Elliptical step exercise apparatus

An exercise apparatus includes a frame that is adapted for placement on the floor, a pivot axle supported by the frame, a bent pedal lever, a pedal that is secured to the bent pedal lever and a variety of pedal actuation assemblies. These pedal actuation assemblies include components which cooperate to provide an elliptical path and provide the desired foot flexure and weight distribution on the pedal. Consequently, as the pedal moves in its elliptical path, the angular orientation of the pedal, relative to a fixed, horizontal plane, such as the floor, varies in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
 This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more
 particularly to exercise equipment which can be used to provide a user
 with an elliptical step exercise.
 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 There are a number of different types of exercise apparatuses that exercise
 a user's lower body by providing a circuitous stepping motion. These
 elliptical stepping apparatuses provide advantages over other types of
 exercise apparatuses. For example, the elliptical stepping motion
 generally reduces shock on the user's knees as can occur when a treadmill
 is used. In addition, elliptical stepping apparatuses exercise the user's
 lower body to a greater extent than, for example, cycling-type exercise
 apparatuses. Examples of elliptical stepping apparatuses include U.S. Pat.
 Nos. 3,316,898; 5,242,343; 5,383,829; 5,499,956; 5,685,804; 5,759,136;
 5,762,588; 5,779,599; 5,792,026; 5,899,833 and German Patent No. DE 2 919
 494.
 However, known elliptical stepping exercise apparatuses suffer from various
 drawbacks. For example, some apparatuses are limited to exercising the
 user's lower body and do not provide exercise for the user's upper body.
 In addition, the elliptical stepping motion of some apparatuses does not
 produce an optimum foot motion including heel to toe flexure. Moreover,
 due to their mechanical arrangement, some previous stepping exercise
 apparatuses can be difficult for the user to mount. Also, for those
 exercisers that include arm handles for upper body exercise, the range of
 motion of the arm handle in many instances does not provide for a
 comfortable upper body exercise. A need therefore exists for an improved
 elliptical stepping exercise apparatus. One such improved elliptical
 stepping exercise apparatus can be found in a commonly owned application
 entitled "Cross Training Exercise Apparatus", Ser. No. 08/814,487
 (hereinafter "the '487 application"). The entire disclosure of the '487
 application is incorporated herein by reference.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an elliptical
 stepping exercise apparatus that exercises the user's lower and upper body
 in an easy to use and comfortable manner.
 Another object of the invention is to provide a stepping exercise apparatus
 that simulates a natural foot motion thereby promoting exercise
 efficiency.
 Another object of the invention is to provide an elliptical stepping
 exercise apparatus that has a bent pedal lever thereby making it easier
 for the user to mount.
 Another object of the invention is to provide an elliptical stepping
 apparatus that provides for upper body exercise utilizing arm handles
 connected to rockers which in turn are connected to the pedal levers where
 the arm handles are approximately the same length as the rockers.
 In addition, unlike some examples of elliptical stepping apparatuses such
 as the machine shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,829, the preferred embodiment
 of the invention does not utilize a coupling member to pivotally couple
 the pedal levers to the pivot axis. By contrast, the present invention
 uses a stroke link which is pivotally connected between a crank arm and a
 lower section of the pedal lever. Additionally, the pedal lever is not
 pivotally connected to the crank but instead rides on a roller and is bent
 to provide easier user access to the machine. As a result of the action of
 the stroke link and the roller, the end of the bent pedal lever travels in
 an elliptical path. A significantly different and unique foot motion will
 result due to the elliptical path taken by the end of the pedal lever.
 These and other objectives and advantages are provided by the present
 invention which is directed to an exercise apparatus that can be employed
 by a user to exercise the user's upper and lower body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
 I. Overview of Mechanical Aspects of the Invention
 A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanically
 simple elliptical stepping exercise apparatus in which the pedal follows a
 substantially elliptical pathway in such a manner so as to simulate the
 natural foot weight distribution, and optimal foot motion and flexure
 associated with a natural walking or running gait while at the same time
 providing a synchronized mechanism for upper body exercise. The present
 invention implements numerous different pedal actuation assemblies for
 providing this more natural foot motion. In addition, each of these pedal
 actuation assemblies can be connected to an arm handle assembly to provide
 an upper body workout.
 This invention is thus directed to numerous general embodiments of an
 exercise apparatus in which the foot pedal follows a substantially
 elliptical pathway and moves in a manner that simulates a natural weight
 distribution, and a natural foot motion and flexure of a foot associated
 with the normal human walking or running gait. It should be understood,
 however, that the mechanisms as described can be modified within the scope
 of the invention to produce other types of foot motion. The first general
 embodiment, which is the preferred embodiment of the invention, is
 discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The second general embodiment is
 discussed with reference to FIG. 7. The third general embodiment is
 discussed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The fourth general embodiment
 is discussed with reference to FIG. 10. The fifth general embodiment is
 discussed with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The sixth general embodiment
 is discussed with reference to FIG. 13. The seventh general embodiment is
 discussed with reference to FIG. 14.
 Through all of the various embodiments and Figures, like reference numbers
 denote like components. In addition, the pedaling mechanism of the
 invention is symmetrical and includes a left portion and a right portion.
