each of thecylinders1434 may be pivotally connected to atransverse shaft1436. Thetransverse shaft1436 may extend through a first end of achannel bracket1437. Thesupport bar1416 may include sidewalls1417 and atop wall1419 defining a downwardly facing open channel. A second end of thechannel bracket1437 may be coupled to thesupport bar1416 atpivot pin1421, best shown inFIG.28.

Anexercise resistance selector1440, more fully shown inFIGS.28-31, may be pivotally connected to thesupport bar1416 atpivot pin1421. Theselector1440 may include a generallyvertical selector arm1442 and a generallyhorizontal selector arm1444 defining a generally L-shaped profile. A distal end of thehorizontal arm1444 may be pivotally connected to thetransverse shaft1436. Thevertical arm1442 of theselector1440 may extend through aslot1446 in thetop wall1419 of thesupport bar1416. Bushing1460 journaled aboutpivot pin1421 andtransverse shaft1436 center the horizontalexercise selector arm1444 in thechannel bracket1437. Alternatively, thechannel bracket1437 may be omitted and theexercise resistance selector1440 pivotally connected to thesupport bar1416 andtransverse shaft1436.

Referring now toFIGS.28 and29, acover1450 enclosing theexercise selector1440 may be fixedly secured to thesupport bar1416. Thecover1450 may includesidewalls1452 spaced apart from one another. Thesidewalls1452 may be joined by abridge wall1454. The distal end of theexercise selector arm1442 may extend through anelongated opening1457 in thebridge wall1454 of thecover1450. Thecover1450 may enclose an upstandingcurved plate1466 fixedly secured to thetop wall1419 of thesupport bar1416, shown inFIGS.30 and3L A series ofholes1468 may be spaced along the curved edge of theplate1466. Apin1467 which may be received in ahole1468 may project outward from theselector arm1442 toward theplate1466. Thepin1467 may be sized to be received in ahole1468. The resistance setting may be adjusted by grasping aknob1458 fixedly secured to the distal end of theexercise selector arm1442 and moving theexercise selector arm1442 laterally. Lateral movement of theselector arm1442 from a first resistance setting disengages theexercise selector1440 from theplate1466. Theselector arm1442 may be advanced forward and backward along theelongated slot1457. Upon selecting an exercise resistance setting, theselector arm1442 may be moved laterally toward theplate1466 to insert thepin1467 into ahole1468 to set the desired exercise resistance level.

In an alternate configuration shown inFIG.45, exercise resistance may be adjusted by moving theexercise selector1440 to engage a series ofnotches1456 formed along an edge of theopening1457. The resistance setting may be adjusted by grasping theknob1458 and moving theexercise selector arm1442 laterally out of anotch1456, move it long theelongated slot1457 and then laterally into another of thenotches1456.

Referring again toFIG.26 andFIG.30, rotational movement of theexercise selector1440 aboutpivot pin1421 raises or lowers thetransverse shaft1436 to adjust the pivot axis of thecylinders1434 relative to the rotational axis of the foot supports1420 defined by theaxles1418. Exercise resistance decreases the closer thepivot axis1436 of thecylinders1434 is to the rotational axis of the foot supports1420. The greater the distance of the pivot axis of thecylinders1434 from the rotational axis of the foot supports1420, the greater is the resistance to exercise provided by theexercise apparatus1400.

Other means may be provided for a user to adjust the exercise resistance level of a stepper exercise apparatus. For example, but not limited to, a push-pull resistance adjustment and resistance range limiting component is illustrated inFIG.46 andFIG.47. For this example, thebridge wall1454 of thecover1450 of thestepper exercise apparatus1400 may include anelongated slot1459. A plurality of apertures1461 may transversely intersect theslot1459. The apertures1461 may be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal length of theslot1459. Tworange limiting rods1463 may be pivotally connected to pivotshaft1421. Therods1463 may include axial boreholes in the distal ends thereof configured to receive theshaft1465 of a spring-loadedpush pin1467.Shaft1465 extends through an aperture1461 into the borehole of therange limiting rods1463. Aspring1469 journalled about thepush pin shaft1465 force the push pins1467 into locking engagement with thebridge wall1454 of theenclosure cover1450. The exercise range limit may be changed by pressing thepush pin1467 of one or both range limitingrods1463 inward and moving them to engage with different apertures1461. Upon the release of pressure on the push pins1467, thesprings1469 force the push pins1467 outward to lock therange limiting rods1463. Theselector arm1442 is releasably locked and similarly operable to change the exercise resistance setting.

