Patent Publication Number: US-11020629-B2

Title: Stationary exercise apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This present disclosure relates to a stationary exercise apparatus, and more particularly to a leg exercise apparatus. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Stationary exercise apparatuses have been popular for several decades. Early exercise apparatuses typically had a single mode of operation, and exercise intensity was typically varied by increasing apparatus speed or by increasing resistance to motion. More recently, enhancing exercise intensity in some apparatuses has been made by adjusting the moving path of a user&#39;s feet, such as by adjusting the incline or stride length of a user&#39;s foot path. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a conventional exercise apparatus  90 . The exercise apparatus  90  includes a frame  91 , a grip set  92 , a seat portion  93 , a left rotating arm  95 L, a right rotating arm  95 R, a left pedal  96 L, and a right pedal  96 R. The rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R are capable of rotating around an axle A which is extending generally transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame  91 , and the left pedal  96 L and the right pedal  96 R are respectively set at the bottom ends of the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R. From the side view of the exercise apparatus  90 , along with the rotation of the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R, the pedals  96 L/ 96 R are capable of moving along an arc path T about an arc center A′ which is a portion of the axle A. Based on the predetermined stop positions S/S′, the extremely forward position of each of the pedals  96 L/ 96 R is the position forward of the arc center A′, and the extremely rearward position of each of the pedals  96 L/ 96 R is the position below the arc center A′. 
     Furthermore, a linkage arrangement (not shown) is set between the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R so that when one of the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R is rotating forward, the other one of the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R is rotating rearward. When no external force is applied to the exercise apparatus  90 , the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R will generally come to a rest position where the rotating arms are aligned with one another as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , while using the exercise apparatus  90 , a user U is gripping the grip set  92 , standing on the pedals  96 L/ 96 R, and alternately moving with one leg lifting and the other leg pressing onto one of the pedals  96 L/ 96 R. During the exercise, the arc path T is fixed, the upper body of the user is substantially motionless, and the exercise effect is limited to exercise of only the lower body. 
     Furthermore, because the pedals  96 L/ 96 R are pivotally connected to the bottom ends of the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R, the upper faces thereof are rotated freely according to the feet positions of the user U. The seat portion  93  becomes necessary to be an auxiliary portion for the user U climbing on the exercise apparatus  90  and then adjusting his (her) feet to fit on the pedals. In other words, the pedals  96 L/ 96 R are unstable, especially when the user U steps on and off the exercise apparatus  90 . 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an stationary exercise apparatus is disclosed in which a user can exercise by alternately lifting one leg and pressing down with the other leg, and additionally, the exercising paths thereof are capable of being adjusted so that the user is capable of exercising with different postures and motions and having more abundant exercise types. For the sake of safety, stability, and convenience, the supporting portions for supporting the user have specific orientation angles and do not rotate arbitrarily to different positions at every point of the exercising path. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a stationary exercise apparatus is provided for a user exercising with arms and legs simultaneously. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a stationary exercise apparatus includes a frame; a supporting member set on the frame and capable of being adjustably positioned at one of a plurality of predetermined positions; a left moving assembly and a right moving assembly, each of the moving assemblies including a first swing element which includes a first pivot pivotally connected to the supporting member, movably positioned relative to the frame by the supporting member, and defining a first axis; and a first swing portion pivotable around the first axis to move along a first arc path; and a second swing element which includes a second pivot pivotally connected to the frame and defining a second axis and a second swing portion pivotable around the second axis to move along a second arc path; and a supporting element which includes a first pivot portion pivotally connected to the first swing portion; a second pivot portion pivotally connected to the second swing portion; and a supporting portion for supporting a user and moving along a reciprocating path defined by the respective motions of the first swing element and the second swing element; and a linkage arrangement connected to the left moving assembly and the right moving assembly so that the supporting elements capable of being interposed at a rest position of the reciprocating path from the side view of the stationary exercise apparatus; wherein when one of the supporting portions is moving from the rest position toward a front end of the reciprocating path, the other supporting portion is moving from the rest position toward a rear end of the reciprocating path; wherein when the position of the supporting member relative to the frame is changed, the reciprocating path is changed accordingly. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second swing element includes a grip portion, and the grip portion is capable of swinging along a third arc path according to the swing of the second swing portion of the second swing element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional exercise apparatus showing the rotating arms in their rest position with the rotating arms aligned with one another; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the rotating arms in a position other than their rest position, with the rotating arms shown not aligned; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in a first position in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure with the supporting portions shown not aligned; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 3  with the supporting portions shown aligned with one another; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in a second position in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure and with the supporting portions shown aligned with one another; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in a third position in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure and with the supporting portions shown aligned with one another; 