 The following detailed description of all of the various embodiments is
 directed to the components of the left portion although it is to be
 understood that the right portion includes like components that operate in
 a like fashion.
 II. Detailed Description of the First General Embodiment
 Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate
 like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown
 in FIGS. 1-6 the first general embodiment, which is the preferred
 embodiment of an exercise apparatus incorporating the unique features in
 accordance with the present invention which is designated generally by the
 reference numeral 10.
 The exercise apparatus 10, as well as all of the various embodiments
 further described herein, include motion controlling components which
 operate in conjunction with the various pedal actuation assemblies and
 motion generating components to provide a pleasurable exercise experience
 for the user.
 As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the exercise apparatus 10 includes a frame,
 shown generally at 12. The frame 12 includes vertical support members 14,
 16A and 16B which are secured to a longitudinal support member 18. The
 frame 12 further includes cross members 20 and 22 which are also secured
 to and bisect the longitudinal support member 18. The cross members 20 and
 22 are configured for placement on a floor 24. A pair of levelers 26 are
 secured to cross member 22 so that if the floor 24 is uneven, the cross
 member 22 can be raised or lowered such that the cross member 22, and the
 longitudinal support member 18 are substantially level. Additionally, a
 pair of wheels 28 are secured to the longitudinal support member 18 of the
 frame 12 at the rear of the exercise apparatus 10 so that the exercise
 apparatus 10 is easily moveable.
 The exercise apparatus 10 further includes a rocker 30, a pedal 32, a pedal
 actuation assembly 34 and a motion controlling assembly 36. As more fully
 illustrated in FIG. 2, the motion controlling assembly 36 includes a
 pulley 38 supported by vertical support members 16A and 16B around a pivot
 axle 40. The motion controlling assembly 36 also includes resistive force
 and control components, including an alternator 42 and a speed increasing
 transmission 44 that includes the pulley 38. The alternator 42 provides a
 resistive torque that is transmitted to the pedal 32 and to the rocker 30
 through the speed increasing transmission 44. The alternator 42 thus acts
 as a brake to apply a controllable resistive force to the movement of the
 pedal 32 and the movement of the rocker 30. Alternatively, a resistive
 force can be provided by any suitable component, for example, by an eddy
 current brake, a friction brake, a band brake or a hydraulic braking
 system. Specifically, as best seen in FIG. 2, the speed increasing
 transmission 44 includes the pulley 38 which is coupled by a first belt 46
 to a second double pulley 48. A second belt 50 connects the second double
 pulley 48 to a third pulley 52 that in turn is attached to a flywheel 54
 of the alternator 42. The speed increasing transmission 44 thereby
 transmits the resistive force provided by the alternator 42 to the pedal
 32 and the rocker 30 via the pulley 38. Since the speed increasing
 transmission 44 causes the alternator 42 to rotate at a greater rate than
 the pivot axle 40, the alternator 42 can provide a more controlled
 resistance force. Preferably the speed increasing transmission should
 increase the rate of rotation of the alternator 42 by a factor of 20 to 60
 times the rate of rotation of the pivot axle 40 and in the preferred
 embodiment the pulleys 38 and 48 are sized to provide a multiplication in
 speed by a factor of 40. Also, size of the transmission 44 is reduced by
 providing a two stage transmission using pulleys 38 and 48 is used.
 As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the pedal actuation assembly 34 includes a
 pedal lever 56, a stroke link 58, an extension arm 60, a roller 62 and a
 crank 64. The pedal lever 56 is bent and includes a first portion 66, a
 second portion 68 and a third portion 70. The first portion 66 of the
 pedal lever 56 has a forward end 72. The first portion 66 of the pedal
 lever 56 is approximately 11 inches in length and upwardly extends from
 the second portion 68 at an angle of approximately 25.degree.. The second
 portion 68 of the pedal lever 56 has a top surface 71 and a rearward end
 74. The second portion 68 of the pedal lever 56 is approximately 26 inches
 in length. The pedal 32 is secured to the top surface 71 of the second
 portion 68 of the pedal lever 56 by any suitable securing means. In the
 preferred embodiment, the pedal 32 is secured such that the pedal 32 is
 substantially parallel to the second portion of the pedal lever 68. A
 bracket 76 is located at the rearward end 74 of the second portion 68
 approximately 63/4 inches from the pedal 32. The third portion 70 of the
 pedal lever 56 has a rearward end 78. The third portion 70 of the pedal
 lever 56 is approximately 191/2 inches in length and upwardly extends from
 the second portion 68 at an angle of approximately 9.degree.. The bent
 pedal lever 56 allows a user to more easily mount the exercise apparatus
 10.
 Continuing, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the crank 64 includes a
 forward end 80 and a rearward end 82. The rearward end 82 of the crank 64
 is connected to and rotates about the pivot axle 40. A roller axle 84 is
 secured to the forward end 80 of the crank 64 to rotatably mount the
 roller 62 so that it can rotate about the roller axle 84. The extension
 arm 60 includes a forward end 88 and a rearward end 90. The rearward end
 90 of the extension arm 60 is secured to and rotates about an outer
 surface 92 of the roller 62 about the roller axle 84. The stroke link 58
 includes a forward end 94 and a rearward end 96. The rearward end 96 of
 the stroke link 58 is pivotally connected to the forward end 88 of the
 extension arm 60 at a pivot point 98 by any suitable connecting means.
