US20240157193A1

US20240157193A1 - Stepper exercise apparatus

Info

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 in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial front view of the stepper exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 26 .

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

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

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

FIG. 31 is another partial perspective view depicting the alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration shown in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 37 .

FIG. 38 is another partial perspective view depicting the helical assembly for adjusting the exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 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 in FIG. 39 .

FIG. 41 is a partial perspective section view of a selector shaft collar of the stepper exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 in FIG. 43 .

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

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

FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view depicting an alternative exercise resistance adjustment configuration for the stepper exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 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 in FIG. 48 .

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIGS. 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 to FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 100. The stepper exercise apparatus 100 may include a frame 110 having base members 112 and 113 spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. A generally vertically extending support member, for example but without limitation, a post 114 may be fixedly secured to the base member 112. A support bar 116 may have one end connected to the post 114 and an opposite end connected to the base member 113.
Axels 118 may extend radially outward from the post 114. The axles 118 may include one end fixedly secured proximate to an upper end of the post 114 and a free opposite end. Foot supports 120 may include a sleeve 122 at a forward end thereof. Each foot support 120 may be rotatably connected to respective axles 118. A foot pedal 124 may be secured on a top surface of the foot supports 120. A bracket 132 may be secured proximate to an upper end of the post 114. The foot supports 120 may be operatively connected for dependent reciprocal movement.
Exercise resistance provided by the exercise apparatus 100 may be adjusted. The user may select an exercise resistance level over a range of settings. An exercise resistance assembly operably supported on frame 110 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 levers 142, 143 may be secured to the bracket 132 (shown in FIGS. 1-3 ). The rocker levers 142, 143 may be rotatably supported by a shaft 144 secured to the bracket 132. The rocker levers 142, 143 may extend in opposite directions in cooperative engagement with one another. The rocker levers 142, 143 may include downwardly extending pawls 146 adapted to engage the teeth 148 of a gear 134 which is supported by the bracket 132 at a pivot shaft 136 which is fixedly secured to the post 114. Each of the rocker levers 142, 143 may include an extension 150, best shown in FIG. 3 .
The exercise resistance assembly may further include an actuator shaft 164 having one end connected to a transversely extending bar 166. The opposite end of the actuator shaft 164 may be pivotally connected to the gear 134 at a pivot pin 168. The pivot pin 168 may be radially offset from the rotational axis of gear 134 which is defined by the pivot shaft 136.
The bar 166 may include arms 170 extending generally rearward from the opposite ends of the bar 166. The arms 170 may project through slots 172 in respective upstanding pillars 174 secured to the base member 112. The pillars 174 may be spaced apart from the post 114. The arms 170 may extend through the slots 172 at an angle thereby contacting a bottom edge of the slots 172 at a contact point 173. The arms 170 may pivotally connect to the cylinders 162 at pivot axles 165. Each cylinder 162 may include an opposite end connected to an underside region proximate a distal end of a respective foot support 120.
Exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus 100 may be adjusted by pressing down on a rocker lever 142, 143. Referring now to FIG. 3 , a user may press down on the rocker lever 142 to rotate the gear 134 clockwise. Simultaneously, the lever extension 150 of the rocker lever 142 exerts an upward force to rotate the rocker lever 143 upward, thereby disengaging the pawl 146 of the rocker lever 143 from the gear 134. When the user lifts his foot, compression and extension springs 145 (shown in FIG. 5 ) provide biasing forces returning the rocker levers 142, 143 to their original position and the pawls 146 into contact with the next tooth 148 of gear 134.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , clockwise rotation of the gear 134 moves the actuator shaft 164 and transverse bar 166 in a downward direction. Downward movement of the actuator shaft 164 moves the ends 163 of the cylinders 162 upward. The exercise resistance provided by the stepper exercise apparatus 100 is a function of the distance between the foot support axles 118 and cylinder pivot axles 165. Less exercise resistance is provided as the distance between the pivot axles 165 and the foot support axles 118 decreases. Repeatedly pressing the rocker lever 142 rotates the gear 134 forcing the actuator shaft 164 to move downward and the ends 163 of the cylinders 162 to move upward. Incrementally decreasing the distance between the pivot axles 165 and the foot support axles 118, incrementally decreases the exercise resistance provided by the stepper exercise apparatus 100.
