Patent Publication Number: US-7582043-B2

Title: Stationary exercise apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/434,541, entitled “Stationary Exercise Apparatus,” filed May 15, 2006. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a stationary exercise apparatus, and more particularly to a stationary exercise apparatus with adjustable components to vary the footpath and enhance exercise intensity of a user. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Stationary exercise apparatus have been popular for several decades. Early exercise apparatus typically had a single mode of operation, and exercise intensity was varied by increasing apparatus speed. More recently, enhancing exercise intensity in some apparatus has been made by adjusting the moving path of user&#39;s feet, such as by adjusting the incline or stride length of user&#39;s foot path. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,804 discloses two mechanisms for adjusting the incline of a stationary exercise apparatus, one of them having a linear track which can be adjusted and the other having a length adjusting swing arm. The swing arm lower end can be moved upwardly for a high incline foot path. U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,552 also discloses a stationary exercise apparatus having a linear track for changing the incline of the stationary exercise apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,042 discloses a stationary exercise apparatus having a curved track for adjusting the incline of the stationary exercise apparatus. 
     Nonetheless, there is still a need for an exercise apparatus that can increase varieties of exercise and enhance exercise intensity of a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     A stationary exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a frame having a base, first and second supporting members coupled to the frame to rotate about an axis, first and second swing members adjustably and pivotally connecting the first and second supporting members and the frame, and first and second pedals directly or indirectly coupled to the first and second supporting members. While operating the stationary exercise apparatus, the first and second pedals move along a closed path that can have a variety of shapes to vary the exercise experience and intensity. Several objects and advantages of the present invention are: (a) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of high exercise intensity; (b) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of an inclined foot path; (c) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of an variable stride length; (d) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of better gluteus exercise; and (e) to provide at least a top member mounted to the stationary exercise apparatus. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are described and illustrated herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a stationary exercise apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a rotating position of a low incline condition; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a back view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  in another rotating position of the low incline condition; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a rotating position of a high incline condition; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  in another rotating position of the high incline condition demonstrating better gluteus exercise of a user; 
         FIG. 8  are toe and heel path profiles of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a relatively low incline condition; 
         FIG. 9  are toe and heel path profiles of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a relatively high incline condition; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a stationary exercise apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a back view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a stationary exercise device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the stationary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     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 invention is given. It should be understood that the following detailed description relates to the best presently known embodiment of the invention. However, the present invention can assume numerous other embodiments, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the appended claims. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a stationary exercise apparatus  100  is illustrated therein. The stationary exercise apparatus  100  has a frame  110  generally comprising a base  111 , a front portion  112 , a rear portion  108 , and side portions  113 . The base  111  is substantially a horizontal frame adapted to stably rest on a ground, floor or other similar supporting surface. The front portion  112  is fixed on the base  111 , and preferably includes a post  114  and a standard  115 . The side portions  113  are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the base portion  111 . A fixed handle assembly  180  and a console  190  are mounted on or near the upper end of the standard  115 . Left and right cranks  132  are each pivotally connected to one portion of the frame  110  defining a first axis  134  and in the illustrated embodiment, the first axis  134  is at or near the front portion of the frame  110 . The left and right cranks  132  could be replaced by a pair of disks or flywheels rotating about the first axis  134 . The left and right cranks  132  and the first axis  134  can also be replaced by a pair of closed tracks circulating about a virtual axis. The frame  110  may further comprise a pulley  131  and a resistance member  133  which is controlled by using the console  190  to vary operating resistance for a user. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame  110  further comprises a moving assembly  141  mounted on the side portions  113  respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1 , the moving assembly  141  has first and second moving members  142 , in a generally upright position, and a lateral link  143  ( FIG. 4 ) connecting the first and second moving members  142  to one another. The first and second moving members  142  are joined to the side portions  113  via a second axis  144  so that the upper end portions of the first and second moving members  142  can be adjusted by pivoting the first and second moving members  142  about the second axis  144 . There is an optional adjusting assembly  145  mounted between the moving assembly  141  and the frame  110  for adjusting the moving assembly  141  about the second axis  144 . The preferred embodiment of the adjusting assembly  145  generally includes a motor  146 , a screw rod  147 , and a screw tube  148 . The motor  146  has one end connected to the base portion  111  and the other end connected to one end of the screw rod  147 . The other end of the screw rod  147  is connected to one end of the screw tube  148 . The other end of the screw tube  148  is connected to the moving assembly  141  so that the effective length of the screw rod  147  and the screw tube  148  combination is adjustable to move the lower end of the first and second moving members  142  fore and aft. As the lower ends move, the upper ends of the first and second moving members  142  are pivoted in the opposite direction about the second axis  144 . The upper end portions of the first and second moving members  142  are adjustable anywhere between a first position as shown in  FIG. 2  and a second position as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The adjusting assembly  145  is illustrated as being mounted on the right side of the exercise device  100 , but both moving members  142  are adjusted because a lateral link  143  ( FIG. 4 ) transfers the force to the left side moving member  143 . Although described and illustrated as a screw adjusting mechanism, the adjusting assembly  145  could be any manual or automatic mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device and be within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the stationary exercise apparatus  100  comprises first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b , each of the swing members  149   a / 149   b  having an upper portion  150  and a lower portion  151 . The upper portions  150  of the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b  can be coupled to the frame  110  via a swing axis  159  for swinging motion relative to the frame. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper portions  150  of the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b  are respectively pivotally connected to the first and second moving members  142  via the swing axis  159  so that the swing axis  159  can be adjusted forward or backward anywhere between the first position shown in  FIG. 2  and the second position shown in  FIG. 6 . Different positions of the swing axis  159  cause different exercise intensity of the stationary exercise apparatus  100 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , the stationary exercise apparatus  100  comprises first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b , each of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  having a first end portion  153  and a second end portion  154 . The first end portions  153  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  are respectively coupled to the frame  110  to rotate about the first axis  134 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first end portions  153  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  are respectively pivotally connected to the left and right cranks  132  to rotate about the first axis  134 . As mentioned previously, the left and right cranks  132  may be replaced by flywheels or disks and the like. The second end portions  154  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  are respectively pivotally connected to the lower portions of the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b  so that the second end portions  154  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  may be moved along a reciprocating path  190  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) while the first end portions  153  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  are being rotated about the first axis  134 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , the stationary exercise apparatus  100  further comprises first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  respectively pivotally connected to the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b . Each of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  has a first end portion  155  and a second end portion  156 . The first end portions  155  of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  are movably coupled to the frame  110 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first end portions  155  of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  are respectively connected to first and second handle links  171   a / 171   b . More specifically, each of the first and second handle links  171   a / 171   b  has lower and upper end portions. The lower end portions  157  of the first and second handle links  171   a / 171   b  are respectively pivotally connected to the first end portions  155  of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  and the upper end portions  158  of the first and second handle links  171   a / 171   b  are pivotally connected to the frame  110  so that, the first and second handle links  171   a / 171   b  can guide the first end portions  155  of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  in a reciprocating path. There are several alternatives of performing the same function of the first and second handle links  171   a / 171   b . For example, the frame  110  can include a pair of tracks allowing the first end portions  155  of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  movably coupled to the tracks via rollers or sliders. For simplicity, all such alternatives are referred to herein as “handle links” even when they do not serve as handles for the user. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , the stationary exercise apparatus  100  includes first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  respectively coupled to the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  are indirectly connected to the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b . More specifically, the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  are respectively attached to the second end portions  156  of the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  which are pivotally connected to the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b . Therefore, rear end portions  158  of the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  are directed by the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  to move along a second closed path  198  ( FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  6 ) while the first end portions  153  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  rotating about the first axis  134 . The first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  can also be directly attached to the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b , similar to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,804. It should be noted that both indirect and direct connections between the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  and the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  can cause the rear end portions of the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  to move along similar closed paths, and are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the reciprocating path  190  of the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b  has a rear end  192 , a front end  194 , and a middle point  196 . The middle point  196  is substantially the middle point between the rear end  192  and the front end  194 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second end portion of the second support member  120   b  is being at the rear end  192  of the reciprocating path  190  while the first end of the second supporting member  120   b  is being approximately at the rearmost position during rotating about the first axis  134 . As also shown in  FIG. 5 , the second end of the second support member  120   b  is being at the front end  194  of the reciprocating path  190  while the first end of the second supporting member  120   b  is being approximately at the foremost position during rotating about the rotating axis  134 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating path  190  is substantially arcuate because of the swing motion of the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b , but the present invention is not limited to an arcuate reciprocating path. It should be noticed that relative positions between the swing axis  159  and the reciprocating path  190  can cause different exercise intensity of the stationary exercise apparatus  100 . 