 Moreover, the forward end 94 of the stroke link 58 is pivotally connected
 to the bracket 76 by any suitable connecting means.
 The pedal 32 of the exercise apparatus 10 includes a toe portion 100 and a
 heel portion 102 so that the heel portion 102 is intermediate the toe
 portion 100 and the pivot axle 40. The pedal 32 of the exercise apparatus
 10 also includes a top surface 103. As explained in more detail below, in
 reference to FIG. 6, the pedal 32 is secured to the top surface 71 of the
 pedal lever 56 in a manner so that the desired foot weight distribution
 and flexure are achieved when the pedal 32 travels in a substantially
 elliptical pathway 104 (shown in FIG. 6) as the rearward end 78 of the
 third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 rolls on top of the roller 62,
 travelling in a rotationally arcuate pathway with respect to the pivot
 axle 40 and in the preferred embodiment moves in an elliptical pathway 106
 (shown in FIG. 6) around the pivot axle 40. Since the rearward end 78 of
 the pedal lever 56 is not maintained at a predetermined distance from the
 pivot axis 40 but instead follows the elliptical pathway 106, a more
 refined foot motion is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the rearward
 end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 can move in two ways
 in the elliptical pathway 106 around the pivot axle 40. First, the
 rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 can move
 counterclockwise in the elliptical pathway 106, as seen from the user's
 left side. When the rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal
 lever 56 travels counterclockwise in the elliptical pathway 106, the pedal
 32 travels in a direction along the elliptical pathway 104 that simulates
 a forward-stepping motion. In the forward-stepping mode, as the pedal 32
 moves in the elliptical pathway 104, the heel portion 102 is lowered below
 the toe portion 100 when the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the
 pedal lever 56 moves in a reciprocating arcuate pathway 108 in a direction
 towards the pivot axle 40. Second, the rearward end 78 of the third
 portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 can move clockwise in the elliptical
 pathway 106, as seen from the user's left side. When the rearward end 78
 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 travels clockwise in the
 elliptical pathway 106, the pedal 32 travels in a direction along the
 elliptical pathway 104 that simulates a backward-stepping motion. In the
 backward-stepping mode, as the pedal 32 moves in the elliptical pathway
 104, the heel portion 102 of the pedal 32 is raised above the toe portion
 100 of the pedal 32 when the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the
 pedal lever 56 moves in the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108 in a
 direction towards the pivot axle 40.
 In the preferred embodiment, the exercise apparatus 10 also includes an
 upper handle 110 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6H. The upper handle 110 is rigidly
 attached to an upper portion 112 of the rocker 30. The upper portion 112
 of the rocker 30 is pivotally attached to an axle 114 at a pivot point or
 hub 116. The axle 114 bisects and is connected to the vertical support
 member 14 of the frame 12. A lower portion 118 of the rocker 30 is
 pivotally connected to the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the
 pedal lever 56 at a pivot point 120.
 During operation, the rocker 30 swings forward and aft, causing the forward
 end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 to travel forward and
 aft along the reciprocating pathway 108. As the upper handle 110 moves, as
 indicated by a line 121, toward the rearward end 78 of the third portion
 70 of the pedal lever 56, the rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of
 the pedal lever 56 moves in the elliptical pathway 106 towards the pivot
 axle 40. In the reverse direction, as the rearward end 78 of the third
 portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 moves away from the pivot axle 40, the
 upper handle 110 moves towards the pivot axle 40. In the preferred
 embodiment, the upper handle includes a hand grip 122 portion that extends
 from the upper handle 110 at a predetermined angle which is selected to
 promote ergonomic efficiency. It has also been found that the arm motion
 feels best when the rocker 30 and the upper handle 110 are approximately
 the same length. More particularly, the most desirable feel to the user
 results when the range of motion of the rocker 30 at pivot point 120 is
 approximately equal to the range of motion of the portion of the arm
 handle 110 having the hand grip 122. By using the pedal lever 56 having a
 bent first portion 66, it is possible to size the rocker 30 so as to
 provide optimum upper arm movement. For example, if the pedal lever 56
 were straight, without changing the length of the rocker 30 or the upper
 handle 110, the user would tend to grasp the upper handle 110 at a point
 higher up which would result in a range of arm motion that would be too
 great. Similarly, if the pedal lever 56 were straight, and the length of
 the rocker 30 were to be increased, the user could grasp the upper handle
 110 at the same point 122 as the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6, but this
 would result in an undesirable decrease in the range of arm motion. It
 will also be appreciated that the stroke link 58 primarily controls the
 horizontal movement of the pedal lever 56. The geometry of the pedal
 actuation assembly 34 is such that the horizontal movement of the pedal
 lever 56 is greater than the vertical movement and preferably, the rocker
 56 and upper handle are approximately equal so as to provide the optimum
 foot and arm motion.
 The contributions of the components of the pedal actuation assembly 34 to
 the desired elliptical motion are now explained generally with reference
 to FIG. 6. As the pulley 38 rotates about the pivot axle 40, the rearward
 end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 moves in the
 generally elliptical pathway 106 due to the coupling between the pivot
 axle 40, the crank 64, the roller 62 and the rearward end 78 of the third
 portion 70 of the pedal lever 56. The forward end 72 of the first portion
 66 of the pedal lever 56, however, is constrained to move in the arcuate
 pathway 108, due to the pivotal connection between the forward end 72 of
 the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 and the rocker 30.
