Patent ID: 7153238

Claim:
A simulated stair climbing-type exercise apparatus comprising: a stationary frame adapted for placement on a horizontal surface; at least one handrail secured to said frame; a first pedal assembly and a second pedal assembly, each said pedal assembly including a pedal; a first and a second generally vertical track member secured to said frame a first bearing mechanism and a second bearing mechanism wherein said first pedal assembly is secured to said first track member by said first bearing mechanism and said second pedal assembly is secured to said second track member by said second bearing mechanism such that said first and said second pedal assemblies can move in a generally vertical reciprocating motion and said first pedal and said second pedal are maintained generally parallel to a predetermined plane throughout said reciprocating motion between an upper position and a lower position; a first flexible member attached to said first pedal assembly and a second flexible member attached to said second pedal assembly; a resistance force mechanism secured to said frame; a transmission connected to said first and said second flexible members and to said resistance force mechanism such that said resistance force mechanism is effective to apply a resistance force opposing said first pedal assembly and said second pedal assembly movement in the downward portion of said vertical reciprocating motion; and a return mechanism secured to said frame and attached to said first and said second flexible members effective to move said first and second pedal assemblies in the upward portion of said vertical reciprocating motion.