         FIGS. 4A-6A  are path information and geometry parameters of the supporting elements in the first position, in the second position, and in the third position respectively, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 4-6 ; 
         FIGS. 4B-6B  are path information and geometry parameters of the second swing elements in the first position, in the second position, and in the third position respectively, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 4 / 4 A- 6 / 6 A; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in a first position in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure and with the supporting portions shown not aligned; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in  FIG. 7  and with the supporting portions shown aligned with each other; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in a second position in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in a third position in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 8A-10A  are path information and geometry parameters of the first and second swing elements in the first position, in the second position, and in the third position respectively, in accordance with the second embodiments of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 8A-10A ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment of the present disclosure and with the supporting portions shown not aligned; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and with the supporting portions shown not aligned; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now specifically to the figures, in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, a detailed description of the present disclosure is given. It should be understood that the following detailed description relates to the best presently known embodiment of the disclosure. However, the present disclosure can assume numerous other embodiments, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the appended claims. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 3 , the stationary exercise apparatus  100  has a frame  110  generally including a base  111 , a front portion  112 , a left side portion  113 L, and a right side portion  113 R (Side portions  113 L/ 113 R are aligned with one another and the right side portion  113 R is omitted from the side view). One user could step on and off the stationary exercise apparatus  100  from the rear side of the frame  110  by entering and leaving an accessible space located between the side portions  113 L/ 113 R. The top end of the front portion  112  includes a grip set  114  for the user to grip. 
     The frame  110  further includes a supporting member  120  whose position relative to the frame  110  is adjustable. The supporting member  120  includes two corresponding deflecting poles  121 . (Deflecting poles  121  are aligned with one another and one is omitted from the side view.) Each of the deflecting poles  121  includes one pivoting axis end  122  and one deflecting end  123  and is pivotally connected to the corresponding side portion  113 L/ 113 R of the frame  110  at an adjusting pivot  125  which is extending generally transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame  110  so that when the deflecting poles  121  deflect around the first adjusting pivot  125 , the deflecting ends  123  move forward and rearward. 
     In the present embodiment, a driving assembly  130  is mounted between the frame  110  (side portions  113 L/ 113 R) and the supporting member  120  for adjusting the position the supporting member  120  relative to the frame  110 . In other words, the supporting member  120  is capable of being adjustably positioned at one of several predetermined positions relative to the frame  110 . The driving assembly  130  drives the deflecting poles  121  deflecting around the first adjusting pivot  125  simultaneously so that the deflecting poles  121  are located at a first position as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , at a second position as shown in  FIG. 5 , and at a third position as shown in  FIG. 6 . As can be seen, from the first position to the third position, the deflecting ends  123  are moved forward gradually. 
     The driving assembly  130  includes a motor  131 , a screw rod  132 , and a screw tube  133 . The motor  131  has one end connected to the frame  110  (side portions  113 L/ 113 R) and the other end connected to one end of the screw rod  132 . The other end of the screw rod  132  is connected to one end of the screw tube  133 . The other end of the screw tube  133  is connected to the supporting member  120 . Therefore the effective length of the screw rod  132  and the screw tube  133  combination is adjustable to move the deflecting poles  121  fore and aft. In the embodiment, the supporting member  120  is capable of changing its position relative to the frame  110  and being located at one of several predetermined positions. Although described as a screw adjusting mechanism, the driving assembly  130  could be any manual or automatic mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device is also within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the driving assembly  130  can be controlled via a console (not shown) to vary the position of the supporting member  120 .
         Further referring to  FIG. 4 , a left first swing element  150 L and a right first swing element  150 R are pivotally connected to the supporting member  120 . Each of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R includes a top end and a bottom end, the first pivot portion  151  is located at the top end, and a first swing portion  152  is located at the bottom end. The first pivot portion  151  is corresponding to a first axis (not shown) which is extending generally transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame  110  so that the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R are capable of rotating along a first arc path T 1 . In other words, the first swing portions  152  are pivotable around the first axis to move along the first arc path T 1  relative to the frame  110 . In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first axis doesn&#39;t extend exactly transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame so that the displacements of the first portions  152  include left and right movements. For example, when one first swing portion  152  moves forward, it also moves inward; when one first swing portion  152  moves rearward, it also moves outward. Furthermore, a linkage portion  153  is set between the top end and the bottom end of each first swing element  150 L/ 150 R.       

     Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a left second swing element  160 L and a right second swing element  160 R are set in front of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R. Each of the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R includes a top end, a bottom end, a second pivot  161  located at the top end, and a second swing portion  162  located at the bottom end. The second pivot  161  is pivotally connected to the front portion  112  around a second axis (not shown) which is extending generally transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame  110  so that the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R are capable of rotating along a second arc path T 2  from the side view. In other words, the second swing portions  162  are pivotable around the second axis to move along the second arc path T 2  relative to the frame  110 . In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second axis doesn&#39;t extend exactly transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame  110  so that the displacements of the second portions  162  include left and right movements. For example, when one second swing portion  162  moves forward, it also moves inward; when one second swing portion  162  moves rearward, it also moves outward. Furthermore, each top end of the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R includes a grip portion  163 , and each grip portion  163  is pivotable about the second pivot  161  to swing along a third arc path T 3  accordingly. In the present embodiment, when the grip portion  163  is moving forward/rearward, the corresponding second swing portion  162  is moving rearward/forward. 
     Each first swing element  150 L/ 150 R and the corresponding second swing element  160 L/ 160 R are connected to a corresponding supporting element  170 L/ 170 R. Each supporting element  170 L/ 170 R includes a front end and a rear end, the rear end of each supporting element  170 L/ 170 R is pivotally connected to the corresponding first swing portion  152 , and the front end of each supporting element  170 L/ 170 R is pivotally connected to the corresponding second swing portion  162 . Therefore, each first swing element  150 L/ 150 R and the corresponding second swing element  160 L/ 160 R move simultaneously. In other words, the first swing portion  152  and the corresponding second swing portion  162  move forward/rearward together. Furthermore, each supporting element  170 L/ 170 R includes a supporting portion  171  for supporting the user. The supporting portion  171  is capable of moving along a reciprocating path such as an arc path or a circular path defined by the respective motions of the first swing element  150 L/ 150 R and the corresponding second swing element  160 L/ 160 R. From the side view, the supporting portions  171  are formed at the rear end of the supporting elements  170 L/ 170 R and the first swing portions  152  are pivotally connected to the centers (not shown) of the supporting portions  171  so that when the supporting elements  170 L/ 170 R move, the centers of the supporting portions  171  also move along the reciprocating path T 1  accordingly. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , an extension portion  115  is extending from the upper portion of the front portion  112 , and a rotating mechanism  180  is set thereon. The rotating mechanism  180  includes one rotating axle or rotating axis  181 , one left crank  182 L, and one right crank  182   k . The rotating axle  181  extends transversely (from left to right) relative to the frame  110 . Left and right cranks  182 L/ 182 R are pivotally connected to the extension portion  115  at a rotating center O around the rotating axle  181 , Besides, the cranks  182 L/ 182 R are fixedly positioned 180 degrees away from each other corresponding to the rotating center O. 
     One left connecting member  190 L and one right connecting member  190 R are respectively connected between the rotating mechanisms  180  and the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R. In the embodiment, each front end of the connecting members  190 L/ 190 R is pivotally connected to one distal end of the corresponding crank  182 L/ 182 R to move about the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ), and each rear end of the connecting members  190 L/ 190 R is pivotally connected to the linkage portion  153  of the corresponding first swing element  150 L/ 150 R. Therefore, each first swing element  150 L/ 150 R and the corresponding crank  182 L/ 182 R move simultaneously. Based on the linkage relationship, when one of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R swings forward, the other one of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R swings rearward. 
     In addition, in the rotating mechanism  180 , because the cranks  182 L/ 182 R rotate 360 degrees around the rotating axle  181 , each distal end of the cranks  182 L/ 182 R rotate along the whole circular path T 4 . When each distal end of the cranks  182 L/ 182 R rotates entirely around the circular path T 4 , the corresponding supporting portion  171  moves once back and forth between a front end E 1  and a rear end E 2  of the reciprocating path (first arc path) T 1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , supporting portions  171  are able to be brought to a position where the two supporting portions  171  align with one another. This is the rest position in the reciprocating path T 1 , as seen in the side view. When one supporting portion  171  moves forward from the rest position along the reciprocating path T 1 , the other supporting portion  171  moves rearward from the rest position along the reciprocating path T 1 . The rest position is not limited to be located right at the middle point of the reciprocating path T 1 . When one supporting portion  171  is at one end of the reciprocating path T 1 , the other supporting portion needs not to be at the other end of the reciprocating path T 1 . 