 Consequently, as the rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal
 lever 56 moves in the elliptical pathway 106, the forward end 72 of the
 first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 moves in the reciprocating arcuate
 pathway 108. The translation from the elliptical motion of the rearward
 end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 to the reciprocating
 arcuate motion of the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal
 lever 56 provides a substantially elliptical motion intermediate the
 rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 and the
 forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56.
 Consequently, the pedal 32, which is coupled to the top surface 71 of the
 pedal lever 56 intermediate the rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of
 the pedal lever 56 and the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the
 pedal lever 56 moves in the substantially elliptical pathway 104 as shown
 in FIG. 6. The horizontal dimension of the elliptical pathway 104 is
 determined by the major diameter of the elliptical pathway 106. The
 vertical dimension of the elliptical pathway 104 is determined by the
 exact location of the pedal 32 on the pedal lever 56, and the minor
 diameter of the elliptical pathway 106. Specifically, the motion of the
 pedal 32 approaches a more elliptical motion the closer the pedal 32 is to
 the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 and the motion of the pedal 32
 approaches a more arcuate motion the closer the pedal 32 is to the first
 portion 66 of the pedal lever 56. Consequently, the height of the
 elliptical pathway 104 can be changed by changing the location of the
 pedal 32 along the top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56.
 The movement of the pedal 32, which is determined by the components of the
 pedal actuation assembly 34, is now discussed in detail with reference to
 the simplified functional schematic drawings labeled as FIGS. 6A-6H. FIGS.
 6A-6H trace the motion of the pedal 32 as the pedal 32 completes one
 forward-stepping revolution along the elliptical pathway 104, beginning at
 the rearmost position of the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108 of the
 first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56. As previously stated, the exercise
 apparatus 10 can be operated both in a forward-stepping mode and in a
 backward-stepping mode. When the exercise apparatus 10 is operated in the
 forward-stepping mode, the pedal 32 travels in a counterclockwise sequence
 as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6H. Alternatively, when the exercise apparatus
 10 is operated in the backward-stepping mode, the sequence of the pedal 32
 is reversed so that the pedal 32 moves from the starting point, shown in
 FIG. 6A, in a clockwise direction to the position shown in FIG. 6H.
 Beginning at FIG. 6A, the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the
 pedal lever 56 is at the rearmost position on the arcuate pathway 108. As
 noted previously, the rearward end 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal
 lever 56 moves in the reciprocating elliptical pathway 106 as the forward
 end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 moves in the
 reciprocating arcuate pathway 108. Consequently, the movement of the
 rearward portion 78 of the third portion 70 of the pedal lever 56
 generates a varying angular displacement 124 between the pedal lever 56
 and a fixed, horizontal reference plane 126. When the forward end 72 of
 the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 is at the rearmost position on
 the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108, the angular displacement 124
 between the pedal lever 56 and the reference plane 126 is 5.7.degree.. In
 addition, an angular displacement 128 between the top surface 103 of the
 pedal 32 and the horizontal reference plane 126 is 5.7.degree. while an
 angle 130 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the top surface
 71 of the pedal lever 56 is 0.degree.. Moreover, a linear displacement 132
 between a point 134 on the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the
 horizontal reference plane 126 is about 9.8 inches.
 As the pedal 32 is moved by the user in the forward-stepping mode, rotation
 of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about 45.degree. moves the pedal
 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6B. The forward end 72 of the first
 portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 has advanced about one-fourth of the
 distance along the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108 away from the pivot
 axle 40. At this point, the varying angular displacement 128 between the
 top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the horizontal reference plane 126 is
 about 11.0.degree. while the angle 130 between the top surface 103 of the
 pedal 32 and the top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56 remains 0.degree..
 In addition, the linear displacement 132 between the point 134 and the
 horizontal reference plane 126 has increased to about 11.5 inches while
 the angular displacement 124 between the pedal lever 56 and the horizontal
 reference plane 126 has increased to about 11.0.degree.. This change in
 the angular displacement 128 also corresponds to a flexure of the foot in
 which the toe portion 100 of the pedal 32 is being raised above the heel
 portion 102 of the pedal 32. The weight distribution and flexure thus
 provided by the pedal actuation assembly 34 corresponds to that of the
 normal human gait.
 Forward rotation of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another
 45.degree. brings the pedal 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6C, at which
 point the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 has
 traveled about half-way along the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108 away
 from the pivot axle 40. At this point, the varying angular displacement
 128 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the horizontal
 reference plane is about 12.3.degree. while the angle 130 between the top
 surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56
 remains 0.degree.. In addition, the linear displacement 132 between the
 point 134 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has increased to about
 12.4 inches while the angular displacement 124 between the top surface 71
 of the pedal lever 56 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has increased
 to about 12.3.degree.. This change in the angular displacement 128 also
 corresponds to the flexure in which the toe portion 100 of the pedal 32 is
 being raised even higher than the heel portion 102 of the pedal 32 as
 would occur in a normal non-assisted forward-stepping gait.