Referring again to FIG. 3 , pressing down on the rocker lever 143 rotates the gear 134 in a counterclockwise direction. Simultaneously, the lever extension 150 of the rocker lever 143 exerts an upward force on the rocker lever 142 disengaging the pawl 146 of the lever 142 from the gear 134. Counterclockwise rotation of the gear 134 advances the actuator shaft 164 upward. Upward movement of the actuator shaft 164 forces the forward ends of the arms 170 to rotate downward and move the ends 163 of the cylinders 162 downward, thereby increasing the distance between the pivot axles 165 and the foot support axles 118, and increasing the exercise resistance provided by the stepper exercise apparatus 100.
In FIG. 4 , a second embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 200. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 200 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 100 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 200 may include a visual indicator of the exercise resistance level setting of the stepper exercise apparatus 200. To this end, a disc 210 may be fixedly secured to the gear 134 by a shaft 212 concentric with the pivot shaft 136 which secures the gear 134 to the bracket 132. Indicia may be provided on the circumferential edge of the disc 210 indicating the resistance level setting of the stepper exercise apparatus 200. By way of example, but not by limitation, disc 210 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 levers 142, 143 as more fully described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 .
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , a third embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 300. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 300 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 100 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 300 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 supports 120. For each exercise resistance assembly, an upper end of an actuator shaft 364 may be pivotally connected to the gear 134. The opposite end of each actuator shaft 364 may be pivotally connected to respective arm 366 that is rotatably secured to an upstanding clevis connection 368 fixedly secured to the base member 112. Opposite ends of the arms 366 may be pivotally connected to the cylinders 162 at respective axles 165. In this configuration, the stepping movement of one foot support 120 may not be dependent or affected by the other foot support 120 and an exercise resistance level may be set that is specific for each leg of the user.
In FIGS. 7 and 8 , a fourth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 400. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 400 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 100.
The stepper exercise apparatus 400 may include an actuator shaft 464 having one end pivotally connected to the gear 134 at pivot pin 168. The opposite end of the actuator shaft 464 may be pivotally connected to transverse bar 166. Pivot arms 466 may be rotatably secured to upstanding clevis connections 468 fixedly secured to the base member 112. The opposite ends of the pivot arms 466 may be coupled to the cylinders 162 at pivot axles 165. The transverse bar 166 may be pivotally connected to a protruding region of the pivot arms 466. Raising and lowering the transverse bar 166 rotates the pivot arms 466 to raise and lower the proximal ends of the cylinders 162.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , a fifth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 500. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 500 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 100.
The stepper exercise apparatus 500 may include a generally vertically extending stanchion 510 fixedly secured to the post 114. A transverse handlebar 512 may be fixedly secured to an upper region of the stanchion 510. Secondary rocker levers 514, 515 may be pivotally connected proximate to the upper distal end 516 of the stanchion 510. The secondary rocker levers 514, 515 may be operatively connected to the rocker levers 142, 143. For example, but without limitation, the secondary rocker levers 514, 515 may be respectively connected to the rocker levers 142, 143 by connector links, cables and the like. Manipulation of the rocker levers 514, 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 the stepper exercise apparatus 500.
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 , a sixth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 600. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 600 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 100 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 600 is provided with a linear action exercise resistance assembly.
