Seated exercise apparatus

Abstract

A seated exercise apparatus comprises a frame having a seat attached to the frame. A pair of opposed cranks are rotatably coupled to the frame such that they rotate about a first axis. A first end of each of a pair of elongated members is rotatably connected to the frame at a respective pivot joint. A second end of each of the elongated members is connected to a respective. The pivot joints are located outside of a plane of motion of their respective right and left pedals, such that the apparatus can fit within a more compact form factor, especially in a longitudinal dimension. The pedals move in a reciprocating path having an elliptical shape, in which the major axis is more vertical than horizontal, giving a more up and down, natural, pedal motion.

Claims

1. An apparatus for exercising, comprising: a frame; a crank axis toward a rear end of the apparatus and located on the frame, the crank axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus; a seat attached to the frame, the seat adapted to support a user in a seated position; first and second cranks each having a first end and a second end, each of the first ends of the first and second cranks rotatably coupled to the frame at the crank axis such that the first and second cranks rotate about the crank axis; first and second elongated members each having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first elongated member rotatably connected to the frame at a first pivot joint, and the first end of the second elongated member rotatably connected to the frame at a second pivot joint; first and second pedal arms each having a first end, a second end and a pivot portion between the first end and the second end, the first end of the first pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the first crank, the pivot portion of the first pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the first elongated member at a first pivot, the first end of the second pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the second crank, the pivot portion of the second pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the second elongated member at a second pivot; first and second pedals each configured to support a foot of the user, the first pedal operably connected to the first pedal arm proximate the second end of the first pedal arm, the second pedal operably connected to the second pedal arm proximate the second end of the second pedal arm, whereby the first and second pedals move in a generally reciprocating pattern defining a plane of motion of the first pedal and a plane of motion of the second pedal; wherein the first pivot joint is located to an outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal and the second pivot joint is located to an outside of the plane of motion of the second pedal; and wherein the first pivot joint is located within a transverse projection of a path of the first pedal, and the second pivot joint is located within a transverse projection of a path of the second pedal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulley to which the first and second cranks are attached, the pulley rotatably connected to the frame and configured to rotate about the crank axis.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a load resistance device operably coupled to the pulley and configured to provide an adjustable load resistance on the pulley.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame extends to the outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal on a right side of the apparatus and to the outside of the plane of motion of the second pedal on a left side of the apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a major axis of the path forms an acute angle of greater than 45 degrees from horizontal.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pedal is rigidly connected to the first pedal arm, and the second pedal is rigidly connected to the second pedal arm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pedal is operably connected to the first pedal arm in front of the first pivot.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable load resistance device operably coupled to the first and second cranks.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame extends to the outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal and the plane of motion of the second pedal to provide a frame structure supporting the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a lower cross bar having a right end and a left end, the lower cross bar extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the right end of the lower cross bar extending to the outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal and the left end of the lower cross bar extending to the outside of the plane of motion of the second pedal; a right front riser extending upward from the right end of the lower cross bar and providing a support for the first pivot joint; a left front riser extending upward from the left end of the lower cross bar and providing a support for the second pivot joint; and a u-shaped support bar having a first side connected to the right front riser and a second side connected to the left front riser, and a middle portion connected to a rear structure of the frame.