 Forward rotation of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another
 45.degree. brings the pedal 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6D, at which
 point the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 has
 traveled about three-fourths the distance along the reciprocating arcuate
 pathway 108 away from the pivot axle 40. At this point, the varying
 angular displacement 128 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and
 the horizontal reference plane 126 is about 7.1.degree. while the angle
 130 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the top surface 71 of
 the pedal lever 56 remains 0.degree.. In addition, the linear displacement
 132 between the point 134 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has
 increased to about 13.0 inches while the angular displacement 124 between
 the top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56 and the horizontal reference
 plane 126 has decreased to about 7.1.degree..
 Continued rotation of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another
 45.degree. brings the pedal 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6E, where the
 forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 has traveled
 the entire distance along the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108. The
 varying angular displacement 128 has now changed to about 0.4.degree.,
 while the angle 130 remains 0.degree.. The linear displacement 132 between
 the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the horizontal reference plane 126
 has decreased to about 12.2 inches and the angular displacement 128
 between the top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56 and the horizontal
 reference plane 126 has decreased to about 0.4.degree..
 Forward rotation of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another
 45.degree. moves the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal
 lever 56 backwards by about one-fourth of the distance along the
 reciprocating arcuate pathway 108, toward the pivot axle 40, and brings
 the pedal 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6F. Although the angle 130
 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and top surface 71 of the
 pedal lever 56 remains 0.degree., the angular displacement 128 between the
 top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has
 decreased to about -2.7.degree.. The linear displacement 132 between the
 point 134 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has decreased to about
 9.3 inches and the angular displacement 124 between the top surface 71 of
 the pedal lever 56 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has decreased to
 about -2.7.degree.. The pedal 32 is now in the lower portion of the
 elliptical pathway 104 which corresponds to the second half of the
 forward-stepping motion.
 Continued rotation of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another
 45.degree.0 brings the pedal 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6G, at which
 point the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 has
 traveled backwards about half-way along the reciprocating arcuate pathway
 108 towards the pivot axle 40. The angular displacement 128 between the
 top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has
 increased to about -2.3.degree. although the angle 130 remains 0.degree..
 The linear displacement 132 between the point 134 and the horizontal
 reference plane 126 has decreased even further, to about 7.3 inches, and
 the angular displacement 124 between the top surface 71 of the pedal lever
 56 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has increased to about
 -2.3.degree..
 Forward rotation of the pulley 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another
 45.degree. moves the forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal
 lever 56 backwards to a position that is about three-fourths of the
 distance along the reciprocating arcuate pathway 108, towards the pivot
 axle 40, and brings the pedal 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6H. Even
 though the angle 130 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the
 top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56 remains 0.degree., the angular
 displacement 128 between the top surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the
 horizontal reference plane 126 has increased to about 0.5.degree.. In
 addition, the linear displacement 132 between the point 134 on the top
 surface 103 of the pedal 32 and the horizontal reference plane 126 has
 increased to about 7.8 inches and the angular displacement 124 between the
 top surface 71 of the pedal lever 56 and the horizontal reference plane
 126 has increased to about 0.5.degree.. Continued rotation of the pulley
 38 on the pivot axle 40 by about another 45.degree. completes the
 forward-stepping motion along the elliptical pathway 104 and brings the
 forward end 72 of the first portion 66 of the pedal lever 56 back to the
 rearmost position along the reciprocating arcuate pathway 105 and the
 pedal 32 back to the position shown in FIG. 6A.
 The foregoing examples of displacements and angles represent a preferred
 motion of the pedal 32. It should be understood, however, that these
 motions can be changed by varying various parameters of the pedal
 actuation assembly 34 such as the lengths of the crank 64 and the length
 of the extension arm 60 as well as changing the relative height of the
 pivot axle 40.
 As a result of the bent pedal lever 56, the exercise apparatus 10 is easy
 for the user to mount. When the user then operates the pedal 32 in the
 previously described manner, the pedal 32 moves along the elliptical
 pathway 104 in a manner that stimulates a natural heel to toe flexure that
 minimizes or eliminates stresses due to the unnatural foot flexures. If
 the user employees the moving upper handle 110, the exercise apparatus 10
 exercises the user's upper body concurrently with the user's lower body
 thereby providing a total cross-training workout. The exercise apparatus
 10 thus provides a wide variety of exercise programs that can be tailored
 to the specific needs and desires of individual users, and consequently,
 enhances exercise efficiency and promotes a pleasurable exercise
 experience.
 III. Detailed Description of the Second General Embodiment
 FIG. 7 shows a second general embodiment of an exercise apparatus 200
 according to the invention. As noted previously, the second embodiment of
 the exercise apparatus 200 of the invention includes a second type of
 pedal actuation assembly and therefore implements the desired elliptical
 pedal motion in a similar fashion as the exercise apparatus 10. As with
 the exercise apparatus 10, the exercise apparatus 200 includes, but is not
 limited to, the frame 12, the pedal 32, the pulley 38 and associated pivot
 axle 40, the pedal lever 56, the upper handle 110, and the various motion
 controlling components, such as the alternator 42 and the transmission 44.
 The exercise apparatus 200 differs primarily from the exercise apparatus
 10, along with the various embodiments that follow, in the nature and
 construction of the pedal actuation assembly. As noted earlier, the pedal
 actuation assembly refers to those components which cooperate to (1)
 provide an elliptical path and (2) provide the desired foot flexure and
 weight distribution on the pedal 32.
