Exercise apparatus

Abstract

Exercise apparatus of the stepper type which is adapted for use while the user is seated. The apparatus can be placed on the floor so that the user's legs can be exercised, or on a tabletop so that the user's arms can be exercised. Different combinations of resistance bands extending between a central post and user operated treadles provide different levels of resistance for the exercise. Changing the angle of the central post changes the range of motion for the exercise.

1 . Exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a base;   a pair of treadles mounted to said base for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis;   a post mounted to said base between said pair of treadles and extending upwardly from said base;   a pair of co-linear first holder rods each secured to said post and extending parallel to said first pivot axis each toward a respective one of said treadles;   a pair of second holder rods each secured to a respective one of said treadles and extending parallel to said first pivot axis toward said post; and   a pair of resilient resistance members each extending from a respective one of said first holder rods to a respective one of said second holder rods each on a respective side of said post.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said post is mounted to said base for angular pivoting about a second pivot axis parallel to said first pivot axis, and said apparatus further comprises:
 means for securing said post in a selected angular position about said second pivot axis.   
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said post has an aperture spaced a first distance from said second pivot axis, and said means for securing comprises:
 a plate member secured to said base adjacent to said post, wherein said plate member lies in a plane orthogonal to said second pivot axis, and wherein said plate member has a plurality of apertures arrayed in a circular arc centered at said second pivot axis and spaced said first distance from said second pivot axis; and   a holder extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures.   
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein said holder comprises a spring detent. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said spring detent includes a detent button extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures, the apparatus further comprising:
 a cover member mounted on said post and having a resilient flap extending over said plate member and said detent button.   
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a pair of massage pads each secured to a respective one of said treadles.   
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein:
 said base comprises a substantially U-shaped structure having a cross member and a pair of parallel arm members; and   said pair of treadles and said post are mounted to said cross member.   
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein each of said treadles includes a stop member which contacts a respective arm member of said base to limit downward movement of the respective treadle. 
     
     
         9 . Exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a base;   a treadle mounted to said base for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis;   a post mounted to said base adjacent said treadle and extending upwardly from said base;   a first holder rod secured to said post and extending parallel to said first pivot axis toward said treadle;   a second holder rod secured to said treadle and extending parallel to said first pivot axis toward said post; and   a resilient resistance member extending from said first holder rod to said second holder rod.   
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said post is mounted to said base for angular pivoting about a second pivot axis parallel to said first pivot axis, and said apparatus further comprises:
 means for securing said post in a selected angular position about said second pivot axis.   
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein said post has an aperture spaced a first distance from said second pivot axis, and said means for securing comprises:
 a plate member secured to said base adjacent to said post, wherein said plate member lies in a plane orthogonal to said second pivot axis, and wherein said plate member has a plurality of apertures arrayed in a circular arc centered at said second pivot axis and spaced said first distance from said second pivot axis; and   a holder extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein said holder comprises a spring detent. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein said spring detent includes a detent button extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures, the apparatus further comprising:
 a cover member mounted on said post and having a resilient flap extending over said plate member and said detent button.