11. An apparatus for exercising, comprising: a frame; a crank axis toward a rear end of the apparatus and located on the frame, the crank axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus; a seat attached to the frame, the seat adapted to support a user in a seated position; first and second cranks each having a first end and a second end, each of the first ends of the first and second cranks rotatably coupled to the frame at the crank axis such that the first and second cranks rotate about the crank axis; first and second connecting rods each having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first connecting rod directly and rotatably connected to the frame at a first pivot joint, and the first end of the second connecting rod directly and rotatably connected to the frame at a second pivot joint; first and second pedal arms each having a first end, a second end and a pivot portion between the first end and the second end, the first end of the first pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the first crank, the pivot portion of the first pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting rod at a first pivot, the first end of the second pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the second crank, the pivot portion of the second pedal arm rotatably connected to the second end of the second connecting rod at a second pivot; first and second pedals each configured to support a foot of the user, the first pedal operably connected to the first pedal arm proximate the second end of the first pedal arm, the second pedal operably connected to the second pedal arm proximate the second end of the second pedal arm, whereby the first and second pedals move in a generally reciprocating pattern defining a plane of motion of the first pedal and a plane of motion of the second pedal; wherein the frame comprises: a lower cross bar having a right end and a left end, the lower cross bar extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the right end of the lower cross bar extending to the outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal and the left end of the lower cross bar extending to the outside of the plane of motion of the second pedal; a right front riser extending upward from the right end of the lower cross bar and providing a support for the first pivot joint; a left front riser extending upward from the left end of the lower cross bar and providing a support for the second pivot joint; and a u-shaped support bar having a first side connected to the right front riser and a second side connected to the left front riser, and a middle portion connected to a rear structure of the frame.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a pulley to which the first and second cranks are attached, the pulley rotatably connected to the frame and configured to rotate about the crank axis.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a load resistance device operably coupled to the pulley and configured to provide an adjustable load resistance on the pulley.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first pivot joint is located to an outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal and the second pivot joint is located to an outside of the plane of motion of the second pedal.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first pivot joint is located within a transverse projection of a path of the first pedal, and the second pivot joint is located within a transverse projection of a path of the second pedal.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first pivot joint is located to an outside of the plane of motion of the first pedal and the second pivot joint is located to an outside of the plane of motion of the second pedal; and wherein the first pivot joint is located within a transverse projection of a path of the first pedal, and the second pivot joint is located within a transverse projection of a path of the second pedal.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second pedals move in a generally reciprocating pattern along a path, and a major axis of the path forms an acute angle of greater than 45 degrees from horizontal.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first pedal is rigidly connected to the first pedal arm, and the second pedal is rigidly connected to the second pedal arm.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first pedal is operably connected to the first pedal arm in front of the first pivot.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an adjustable load resistance device operably coupled to the first and second cranks.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to similar elements, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, showing the pedal paths.

(7) FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, showing the adjustable handles.

(8) FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, showing the adjustable handles in the upper position.

(9) FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, showing the adjustable handles in the lower position.

(10) FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of as seated exercise apparatus according to the present invention.

(11) FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the seated exercise apparatus of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 is a top view of the seated exercise apparatus of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a seated exercise apparatus 30 is shown. The seated exercise apparatus 30 comprises a frame 1 which may be constructed of any suitably strong material, such as steel, aluminum, composite, or other suitable material(s). The frame 1 includes a base portion which extends from the back or distal end to the front or proximal end of the apparatus 30, along a longitudinal axis extending through the middle of the seat 6. The longitudinal axis also divides the apparatus horizontally into a first side on one side of the longitudinal axis and a second side on the other side of the longitudinal axis. In other words, the first side of the apparatus 30 is the right side of the user seated in the seat 6, and the second side is the left side, or vice versa. The base portion has four feet having adjustable heights which provide for a firm and stable foundation on a support surface such as the floor, and also allows for some leveling of the apparatus 1. The frame 1 further includes a plurality of risers, including in this exemplary embodiment, a front riser 40, a seat riser 42, and a crank riser 44.

(14) A seat 6 is attached to the seat riser. The seat 6 and seat riser 42 may be configured to adjust the seat position. In this example, the seat riser 42 includes a plurality of positions which adjust the seat's vertical and horizontal position so that the seat 6 can be adjusted to fit the particular user. The seat 6 may include a seat back. The seat 6 is oriented to position the user in a substantially upright seated position.

(15) A first crank 7 and second crank 8, each having a first end, and a second end are arranged substantially opposed to each other and positioned below and distal the seat 6. The first end of the first and second cranks 7, 8 are rotatably coupled to the frame 1 at the crank riser 44, such as through an axle, sleeve and bearings, or other suitable structure, such that the first and second cranks 7, 8 rotate about a first axis 2 defined by the axle, where the first axis 2 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 30. The first crank 7 and second crank 8 are typically disposed on opposing sides of the axle. The first and second cranks 7, 8 may be rotatably coupled to the frame through attachment to pulley 3 which is coupled to the frame using, for example, an axle, sleeve, and bearings, or other suitable structure.

(16) A flywheel 22 is rotatably coupled to the frame 1 at the crank riser 44 through a pivot axis 23, below and slightly proximal of the pulley 22 and first and second cranks 7, 8. The flywheel 22 is operably coupled to the pulley 3 by a belt 4. The belt 4 may be a chain, a belt, or other suitable, flexible engagement. An adjustable load resistance device 32 is operably coupled to the flywheel 22, and in turn to the pulley 3, to provide an adjustable load resistance on the pulley 3. The load resistance device 32 may use magnetic resistance, friction, an alternator, a fan, or other suitable adjustable load resistance mechanism. The load resistance device 32 may be operably coupled to a user console 24 configured to adjust the load resistance.