 The pedal actuation assembly 202 of the exercise apparatus 200 includes the
 stroke link 58, the extension arm 60, the crank 64 and a rise link 204.
 Similar to the pedal actuation assembly 34, in the pedal actuation
 assembly 202, the rearward end 82 of the crank 64 is pivotally attached to
 and rotates about the pivot axle 40. Additionally, the forward end 94 of
 the stroke link 58 is pivotally attached to the pedal lever 56 by any
 suitable securing means. The rearward end 96 of the stroke link 58 is
 pivotally attached to and rotates about the forward end 88 of the
 extension arm 60 at the pivot point 98.
 The rise link 204 of the pedal actuation assembly 202 includes an upper
 portion 206 and a lower portion 208. The upper portion 206 of the rise
 link 204 is pivotally connected to the rearward end 78 of the third
 portion 70 of the pedal lever 56 at a pivot point 210. The forward end 80
 of the crank 64 is pivotally connected to and rotates about the lower
 portion 208 of the rise link 204 on an inner portion 212 of the rise link
 204 at a pivot point or shaft 214. The rearward end 90 of the extension
 arm 60 similarly pivots about and is connected to the lower portion 208 of
 the rise link 204 on an outer portion 216 of the rise link 204 at the
 pivot point or shaft 214. Thus, the significant difference between the
 pedal actuation assembly 202 of the exercise apparatus 200 and the pedal
 actuation assembly 34 of the exercise apparatus 10 is that the pedal lever
 56 of the exercise apparatus 10 rests on the roller 62 while the pedal
 lever 56 of the exercise apparatus 200 is pivotally attached to the rise
 link 204.
 During operation, the rise link 204 of the pedal actuation assembly 202 of
 the exercise apparatus 200 controls the vertical movement of the third
 portion 70 of the pedal lever 56. Similarly to the exercise apparatus 10,
 in the exercise apparatus 200, the stroke link 58 primarily controls the
 horizontal movement of the pedal lever 56. The geometry of the pedal
 actuation assembly 202 of the exercise apparatus 200 is such that the
 horizontal movement of the pedal lever 56 is greater than the vertical
 movement.
 When the user operates the exercise apparatus 200 as described, the pedal
 32 moves along the elliptical pathway 104 in a manner that simulates a
 natural heel to toe flexure that minimizes or eliminates stresses due to
 unnatural foot flexure. The exercise apparatus 200 thus also provides a
 wide variety of exercise programs that can be tailored to the specific
 needs and desires of individual users, and consequently, enhances exercise
 efficiency and promotes a pleasurable exercise experience.
 IV. Detailed Description of the Third Embodiment
 FIGS. 8-9 show a third general embodiment of an exercise apparatus 250
 according to the invention. As noted previously, the third embodiment of
 the exercise apparatus 250 of the invention includes a third type of pedal
 actuation assembly and therefore implements the desired elliptical pedal
 motion in a similar fashion as the exercise apparatuses 10 and 200. As
 with the previous embodiments of the exercise apparatuses 10 and 200, the
 exercise apparatus 250 includes, but is not limited to, the frame 12, the
 pedal 32, the pulley 38 and associated pivot axle 40, the pedal lever 56,
 and the various motion controlling components, such as the alternator 42
 and the transmission 44. The exercise apparatus 250 differs primarily from
 the exercise apparatus 10 and 200 along with the various embodiments that
 follow, in the nature and construction of the pedal actuation assembly.
 Specifically, a pedal actuation assembly 252 of the exercise apparatus 250
 is identical to the pedal actuation assembly 202 of the exercise apparatus
 200 except that the crank 64 has been displaced at an angle relative to
 the extension arm 60 to modify the motion of the pedal lever 56. As shown
 in FIGS. 8 and 9, the extension arm 60 is displaced approximately
 60.degree. relative to the crank 64. Thus, as the crank 64 rotates
 counterclockwise, the crank 64 will be time phased ahead of the extension
 arm 60. Changing the fixed angle between the crank 64 and the extension
 arm 60 offers a method for tuning the motion of the pedal 32.
 Thus, when the user operates the exercise apparatus 250 as described above,
 the pedal 32 moves along the elliptical pathway 104 in a manner that
 simulates a natural heel to toe flexure that minimizes or eliminates
 stresses due to unnatural foot flexures. The exercise apparatus 250 thus
 also provides a wide variety of exercise programs that can be tailored to
 the specific needs and desires of individual users, and consequently,
 enhances exercise efficiency and promotes a pleasurable exercise
 experience.
 IV. Detailed Description of the Fourth General Embodiment
 FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus 300 according to
 the invention. As noted previously, the fourth embodiment of the exercise
 apparatus 300 of the invention include a fourth type of pedal actuation
 assembly and therefore implements the desired elliptical pedal motion in a
 similar fashion as the exercise apparatuses 10, 200 and 250. As with the
 previous exercise apparatuses 10, 200 and 250, the exercise apparatus 300
 includes, but is not limited to, the frame 12, the pedal 32, the pulley 38
 and associated pivot axle 40' (which corresponds generally in function to
 the pivot axle 40 described in the previous embodiments), and the various
 motion controlling components, such as the alternator 42 and the
 transmission 44.
