Abstract:
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. Compound guides are used to achieve elliptical curve pedal paths.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/573,422 filed Sep. 14, 2012 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/385,425 filed Feb. 21, 2012 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,909 filed May 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,159, incorporating all of these by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned forward the operator at pedal height. 
     2. State of the Art 
     The benefits of regular exercise to improve overall health, appearance and longevity are well documented in the literature. For exercise enthusiasts the search continues for safe apparatus that provides full body exercise for maximum benefit in minimum time. 
     Recently, a new category of exercise equipment has appeared on the commercial market called varying stride elliptical cross trainers. These cross trainers guide the feet along a closed loop shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing with varying stride lengths. The shorter stride lengths have pedals which follow up and down curves that are generally arcuate in shape causing difficult startup. The longer stride lengths have pedals which follow closed loop curves having more of a banana shape than elliptical and the heel of the foot remains off the pedal for a significant part of the pedal cycle often resulting in numb toe. There is a need for a variable stride exercise apparatus capable of long, medium and shorter stride lengths where the pedals always follow generally elliptical curve paths with easy startup and where the heel of the foot remains in contact with the pedal for most of the pedal cycle. 
     Varying stride elliptical cross trainers are shown without cams in Rodgers, Jr. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,828,698 and 7,708,669 as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,520,839 and 7,530,926 which show a pendulum striding exercise apparatus having a foot support members hung from a generally horizontal beam pivoted to achieve the varying stride length pedal curves. Rodgers, Jr. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,708,668 and 7,507,184 show exercise apparatus with flexible support elements having varying stride lengths. Miller in U.S. Patent Applications 2009/0105049 and 2011/0172062 also shows an exercise apparatus having varying stride lengths. Eschenbach in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,841,968, 7,938,754 and 8,029,416 shows user defined motion elliptical exercise apparatus with a default elongate curve for easy starting. Chuang et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,018 shows a front drive user defined motion elliptical apparatus. Grind in U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,625 shows an adaptive motion exercise device with oscillating track. Ohrt et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,787 shows several adaptive motion rear drive exercise apparatus. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide an exercise apparatus having varying stride lengths determined by the movement of an operator with a default mode for easy starting. A further objective is an exercise apparatus having varying stride lengths where the pedals follow elliptical curves for short, medium and long stride lengths where the heel of the foot remains in contact with the pedal throughout most of the pedal cycle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of pedals which simulate walking and jogging during operation. More particularly, apparatus is provided that offers variable intensity exercise through a leg operated cyclic motion in which the pedal supporting each foot is guided through successive positions during the motion cycle while a load resistance acts upon the mechanism. 
     The pedals are guided through an oblong curve motion while pedal angles are controlled to vary about the horizontal during the pedal cycle. Arm exercise is by handles coordinated with the mechanism guiding the foot pedals. The range of handle movement generally determines the pedal stride length. 
     In the original embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank arms rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework. A pair of support links are pivotally connected intermediate the ends to the crank arms and to foot support members. A pair of tracks are supported by the framework where a track actuator can change the incline. A pair of rollers are each rotatably attached to a respective foot support member and maintain rollable contact with a respective track. A pair of handles are attached to handle supports which are pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of connector links are pivotally connected to the handle supports and to one end of the support links. A cross member is pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of crossing links are pivotally connected to the cross member and to each handle support. The crossover member and crossing links form a crossover assembly to cause one handle to move forward while the other handle moves rearward. 
     The stride length of the pedal is generally determined by the range of movement of the handles. The shortest stride length occurs with no movement of the handles while the longest stride length of the pedals occurs with the longest range of movement of the handles. An even shorter stride is possible using only the feet to determine stride length with the hands of the user positioned upon the framework. 
     Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of exercise. A control system can adjust the tension on the tension belt through a load actuator to vary the intensity of exercise. It should be understood that other forms of load resistance such as magnetic, alternator, air fan or others may be applied to the crank. The control system also can adjust the incline of the tracks with the track actuator during operation to further change the intensity of exercise. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank arms rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework forward an operator at generally pedal height. A pair of drive links are attached to the crank arms. Drive support links are pivotally connected to the drive links and the framework. A pair of support links are pivotally connected to the drive links and to the foot support members. A pair of rocker link guides are pivotally connected to the framework and to the foot support members. A pair of handle supports with handles attached are pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of connector links are pivotally connected to the handle supports and to the support links. A cross member is pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of crossing links are pivotally connected to the cross member and to each handle support. The crossover member and crossing links form a crossover assembly to cause one handle to move forward while the other handle moves rearward. Energy storage devices are connected to the control links and framework to establish a default position for the control links that is generally vertical. 
     The stride length of the pedal is related to the range of movement of the handle. The shortest stride length occurs with no movement of the handles in the default mode for easy starting while the longest stride length of the pedals occurs with the longest range of movement of the handles. 
     Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of exercise. An adjustment knob can adjust the tension on the tension belt to vary the intensity of exercise. It should be understood that other forms of load resistance such as magnetic, alternator, air fan or others may be applied to the crank. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the rocker link guides are replaced with roller and track guides wherein the rollers are pivotally connected to the foot support members and the tracks are attached to the frame. The remainder of this embodiment is essentially the same as the alternate embodiment. Operation is the same as the preferred embodiment. Easy starting occurs in the default mode with the handles held stationary as the pedals follow a short elongate curve. The longer handle range followed by the movement of the operator, the longer the stride length becomes. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank arms rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework adjacent a horizontal supporting surface. A pair of support links are pivotally connected at the lower ends to the crank arms and at the upper ends to foot support members. A pair of tracks are supported by the framework where the incline can be changed. A pair of rollers are each rotatably attached to a respective foot support member and maintain rollable contact with a respective track. A pair of handle supports are pivotally connected to the framework which have handles attached. A pair of connector links are pivotally connected to the handle supports and to the support links. A cross member is pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of crossing links are pivotally connected to the cross member and to each handle support. The crossover member and crossing links form a crossover assembly to cause one handle to move forward while the other handle moves rearward. 
     The stride length of the pedal is generally determined by the range of movement of the handles. The shortest stride length occurs with no movement of the handles while the longest stride length of the pedals occurs with the longest range of movement of the handles. An even shorter stride is possible using only the feet to determine stride length with the hands of the user positioned upon the framework. 
     Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of exercise. A control system can adjust the tension on the tension belt through a load actuator shown in  FIG. 1  to vary the intensity of exercise. It should be understood that other forms of load resistance such as magnetic, alternator, air fan or others may be applied to the crank. The control system also can adjust the incline of the tracks with a track actuator shown in  FIG. 1  during operation to further change the intensity of exercise. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the guides are a pair of rocker links pivotally attached to the foot supports and to the framework. The handles are attached to the rocker links. The crossover assembly uses two hydraulic cylinders with crossing links pivotally connected to the rocker links and to the framework. The hydraulic cylinders are coupled with hydraulic hoses so that the pistons move in opposite directions. Further, orifice control valves allow the rate of movement of the pistons to be varied. Load resistance and operation are similar to the preferred embodiment. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank arms rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework adjacent a horizontal supporting surface. A pair of support links are pivotally connected at the lower ends to the crank arms and at the upper ends to foot support members. 
     A pair of compound guides cause the intermediate portion of the foot support members to follow a predetermined curve, which in this case is an approximate straight line. Each compound guide comprises a transfer link pivotally connected to the framework, a handle support pivotally connected to the framework, an intermediate support link pivotally connected to the transfer link and to the intermediate portion of the foot support member, a pair of coupling links pivotally connected to the handle support and the intermediate support link. Handles are attached to the handle supports for arm exercise. 
     A cross member is pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of crossing links are pivotally connected to the cross member and to each transfer link. The crossover member and crossing links form a crossover assembly to cause one handle to move forward while the other handle moves rearward. Alternately, opposing hydraulic cylinders can be used. 