(17) A first elongated member 15 having is provided on the first side of the apparatus 30. The first elongated member 15 includes a first end 34, a second end 38, and a medial portion 36. The first end 34 is positioned generally proximal of a seated user and to the outside of the seat 6. The first end 34 has a handle 20 for a user to grip with their right hand. The first elongated member 15 extends from the handle 20 in a forward direction toward the proximal end of the apparatus 30. The medial portion 36 of the first elongated member 15 is positioned proximal the seat 6 and extends generally vertically downward so that it provides room for a user to mount the seat 6 without being hindered by the first elongated member 15 or the handle 20. The medial portion 36 is rotatably connected to the frame 1 at the front riser 40 at a second axis 19 which is transverse to the longitudinal axis, such that the first elongated member 15 rotates about the second axis 19. The first elongated member 15 then extends from the generally vertical medial portion 36 through a curved portion and along a generally horizontal portion to the second end 38, which is positioned near the bottom of the apparatus 30.

(18) A second elongated member 16 is disposed on the second side of the apparatus 30, and is a mirror image of the first elongated member 15, in both structure and coupling to the apparatus 30. The second elongated member 16 includes a first end 50, a second end 54, and a medial portion 52. The first end 50 is positioned generally proximal of a seated user and to the outside of the seat 6. The first end 50 has a handle 21 for a user to grip with their right hand. The second elongated member 16 extends from the handle 21 in a forward direction toward the proximal end of the apparatus 30. The medial portion 52 of the second elongated member 16 is positioned proximal the seat 6 and extends generally vertically downward so that it provides room for a user to mount the seat 6 without being hindered by the second elongated member 16 or the handle 21. The medial portion 52 is rotatably connected to the frame 6 at the front riser 40 at the second axis 19, such that the second elongated member 16 rotates about the second axis 19. The second elongated member 16 then extends from the generally vertical medial portion 52 through a curved portion and along a generally horizontal portion to the second end 54, which is positioned near the bottom of the apparatus 30.

(19) In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), the seated exercise apparatus 30 can be provided without handles 20 and 21 on the elongated members 15 and 16. In this embodiment, the elongated members 15 and 16 may end at the medial portions 36 and 52, respectively, or they may even end at the connection to the second axis 19. The seated exercise apparatus provide a leg exercise, only. In another aspect, the handles 20 and 21 may be removably attached to the elongated members 20 and 21, such that they could be installed if the user wants to use them, or removed if the user does not want to use them. The removable handles 20 and 21 include the upper portion of the elongated members 15 and 16, including the first ends 34 and 50. Then, the handles 20 and 21, and the upper portion of the elongated members 15 and 16 are removably coupled to the elongated members 20 and 21 at or proximate the connection to the second axis 19. For example, the handles 20 and 21 may each include a tube having a lower end that is coaxially received (inside or outside) by the upper end of the elongated members 15 and 16. A locking device can be used to lock the handles 20 and 21 in place on the elongated members 15 and 16. The locking device could be a spring loaded pin and detent mechanism, a locking screw, or other suitable device.

(20) A first pedal arm 9 having a first end 60, a second end 62, and a pivot portion 64 is disposed on the first side of the apparatus 30, with the first end 60 distal of the first elongated member 15 and the second end 62 proximal of the second end 38 of the first elongated member 15. The first end 60 of the pedal arm 9 is rotatably connected to the second end of the first crank 7 at pivot 11. The pivot portion 64 of the first pedal arm 9 is rotatably connected to the second end 38 of the first elongated member 15 at pivot 17. A first pedal 13 configured to support the right foot of the user is operably connected to the first pedal arm 15 proximate the second end 62 of the first pedal arm 9. The location of the pivot 17 relative to the first pedal 13 will determine the up and down motion of the first pedal 13, and can be changed according to the present invention. For example, if the pivot 17 is located distal of the first pedal 13, the first pedal 13 will have a reciprocating motion up and down in a generally elliptical path. If the first pedal 13 is placed directly over the pivot 17, then the first pedal 13 will move in a reciprocating motion up and down motion in an arcuate path. The more the pivot 17 is moved distally of the first pedal 13, the more elliptical the pedal path will be. Thus, a downward force on the first pedal 13 causes the first crank 7 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the first axis 2, in turn the first elongated member 15 rotates about the second axis 19, and the first pedal 13 moves in a steep up and down reciprocating motion (which may be arcuate or elliptical). The rotation of the first elongated member 15 about the second axis 19 causes the handle 20 to move through a reciprocating arcuate motion, which provides for coordinated movement of the first pedal 13 and the handle 20 (i.e. a complete cycle of the first pedal 13 corresponds to a complete cycle of the handle 20).