     In another embodiment, the rotatable range of the cranks  182 L/ 182 R and the swingable range of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R are further limited by a predetermined stop structure (not shown) so that the distal end of each of the cranks  182 L/ 182 R don&#39;t rotate entirely around the circular path T 4 , and the corresponding connecting portion  171  moves along a smaller reciprocating path. In still another embodiment, the cranks  182 L/ 182 R are not fixedly positioned 180 degrees away from each other, but the angle between the cranks  182 L/ 182 R corresponding to the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ) is still fixed. In this embodiment, when one supporting portion  171  moves forward from a rest position along a reciprocating path, the other supporting portion  171  still moves rearward from the rest position along the reciprocating path. 
       FIG. 4A  shows the corresponding path information and geometry parameters of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R, the rotating mechanism  180 , and the connecting members  190 L/ 190 R of the stationary exercise apparatus  100  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this figure, an internal limitation curve C 1  and an external limitation curve C 2  are disclosed. C 1  and C 2  have the same curve center which is the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ), the radius of C 1  is the difference of the length of one connecting member  190 L/ 190 R and the radius of T 4 , and the radius of C 2  is the sum of the length of one connecting member  190 L/ 190 R and the radius of T 4 . According to geometrical principle, when the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R swing, the linkage portions  153  pivotally connected thereon could only move along a fifth arc path T 5  between C 1  and C 2 , and therefore the nearest position the linkage portions  153  could achieve toward the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ) is a cross point (internal limitation point)  153 ′ and the farthest position the linkage portion  153  could achieve toward the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ) is a cross point (external limitation point)  153 ″. As shown by an imaginary connecting member lines  190 ′ and  190 ″, when the linkage portion  153  is at the internal limitation point  153 ′, one end of the imaginary connecting member line  190 ′, the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ), and the other end of imaginary connecting member line  190 ′ constitute a straight line. Similarly, when the linkage portion  153  is at the external limitation point  153 ″, one end of imaginary supporting member line  190 ″, the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ), and the other end of imaginary connecting member line  190 ″ constitute a straight line. Moreover, as shown by the imaginary swing element line  150 ′, when the linkage portion  153  is at the internal limitation point  153 ′, the bottom end of the imaginary swing element line  150 ′ is at the front end E 1 ; as shown by the imaginary swing element line  150 ″, when the linkage portion  153  is at the external limitation point  153 ″, the bottom end of the imaginary swing element line  150 ″ is at the rear end E 2 . 
     When the supporting elements  120  (deflecting poles  121 ) are located at the first position as shown in  FIG. 4A , the front end E 1  and the rear end E 2  of the reciprocating path (first arc path) T 1  of the first swing portions  152  are respectively positioned forward of and right below the first pivot portion  151  as seen from the side view. An elevation angle θ 1  defined as an included angle between the horizontal plane H and the line extending from the front end E 1  to the rear end E 2  is about 45 degrees. A first rest angle θ 2  defined as an included angle between the horizontal plane H and the line extending from the first pivot portion  151  toward the first swing portion  152  at the rest position is about 48 degrees from the side view. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 5A and 6A ,  FIGS. 5A and 6A  show the corresponding path information and geometry parameters of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R, the rotating mechanism  180 , and the connecting members  190 L/ 190 R of the stationary exercise apparatus  100  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The definitions of C 1  (internal limitation curve), C 2  (external limitation curve), T 5  (fifth arc path), and T 1  (first arc path) are the same as aforementioned. When the position the supporting member  120  relative to the frame  110  is changed, the position of the first pivot portion  151  relative to the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ) is changed, and the positions the fifth arc path T 5  and the first arc path T 1  relative to the frame  110  are also changed accordingly. Specifically, when the position of the supporting member  120  is changed from the first position as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A  to the second position as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , the front end E 1  of the first arc path T 1  becomes lower and the rear end of the first arc path T 1  move rearward. The elevation angle θ 1  here is about 21 degrees and the first rest angle θ 2  here is about 64 degrees; when the position of the supporting member  120  is changed from the second position to the third position as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , the front end E 1  of the first arc path T 1  moves lower yet and the rear end of the first arc path T 1  moves even more rearward. The elevation angle θ 1  here is about 5 degrees and the first rest angle θ 2  here is about 75 degrees. 