     The stride length of the pedal is generally determined by the range of movement of the handles. The shortest stride length occurs with no movement of the handles while the longest stride length of the pedals occurs with the longest range of movement of the handles. The shortest stride length is an arcuate curve for stepping motion. 
     Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of exercise. A control system can adjust the tension on the tension belt through a load actuator shown in  FIG. 1  to vary the intensity of exercise. It should be understood that other forms of load resistance such as magnetic, alternator, air fan or others may be applied to the crank. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a pair of compound guides cause the intermediate portion of the foot support member to follow a predetermined curve, which in this case is an approximate linear curve. The compound guide comprises a transfer link pivotally connected to the framework, an intermediate support link pivotally connected to the transfer link and to the intermediate portion of the foot support member, a stabilizing link pivotally connected to the intermediate support link and to the framework. Handles are attached to the intermediate support links for arm exercise. 
     The crossover assembly can use the crossover member and crossing links or opposing hydraulic cylinders connected to the transfer links. Load resistance and operation are similar to the preferred embodiment. 
     In summary, this invention provides varying elliptical stride lengths as determined by the movement of an operator. The pedals move through elongate curves that simulate walking, jogging and stepping with very low joint impact where the heel of the foot remains in contact with the pedal during most of the pedal cycle to eliminate operator numb toe. Arm exercise has a variable range of motion coordinated with the pedal movements. Pedal curves remain generally elliptical in shape throughout the range of variation. Easy starting occurs in the default mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a left side elevation view of the original embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is the rear view of the original embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of an exercise machine; 
         FIG. 4  is the front view of an alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of an exercise machine; 
         FIG. 7  is the rear view of the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevation view of the hydraulic crossover assembly shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a left side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of an exercise machine constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is the rear view of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is the rear view of the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals  46  and  48  are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in forward and rearward positions of the preferred embodiment. Crank arms  4 , 6  rotate about pivot axis  7  on framework  70 . Foot support members  14 , 16  have pedals  46 , 48  attached. Support links  8 , 10  are connected intermediate the ends to crank arms  4 , 6  at pivots  9 , 11  and to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  13 , 15 . Tracks  90 , 94  are attached to frame members  74  at pivot  93  and to track actuator  96  which is also attached to framework  74 . Rollers  40 , 44  are connected to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  41 , 43  and are in rollable contact with tracks  90 , 94 . 
     Handles  36 , 38  are attached to handle supports  80 , 84  which are connected to framework  70  at pivot  39 . Connector links  30 , 34  are connected to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  35 , 37  and to one end of support links  8 , 10  at pivots  31 , 33 . Crossover member  56  is connected to framework  70  at pivot  55 . Crossing links  50 , 54  are connected to crossover member  56  at pivots  53 , 59  and to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  51 , 57 . Crossover member  56  and crossing links  50 , 54  form a crossover assembly as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  that cause handle  36  to move forward when handle  38  moves rearward. 
     Load resistance is imposed upon cranks  4 , 6  by pulley  49  which drives flywheel  63  by belt  69  coupled to pulley  71  which is supported by the framework  70  at shaft  61 . Tension belt  64  encompasses flywheel  63  with load actuator  66  connected for adjustment to vary the intensity of exercise on the exercise apparatus. Control system  68  is connected to load actuator  66  and track actuator  96  with wires  67 , 65 , 95  using conventional means not shown. Control system  68  can be programmed to adjust tension belt  64  using load actuator  66  or to change the incline of tracks  90 , 94  using track actuator  96  to vary the intensity of exercise during operation. Framework  70  is attached to longitudinal frame members  74  which are attached to cross members  73 , 75  that are supported by a generally horizontal surface. 
     Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals  46 , 48  in the default side by side position of pedals  46 , 48 . Moving the handles  36 , 38  and applying body weight to pedals  46 , 48  starts the crank arms  4 , 6  moving with ease. Holding handles  36 , 38  generally still as denoted by handle position  1 ′, pedals  46 , 48  move through a relatively short pedal curve  1  shown in  FIG. 1 . Allowing the handles  36 , 38  to move through handle range  3 ′ causes pedals  46 , 48  to move along pedal curve  3 . Allowing handles  36 , 38  to move through handle range  5 ′ results in pedal curve  5 . Even shorter pedal curves are possible when the user is not grasping the handles whereby only the feet of the user define the motion. 
     In an alternate embodiment, pedals  46  and  48  are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  in forward and rearward positions. Crank arms  4 , 6  rotate about pivot axis  7  positioned forward of an operator at generally pedal height on framework  70 . Foot support members  14 , 16  have pedals  46 , 48  attached at the ends. Drive links  20 , 22  are connected to crank arms  4 , 6  at pivots  9 , 11 . Drive link supports  86 , 88  are connected to drive links  20 , 22  at pivots  77 , 79  and to framework  70  at pivot  87 . Support links  8 , 10  are connected to drive links  20 , 22  at pivots  21 , 23  and to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  13 , 15 . Guides  26 , 28  are connected to framework  70  at pivot  17  and to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  25 , 27 . For this embodiment, guides  26 , 28  are further described as rocker links  26 , 28 . 
     Handles  36 , 38  are attached to handle supports  80 , 84  which are connected to framework  70  at pivot  39 . Connector links  30 , 34  are connected to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  35 , 37  and to support links  8 , 10  at pivots  31 , 33 . Crossover member  56  is connected to framework  70  at pivot  55 . Crossing links  50 , 54  are connected to crossover member  56  at pivots  53 , 59  and to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  51 , 57 . Crossover member  56  and crossing links  50 , 54  form a crossover assembly as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  that cause control link  80  to move forward when control link  84  moves rearward. 
     Energy storage devices  60 , 62  are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  as springs  60 , 62  connected to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  83 , 85  and to framework  70  at pivot  47 . Springs  60 , 62  are intended to cause handle supports  80 , 84  to have a bias towards the default vertical position where the shortest stride occurs at elongate curve  1 . 
     Load resistance is imposed upon cranks  4 , 6  by pulley  49  which drives flywheel  63  by belt  69  and pulley  71 . Flywheel  63  is supported by framework  70  at pivot  61 . Tension belt  64  encompasses flywheel  63  for adjustable load resistance using adjustment knob  91  to vary the intensity of exercise on the exercise apparatus. Framework  70  is attached to longitudinal frame members  74  and to cross members  73 , 75  that are supported by a generally horizontal surface. 
     Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals  46 , 48  in the default side by side position of pedals  46 , 48 . In the default mode, handle supports  80 , 84  are caused to be generally vertical in a side by side position by springs  60 , 62 . Other forms of energy storage devices  60 , 62  may also be used. In the default mode, pedals  46 , 48  will follow the shortest stride length along default elongate curve  1 . Startup is easy along the default elongate curve  1 . Handles  36 , 38  remain generally stationary at position  1 ′ while pedals  46 , 48  follow elongate curve  1 . When handles  36 , 38  move through handle range  3 ′, pedals  46 , 48  move along pedal curve  3 . When handles  36 , 38  move through an even greater handle range  5 ′, pedals  46 , 48  follow pedal curve  5 . The maximum stride occurs when pedals  46 , 48  follow pedal curve  2  while handles  36 , 38  have the handle range  2 ′. 
