Patent ID: 8979714
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An elliptical exercise device comprising: a frame configured to be supported on a horizontal surface, the frame having a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis defined thereon; a first and a second guide link each having a first and a second attachment point defined thereon, each guide link being pivotally attached, through its first attachment point, to the frame at the first pivot axis thereof; a first and a second foot support link each configured to support a user's foot thereupon, each foot support link being pivotally connected to the second attachment point of a respective one of the guide links so that when the guide links reciprocate relative to the frame, they each cause their respective foot support link to move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion; a crank system pivotally attached to the frame at the second pivot axis thereof, the crank system being rotatable about the second pivot axis; a first and a second mechanical coupling each coupling a respective one of the foot support links to the crank system such that rotation of the crank system about the second pivot axis moves the foot support links in a path of travel having a vertical component of motion, each mechanical coupling including a foot support portion connected to the corresponding foot support link at a coupling attachment point and extending upwardly from the respective one of the foot support links to engage a vertical control guide, each vertical control guide being disposed rearwardly of the first and second pivot axes and above the second pivot axis; the corresponding first attachment point, second attachment point, vertical control guide, and coupling attachment point generally define vertices of a parallelogram when the coupling attachment point is at its lowest point during the path of travel; a first and a second intermediate link each having a first end coupled to the crank system and a second end coupled to a respective one of the guide links such that rotation of the crank system about the second pivot axis causes the respective first and second guide links to pivot about the first pivot axis such that the foot support links move in the path of travel having a horizontal component of motion; wherein the mechanical couplings and the intermediate links are coupled to the crank system such that the horizontal component of motion and the vertical component of motion are out of phase wherein when the horizontal component of motion of each foot support link is at its forwardmost or rearwardmost limit, the vertical component of motion of the same foot support link is approximately midway between its uppermost and lowermost limit; whereby a foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a generally elliptical path when the crank system rotates about the second pivot axis.