       FIGS. 4B-6B  show the corresponding path information and geometry parameters of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R, the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R, and the supporting elements  170 L/ 170 R of the stationary exercise apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 4-6 and 4A-6A . In  FIG. 4B , for example, when the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R rotate clockwise (toward the front of the stationary exercise apparatus  100 ) to an extreme position as shown by the imaginary swing element line  150 ′, the corresponding second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R and the corresponding supporting elements  170 L/ 170 R also rotate clockwise (forward) to the corresponding positions as shown by the imaginary lines  160 ′ and  170 ′. When the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R rotate counterclockwise (rearward) to another extreme position as shown by the imaginary swing element line  150 ″, the corresponding second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R and the corresponding supporting members elements  170 L/ 170 R also rotate counterclockwise (rearward) to the corresponding positions as shown by the imaginary lines  160 ″ and  170 ″. When the first swing portion  152  moves through one cycle (back and forth between the front end E 1  and the rear end E 2  of the first arc path T 1 ), the second swing portion  162  moves through one cycle (back and forth between a third end E 3  and a fourth end E 4  of the second arc path T 2 ), and the grip portion  163  moves through one cycle back and forth between a sixth end E 6  and a fifth end E 5  of the second arc path T 3 . 
     Comparing  FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B , when the first pivot portion  151  moves forward/rearward relative to the frame  110 , the rear end E 2  of the first arc path T 1  and the rear end E 4  of second arc path T 2  move rearward/forward simultaneously, and the front end E 5  of the third path T 3  moves forward/rearward simultaneously. In other words, by adjusting the first arc path T 1 , the third arc path T 3  is changed, and the largest distance between the first arc path T 1  and the third arc path T 3  is also changed. 
     Based on the structures and the principle aforementioned, the user can change the moving path of the supporting portions  171  by adjusting the position the supporting member  120  relative to the frame  110 , and exercise with different postures and motions is possible: For example, when the supporting member  120  is located at the first position as shown in  FIG. 4 , the front end E 1  of the reciprocating path T 1  is forward of the first pivot portion  151 , and the rear end E 2  of the reciprocating path T 1  is below the first pivot portion  151 . The rest position of the supporting portions  171  has approximately a 45-degrees rest angle; while exercising, the user is capable of choosing to grip the grip set  114  or the grip portions  163  to let arms exercise along with the legs. The user exercises alternately with one leg lifting and the other leg pressing onto one of the supporting portions  171  and the exercising path range can be adjusted by self-controlling the movement of the feet by the user. When the supporting members  120  are located at the second position as shown in  FIG. 5  and at the third position as shown in  FIG. 6 , the arc angles of the arcs of the reciprocating paths T 1  are also about 90 degrees, but the front ends E 1  move lower and the rear ends E 2  move more rearward, and the user therefore exercises with different postures and motions along different reciprocating paths T 1 . Three predetermined positions for the supporting member  120  are shown in this embodiment. However, the number the predetermined positions the supporting members  120  can be located at is not limited, and two or more is in the spirit of the present disclosure. 
     In addition to adjusting the moving path of the user&#39;s feet, comparing to the conventional exercise apparatus, the supporting portions  171  for supporting the user have specific orientation angles and don&#39;t rotate arbitrarily to different positions at every point of the exercising path. Therefore, the user has more safety, stability, and convenience during exercise, especially while stepping on and off the stationary exercise apparatus. In one preferred embodiment, the supporting portions  171  keep their upper surfaces horizontal relative to the ground at any point of the reciprocating path T 1 . However, the specific orientation angle of the supporting portions  171  is not limited thereto, and the specific orientation angles are able to be modified by changing the geometry of any of a number of the components in the stationary exercise apparatus  100 . 
     While the user is exercising their legs, the user is also capable of gripping the grip portions  163  of the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R and doing arms exercise alternately with one arm pushing and one arm pulling so that the goal of full body exercise can be achieved. In one preferred embodiment, the leg and the arm exercise in the reverse directions. For example, when one leg is moving forward/rearward, the corresponding arm at the same side is moving rearward/forward simultaneously. Meanwhile, comparing  FIGS. 4-6 , when the rear end E 2  is changed to move rearward, the front end E 5  of the third arc path T 3  is changed to move forward, and the distance between the first arc path T 1  and the third arc path T 3  is increased. 