     An alternate embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5  which is essentially the same as the alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  except that guides  26 , 28  have been replaced with rollers  40 , 44  and tracks  90  serving as guides. Tracks  90  are attached to framework  70  and  74  at a predetermined angle. However, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  tracks  90  can be configured to have adjustable angles. Rollers  40 , 44  are connected to the foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  41 , 43 . The remainder of this alternate embodiment is essentially the same as the previous embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Operation is the same as the previous embodiment where only pedal curves  2  and  5  are being shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals  46  and  48  are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  in forward and rearward positions of an alternate embodiment. Crank arms  4 , 6  rotate about pivot axis  7  positioned adjacent to a horizontal supporting surface on framework  70 . Foot support members  14 , 16  have pedals  46 , 48  attached. Support links  8 , 10  are connected at the lower ends to crank arms  4 , 6  at pivots  9 , 11  and are connected at the upper ends to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  13 , 15 . Tracks  90  are attached to frame members  74  at pivots  93  and track support pins  97 . Tracks  90  can be repositioned by moving to alternate track support pins  98  or using an actuator  96  shown in  FIG. 1 . Rollers  40 , 44  are connected to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  41 , 43  and are in rollable contact with tracks  90 . 
     Handle supports  80 , 84  are pivotally connected to the framework at pivot  39 . Handles  36 , 38  are attached to handle supports  80 , 84 . Connector links  30 , 34  are connected to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  35 , 37  and to support links  8 , 10  at pivots  31 , 33 . Crossover member  56  is connected to framework  70  at pivot  55 . Crossing links  50 , 54  are connected to crossover member  56  at pivots  53 , 59  and to handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  51 , 57 . Crossover member  56  and crossing links  50 , 54  form a crossover assembly as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  that cause handle  36  to move forward when handle  38  moves rearward. 
     Load resistance is imposed upon cranks  4 , 6  by pulley  49  which drives flywheel  63  by belt  69  coupled to pulley  71  which is supported by the framework  70  at shaft  61 . Tension belt  64  encompasses flywheel  63  with knob  91  connected for adjustment to vary the intensity of exercise on the exercise apparatus. Framework  70  is attached to longitudinal frame members  74  which are attached to cross members  73 , 75  that are supported by a generally horizontal surface. 
     Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals  46 , 48  in the default side by side position of pedals  46 , 48 . Moving the handles  36 , 38  and applying body weight to pedals  46 , 48  starts the crank arms  4 , 6  moving with ease. Holding handles  36 , 38  generally still, pedals  46 , 48  move through a relatively short pedal curve  1  shown in  FIG. 6 . Allowing the handles  36 , 38  to move causes pedals  46 , 48  to move along pedal curve  3 . Allowing handles  36 , 38  to move a larger amount results in pedal curve  5 . Moving the handles  36 , 38  through the maximum range results in pedal curve  2 . 
     The alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  is similar to the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7  except that rollers  40 , 44  and tracks  90  serving as guides are replaced with rocker links  26 , 28 . Handles  36 , 38  are attached to rocker links  26 , 28 . Crossing links  50 , 54  are pivotally connected to rocker links  26 , 28  at pivots  51 , 57  and slide into hydraulic cylinders  102  and  104  also shown in  FIG. 9 . Hydraulic cylinders  102 , 104  are coupled with hydraulic hoses  107  and orifice valves  103 , 105 . As crossing link  50  moves attached piston  110  into hydraulic cylinder  102 , hydraulic fluid is transferred to hydraulic cylinder  104  through hydraulic hoses  107  causing piston  112  to move attached crossing link  54  out of hydraulic cylinder  104 . Adjustment of the orifice valves  103  and  105  controls the rate of hydraulic fluid transfer which controls the rate of movement of handles  36 , 38 . Adjustment of the orifice valves  103 , 105  can occur from a remote location such as a control panel  68  shown in  FIG. 1 . Another crossover design would replace one of the orifice valves such as  105  with a pair of cylinder return springs (not shown). The hydraulic crossover assembly can be used in all of the other embodiments shown. Operation and load resistance are similar to the preferred embodiment. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals  46  and  48  are shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  in forward and rearward positions of the preferred embodiment. Crank arms  4 , 6  rotate about pivot axis  7  positioned adjacent to a horizontal supporting surface on framework  70 . Foot support members  14 , 16  have pedals  46 , 48  attached. Support links  8 , 10  are connected at the lower ends to crank arms  4 , 6  at pivots  9 , 11  and are connected at the upper ends to foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  13 , 15 . 
