Cross trainer exercise apparatus

Abstract

An elliptical exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus generally includes a frame, a pair of cranks pivotally connected to the frame and configured to rotate about a common axis, first and second reciprocating members, first and second support members, and first and second foot engaging members. The first end portion of each of the first and second reciprocating members may be pivotally coupled to the frame. The first portion of each of the first and second support members may be pivotally coupled to the corresponding crank, and the second portion of each of the first and second support members may be pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the corresponding reciprocating member. Each foot engaging member is coupled to a corresponding support member and may generally move through a closed path. Handle members may be coupled to the support members and may generally move through a closed path.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame configured to be supported by a supporting surface;   a crank pivotally connected to the frame;   a reciprocating member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the reciprocating member being pivotally coupled to the frame; and   a substantially rigid support member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the support member being pivotally coupled to the crank at a first moving pivot point, the second portion of the support member being pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the reciprocating member at a second moving pivot point, the substantially rigid support member maintaining a substantially constant distance between the first and second moving pivot points as the support member moves between a first position and a second position;   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle connected to the first portion of the support member. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first moving pivot point moves in a circular path, and wherein the handle constrains a user's hand to move through a generally elliptical path. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a flywheel operatively associated with the crank. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a load resistance operatively associated with the flywheel. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a foot engaging member coupled to the second portion of the support member on which a user's foot is supportable. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the foot engaging member is coupled to the second portion of the support member between the reciprocating member and the first portion of the support member. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the foot engaging member is coupled to the second portion of the support member behind the reciprocating member. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the foot engaging member is movable between a first position suited for a standing exercise and a second position suited for a sitting exercise. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a foot engaging member movably coupled to the second portion of the support member. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a connecting member coupled between the foot engaging member and the crank. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot axis of the crank is located above the reciprocating members. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a seat coupled to the frame and movable between a first position that is not suitable for use by the user and a second position that allows the user to sit on the seat while using the apparatus. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a crank mounted on the frame to rotate about an axis;   a guider having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the guider being coupled to the frame;   a support member having a first portion pivotally connected to the crank to rotate about the axis, and a second portion coupled to the second portion of the guider to move in a generally reciprocating path, the first and second portions being fixedly connected;   a handle coupled to the first portion of the support member; and   a foot engaging member coupled to the support member;   wherein the handle moves through a first closed path and the foot engaging member moves through a second closed path as the crank rotates about the axis.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the foot engaging member is coupled to the support member between the first and second portions of the support member. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the handle integrally extends from the first portion of the support member, and wherein the first closed path is substantially an elliptical path. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the foot engaging member is coupled to the support member behind the second portion of the support member. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the guider is a reciprocating member having a first portion pivotally connected to the frame and a second portion pivotally connected to the second portion of the support member. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the first portion of the reciprocating member is substantially below the second portion of the reciprocating member. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the first portion of the reciprocating member is substantially above the second portion of the reciprocating member. 
     
     
         21 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the guider is a track having a first portion connected to the frame and a second portion adapted to engage the second portion of the support member. 
     
     
         22 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second closed paths are substantially elliptical paths. 
     
     
         23 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the foot engaging member is movably coupled to the support member. 
     
     
         24 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a connecting member coupled between the foot engaging member and the crank. 
     
     
         25 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the foot engaging member is movable between a first position suited for a standing exercise and a second position suited for a sitting exercise. 
     
     
         26 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a seat coupled to the frame and movable between a first position that is not suitable for use by the user and a second position that allows the user to sit on the seat while using the apparatus. 
     
     
         27 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame configured to be supported by a supporting surface;   a pair of cranks, each crank being pivotally connected to the frame and configured to rotate about a common axis;   first and second reciprocating members, each reciprocating member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of each of the first and second reciprocating members being pivotally coupled to the frame;   first and second support members, each support member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of each of the first and second support members being pivotally coupled to the corresponding crank, the second portion of each of the first and second support members being pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the corresponding reciprocating member; and   first and second foot engaging members coupled to a corresponding support member, each foot engaging member moving through a closed path.