     According to the previous embodiments, the user is capable of entering and leaving the stationary exercise apparatus  100  from the rear side of the frame  110 , exercising in the exercise space located between the left side portion  113 L and the right side portion  113 R of the frame  110 . This exercise space is also located between the left first swing element  150 L and the left connecting member  190 L and the right first swing element  150 R and the right connecting member  190 R. 
     The stationary exercise apparatus of the present disclosure can further includes one resistance member (not shown) which is used to produce resistance for the first swing elements, the second swing elements, and the supporting elements and so on so that the exercise intensity of the stationary exercise apparatus can be adjusted. For example, a magnetic resistance assembly may be set at the bottom portion(s) of the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R and/or the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R, and a metal plate may be placed in the area of the first arc path T 1  and/or the second arc path T 2 . With this configuration, to swing the first swing elements  150 L/ 150 R and the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R, the user needs to overcome the resistance of the eddy current raised between the magnetic resistance assembly and the metal plate. Furthermore, the magnitude of the resistance force can be adjusted by changing the distance and/or the overlapping area between the magnetic resistance assembly and the metal plate. In another embodiment, the resistance can also be produced by connecting a gas spring between each first swing element  150 L/ 150 R and the corresponding deflecting pole  121 , connecting a gas spring between each second swing element  160 L/ 160 R and the frame  110 , and/or by using a friction assembly or a magnetic resistance assembly in conjunction with the rotating mechanism  180 . 
     In the aforementioned stationary exercise apparatus  100 , the left first swing element  150 L, the left second swing element  160 L, and the left supporting element  170 L constitute a left moving assembly  140 L, and the right first swing element  150 R, the right second swing element  160 R, and the right supporting element  170 R constitute a right moving assembly  140 R. Moreover, the rotating mechanism  180  and the connecting members  190 L/ 190 R constitute a linkage arrangement. In other words, the linkage arrangement is arranged between the left moving assembly  140 L and the right moving assembly  140 R so that the movement of the left moving assembly  140 L and the right moving assembly  140 R are correlated and simultaneous; the supporting portions  171  of the supporting elements  170 L/ 170 R come to a rest at a rest position in the reciprocating path T 1  where the supporting elements  170 L/ 170 R are aligned with one another. When one supporting portion  171  is moving from the rest position toward the front end E 1  along the first arc path T 1 , the other supporting portion  171  is moving from the rest position toward the rear end E 2  along the first arc path T 1  simultaneously. 
     In another embodiment, the linkage arrangement can be directly connected to the second swing elements. For example, a stationary exercise apparatus has all the elements the same as those shown in  FIG. 3  except the second ends of the connecting members  190 L/ 190 R are respectively connected to the corresponding second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R. In this embodiment, similar to the previous embodiments, the movement of the left moving assembly  140 L and the right moving assembly  140 R are still correlated and simultaneous. Additionally, when the left supporting element  170 L is moving forward from the rest position, the right supporting element  170 R is moving rearward from the rest position. Because the relative position between the second pivot  161  and the rotating center O (rotating axle  181 ) is fixed, the swingable range of the second swing elements  160 L/ 160 R remains the same. In other words, the second arc path T 2  and the third arc path T 3  are fixed even when the position supporting members  120  relative to the frame  110  is changed according to  FIGS. 4-6, 4A-6A, and 4B-6B . Furthermore, because one end of each supporting portion  171  is connected to the corresponding first swing element  150 L/ 150 R, the first arc path T 1  still changes corresponding to the moving of the supporting members  120 . 
     The structure of the linkage arrangement is not limited to the embodiments mentioned herein. Another possible structure includes using a circular rotatable structure set on the frame in place of the rotating axle and the cranks and connecting the front ends of the connecting members to positions on the circular rotatable structure with a predetermined angle corresponding to the center of the rotatable structure. Another possible structure involves setting a gear (ellipsoid gear) coaxially with the second pivot of the second swing elements with the gears further synchronously driven by a transmission gear so that the second swing elements swing in reverse directions with the same speed. Yet another possible structure involves setting a pulley (sprocket wheel) coaxially with the second pivot of each second swing element and connecting the pulleys (sprockets) by a loop belt (chain) so that the second swing elements swing in reverse directions with the same speed. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus  200  according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 7 , the stationary exercise apparatus  200  has a frame  210  generally including a base  211 , a front portion  212 , and a side portion  213 . Furthermore, the top end of the front portion  212  includes a grip set  214  for the user to grip. Besides, while exercising, the user is capable of choosing to grip the grip set  214  or the grip portions  263  which are pivotally connected to the upper portion of the front portion  212  in order to let the arms exercise along with the legs. 