     More specifically, the positions of the swing axis  159  can determine incline levels of both the reciprocating path  190  and the second closed path  198 . If the swing axis  159  is substantially vertically above the middle point  196  of the reciprocating path  190 , the incline level of both the reciprocating path  190  and the second closed path  198  are substantially horizontal. If the swing axis  159  is positioned rearwardly in view of an orientation of an operating user, the incline levels of both the reciprocating path  190  and the second closed path  198  are increased. A higher incline level of the second closed path  198  creates higher exercise intensity of a user. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the swing axis  159  is positioned slightly in back of the middle point  196  of the reciprocating path  190  so that the second closed path  198  is slightly inclined and the exercise intensity is enhanced. In order to obtain higher exercise intensity, the swing axis  159  can be re-positioned farther toward the rear. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the swing axis  159  is in back of the rear end  192  of the reciprocating path  190  and both the reciprocating path  190  and the second closed path  198  are in a relatively high incline level so that the exercise intensity of the stationary exercise apparatus  100  is further increased. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting assembly  145  can be controlled via the console  199  to vary the incline level of the second closed path  198  and to adjust the exercise intensity of the stationary exercise apparatus  100 . As mentioned previously, the upper portions  150  of the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b  are coupled to the moving assembly  141  of the frame  110 . The adjusting assembly  145  is connected between the lateral link  143  ( FIG. 5 ) of the moving assembly  141  and the frame  110 . Therefore, a user can electronically actuate the adjusting assembly  145  to vary the position of the swing axis  159  and adjust the incline level of the second closed path  198 . It should be noted that the (lateral) link  143  could be omitted in some embodiments, not shown in the figures. For example, two adjusting assemblies  145  are directly connected to the first and second moving members  142  respectively. The benefit of omitting the (lateral) link  143  is that the height of the first and second pedal  150   a / 150   b  could be lower because of less interference between the (lateral) link  143  and the second end portions of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b . A user may feel more comfortable in a lower operating position. It should also be noticed that the incline level of the stationary exercise apparatus  100  is not limited to an electronically adjustment. Some manual adjustments, such as pin and holes combinations, levers, cranks and the like are also within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  shows the swing axis  159  is positioned to the rear of the middle point  196  of the reciprocating path  190  and the second closed path  198  is in a low incline level.  FIG. 6  shows the swing axis  159  is positioned to the rear of the rear end  192  of the reciprocating path  190  and the second closed path  198  is in a higher incline level. In other embodiments of the present invention, the incline level of the second closed path  198  could also be non-adjustable. For example, the side portions  113  of the frame  110  extend upwardly and the first and second swing members  149   a / 149   b  are directly pivotally connected to the side portions  113  of the frame  110 . In the non-adjustable embodiments, when the swing axis  159  is positioned slightly in back of the middle point  196 , the second closed path  198  is in the low incline level, not flat, such as shown in  FIG. 5 . When the swing axis  159  is positioned in back of the rear end  192  of the reciprocating path  190 , the second closed path  198  would be in the high incline level as shown in  FIG. 6 . Both the low and high incline level of the stationary exercise apparatus  100  can enhance exercise intensity of a user, comparing to a more horizontal incline level. 
