Overhead handlebar assembly for an exercise apparatus

Abstract

An overhead handlebar assembly fixedly secured to the frame of an exercise apparatus. The overhead handlebar assembly may include handlebar support members, load sensors secured to the handlebar support members and a handlebar secured to the handlebar support members.

1 . An exercise apparatus, comprising
 a) a frame configured to rest on a flat surface, said frame including at least one stanchion;   b) an overhead handlebar assembly fixedly secured to said stanchion, said overhead handlebar assembly including:
 i) a handlebar support secured to said stanchion; 
 ii) a load sensor secured to said handlebar support; and 
 iii) a transversely extending handlebar secured to said handlebar support. 
   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said load sensor comprises a strain gage fixed to said handlebar support. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said handlebar is vertically adjustable relative to said stanchion. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including a treadmill belt movably supported by said frame. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right treadmill belts pivotally secured to said frame. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally elliptical path. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms through a generally elliptical stepping motion. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally elliptical path having longitudinal and lateral components. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally inclined path. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally gliding path. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  including left and right foot pedals operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot pedals along a generally cyclical path. 
     
     
         12 . An exercise apparatus, comprising
 a) a frame configured to rest on a flat surface;   b) an overheard handlebar assembly fixedly secured to said frame, said handlebar assembly including:
 i) left and right lower handlebar supports secured to respective sides of said frame; 
 ii) left and right upper handlebar supports secured to respective said left and right lower handlebar supports in vertical alignment; 
 iii) load sensors interposed between said left and right lower handlebar supports and respective said left and right upper handlebar supports; and 
 iv) a transversely extending handlebar secured to said left and right upper handlebar supports. 
   
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said handlebar is vertically adjustable along said left and right upper handlebar supports.