(21) Likewise, a second pedal arm 10 having a first end 70, a second end 72, and a pivot portion 74 is disposed on the second side of the apparatus 30, with the first end 70 distal of the second elongated member 16 and the second end 72 proximal of the second end 54 of the second elongated member 16. The first end 70 of the second arm 10 is rotatably connected to the second end of the second crank 8 at pivot 12. The pivot portion 74 of the second pedal arm 10 is rotatably connected to the second end 54 of the second elongated member 16 at pivot 18. A second pedal 14 configured to support the left foot of the user is operably connected to the second pedal arm 16 proximate the second end 72 of the second pedal arm 10. The location of the pivot 18 relative to the second pedal 14 will determine the up and down motion of the second pedal 14, and can be changed according to the present invention. For example, if the pivot 18 is located distal of the second pedal 14, the second pedal 14 will have a reciprocating motion up and down in a generally elliptical path. If the second pedal 14 is placed directly over the pivot 18, then the second pedal 14 will move in a reciprocating motion up and down motion in an arcuate path. The more the pivot 18 is moved distally of the second pedal 14, the more elliptical the pedal path will be. Similar to the first pedal 13 described above, a downward force on the second pedal 14 causes the first crank 8 to rotate in a clockwise direction (when facing the first crank 8) about the first axis 2, in turn the second elongated member 16 rotates about the second axis 19, and the second pedal 14 moves in a steep up and down reciprocating motion (which may be arcuate or elliptical). The rotation of the second elongated member 16 about the second axis 19 causes the handle 21 to move through a reciprocating arcuate motion, which provides for coordinated movement of the second pedal 14 and the handle 10.

(22) Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a seated exercise apparatus 90 is shown, which is identical to the seated exercise apparatus 30, except that the first pedal 13 is rotatably connected to the first pedal arm 9 and the second pedal 14 is rotatably connected to the second pedal arm 10. The pedals 13 and 14 can be rotatably coupled to the respective pedal arms 9 and 10 by any suitable means, such as a rotating pin and sleeve arrangement with the sleeve connected to one of the structures and the pin connected to the other structure.

(23) The apparatus 30 is configured such that the major axis of the reciprocating path of the first and second pedals 13, 14 is substantially vertical, and preferably at an angle of greater than 45 degrees to horizontal (or the floor) or 60 degrees to horizontal, or at an angle of greater than 70 degrees horizontal, or at an angle of greater than 80 degrees to horizontal (wherein vertical to horizontal is 90 degrees). This more vertical up and down motion of the pedal 13, 14 provides a more natural motion and creates less stress on the joints than the devices described above in which the pedals travel on a more horizontal path as the user is in a reclined position. Alternatively, the apparatus 30 may provide a more recumbent path in which the major axis of the path of the first and second pedals 13, 14 is at an angle of 45 degrees or less to horizontal (or the floor).

(24) During operation the user sits in a generally upright position with their body supported by seat 6. The user applies force to the first and second pedals 13, 14 resulting in a foot motion that is generally reciprocating. First and second pedals 13, 14 articulate in a manner that allows plantar flexion in the lower pedal position and dorsi flexion in the upper pedal position. The first and second handles 20, 21 move in an arcuate motion during operation of the first and second pedals 13, 14. As all of the moving parts are coupled at least indirectly to the rotation of the pulley 3, the motion of the first and second pedals 13, 14 and the first and second handles 20, 21 are coordinated.

(25) The first and second pedals 13, 14 throughout their motion are located proximal of the seat 16. Thus, it can be seen that the exercise apparatus 30 places less stress on the user's knees and is easily accessible for older users. Moreover, the apparatus 30 uses relatively simple pivot mechanisms, making the device easy to manufacture and assemble.

(26) Turning now to FIGS. 4-8, another embodiment of a seated exercise apparatus 30 is shown. The embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 is very similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, except for a few modifications as described below. Accordingly, like reference numerals refer to like elements among the embodiments, and the description of such elements above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 applies equally to the elements shown in FIGS. 4-8. Thus, such descriptions are not repeated.

(27) The major differences in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 are the invertible, adjustable handles 93 and 99, and the modification of the pedal paths 89 to a closed curvilinear path that is self-intersecting at an intersection point 105.