 As shown in FIG. 10, the exercise apparatus 300 differs primarily from the
 previous exercise apparatuses 10, 200 and 250, along with the various
 embodiments that follow, in that the crank is positioned in front of the
 user. The exercise apparatus 300 includes a pedal lever 302 having a
 forward end 304 and a rearward end 306. Attached to the rearward end 306
 of the pedal lever 302 is a roller 308 which rides in a track 310. The
 track 310 is attached to the frame 12. The exercise apparatus 300 further
 includes a pedal mount link 312 having a forward end 314, a rearward end
 316 and an upper surface 317. A cam follower 318 is rotatably attached to
 the forward end 314 of the pedal mount link 312. The rearward end 316 of
 the pedal mount link 312 is pivotally connected to the pedal lever 302 at
 a pivot point 320. The pedal 32 is rigidly attached to the upper surface
 317 of the pedal mount link 312. The exercise apparatus 300 further
 includes a crank 322 having a lower end 324. Bolted to the crank 322 is a
 cam 326. The lower end 324 of the crank 322 and the cam 326 are pivotally
 attached to the forward end 304 of the pedal lever 302 at a pivot point
 328. Moreover, the cam 326 contacts the cam follower 318 on the pedal
 mount link 312.
 As the crank 322 rotates, the pedal lever 302 is caused to reciprocate.
 Moreover, as the crank 322 rotates, the cam 326 and the cam follower 318
 cause the pedal mount link 312 and the pedal lever 302 to articulate
 relative to one another. The exercise apparatus 300 offers the advantage
 of having a crank connected directly to the pedal lever. This direct
 connection better stabilizes the pedal lever, which allows using one
 roller instead of two. The purpose for introducing the pedal mount link
 312 and the cam 326 is to provide a means for tuning the motion of the
 pedal 32. Similarly, when the user operates the pedal 32 in the
 above-described manner, the pedal 32 moves along the elliptical pathway
 104 in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure that
 minimizes or eliminates stresses due to unnatural foot flexures. The
 exercise apparatus 300 thus provides a wide variety of exercise programs
 that can be tailored to the specific needs and desires of individual
 users, and consequently, enhances exercise efficiency and promotes a
 pleasurable exercise experience.
 V. Detailed Description of the Fifth General Embodiment
 FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fifth general embodiment of an exercise apparatus
 350 according to the invention. As noted previously, the fifth embodiment
 of the exercise apparatus 350 of the invention includes a fifth type of
 pedal actuation assembly and therefore implements the desired elliptical
 pedal motion in a similar fashion as the exercise apparatuses 10, 200, 250
 and 300. As with the previous exercise apparatuses 10, 200, 250 and 300,
 the exercise apparatus 350 includes, but is not limited to, the frame 12,
 the pedal 32, the pulley 38 and associated pivot axle 40, and the various
 motion controlling components, such as the alternator 42 and the
 transmission 44. The exercise apparatus 350 is also similar to the
 exercise apparatus 300 including, but not limited to, the pedal lever 302,
 the pedal mount link 312, the cam follower 318, the crank 322 and the cam
 326. The major difference between the exercise apparatus 300 and the
 exercise apparatus 350 are that the above described components are behind
 the user in the exercise apparatus 350 instead of in front of the user in
 the exercise apparatus 300. As illustrated, the exercise apparatus 350
 also replaces the roller 308 and the track 310 of the exercise apparatus
 300 with the rocker 30. As previously discussed, the rocker 30 is
 pivotally attached to the frame 12.
 In the exercise apparatus 350, the cam 326 aids in fine tuning the motion
 of the pedal 32, particularly the heel to toe flexure relationship. When
 the user operates the pedal 32 in the previously described manner, the
 pedal 32 moves along the elliptical pathway 104 in a manner that simulates
 a natural heel to toe flexure that minimizes or eliminates stresses due to
 the unnatural foot flexures. Thus, the exercise apparatus 350 similarly
 provides a wide variety of exercise programs that can be tailored to the
 specific needs and desires of individual users, and consequently, enhances
 exercise efficiency and promotes a pleasurable exercise experience.
 VI. Detailed Description of the Sixth General Embodiment
 FIG. 13 shows a sixth general embodiment of an exercise apparatus 400
 according to the invention. As noted previously, the exercise apparatus
 400 of the invention includes a sixth type of pedal actuation assembly and
 therefore implements the desired the elliptical pedal motion in a similar
 fashion as the exercise apparatuses 10, 200, 250, 300 and 350. As with the
 previous exercise apparatuses 10, 200, 250, 300 and 350, the exercise
 apparatus 400 includes, but is not limited to, the frame 12, the pedal 32,
 the pulley 38 and associated pivot axle 40, and the various motion
 controlling components, such as the alternator 42 and the transmission 44.
 The exercise apparatus 400 differs primarily from the previous exercise
 apparatuses 10, 200, 250, 300 and 350, along with the embodiment that
 follows, in the nature and construction of the pedal actuation assembly.
 As noted earlier, the pedal actuation assembly refers to those components
 which cooperate to (1) provide an elliptical path and (2) provide the
 desired foot flexure and weight distribution of the pedal 32.