Referring now toFIGS.32-35, a fifteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified byreference numeral1500. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1500 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus1400.Stepper exercise apparatus1500 may include twohydraulic cylinders1434. Each of thecylinders1434 may have a distal end pivotally connected to an underside region proximate a distal end of arespective foot support1420. A proximal end of each of thecylinders1434 may be pivotally connected to atransverse shaft1436. Opposite ends of thetransverse shaft1436 may connect tolinks1511 pivotally secured to thebase member1412.

A twist and lock assembly may be employed to adjust the exercise resistance provided by thestepper exercise apparatus1500. The twist and lock assembly may include anexercise selector shaft1510 movably connected to acollar1512 pivotally secured to abracket1513 which is fixedly secured to thepost1414. Theselector shaft1510 may include an elongated body having threadedconcentric portions1514 and parallel machinedflat portions1516. Theconcentric portions1514 extend along opposite sides of theselector shaft1510 separated by theflat portions1516. Thecollar1512 may include anaxial passageway1520.

Referring now toFIG.41,pins1534 may extend through opposite sides of thecollar1512. The distal ends ofpins1534 may extend partially into thepassageway1520 of thecollar1512. Thepins1534 may engage theselector shaft1510 in theaxial passageway1520 to lock theselector shaft1510 and set the exercise resistance level for thestepper exercise apparatus1500. The distal ends of thepins1534 may extend into the gap between adjacent threads of the threadedconcentric portions1514 to lock theselector shaft1510 at a selected exercise resistance setting. Rotation of theselector shaft1510 about 90° positions theflat portions1516 of theselector shaft1510 between thepins1534. While in this orientation, theselector shaft1510 may be lowered or raised and rotated again to engage thepins1534 and lock theselector shaft1510 at a different exercise resistance setting.

FIG.34 illustrates downward movement of theselector shaft1510 to move thetransverse shaft1436 to its lowermost position. In this configuration, the pivot axis of thecylinders1434 is the farthest fromrotational axis1418 of the foot supports1420 for providing maximum exercise resistance. The least exercise resistance occurs when the pivot axis of thecylinders1434 is closest to therotational axis1418 of the foot supports1420, illustrated inFIG.35.

Referring now toFIGS.36-38, a sixteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral1600. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1600 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus1500 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus1600 includes ahelical lock assembly1610 for adjusting exercise resistance. Thehelical lock assembly1610 may be housed and supported by apost1612. It may be observed that the configuration ofpost1612 differs from thepost1514 to accommodate thehelical lock assembly1610, otherwise thepost1612 supports components of thestepper exercise apparatus1600 in the manner described above with reference to thestepper exercise apparatus1500.

The helical lock assembly includes ahelical shaft1614 vertically supported by thepost1612. A knob or dial1616 may be fixedly secured to the upper distal end of thehelical shaft1614. An internally threadedcollar1618 may be movably supported by thehelical shaft1614. Abracket1620 may be secured to thecollar1618. Ahinge connector1622 may have one end pivotally connected to thebracket1620 and on opposite end fixedly connected to thetransverse shaft1436. Turning theknob1616 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction rotates thehelical shaft1614 to move thecollar1618 up or down along thehelical shaft1614 to adjust the exercise resistance setting of thestepper exercise apparatus1600. The pivotal movement of thehinge connector1622 converts the linear movement of thehelical shaft1614 to the arcuate movement of thetransverse shaft1436.