     A pair of compound guides cause the intermediate portion of the foot support members to follow a predetermined curve, which in this case is an approximate straight line  143 . The compound guides comprise transfer links  128 , 130  connected to the framework at pivot  141 , handle supports connected to the framework at pivot  39 , intermediate support links  152 , 154  connected to the transfer links at pivots  137 , 139  and to the intermediate portion of the foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  25 , 27 , a pair of coupling links  120 , 124  and  122 , 126  connected to the handle supports  80 , 84  at pivots  121 , 129  and  123 , 131  and to the intermediate support links  152 , 154  at pivots  125 , 133  and  127 , 135 . Handles  36 , 38  are attached to the handle supports  80 , 84  for arm exercise. 
     Crossover member  56  is connected to framework  74  at pivot  55 . Crossing links  50 , 54  are connected to crossover member  56  at pivots  53 , 59  and to transfer links  128 , 130  at pivots  51 , 57 . Crossover member  56  and crossing links  50 , 54  form a crossover assembly as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  that cause handle  36  to move forward when handle  38  moves rearward. Alternately, opposing hydraulic cylinders  102 , 104  of  FIG. 9  may be used. 
     Load resistance is imposed upon cranks  4 , 6  by pulley  49  which drives flywheel  63  by belt  69  coupled to pulley  71  which is supported by the framework  70  at shaft  61 . Tension belt  64  encompasses flywheel  63  with knob  91  connected for adjustment to vary the intensity of exercise on the exercise apparatus. Framework  70  is attached to longitudinal frame members  74  which are attached to cross members  73 , 75  that are supported by a generally horizontal surface. 
     Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals  46 , 48  in the default side by side position of pedals  46 , 48 . Moving the handles  36 , 38  and applying body weight to pedals  46 , 48  starts the crank arms  4 , 6  moving with ease. Holding handles  36 , 38  generally still, pedals  46 , 48  move through arcuate pedal curve  1  shown in  FIG. 10 . Allowing the handles  36 , 38  to move causes pedals  46 , 48  to move along pedal curve  3 . Allowing handles  36 , 38  to move a larger amount results in pedal curve  5 . Moving the handles  36 , 38  through the maximum range  2 ′ results in pedal curve  2 . The heel of the foot of an operator remains in contact with pedals  46 , 48  throughout most of the pedal cycle. 
     The alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is similar to the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 10 and 11  except that the compound guides consist of several different elements. The compound guides comprise transfer links  128 , 130  connected to the framework at pivot  141 , intermediate support links  156 , 158  connected to the transfer links at pivots  137 , 139  and to the intermediate portion of the foot support members  14 , 16  at pivots  25 , 27 , and stabilizing links  144 , 146  connected to the intermediate support links at pivots  145 , 147  and to the framework at pivot  39 . Pivots  25 , 27  follow the approximate linear curve  143 . Handles  36 , 38  are attached to the intermediate support links  156 , 158  for arm exercise. 
     Crossover member  56  is connected to framework  74  at pivot  55 . Crossing links  50 , 54  are connected to crossover member  56  at pivots  59 , 53  and to transfer links  128 , 130  at pivots  51 , 57 . Crossover member  56  and crossing links  50 , 54  form a crossover assembly as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  that cause handle  36  to move forward when handle  38  moves rearward. Alternately, opposing hydraulic cylinders  102 , 104  of  FIG. 9  may be used. Operation and load resistance are similar to the preferred embodiment. 
     In summary, the present invention has distinct advantages over prior art because the elliptical stride movement of the pedals  46 , 48  change with the range of movement of the handles  36 , 38  while maintaining a generally elliptical pedal curves  3 , 5 , 2  even for the longest pedal stride. The heel of the foot of an operator remains on the pedal throughout most of the pedal cycle. Easy starting occurs in when the handles  36 , 38  are held stationary as the pedals follow the stepping motion curve  1 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the claims, rather than by foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.