     The stationary exercise apparatus  200  further includes a supporting member  220  whose position relative to the frame  210  is adjustable; a left first swing element  250 L and a right first swing element  250 R pivotally connected to the supporting member  220 ; a left second swing element  260 L and a right second swing element  260 R pivotally connected to the frame  210 ; a left supporting element  270 L and a right supporting element  270 R respectively connecting to the corresponding first swing elements  250 L/ 250 R and corresponding second swing elements  260 L/ 260 R; a rotating mechanism  280  rotatable set on the frame; and a left connecting member  290 L and a right connecting member  290 R respectively connected to the rotating mechanism  280  and the corresponding first swing elements  250 L/ 250 R. 
     The largest difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is the structure of the supporting member  220 . The supporting member  220  includes a left supporting structure and a right supporting structure  221  (Supporting structures  221  are shown aligned with one another, and because of this, the right supporting structure  221  is omitted from the side view). Each supporting structure  221  is set on the frame  210  and the position thereof relative to the frame  210  can be adjusted by moving the supporting structure  221  along a guide slot  216  fore and aft. The supporting structures  221  are capable of being adjustably positioned at a first position as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , a second position as shown in  FIG. 9 , and a third position as shown in  FIG. 10 . The position of the supporting member  220  can be adjusted manually or automatically. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 8 , each first swing element  250 L/ 250 R is pivotally connected to the corresponding supporting structure  221  with a first pivot  251  at the top portion thereof so that a corresponding first swing portion  252  at the bottom portion thereof is capable of swinging along a first arc path T 1 . Each second swing element  260 L/ 260 R is pivotally connected to the front portion  212  of the frame  210  with a second pivot  261  at the middle portion thereof so that a corresponding second swing portion  262  at the bottom portion thereof is capable of swinging along a second arc path T 2 . Each connecting element  270 L/ 270 R is connected to the corresponding first swing portion  252  and the corresponding second swing portion  262  so that a supporting portion  271  formed at one end thereof is capable of moving along a reciprocating path. In the embodiment, the rotating mechanism  280  is located on at an extension portion of the base  211 . The structure of the rotating mechanism  280  in the present disclosure includes a rotating axle  281 , a left crank  282 L, and a right crank  282 R which is similar to the structures in the previous embodiment. Each connecting member  290 L/ 290 R is pivotally connected to a corresponding linkage portion  253  at a predetermined portion of the first swing elements  250 L/ 250 R. In the embodiment, the first pivot  251 , the corresponding first swing element  252 , and the corresponding linkage portion  253  are not arranged in a straight line, but the distance between the first pivot  251  and the corresponding linkage portion  253  is still smaller than the distance between the corresponding first swing portion  252  and the corresponding linkage portion  253 . In other words, a smaller rotating mechanism  280  and a larger leg exercising path are achieved because the rotating path of the first swing portion  252  is larger than the rotating path of the linkage portion  253 . 
       FIGS. 8A-10A  are path information and geometry parameters of the stationary exercise apparatus  200  in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 8-10 . As shown in the figures, when the position the supporting member  220  relative to the frame  210  is changed, the position the first pivot  251  relative to the rotating axle  281  is changed accordingly, and the front end E 1  and the rear end E 2  of the first arc path T 1  and the rest position of the supporting portions  271  from the side view are changed accordingly. The geometrical principle is the same as the description in the previous embodiment and therefore not mentioned again. (The reference numerals  253 ′ and  253 ″ shown in  FIGS. 8A-10A  have the same meanings as the reference numerals  153 ′ and  153 ″ shown in  FIGS. 8A-10A ). 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus  300  according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 11 , the stationary exercise apparatus  300  has all the elements the same as those shown in  FIG. 7  except the movable grip portions are omitted. Therefore, while exercising, the user can only grip the fixed grip set  314  and the arms of the user are not exercised corresponding to the legs thereof. Instead, in another embodiment, movable grip portions are capable of being added to the first swing elements which have a rotating axle on the supporting member, thereby creating a situation where the moving path of the grip portions is changed corresponding to the moving of the supporting member. (The reference numerals  310 ,  320 ,  321 ,  350 L/ 350 R,  360 L/ 360 R,  361 ,  370 L/ 370 R,  380 ,  390 L/ 390 R shown in  FIG. 11  have the same meanings as the reference numerals  210 ,  220 ,  221 ,  250 L/ 250 R,  260 L/ 260 R,  261 ,  270 L/ 270 R,  280 ,  290 L/ 290 R shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus  400  according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The largest difference between the present embodiment and the previous embodiments is that the second pivot  461  of a second left swing element  460 L and a second right swing element  460 R is not directly connected to a frame  410  of the stationary exercise apparatus  400 , but is connected to a supporting member  420  of the frame  410 . The first pivot  451  of a first left swing element  450 L and a first right swing element  450 R is also connected to the supporting member  420 , and the supporting member  420  is capable of changing its position relative to the frame  410 . Each first pivot  451  and each corresponding second pivot  461  are pivotally connected one after the other to a supporting structure  421  and the axes thereof are fixed parallel with each other so that even when the supporting structure  421  moves on the frame  410 , the relative distance and the relative angle between the first pivot  451  and the second pivot  461  are fixed. 