Referring now toFIGS.39-40 andFIG.42, a seventeenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral1700. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1700 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus1600 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus1700 includes a rack andpinion gear assembly1710, more fully shown inFIG.42, for adjusting exercise resistance. Arack1712 may be housed and movably supported by thepost1612. Therack1712 may include alower stub end1714. Thebracket1620 may be secured to thestub end1714 of therack1712. Thehinge connector1622 may have one end pivotally connected to thebracket1620 and on opposite end fixedly connected to thetransverse shaft1436.

Apinion gear1716 may be supported by thepost1612. Thepinion gear1716 may be rigidly secured to a distal end of apinion shaft1718 or may be integrally formed with thepinion shaft1718. Thepinion shaft1718 may extend through thepost1612 perpendicular to therack1712 so that thepinion gear1716 operatively engages therack1712. Aknob1720 may be fixedly secured to the opposite distal of thepinion shaft1718. Theknob1720 may be provided withindicia1722 along its peripheral edge to indicate exercise resistance settings. Rotation of theknob1720 moves therack1712 up and down. The rotational movement of thepinion gear1716 converts to linear motion of therack1712 thereby raising and lowering thetransverse shaft1436 for adjusting the exercise resistance setting for thestepper exercise apparatus1700.

During a workout routine, a user may want to alternate between high and low exercise resistance settings without stepping through the intermediate resistance settings. The stepper exercise apparatus of the invention may be provided with a resistance range limiting member that may be attached to the stepper exercise apparatus. For illustrative purposes, but not limited to, a resistancerange limiting member1470 shown inFIGS.43 and44, may be secured to thecover1450 of thestepper exercise apparatus1400 described hereinabove. Therange limiting member1470 may be manufactured of relatively hard but flexible plastic material defining a generally L-shaped profile including afirst leg1472 and asecond leg1474. Thefirst leg1472 may define an elongated body having one end coupled to thesupport bar1416 atpivot pin1421. Thesecond leg1474 may extend from thefirst leg1472 at substantially a right angle. Thesecond leg1474 may include tabs sized to be received inholes1476 formed in thecover1450 along opposite sides of theslot1457. Therange limiting members1470 functions as stops for theexercise selector1440 so that the user may quickly and easily move between maximum and minimum exercise resistance settings.

Referring now toFIGS.48-51, an eighteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by thereference numeral1800. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, thestepper exercise apparatus1800 is similar to thestepper exercise apparatus1700 with the exception that thestepper exercise apparatus1800 includes a foot operated rack and pinion gear assembly1810 for adjusting exercise resistance. The rack and pinion gear assembly1810 may include ahousing1812 fixedly secured to thepost1612. Thehousing1812 may include aninterior chamber1814 supporting a foot operated exercise resistance mechanism comprising aright foot paddle1816 and aleft foot paddle1818 supported in thechamber1814 of thehousing1812.

Guide rods

1820 and1822 movably support respective right and left

foot paddles

1816,1818. The

guide rods

1820,1822 are vertically fixed inchannels1824 formed betweeninterior sidewalls1826 andexterior sidewalls1828 of thehousing1812.

The foot paddles1816,1818 may be pivotally secured to respective elongatedright rack1830 and elongated leftrack1832 interconnected by apinion gear1834. A spring-loadedlock rack1836 may be supported between the right and left

racks

1830,1832. Springs, such as but not limited to, compression springs1835 force thelock rack1836 in locking relationship with theright rack1830. Theleft rack1832 may be slidably coupled to thelock rack1836 at aclevis connector1838 fixed to theleft foot paddle1818. Apin1840 may extend through theclevis connector1838 and anelongated slot1842 in an upper region of thelock rack1836. Alink1844 connects theright foot paddle1816 to thetransverse shaft1436.

