Step through recumbent elliptical exercise apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a recumbent exercise apparatus that provides elliptical foot exercise 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. The pedals articulate to provide lower leg exercise with the heel and toe remaining in contact with the pedal while the pedals move along an inclined elliptical pedal curve. Arm exercise is adjustable to accommodate different size operators. A step through region free of linkage is provided for easy ingress and egress.

1 . an exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a framework, said framework configured to be supported by a horizontal surface and support a seated operator;    a pair of crank arms, said crank arms being connected generally opposed and configured to rotate about a pivot axis connected to said framework;    a pair of pedals, each said pedal operably associated with a corresponding crank arm to generate an elliptical pedal path;    said pedals configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of said seated operator is rotating said crank arms whereby said elliptical pedal path remains below said pivot axis during operation of said pedals.    
   
   
       2 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of linkage, each said linkage pivotally connected to a corresponding said crank arm and operably associated with said framework to guide said pedal along said elliptical pedal path.  
   
   
       3 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said linkage comprises a foot support member, said foot support member attached to said pedal and pivotally connected to a coupler link; 
 a first rocker link, said first rocker link pivotally connected to said foot support member and to said framework;    a second rocker link, said second rocker link pivotally connected to said framework;    said coupler link pivotally connected to a corresponding crank arm and said second rocker link.    
   
   
       4 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a load resistance device, said load resistance device operably associated with said crank arm.  
   
   
       5 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a flywheel, said flywheel operably associated with said crank arm.  
   
   
       6 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said pedals remain generally perpendicular to the lower leg of said seated operator during operation of said exercise apparatus.  
   
   
       7 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising arm exercise, said arm exercise operably associated with said crank arm.  
   
   
       8 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 7  further comprising a pair of handles for arm exercise, each said handle movably connected to a handle support.  
   
   
       9 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising a handle adjustment device, said handle adjustment device configured to allow said handles to be repositioned relative to said handle support to achieve handle locations that accommodate said seated operator.  
   
   
       10 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising; 
 a pair of first arm links, each said first arm link pivotally connected to a corresponding handle support and to said framework;    a pair of second arm links, each said second arm link pivotally connected to a corresponding said handle support and said framework;    a pair of connector links, each said connector link pivotally connected to a corresponding said first arm link and foot support member whereby said handle follows an arcuate curve.    
   
   
       11 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the position of said seated operator may be adjusted relative to said framework.  
   
   
       12 . An exercise apparatus comprising; 
 a framework,. said framework configured to be supported by a horizontal surface and support a seated operator;    a pair of crank arms, said crank arms being connected generally opposed and configured to rotate about a pivot axis connected to said framework;    a pair of foot support members, each said foot support member having a foot engaging pedal and pivotally connected to a coupler link;    a first rocker link, said first rocker link pivotally connected to said foot support member and to said framework;    a second rocker link, said second rocker link pivotally connected to said framework;    said coupler link pivotally connected to a corresponding crank arm and said second rocker link;    said pedals configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of said seated operator is rotating said crank arms whereby said pedals follow an elongate path positioned below said pivot axis.    
   
   
       13 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising a pair of handles for arm exercise, each said handle operably associated with a corresponding said foot support member.  
   
   
       14 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising a step through region, said step through region positioned between said pedals and said seated operator whereby said step through region is link free for easy ingress and egress of said operator.  
   
   
       15 . An exercise apparatus comprising; 
 a framework, said framework configured to be supported by a horizontal surface and support a seated operator;    a pair of crank arms, said crank arms being connected generally opposed and configured to rotate about a pivot axis connected to said framework;    a pair of linkage, each said linkage positioned forward said seated operator, pivotally connected to a corresponding said crank arm and operably associated with said framework;    a pair of foot support members, each foot support member operably associated with a corresponding said linkage;    a pair of pedals, each said pedal attached to a corresponding said foot support member and configured to follow an elongate pedal path for the toe and for the heel of said seated operator;    said pedals configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of said seated operator is rotating said crank arms whereby said elongate pedal path for the heel of said operator is longer than said elongate pedal path for the heel of said operator.    
   
   
       16 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 15  further comprising; 
 a pair of handles for arm exercise, each said handle associated with a handle support;    a pair of first arm links, each said first arm link pivotally connected to a corresponding handle support and to said framework;    a pair of second arm links, each said second arm link pivotally connected to a corresponding said handle support and said framework;    a pair of connector links, each said connector link pivotally connected to a corresponding said first arm link and foot support member whereby said handle follows an arcuate curve.    
   
   
       17 . An exercise apparatus comprising; 
 a framework, said framework configured to be supported by a horizontal surface;    a pair of crank arms, said crank arms being connected generally opposed and configured to rotate about a pivot axis connected to said framework;    a pair of handles for arm exercise, each handle associated with a handle support;    a pair of first arm links, each said first arm link pivotally connected to a corresponding handle support and to said framework;    a pair of second arm links, each said second arm link pivotally connected to a corresponding said handle support and said framework;    a pair of connector links, each said connector link pivotally connected to a corresponding said first arm link and operably associated with a corresponding said crank arm;    said handles configured to move relative to said framework when the handles are rotating said crank arms whereby said handles follow an arcuate curve.    
   
   
       18 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17  further comprising a handle adjustment device, said handle adjustment device configured to allow said handles to be repositioned relative to said handle support to achieve handle locations that accommodate an operator.  
   
   
       19 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17  further comprising a load resistance device, said load resistance device operably associated with said crank arms.  
   
   
       20 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17  further comprising a flywheel, said flywheel operably associated with said crank arms.