Patent ID: 7794362
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An exercise device comprising: a frame having a first, a second and a third pivot point defined thereupon, said pivot points being spaced from one another; a crank assembly including a first crank arm, said crank assembly being pivotally supported on said frame at said first pivot point so that said first crank arm is rotatable thereabout; a first and a second reciprocating link each being pivotally supported on said frame at said second pivot point so that a first end of the reciprocating links can move in a first reciprocal path relative to said frame, said first and second reciprocating links being coupled together so that the reciprocal path of travel of said first reciprocating link is equal and opposite to the reciprocal path of travel of said second reciprocating link; a first and a second foot link, each being in mechanical communication with a respective reciprocating link through a pivot point on said foot link which is spaced from either end of said foot link; a first and a second swing arm, each being pivotally supported on said frame at said third pivot point so that a first end of each swing arm can move in a second reciprocal path relative to said frame, said swing arms being in mechanical communication with said crank assembly so that when said first crank arm rotates about said first pivot axis, said crank assembly causes said first ends of said swing arms to move in said second reciprocal path; a first and a second control link, each control link being connected to a respective foot link and to a respective swing arm so that when the first end of each of said swing arms travels in said second reciprocal path, its respective control link moves in a reciprocating path of travel and thereby raises and lowers a portion of the foot link; wherein in the use of said device, the connection point at which each swing arm is connected to its respective control link travels along a path from a first limit to a second limit; and wherein as each reciprocating link moves in said first reciprocal path of travel, the end thereof defines an angle, relative to the point at which said reciprocating link is pivotally supported on said frame; and wherein said apparatus is configured so that a line extending between said first and second limits is parallel to the bisector of said angle.