The exercise resistance assembly may include an actuator shaft 664. A pair of bar clamps 672 and 674 spaced apart and in facing relationship to one another may be secured to frame members (not shown in the drawings). The bar clamps 672, 674 may include drive rings 676, 677 and brake plates 678, 679. Springs 680 may be compressed between drive rings 676, 677 and a respective stop shoulder (not shown in the drawings). The brake plates 678, 679 may be pivotally supported opposite respective drive rings 676, 677. The actuator shaft 664 may pass through aligned apertures in the drive rings 676, 677 and brake plates 678, 679 and through the compression springs 680.
The drive rings 676, 677 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the actuator shaft 664. The actuator shaft 664 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 on push button 685 pivots the brake plate 678 to push the drive plate 676 to bind against the actuator shaft 664 and continued downward pressure forces the actuator shaft 664 to move upward. While the actuator rod 664 may move through the brake plates 678, 679 in the upward direction, downward movement of the actuator shaft 664 is prevented by the brake plate 679 because it is not oriented perpendicular to the actuator shaft 664 and therefore the brake plate 679 binds against downward movement of the actuator shaft 664. A similar process may be followed to advance the actuator shaft 664 downward by pressing on the push button 687 and engaging the brake plate 679 to bind the drive plate 677 against the actuator shaft 664.
Referring now to FIG. 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 the actuator shaft 664. For convenience and clarity in the drawings, structural elements (frame members, brackets and the like) supporting the clamps 772 and 774 for cooperatively engaging the actuator shaft 664 are omitted.
Bar clamps 772, 774 may be fixedly supported spaced apart from one another in an aligned facing relationship. In FIG. 13 , the actuator shaft 664 is locked or set to a selected exercise resistance level. The brake plate 676 prevents upward movement of the actuator shaft 664 and the brake plate 678 prevents downward movement of the actuator shaft 664. A user may change the exercise resistance level by pressing down on the rocker lever 776, indicated by the arrow 779, thereby moving push rod 780 downward. The push rod 780 may include a lobe 782 proximate to the distal region of the push rod 780. Upon downward movement of the push rod 780, lobe 782 engages the brake plate 679 and rotates it about its pivot point so that the brake plate 679 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the actuator shaft 664. The distal end 784 of the push rod 780 engages a cam 786 that is configurated to apply a downward force to the drive ring 677. Continued pressure on the cam 786 forces the drive ring 677 into binding engagement with the actuator shaft 664, and move it downward. The brake plate 678 permits downward movement but not upward movement of the actuator shaft 664.
Referring still to FIG. 13 , upward movement of the actuator shaft 664 may be accomplished by pressing down on the rocker lever 776, indicated by the arrow 781, thereby lifting push rod 780 upward to rotate the brake plate 678 into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the actuator shaft 664. A protrusion 778 on the push rod 780 contacts and rotates a cam 788 upward forcing the drive ring 676 into binding contact with the actuator shaft 664, to move it upward.
In FIGS. 14 and 15 , an eighth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 800. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 800 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 600 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 800 includes separate exercise resistance assemblies operatively connected to respective foot support linkages.
The stepper exercise apparatus 800 may include brake plates 810 and 812 engaging the actuator shaft 664. The brake plates 810, 812 may be spring loaded to engage the actuator shaft 664. A spring 814 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 the actuator shaft 664. Depressing the push buttons 685,687 rotates respective brake plates 810, 812 to advance and retract the actuator shaft 664 to an exercise resistance setting selected by the user.
Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 , a ninth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 900. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 900 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 800 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 900 provides the user visual indication of the exercise resistance level setting. The stepper exercise apparatus 900 may include a pulley 910 rotatably supported above the actuator shaft 664. A cord 912 routed over the pulley 910 may have one end secured to the actuator shaft 664 and the opposite end connected to a spring 914 anchored to a cover 916 enclosing the pulley 910 and cord 912.