     To operate the stationary exercise apparatus  100 , a user respectively steps on the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  and grabs onto the fixed handle assembly  180  or onto a pair of moving handles  172   a / 172   b . The first end portions  153  of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  rotate along a substantially arcuate path about the first axis  134  and the second ends of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  move along the reciprocating path  190 . Therefore, rear end portions of the first and second pedals  150   a / 150   b  move along the second closed path  198 . As mentioned previously, the positions of the swing axis  159  are relative to some geometry parameters of the second closed path  198  and have great effects on the exercise intensity of a user of the stationary exercise apparatus  100 . 
     To better present the relationship between the swing axis  159  and the second closed path  198 , separated path information is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIG. 8  shows the path information and geometry parameters while the swing axis  159  is slightly in back of the middle point  196  as shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 9  shows the path information and geometry parameters while the swing axis  159  is to the rear of the rear end  192  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8  in more detail, the second closed path  198 , representing the path of the rear end portion of the pedals  150   a / 150   b , is represented by eight points, a˜h. As the first end portion  153  of the supporting members  120   a / 120   b  rotates around the first axis  134  in a substantially circular path, that path can be divided into 8 equally spaced positions around the circular path, each position separated by an angle of 45 degrees. The geometry of the current invention causes these 8 equally spaced positions of the first end portion  153  rotating about the first axis  134  to map to points a˜h on the second closed path  198 . Points a and e represent the foremost and rearmost positions, respectively, of the rear end portion of the pedals  150   a / 150   b , as the first ends of the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  rotate about the first axis  134 . A stride length SL 2 , corresponding to the line made by points a and e, is also one of the geometry parameters of the second closed path  198 , in addition to the incline level. The stride length SL 2  is substantially the stride length of the heel portion of a user because the second closed path  198  is the moving path of the rear ends of the pedals  150   a / 150   b  and the heel portion of a user is proximate to the rear ends of the pedals  150   a / 150   b . Stride length is also relative to exercise intensity. A longer stride length generally results in higher exercise intensity. A third closed path  300  is the path of the front ends of the pedals  150   a / 150   b , and is represented by 8 points, a′˜h′. A stride length SL 3  may also substantially represent the stride length of the toe portion of a user. Because the closed paths  198  and  300  are moving paths of the rear and front ends of the pedals  150   a / 150   b , the orientation of the pedals  150   a / 150   b  can be illustrated by a pedal orientation  151  as shown in  FIG. 8 . One important character of the pedal orientation  151  is that the steepness of the pedal orientation  151  is increased when the swing axis  159  is adjusted backwardly. 
       FIG. 9  shows the stride length SL 2 , stride length SL 3 , pedal orientation  151 , second closed path  198 , and third closed path  300  while the swing axis  159  is in back of the rear end  192  of the arcuate path  190 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first and second control links  160   a / 160   b  are respectively pivotally connected to the first and second supporting members  120   a / 120   b  via pivot axes  161 . The incline level of the second closed path  198  of  FIG. 9  is increased by 17 degrees compared to the incline level of  FIG. 8 , but the incline level of the third closed path  300  of  FIG. 9  is only increased by 11 degrees. That is, the incline level of the second closed path  198  is increased more than the incline level of the third closed path  300  while the swing axis  159  is being adjusted backwardly. The stride length SL 2  of  FIG. 9  is increased by about 15 percent compared to the stride length SL 2  as shown in  FIG. 8 , but the stride length SL 3  of  FIG. 9  is only increased by about 6 percent. That is, the stride length SL 2  is increased more than the stride length SL 3  while the swing axis  159  is being adjusted backwardly. Because both path inclination and stride length of the heel portion of a user are increased more than the toe portion, the exercise intensity of the heel portion is higher than the exercise intensity of the toe portion of a user which may also imply a higher exercise intensity of the gluteus of a user. Because the heel portion of the user is obviously elevated as shown in  FIG. 7 , the thigh of the user is elevated to a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the ground surface so that the gluteus of the user is fully exercised. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 10 through 13 , a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. A stationary exercise apparatus  200  comprises a frame  210  having a base portion  211  adapted to rest on a surface. The frame  210  further comprises a front portion  212  extending upwardly from the base portion  211 , a side portion  214  extending longitudinally rearward from the front portion  212 , and a rear portion  213  connecting the side portion  214  and the base portion  211 . 