 A pedal actuation assembly 402 of the exercise apparatus 400 includes a
 pedal lever 404 having a forward end 406 and a rearward end 408, a pedal
 mount link 410 having a forward end 412, a rearward end 414 and a top
 surface 415, and a pickle link 416 having an upper portion 418 and a lower
 portion 420. The pedal actuation assembly 402 of the exercise apparatus
 400 further includes the rocker 30, the pedal 32, the extension arm 60,
 and the crank 64. The forward end 406 of the pedal lever 404 is pivotally
 connected to the rocker 30. As previously set forth above, the rocker 30
 is then pivotally attached to the frame 12. The pedal 32 is rigidly
 attached to the top surface 415 of the pedal mount link 410. The forward
 end 412 of the pedal mount link 410 is pivotally attached to the pedal
 lever 404 at a pivot point 422.
 As explained in more detail above, the rearward end 82 of the crank 64 is
 pivotally connected to the pivot axle 40. The forward end 80 of the crank
 64 is pivotally connected to the rearward end 408 of the pedal lever 404
 at a pivot point 424. The rearward end 90 of the extension arm 60 is
 similarly pivotally connected to the rearward end 408 of the pedal lever
 404 at the pivot point 424. The forward end 88 of the extension arm 60 is
 pivotally connected to the lower portion 420 of the pickle link 416 at a
 pivot point 426. The upper portion 418 of the pickle link 416 is pivotally
 connected to the rearward end 414 of the pedal mount link 410 by any
 suitable connecting means.
 The exercise apparatus 400 produces a similar motion as the exercise
 apparatuses 300 and 350 having the cam 326. As the crank 64 rotates, the
 pickle link 416 and the extension arm 60 cause the pedal mount link 410
 and the pedal lever 404 to articulate relative to one another. The longer
 the extension arm 60, the more the pedal mount link 410 will articulate
 relative to the pedal lever 404. Thus, the pedal actuation assembly 402 of
 the exercise apparatus 400 provides a means for tuning the motion of the
 pedal 32.
 In this regard, when the user operates the pedal 32 in the previously
 described manner, the pedal 32 moves along the elliptical pathway 104 in a
 manner that stimulates a natural heel to toe flexure that minimizes or
 eliminates stresses due to unnatural foot flexure. Similarly, the exercise
 apparatus 400 thus provides a wide variety of exercise programs that can
 be tailored to the specific needs and desires of individual users, and
 consequently, enhances exercise efficiency and promotes a pleasurable
 exercise experience.
 VII. Detailed Description of the Seventh General Embodiment
 FIG. 14 shows a seventh general embodiment of an exercise apparatus 450
 according to the invention. As noted previously, the exercise apparatus
 450 of the invention includes a seventh type of pedal actuation assembly
 and therefore implements the desired elliptical pedal motion in a similar
 fashion as the exercise apparatuses 10, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400. As
 with the previous exercise apparatuses 10, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400, the
 exercise apparatus 450 includes, but is not limited to, the frame 12, the
 rocker 30, the pedal 32, the pulley 38 and associated pivot axle 40, and
 the various motion controlling components, such as the alternator 42 and
 the transmission 44. The exercise apparatus 450 differs primarily from the
 exercise apparatus 400, along with the various embodiments described
 above, in the nature and construction of the pedal actuation assembly. As
 noted earlier, the pedal actuation assembly refers to those components
 which cooperate to (1) provide an elliptical path and (2) provide the
 desired foot flexure and weight distribution on the pedal 32.
 A pedal actuation assembly 452 of the exercise apparatus 450 includes the
 pedal lever 404, the pedal mount link 410, the pedal 32, the crank 64 and
 the extension arm 60. The exercise apparatus 450 differs from the exercise
 apparatus 400 in that the pickle link 416 attached to the rearward end 414
 of the pedal mount link 410 is replaced by a roller 454. As explained in
 more detail above, the forward end 412 of the pedal mount link 410 of the
 exercise apparatus 450 is pivotally connected to the pedal lever 404 at
 the pivot point 422. The forward end 80 of the crank 64 is pivotally
 connected to the rearward end 408 of the pedal lever 404 at the pivot
 point 424 while the rearward end 90 of the extension arm 60 is pivotally
 connected to the rearward end 408 of the pedal lever 404 at the pivot
 point 424. The roller 454 is pivotally connected to and rotates about the
 forward end 88 of the extension arm 60 on a shaft 456. Additionally, a
 track 458 is attached to the rearward end 414 of the pedal mount link 410
 by any suitable attachment means. The roller 454 contacts and rolls along
 the track 458.
 As the crank 64 rotates, the roller 454 and the extension arm 60 cause the
 pedal mount link 410 and the pedal lever 404 to articulate relative to one
 another. This provides a means for tuning the motion of the pedal 32.
 Thus, when the user operates the pedal 32 in the previously described
 manner, the pedal 32 moves along the elliptical pathway 104 in a manner
 that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure that minimizes or eliminates
 stresses due to unnatural foot flexures. Similarly, the exercise apparatus
 450 thus provides a wide variety of exercise programs that can be tailored
 to the specific needs and desires of individual users, and consequently,
 enhances exercise efficiency and promotes a pleasurable exercise
 experience.