Indicia may be provided on the cord 912 indicating the resistance level setting of the stepper exercise apparatus 900. As the actuator shaft 664 moves up and down, a portion of the cord 912 passes by a window 918 through which the exercise resistance setting is visible to the user.
In FIGS. 18 and 19 , a tenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 1000. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1000 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 600 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 1000 may include clevis brackets 1010 fixedly secured to the base member 112. The clevis brackets 1010 may include sidewalls 1012 having curved slots 1014 configured to receive the axles 165 coupling the cylinders 162 to the base member 112. Actuation of the exercise resistance assembly may move the pivot axles 165 along the curved slots 1014, thereby increasing/decreasing the distance separating the pivot axles 165 and the foot support axles 118 to provide the desired exercise resistance.
Referring now to FIGS. 20-25 , dependent configurations of stepper exercise apparatus are disclosed. In FIGS. 20 and 21 , an eleventh embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 1100. The stepper exercise apparatus 1100 may include a frame having base members 1112 and 1113 spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. A generally vertically extending post 1114 may be fixedly secured to the base member 1112. A support bar 1116 may interconnect the base members 1112, 1113. The support bar 1116 may have one end fixedly connected proximate to an upper end of the post 1114 and an opposite end fixedly connected to the base member 1113.
Axels 1118 may extend radially outward from the post 1114. The axles 1118 may include one end fixedly secured proximate to an upper end of the post 1114 and an opposite free end. Foot supports 1120 may include a sleeve 1122 at a forward end thereof. The sleeve 1122 may be configured to rotatably connect the foot supports 1120 to respective axles 1118. A foot pedal 1124 may be secured on a top surface of the foot supports 1120.
A pulley 1130 may be rotatably secured to a bottom region of the support bar 1116. A cable 1132 may be routed over the pulley 1130. The distal ends of the cable 1132 may be connected to downwardly extending connectors 1134 fixedly secured to respective sleeves 1122. The pulley-cable configuration enables reciprocal or oppositional dependent movement of the foot supports 1120. As a user steps on a foot support 1120 to rotate it downwardly about an axle 1118, the opposite foot support 1120 is rotated upwardly about its respective axle 1118 to simulate a stepping exercise movement.
In FIGS. 22 and 23 , a twelfth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 1200. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1200 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 1100 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 1200 includes a drive shaft 1210 pivotally connected to a bottom region of the support bar 1116. Connection rods 1212 connect the distal ends of the drive shaft 1210 to downwardly extending connectors 1134 fixedly secured to respective sleeves 1122. The horizontally oriented drive shaft 1210 connects the foot supports 1120 for reciprocal or oppositional dependent movement. When a user steps on one foot support 1120 moving it downwardly, the other foot support 1120 moves upwardly to simulate a stepping exercise movement.
Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25 , a thirteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 1300. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1300 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 1100 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 1300 includes a drive bar 1310 rotatably connected to an upright post 1312 at a pivot shaft 1314 defining a horizontal axis. The post 1312 may be fixedly secured to support bar 1116. Rollers 1316 may be rotatably supported at the opposite distal ends of the drive bar 1310. The rollers 1316 may be in rolling contact a bottom region of the foot supports 1120. Drive bar 1310 may pivot about the horizontal axis defined by the pivot shaft 1314 to reciprocate the foot supports 1120 to simulate a stepping exercise movement.
Referring now to FIGS. 26-31 , a fourteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 1400. The stepper apparatus 1400 may include a frame having base members 1412 and 1413 spaced apart and generally parallel to one another. A generally vertically extending post 1414 may be fixedly secured to the base member 1412. A support bar 1416 may interconnect the base members 1412, 1413. The support bar 1416 may have one end fixedly connected to the post 1414 and an opposite end fixedly connected to the base member 1413.
Axels 1418 may extend radially outward from opposite sides of the post 1414. Each axle 1418 may include one end fixedly secured proximate to an upper end of the post 1414. A cylindrical sleeve 1422 may be fixedly secured to a forward or proximal end of each foot support 1420. The sleeves 1422 may be configured to rotatably connect the foot supports 1420 to respective axles 1418, which define the rotational axis of the foot supports 1420. A foot pedal 1424 may be secured onto a top surface of each foot support 1420. Drive rods 1428 may be fixedly secured to the sleeves 1422. The drive rods 1428 may project downward from the sleeves 1422 and operatively engage force transmitting crossbars 1430 rotatably supported by the post 1414. The crossbars 1430 extend radially outward from the post 1414.