     A left supporting element  470 L and a right supporting element  470 R are respectively pivotally connected to the corresponding first swing portion  452  and the corresponding second swing portion  462  with a fixed distance between the corresponding first swing portion  452  and the corresponding second swing portion  462 . From the side view, a first imaginary line  401  from the first pivot  451  of one side to the second pivot  461  of the same side, a second imaginary line  402  from the second pivot  461  of the same side to the corresponding second swing portion  462 , a third imaginary line  403  from the corresponding second swing portion  462  to the corresponding first swing portion  452 , and a fourth imaginary line  404  from the corresponding first swing portion  452  to the first pivot  451  of one side constitute a parallelogram. In other words, because the first imaginary line  401  is always parallel with the third imaginary line  403 , regardless of the position the supporting elements  470 L/ 470 R move to along an arc reciprocating path, the arc reciprocating path is changed by adjusting the position the supporting member  420  relative to the frame  410 , and the angle of each supporting element  470 L/ 470 R relative to the ground keeps the same. In the embodiment, the top surface of each supporting element  470 L/ 470 R keeps horizontal. 
     In the previous embodiments, the relative distance and the relative angle between the first pivot and the second pivot are also the same but four imaginary lines don&#39;t constitute a parallelogram so that the elevation angles are changed while the supporting portions moving along with the reciprocating path. For example, when one supporting portion is moving toward the front end of the reciprocating path, the front end (toe portion) of the supporting portion is raising corresponding to the rear end (heel portion) thereof. Because the included angle between the first imaginary line and the horizontal plane remains the same, the relative angle between the front end and the rear end of the reciprocating path changes, and the supporting portion at the same point of the reciprocating path has the same elevation angle. For example, the top surface of the supporting portion is always horizontal when the first swing portion is right below the first pivot and the second swing portion is right below the second pivot. (The reference numerals  453 ,  480 ,  490 L/ 490 R shown in  FIG. 12  have the same meanings as the reference numerals  253 ,  280 ,  290 L/ 290 R shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of a stationary exercise apparatus  500  according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The stationary exercise apparatus  500  is similar with the exercise apparatus  90  shown in  FIG. 2 . First swing elements  550 L/ 550 R are similar with the rotating arms  95 L/ 95 R in  FIG. 2 , a first pivot  551  is also pivotally connected to the bottom of a seat portion  517 , and a linkage arrangement (not shown) is also set between the first swing elements  550 L/ 550 R so that when one of the first swing elements  550 L/ 550 R is rotating forward, the other one of the first swing elements  550 L/ 550 R is rotating rearward. Comparing to the exercise apparatus  90 , a second left swing element  560 L, a second right swing element  560 R, a second left supporting element  570 L, a second right supporting element  570 R are added. Each second swing element  560 L/ 560 R is pivotally connected to a frame  510  of the stationary exercise apparatus  500  with a second pivot  561 , and each supporting element  570 L/ 570 R is connected to a corresponding first swing portion  552  of the first swing element  550 L/ 550 R and a corresponding second swing portion  562  of the second swing element  560 L/ 560 R. A portion of each supporting element  570 L/ 570 R forms a supporting portion  571  for supporting the user so that the instability of the free rotating pedals as shown in  FIG. 2  is avoided. The grip portions  563  formed on the top portions of the second swing elements  560 L/ 560 R are provided for the user exercising with arms and legs moving simultaneously. 
     The present disclosure does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment thereof. Although the present disclosure has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiment thereof, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained herein.