Patent ID: 7678025
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right flexible element coupling locations and first and second left flexible element coupling locations; a crank system comprising a rotational axis and first and second crank coupling locations radially displaced from said rotational axis, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member having a right guide element; a left foot support member having a left guide element; a right flexible support system comprising a right flexible element, the right flexible element engaging the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location, said right flexible element coupled to and supported by the frame through the first and second right flexible element coupling locations, said right flexible element configured to carry tension while at least partially wrapping around the right guide element, said right guide element located horizontally intermediate and below the first and second right flexible element coupling locations during at least a portion of the time during use, said right guide element configured to allow the right flexible element to translate across the right guide element during use; and a left flexible support system comprising a left flexible element, the left flexible element engaging the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, said left flexible element coupled to and supported by the frame through the first and second left flexible element coupling locations, said left flexible element configured to carry tension while at least partially wrapping around the left guide element, said left guide element located horizontally intermediate and below the first and second left flexible element coupling locations during at least a portion of the time during use, said left guide element configured to allow the left flexible element to translate across the left guide element during use; wherein a user sustains rotation of the crank system by applying alternating vertical forces to the right and left foot support members during an exercise motion having nearly vertical orientation; and wherein force is applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary between a nearly vertical motion and a closed path striding motion, the length of the striding motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a forward and a rearward force applied to the foot support members.