Stepper exercise apparatus 1400 may include two cylinders 1434, which may be, but not limited to, two hydraulic cylinders. Each of the cylinders 1434 may have a distal end pivotally connected to an underside region proximate a distal end of a respective foot support 1420. A proximal end of each of the cylinders 1434 may be pivotally connected to a transverse shaft 1436. The transverse shaft 1436 may extend through a first end of a channel bracket 1437. The support bar 1416 may include sidewalls 1417 and a top wall 1419 defining a downwardly facing open channel. A second end of the channel bracket 1437 may be coupled to the support bar 1416 at pivot pin 1421, best shown in FIG. 28 .
An exercise resistance selector 1440, more fully shown in FIGS. 28-31 , may be pivotally connected to the support bar 1416 at pivot pin 1421. The selector 1440 may include a generally vertical selector arm 1442 and a generally horizontal selector arm 1444 defining a generally L-shaped profile. A distal end of the horizontal arm 1444 may be pivotally connected to the transverse shaft 1436. The vertical arm 1442 of the selector 1440 may extend through a slot 1446 in the top wall 1419 of the support bar 1416. Bushing 1460 journaled about pivot pin 1421 and transverse shaft 1436 center the horizontal exercise selector arm 1444 in the channel bracket 1437. Alternatively, the channel bracket 1437 may be omitted and the exercise resistance selector 1440 pivotally connected to the support bar 1416 and transverse shaft 1436.
Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29 , a cover 1450 enclosing the exercise selector 1440 may be fixedly secured to the support bar 1416. The cover 1450 may include sidewalls 1452 spaced apart from one another. The sidewalls 1452 may be joined by a bridge wall 1454. The distal end of the exercise selector arm 1442 may extend through an elongated opening 1457 in the bridge wall 1454 of the cover 1450. The cover 1450 may enclose an upstanding curved plate 1466 fixedly secured to the top wall 1419 of the support bar 1416, shown in FIGS. 30 and 3L A series of holes 1468 may be spaced along the curved edge of the plate 1466. A pin 1467 which may be received in a hole 1468 may project outward from the selector arm 1442 toward the plate 1466. The pin 1467 may be sized to be received in a hole 1468. The resistance setting may be adjusted by grasping a knob 1458 fixedly secured to the distal end of the exercise selector arm 1442 and moving the exercise selector arm 1442 laterally. Lateral movement of the selector arm 1442 from a first resistance setting disengages the exercise selector 1440 from the plate 1466. The selector arm 1442 may be advanced forward and backward along the elongated slot 1457. Upon selecting an exercise resistance setting, the selector arm 1442 may be moved laterally toward the plate 1466 to insert the pin 1467 into a hole 1468 to set the desired exercise resistance level.
In an alternate configuration shown in FIG. 45 , exercise resistance may be adjusted by moving the exercise selector 1440 to engage a series of notches 1456 formed along an edge of the opening 1457. The resistance setting may be adjusted by grasping the knob 1458 and moving the exercise selector arm 1442 laterally out of a notch 1456, move it long the elongated slot 1457 and then laterally into another of the notches 1456.
Referring again to FIG. 26 and FIG. 30 , rotational movement of the exercise selector 1440 about pivot pin 1421 raises or lowers the transverse shaft 1436 to adjust the pivot axis of the cylinders 1434 relative to the rotational axis of the foot supports 1420 defined by the axles 1418. Exercise resistance decreases the closer the pivot axis 1436 of the cylinders 1434 is to the rotational axis of the foot supports 1420. The greater the distance of the pivot axis of the cylinders 1434 from the rotational axis of the foot supports 1420, the greater is the resistance to exercise provided by the exercise apparatus 1400.
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 in FIG. 46 and FIG. 47 . For this example, the bridge wall 1454 of the cover 1450 of the stepper exercise apparatus 1400 may include an elongated slot 1459. A plurality of apertures 1461 may transversely intersect the slot 1459. The apertures 1461 may be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal length of the slot 1459. Two range limiting rods 1463 may be pivotally connected to pivot shaft 1421. The rods 1463 may include axial boreholes in the distal ends thereof configured to receive the shaft 1465 of a spring-loaded push pin 1467. Shaft 1465 extends through an aperture 1461 into the borehole of the range limiting rods 1463. A spring 1469 journalled about the push pin shaft 1465 force the push pins 1467 into locking engagement with the bridge wall 1454 of the enclosure cover 1450. The exercise range limit may be changed by pressing the push pin 1467 of one or both range limiting rods 1463 inward and moving them to engage with different apertures 1461. Upon the release of pressure on the push pins 1467, the springs 1469 force the push pins 1467 outward to lock the range limiting rods 1463. The selector arm 1442 is releasably locked and similarly operable to change the exercise resistance setting.