InFIGS.48-51, theright foot paddle1836 is depicted at its uppermost position. The exercise resistance of thestepper exercise apparatus1800 may be adjusted by pressing down on thefoot paddle1816. Downward pressure rotates theright foot paddle1816 aboutpivot pin1846 forcing thelock rack1836 to move laterally and disengage from theright rack1830 freeing it to move downward. Downward movement of theright rack1830 rotates thepinion gear1834 and moves theleft rack1832 upward. Upon release of pressure on thefoot paddle1816, thelock rack1836 engages theright rack1816 to lock it in the new exercise resistance setting. Theright rack1816 may be moved upward by pressing down on theleft foot paddle1818 to rotate it aboutpivot pin1848 and pull thelock rack1836 laterally to disengage from theright rack1816 releasing it to move upward as theleft rack1818 moves downward.

Referring now toFIG.49, a user may insertpegs1850 through vertically alignedholes1852 in the front wall of thehousing1812 to set the maximum and minimum exercise range limit. Thepegs1850 may extend into aslot1854 in theleft rack1832, shown inFIG.51, to limit the reciprocal range of theright rack1816 so that the user may quickly and easily move between maximum and minimum exercise resistance settings.

While preferred embodiments of a stepping exercise apparatus have been shown and described, other and further embodiments of the stepping exercise apparatus may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A stepper exercise apparatus, comprising:

a) a frame, said frame including a front base member and a rear base member;

b) a generally vertically extending post fixedly secured to said front base member;

c) a pair of foot support members pivotally connected to said post;

d) a support bar interconnecting said post and said rear base member; and

e) an exercise resistance assembly operably connecting said pair of foot support members.

2. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes rocker levers rotatably connected to said post pivotal about a common axis.

3. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes a gear disk rotatably secured to said post, and further including an actuator shaft operatively connected to a pair of exercise resistance members.

4. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein manipulation of said rocker levers rotates said gear disk to change a first exercise resistance setting to a second exercise resistance setting.

5. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 4 including visual indicia of exercise resistance settings.

6. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes an exercise selector for adjusting an exercise resistance setting.

7. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes a push button configuration for adjusting an exercise resistance setting.

8. A stepper exercise apparatus, comprising:

a) a frame including a front base member and a rear base member;

b) a generally vertically extending support member fixedly secured to said front base member;

c) a pair of foot pedals pivotally connected to said support member; and

d) an exercise resistance assembly operably connecting said pair of foot pedals for dependent reciprocal movement.

9. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes an exercise resistance selector actuable to change a first exercise resistance setting to a second exercise resistance setting.

10. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes a linear selector actuable to change a first exercise resistance setting to a second exercise resistance setting.

11. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes a pair of cylinders, a first end of each said pair of cylinders pivotally connected to a respective said pair of foot pedals, a second end of each said pair of cylinders pivotally connected to opposite ends of a transverse shaft movably connected to said front base member.

12. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said exercise resistance selector is operatively connected to said transverse shaft to raise and lower said second end of each said pair of cylinders.

13. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said exercise resistance selector includes a selector shaft movably connected to a collar pivotally secured to said support member, said selector shaft defining an elongated body having oppositely facing longitudinal threaded concentric portions and longitudinal flat portions, said collar further including an axial passageway configured to receive said selector shaft therethrough, a pair of pins extending through opposite sides of said collar projecting into said axial passageway into engagement with said threaded concentric portions of said shaft, wherein twisting said shaft about 90° aligns said pins opposite said longitudinal flat portions of said shaft.

14. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said exercise resistance selector includes a helical shaft movably connected to said support member, said helical shaft movably supporting an internally threaded collar, a hinge connector pivotally secured to said collar interconnecting said helical shaft and said transverse shaft.

15. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said exercise resistance selector includes a rack and pinion assembly.

16. The stepper exercise apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes a right foot paddle and a left foot paddle pivotally connected to a right rack and a second rack, respectively, said right rack and said left rack movably supported by said support member, and further including a pinion gear interconnecting said right rack and said left rack and a locking rack slidably coupled to said left rack movable to locking engagement with said right rack.