(28) Beginning with a description of the invertible handles shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-8, the first end 34 of the first elongated member 15 includes a slider tube 91, a first adjustment pin 92 and a first adjustable handle 93. The first adjustable handle 93 has a tubular portion 84, a vertical grip 94 (preferably oriented within 30 degrees or less to vertical) and a horizontal grip 95 (preferably oriented within 30 degrees or less to horizontal) which allows the user to hold the first adjustable handle 93 in different positions. The tubular portion 84 is slidably received within the first slider tube 91 to connect the first adjustable handle 93 to the first end 34 of the first elongated member 15. The adjustment pin 92 releasably locks the first adjustable handle 93 in a set position to the first end 34 of the first elongated member 15. Other suitable locking devices may be used in place of the adjustment pin 92, such as a pin and detent mechanism.

(29) Similarly for the second adjustable handle 99 on the other side of the apparatus 30, the first end 50 of the second elongated member 52 includes a slider tube 97, an adjustment pin 98 and a first adjustable handle 99. The first adjustable handle 99 has a tubular portion 85, a vertical grip 100 (preferably oriented within 30 degrees or less to vertical) and a horizontal grip 101 (preferably oriented within 30 degrees or less to horizontal) which allows the user to hold the first adjustable handle 99 in different positions. The tubular portion 85 is slidably received within the slider tube 97 to connect the second adjustable handle 99 to the first end 50 of the second elongated member 52. The adjustment pin 98 releasably locks the second adjustable handle 99 in a set position to the first end 50 of the second elongated member 52. Again, other suitable locking devices may be used in place of the adjustment pin 98, such as a pin and detent mechanism.

(30) As shown in FIG. 6, the first and second adjustable handles 93 and 99 can easily be inverted to move the handles from an upper position shown in solid lines to a lower position shown in dashed lines. The handles 93 and 99 are adjusted between the upper position and lower position simply by releasing the adjustment pins 92, 98, and rotating the adjustable handles 93 and 99 about the concentric axes 102, 103 of the tubular portions 84, 85 and slider tubes 91, 97, thereby rotating tubular portions 84, 85 within the slider tubes 91, 97, respectively. The first and second adjustable handles 93, 99 can also be adjusted.

(31) As shown in FIG. 7, the first and second adjustable handles 93 and 99 are in the upper position. In the upper position, the vertical grips 94, 100 are in a substantially vertical position. In this upper position of the handles, while holding the vertical grips 94, 100, the movement of the handles 93, 99 allows the user to exercise their chest and back muscles, by pushing and pulling through an upper arcuate motion 96.

(32) As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second adjustable handles 93 and 99 are in the lower position. Thus, the horizontal grips 95, 101 become positioned generally horizontal with respect to the floor and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 30. In this lower position, the horizontal grips 95, 101 are in a generally lower position and closer to the seated user. In the lower position, while holding the horizontal hand grips 94, 100, the movement of the handles 93, 99 allows the user to exercise their biceps and triceps by pushing and pulling through a lower arcuate motion 104. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the closed curvilinear path 89 of the first and second pedals 13, 14 is shown. The path 89 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 is different than the path 80 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 due to the different configuration of several of the components, such as the shape of the pedal arms and the elongated members, and the locations of the pedals and pivots connecting these elements. The different paths 89 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 show the paths at different points on the pedals 13, 14. In each case, the path 89 is a closed curvilinear path that self-intersects at an intersection point 105. In other words, the width between the path on the up-stroke and the down-stroke of the pedal converges to zero. The shape of the path looks like a very elongated figure eight. As can be best seen in FIG. 5, the point of intersection 105 is different for different locations on the pedals 13, 14. At the rear of the pedals 13, 14, the intersection point 105 is near the bottom of the path; near the middle of the pedals 13, 14, the intersection point is near the middle of the path; and the intersection point at the front of the pedals 13, 14 is near the top of the path. Accordingly, the path 105 is fairly straight, in a steep up and down motion. The major axis (a line between the top point of the path and the bottom point of the path) of the path 105 is preferably at an angles of greater than 45 degrees to the floor, or at an angle of greater than 70 degrees to the floor, or at an angle of greater than 80 degrees to the floor 9 (wherein vertical to the floor is 90 degrees).

(33) Turning now to FIGS. 9-11, another embodiment of a seated exercise apparatus 200 is shown. The embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 has many similar components to the seated exercise apparatus 30 embodiment of FIGS. 4-8, but has a significantly different configuration for the frame 201, and the seated exercise apparatus 200 is distinctively designed and configured to have a more compact overall size than the seated exercise apparatus 30, as described below. Accordingly, like reference numerals refer to like elements among the embodiments, and the description of such elements above with respect to FIGS. 1-8 applies equally to the elements shown in FIGS. 9-11. Thus, such descriptions are not repeated, except where necessary to explain the differences.