Referring now to FIGS. 32-35 , a fifteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by reference numeral 1500. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1500 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 1400. Stepper exercise apparatus 1500 may include two hydraulic cylinders 1434. Each of the cylinders 1434 may have a distal end pivotally connected to an underside region proximate a distal end of a respective foot support 1420. A proximal end of each of the cylinders 1434 may be pivotally connected to a transverse shaft 1436. Opposite ends of the transverse shaft 1436 may connect to links 1511 pivotally secured to the base member 1412.
A twist and lock assembly may be employed to adjust the exercise resistance provided by the stepper exercise apparatus 1500. The twist and lock assembly may include an exercise selector shaft 1510 movably connected to a collar 1512 pivotally secured to a bracket 1513 which is fixedly secured to the post 1414. The selector shaft 1510 may include an elongated body having threaded concentric portions 1514 and parallel machined flat portions 1516. The concentric portions 1514 extend along opposite sides of the selector shaft 1510 separated by the flat portions 1516. The collar 1512 may include an axial passageway 1520.
Referring now to FIG. 41 , pins 1534 may extend through opposite sides of the collar 1512. The distal ends of pins 1534 may extend partially into the passageway 1520 of the collar 1512. The pins 1534 may engage the selector shaft 1510 in the axial passageway 1520 to lock the selector shaft 1510 and set the exercise resistance level for the stepper exercise apparatus 1500. The distal ends of the pins 1534 may extend into the gap between adjacent threads of the threaded concentric portions 1514 to lock the selector shaft 1510 at a selected exercise resistance setting. Rotation of the selector shaft 1510 about 90° positions the flat portions 1516 of the selector shaft 1510 between the pins 1534. While in this orientation, the selector shaft 1510 may be lowered or raised and rotated again to engage the pins 1534 and lock the selector shaft 1510 at a different exercise resistance setting.
FIG. 34 illustrates downward movement of the selector shaft 1510 to move the transverse shaft 1436 to its lowermost position. In this configuration, the pivot axis of the cylinders 1434 is the farthest from rotational axis 1418 of the foot supports 1420 for providing maximum exercise resistance. The least exercise resistance occurs when the pivot axis of the cylinders 1434 is closest to the rotational axis 1418 of the foot supports 1420, illustrated in FIG. 35 .
Referring now to FIGS. 36-38 , a sixteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 1600. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1600 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 1500 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 1600 includes a helical lock assembly 1610 for adjusting exercise resistance. The helical lock assembly 1610 may be housed and supported by a post 1612. It may be observed that the configuration of post 1612 differs from the post 1514 to accommodate the helical lock assembly 1610, otherwise the post 1612 supports components of the stepper exercise apparatus 1600 in the manner described above with reference to the stepper exercise apparatus 1500.
The helical lock assembly includes a helical shaft 1614 vertically supported by the post 1612. A knob or dial 1616 may be fixedly secured to the upper distal end of the helical shaft 1614. An internally threaded collar 1618 may be movably supported by the helical shaft 1614. A bracket 1620 may be secured to the collar 1618. A hinge connector 1622 may have one end pivotally connected to the bracket 1620 and on opposite end fixedly connected to the transverse shaft 1436. Turning the knob 1616 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction rotates the helical shaft 1614 to move the collar 1618 up or down along the helical shaft 1614 to adjust the exercise resistance setting of the stepper exercise apparatus 1600. The pivotal movement of the hinge connector 1622 converts the linear movement of the helical shaft 1614 to the arcuate movement of the transverse shaft 1436.
Referring now to FIGS. 39-40 and FIG. 42 , a seventeenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 1700. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1700 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 1600 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 1700 includes a rack and pinion gear assembly 1710, more fully shown in FIG. 42 , for adjusting exercise resistance. A rack 1712 may be housed and movably supported by the post 1612. The rack 1712 may include a lower stub end 1714. The bracket 1620 may be secured to the stub end 1714 of the rack 1712. The hinge connector 1622 may have one end pivotally connected to the bracket 1620 and on opposite end fixedly connected to the transverse shaft 1436.