     The stationary exercise apparatus  200  further has first and second supporting members  220 , each of the supporting members  220  having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portions of the first and second supporting members  220  are respectively pivotally connected to a pair of rotating members  233  in order to rotate about a first axis  234 . The second end portions of the first and second supporting members  220  are respectively connected to the lower portions of first and second swing members  249 . The upper portions of the first and second swing members  249  are coupled to the side portion  214  of the frame  210  via a swing axis  259 . More specifically, the upper portions of the first and second swing members  249  are pivotally connected to left and right moving assemblies  241 . 
     Each of the left and right moving assemblies  241  respectively comprises third and fourth moving members  242 . Each of the third and fourth moving members  242  is connected to left and right adjusting assemblies  245  ( FIG. 11 ) so that the moving assemblies  241  could be driven by the adjusting assemblies  245 . Each of the left and right moving assemblies  241  further includes an optional roller  243 . The rollers  243  are respectively engaged on the side portion  214  for increasing stability and smoothness of movement of the moving assemblies  241  along the side portion  214 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , each of the adjusting assemblies  245  includes a motor  246  mounted on one portion of the frame  210 , a screw rod  247 , and a screw member  248 . The screw rod  247  has one end connected to the motor  246  and a portion adapted for movement of the screw member  248 . Although described and illustrated as a screw adjusting mechanism, the adjusting assembly  245  could be any manual or automatic mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device and be within the scope of the invention. 
     In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper portions of the first and second swing members  249  are respectively pivotally connected to the third and fourth moving members  242 . But, the upper portions of the first and second swing members  249  can also be directly pivotally connected to the screw members  248  of the adjusting assemblies  245 . Therefore, actuating of the motor  246  can cause rotation of the screw rod  247  to change the positions of both the third and fourth moving member  242  and the swing axis  259 . 
     Similar to the previous preferred embodiment of the stationary exercise apparatus  100 , the stationary exercise apparatus  200  also comprises a pair of pedals  250  respectively coupled to the supporting members  220 . Optionally, the stationary exercise apparatus  200  also has a pair of control links  260  respectively pivotally connected to the supporting members  220  and a pair of handle links  271  coupled to the frame  210  for guiding the control links  260 . 
       FIGS. 14 through 16  illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1  though  9 . This third embodiment of a stationary exercise apparatus  300  includes a frame  310  having a base  311 , a front portion  312 , a rear portion  308 , and side portions  313 . The frame  310  may also include a post  314  within the plastic cover and a standard  315 . A handle assembly  380  and a console  390  are also provided as described above in relation to the first and second embodiments. 
     The third embodiment of the exercise apparatus  300  includes rotating members  333  that rotate about a first axis  334 , similar to those described and illustrated in relation to the second embodiment  200  ( FIGS. 10 through 13 ). An optional resistance member similar to the arrangement of the resistance member  133  shown in  FIG. 1  is also provided. 
     Similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , the third embodiment of the exercise apparatus  300  also includes first and second supporting members  320   a / 320   b , each having a first end portion  353  rotatably joined to the rotating members  333  and a second end portion  354 . The second end portions  354  are respectively joined to swing members  349   a / 349   b . The swing members  349   a / 349   b  are pivotally coupled to the first and second moving members  342  in the moving assembly  341  in a manner substantially similar to that described in relation to the first embodiment  100 . In turn, the moving assembly  341  is pivotally coupled to the frame side portions  313 . 
     The moving assembly  341  includes first and second moving member  342  that are defined by an upper portion  343  and a lower portion  355  joined at an elbow  356 , so that the upper portion  343  and the lower portion  355  are at an angle to one another as illustrated. The first and second moving members  342  are joined to the side portions  313  via a second axis  344  to pivot as described above. 
