초록 ▼

Apparatus which simulates the exercise obtained while climbing stairs includes two hydraulically phased steps retained in adjacent inclined tracks in which the steps are supported in a hydraulically open-ended system, with the phasing of the steps being controlled by a pair of in-line hydraulic actu

Apparatus which simulates the exercise obtained while climbing stairs includes two hydraulically phased steps retained in adjacent inclined tracks in which the steps are supported in a hydraulically open-ended system, with the phasing of the steps being controlled by a pair of in-line hydraulic actuators, one each associated with a step, in which fluid forced from one actuator with a downward movement of the associated step is channeled through a variable restricted orifice to the other actuator to raise the other step. In one lightweight, compact embodiment, the device is collapsed down to a compact size through the use of steps which are foldable to the track, and through the use of a track foldable to the frame. In its open position the lower portion of the frame props up the track at an appropriate climbing angle, with upper portions of the frame extending above the track to serve as handles positioned above the center of travel of the steps.

대표청구항 ▼

An exercise device comprising: a pair of inclined side-by-side tracks; a pair of steps, each mounted for translation in a different one of said tracks and each unrestricted in the amount of stroke during exercise, said steps being phased only hydraulically by an open loop system such that increased

An exercise device comprising: a pair of inclined side-by-side tracks; a pair of steps, each mounted for translation in a different one of said tracks and each unrestricted in the amount of stroke during exercise, said steps being phased only hydraulically by an open loop system such that increased fluid expansion during usuage results only in the raising of the steps, thereby eliminating pressure increase due to thermal expansion, said open loop system including said steps and a pair of hydraulic actuators for respective steps, each actuator including a cylinder and a rod disposed therein, with one end of a rod supporting a respective step; means for coupling fluid from one actuator to the other such that as one rod moves in one direction within the associated cylinder, the rod in the other cylinder moves in an opposite direction, said rods in unison being permitted to extend further up each cylinder during usage in accordance with the expansion of the fluid volume in the system due to the energy introduced into the system during usage such that the thermally induced pressure within the system stays substantially contant; and, fluid metering means interposed in said coupling means and including a variable restricted orifice, the size of said orifice determining the fluid flow rate, the stepping frequency, and thus the exercise rate, whereby excercise rate may be easily adjusted.