Patent ID: 7507184
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A stationary exercise apparatus comprising: a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor, a crank system comprising first and second crank arms and a brake/inertia device adapted to resist rotation of the crank system, the crank system being supported by the frame, a right linkage assembly comprising a right arcuate motion member pivotally coupled to the frame and a right foot support member having first and second portions, said first portion pivotally coupled to the right arcuate motion member, the right arcuate motion member oriented in a generally vertical position during use, the right foot support member oriented in a generally horizontal position during use, said right linkage assembly configured so that the right foot support member may move forward and rearward while the crank system remains stationary without rotation, a left linkage assembly comprising a left arcuate motion member pivotally coupled to the frame and a left foot support member having first and second portions, said first portion pivotally coupled to the left arcuate motion member, the left arcuate motion member oriented in a generally vertical position during use, the left foot support member oriented in a generally horizontal position during use, said left linkage assembly configured so that the left foot support member may move forward and rearward while the crank system remains stationary without rotation, and first and second coupling systems each comprising a flexible element, the first coupling system coupling the first crank arm to the second portion of the right foot support member and the second coupling system coupling the second crank arm to the second portion of the left foot support member; wherein a user may undertake a walking, striding, jogging, or climbing motion; and wherein force may be applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary among a climbing motion and a closed path walking, striding, or jogging motion, the length of the walking, striding, or jogging motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a forward and rearward force applied to the foot support members, while resistance is applied by the crank system.