     An optional adjusting assembly  345  is provided on each side of this embodiment. The adjusting assembly  345  activates the moving assembly  341  about the second axis  344 . The adjusting assembly includes a motor  346 , a screw rod  347 , and a threaded nut, sleeve, or tube  348 . The motor  346  is connected to the base  311  and to the screw rod  347 . In this embodiment, the screw rod  347  is generally upright and angled slightly forward. The screw rod  347  is threaded through the tube  348 , which is pivotally mounted on the lower portion  355  of the moving members  342 . In this manner, the motor  346  can be activated automatically or manually from the console  390  to rotate the screw rod  347 , which in turn raises or lowers the tube  348  along the screw rod  347 . As the tube  348  is raised or lowered, the moving member  342  pivots about the second axis  344 . A manually operated adjusting assembly could also be used, as described above. 
     In this embodiment of the exercise apparatus  300 , the swing members  349   a / 349   b  are illustrated as arcuate in shape so that the support members  320   a / 320   b  need not extend rearwardly as far as those illustrated in previous embodiments. Otherwise, the operation of the swing member  349   a / 349   b  and the support members  320   a / 320   b  are essentially as described above. 
     First and second pedals  350   a / 350   b  are respectively coupled to the first and second supporting members  320   a / 320   b , either directly or indirectly. To couple the pedals  350   a / 350   b  indirectly to the support members  320   a / 320   b , there are provided first and second control links  360   a / 360   b  which are pivotally connected to the support members  320   a / 320   b . The pedals  350   a / 350   b  are joined to the control links  360   a / 360   b  and move in a second closed path when the support members  320   a / 320   b  move as described above. 
     Handle links  371   a / 371   b  are illustrated for this embodiment, and as with the above embodiments, may be substituted by tracks, rollers, sliders, and the like to provide support for the moving first end portions of the control links  360   a / 360   b . Any such device is referred to herein as a “handle link” regardless of whether it actually serves as a handle for a user. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 14 , there is a space S between the side portions  313  at rearward of the frame  310 . A user may stand in the space S before getting on the exercise apparatus  300 . At the upper portions  343  of the first and second moving members  342 , there are two top members  351  respectively coupled thereto. The top member  351  may also respectively connected to the first and second swing members  349   a / 349   b . Because the upper portions  343  of the first and second moving members  342  and the first and second swing members  349   a / 349   b  are respectively arranged in longitudinal direction, there are two non-cross spaces S 1 /S 2  respectively between the upper portions  343  of the first and second moving members  342  and the first and second swing members  349   a / 349   b . Please refer to  FIG. 15  for more detail information of the non-cross spaces S 1 /S 2 . In  FIG. 15 , the first supporting member  320   a  is at its substantially rearmost position. Therefore, the first swing member  349   a  is also at its substantially rearmost position. The first swing member  349   a  can not move further backward and may not cross the first moving member  342 . In the situation of  FIG. 15 , the right non-cross space S 2  is more significant than the left non-cross space S 1  because the second supporting member  320   b  is at its very front position. The top members  351  are positioned above the non-cross spaces S 1 /S 2  and have an area which is wider than either of the non-cross spaces S 1 /S 2  to fully cover the non-cross spaces S 1 /S 2  ( FIG. 16 ). The benefit of the non-cross spaces S 1 /S 2  and the lop members  351  is to provide more safe operation of the user. It is especially helpful when the first and second moving members  342  are significantly moved rearward in a high incline condition similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . In this condition, the top members  351  are much close to a user who wants to get on the exercise apparatus  300 . 
     The previously described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages, including: (a) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of high exercise intensity; (b) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of an inclined foot path; (c) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of an increased stride length; (d) to provide a user of the stationary exercise apparatus with a benefit of better gluteus exercise; and (e) to provide at least a top member mounted to the stationary exercise apparatus. The present invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages described need to be incorporated into every embodiment thereof. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments 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.