Patent ID: 6939271
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An exercise device to simulate various types of stepping motions, comprising: a frame having a pivot axis defined thereon, the frame configured to be supported on a floor; a first and second foot link, each foot link including a first rearward end and a second forward end; a foot supporting portion for receiving the user's feet, the foot supporting portion supported by the first and second foot links, said foot supporting portion sized and positioned on the first and second foot links to receive and support the user's feet while standing, said foot supporting portion having a heel supporting section and a toe supporting section; a coupling system associated with the first end of each foot link for coupling the first rearward end of each foot link to the pivot axis so that the first end of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the pivot axis; a guide associated with the frame and operative to engage and direct the second forward ends of the foot links along preselected reciprocating paths of travel at selected inclinations relative to the floor as the first ends of the respective foot links travel along their paths of travel, the guide including a length substantially defining a path of travel for the second ends of the first and second foot links so that when the exercise device is in use and when the second end of one of the foot links travels forwardly from a rearmost position, a heel portion of the user's foot and associated heal supporting section of the foot support initially rises at a faster rate than a toe portion and associated toe supporting section of the foot support thereof, and when the second rearward end of the foot link travels rearwardly from a foremost position, the heel portion of the user's foot and associated heal supporting section of the foot support initially lowers at a faster rate than the toe portion and associated toe supporting section of the foot support, the guide is pivotally coupled to the frame at a first location; and an elevation system having an outward extension which engages the guide at a second location spaced from the first location alone a length of the guide, the elevation system being manually operable for selectively changing the inclination relative to the floor of the reciprocating paths of travel of the second ends of the first and second fool links to selectively adjust the angular orientation of the guide relative to the floor, by selectively changing at least one of the elevation and angular orientation of the guide relative to tile floor, thereby altering the nominal relative inclination of a heel supporting section of the foot supporting portion relative to a toe supporting section of the foot supporting portion; wherein the elevation system may he selectively coupled to the frame above the floor to alter the elevation of the outward extension and thus the annular orientation of the guide relative to the floor.