(34) As explained below, the seated exercise apparatus 200 of FIGS. 9-11 may advantageously be in a more compact form factor than other embodiments. This is accomplished by the innovative configuration of the frame 201, and the relative location of the pivot joints connecting the medial portions of the first and second elongated members to the frame 201. More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 9-11, the medial portion 36 of the first elongated member 15 is rotatably connected to the frame 201 at a first pivot joint 109 The first pivot joint 109 is located to the outside of the plane of motion of the entire first pedal 13. As used herein, the term outside means that one feature is toward the outer perimeter of the apparatus 200 relative to another feature. The plane of motion of the entire first pedal 13 refers to a plane defined by the path of any point on the first pedal 13. In this case, the path 107 (see FIG. 10) of the first pedal 13 is an elongated elliptical shape or a teardrop shape, in which the top part of the path ends in almost a point (very small radius), and the bottom part of the path has a larger minor diameter and a larger radius circular shape. Furthermore, the path 107 is oriented substantially vertical such that the path 107 defines a vertical plane through the first pedal 13. The major axis 108 of the reciprocating path 107 of the first and second pedals 13, 14 is substantially vertical, and preferably at an angle of greater than 45 degrees to horizontal (or the floor) or 60 degrees to horizontal, or at an angle of greater than 70 degrees horizontal, or at an angle of greater than 80 degrees to horizontal (wherein vertical to horizontal is 90 degrees).

(35) In other words, the first pivot joint 36 of the first elongated member 15 is located to the right side (the directional terms right, left, forward and backward are relative to the orientation of a person seated facing forward in the seat of the apparatus) of the plane of motion of the entire first pedal 13. In this way, the first pedal 13 may extend forward of the first pivot joint 109 without hitting or interfering with the first elongated member. Similarly, the medial portion 52 of the second elongated member 16 is rotatably connected to the frame 201 at a second pivot joint 110 which is located to the outside of the plane of motion of the entire second pedal 14. Again, in other words, the second pivot joint 110 of the second elongated member 16 is located to the left side of the plane of motion of the entire second pedal 14, such that the second pedal 14 may extend forward of the second pivot joint 110 without hitting or interfering with the second elongated member.

(36) In order to provide a compact overall form factor, the first and second pivot joints 109 and 110 may also be within a transverse projection of the path of the entire respective pedals 13 and 14. The transverse projection of the path of the entire pedal is a projection perpendicular to the plane of the path of the entire pedal. This may be better understood by visualizing the entire area covered by the motion of a cross-section or outside surface of the entire first pedal 13. This area is a two-dimensional shape lying in a vertical plane (i.e. a plane parallel to the paper in the side view of FIG. 10). Then, the transverse projection of this area is a projection perpendicular to the plane of the path. It can be seen that in the apparatus of FIGS. 9-11, the first pivot joint 109 is located within the transverse projection of the path of the first pedal 13, and the second pivot joint 110 is within the transverse projection of the second pedal 14. This allows the frame of the apparatus to be smaller and the overall size of the apparatus to be smaller than if the pivot joints 109 and 110 were located inside the plane of motion of the pedals such that the pivot joints would need to be located outside (e.g. forward) of the transverse projection of the path of the pedals.

(37) The frame 201 is specifically configured to be routed to the outside of the plane of motion of the first and second pedals 13 and 14 to provide a frame structure for the first and second pivot joints 109 and 110 to be located to the outside of the plane of motion of the pedals 13 and 14. More specifically, the frame 201 has a lower cross bar 116 that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 200. The lower cross bar 116 extends to the outside of the plane of the pedals 13 and 14 on each side of the apparatus 200. Then, a right front riser 114 extends upward from the lower cross bar 116 on the right side, and a left front riser 112 extends upward from the lower cross bar 116 on the left side. The right front riser 114 and left front riser 112 extend up to the location of the first pivot joint 109 and second pivot joint 110, respectively. The upper end of the right front riser 114 and left front riser 112 are then connected to a u-shaped support bar 118. The u-shaped support bar 118 is also connected to a rear structure of the frame 201, such as the frame structure housing and supporting the flywheel 22, the load resistance device 32, and the seat riser 42, among others.

(38) While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The invention, therefore, should not be limited, except to the following claims, and their equivalents.