A pinion gear 1716 may be supported by the post 1612. The pinion gear 1716 may be rigidly secured to a distal end of a pinion shaft 1718 or may be integrally formed with the pinion shaft 1718. The pinion shaft 1718 may extend through the post 1612 perpendicular to the rack 1712 so that the pinion gear 1716 operatively engages the rack 1712. A knob 1720 may be fixedly secured to the opposite distal of the pinion shaft 1718. The knob 1720 may be provided with indicia 1722 along its peripheral edge to indicate exercise resistance settings. Rotation of the knob 1720 moves the rack 1712 up and down. The rotational movement of the pinion gear 1716 converts to linear motion of the rack 1712 thereby raising and lowering the transverse shaft 1436 for adjusting the exercise resistance setting for the stepper exercise apparatus 1700.
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 resistance range limiting member 1470 shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 , may be secured to the cover 1450 of the stepper exercise apparatus 1400 described hereinabove. The range limiting member 1470 may be manufactured of relatively hard but flexible plastic material defining a generally L-shaped profile including a first leg 1472 and a second leg 1474. The first leg 1472 may define an elongated body having one end coupled to the support bar 1416 at pivot pin 1421. The second leg 1474 may extend from the first leg 1472 at substantially a right angle. The second leg 1474 may include tabs sized to be received in holes 1476 formed in the cover 1450 along opposite sides of the slot 1457. The range limiting members 1470 functions as stops for the exercise selector 1440 so that the user may quickly and easily move between maximum and minimum exercise resistance settings.
Referring now to FIGS. 48-51 , an eighteenth embodiment of a stepper exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 1800. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the stepper exercise apparatus 1800 is similar to the stepper exercise apparatus 1700 with the exception that the stepper exercise apparatus 1800 includes a foot operated rack and pinion gear assembly 1810 for adjusting exercise resistance. The rack and pinion gear assembly 1810 may include a housing 1812 fixedly secured to the post 1612. The housing 1812 may include an interior chamber 1814 supporting a foot operated exercise resistance mechanism comprising a right foot paddle 1816 and a left foot paddle 1818 supported in the chamber 1814 of the housing 1812. Guide rods 1820 and 1822 movably support respective right and left foot paddles 1816, 1818. The guide rods 1820, 1822 are vertically fixed in channels 1824 formed between interior sidewalls 1826 and exterior sidewalls 1828 of the housing 1812.
The foot paddles 1816, 1818 may be pivotally secured to respective elongated right rack 1830 and elongated left rack 1832 interconnected by a pinion gear 1834. A spring-loaded lock rack 1836 may be supported between the right and left racks 1830, 1832. Springs, such as but not limited to, compression springs 1835 force the lock rack 1836 in locking relationship with the right rack 1830. The left rack 1832 may be slidably coupled to the lock rack 1836 at a clevis connector 1838 fixed to the left foot paddle 1818. A pin 1840 may extend through the clevis connector 1838 and an elongated slot 1842 in an upper region of the lock rack 1836. A link 1844 connects the right foot paddle 1816 to the transverse shaft 1436.
In FIGS. 48-51 , the right foot paddle 1836 is depicted at its uppermost position. The exercise resistance of the stepper exercise apparatus 1800 may be adjusted by pressing down on the foot paddle 1816. Downward pressure rotates the right foot paddle 1816 about pivot pin 1846 forcing the lock rack 1836 to move laterally and disengage from the right rack 1830 freeing it to move downward. Downward movement of the right rack 1830 rotates the pinion gear 1834 and moves the left rack 1832 upward. Upon release of pressure on the foot paddle 1816, the lock rack 1836 engages the right rack 1816 to lock it in the new exercise resistance setting. The right rack 1816 may be moved upward by pressing down on the left foot paddle 1818 to rotate it about pivot pin 1848 and pull the lock rack 1836 laterally to disengage from the right rack 1816 releasing it to move upward as the left rack 1818 moves downward.
Referring now to FIG. 49 , a user may insert pegs 1850 through vertically aligned holes 1852 in the front wall of the housing 1812 to set the maximum and minimum exercise range limit. The pegs 1850 may extend into a slot 1854 in the left rack 1832, shown in FIG. 51 , to limit the reciprocal range of the right rack 1816 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 of claim 1 wherein said exercise resistance assembly includes rocker levers rotatably connected to said post pivotal about a common axis.

3. The stepper exercise apparatus of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 4 including visual indicia of exercise resistance settings.

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

7. The stepper exercise apparatus of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 11 wherein said exercise resistance selector includes a rack and pinion assembly.

16. The stepper exercise apparatus of claim 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.