Patent Publication Number: US-10780314-B2

Title: Exercise apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/466,978 filed Mar. 23, 2017 which claims the benefit of priority to PCT/US2017/023375 filed Mar. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/313,256 filed Mar. 25, 2016, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. This application is also a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to PCT/US2017/023375 filed Mar. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/313,256 filed Mar. 25, 2016, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to physical exercise machines and more particularly to an exercise apparatus that enables users to perform a simulated walking, running or other back and forth leg movement exercise having a lateral component. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Exercise machines for simulating walking or running are known and used for directing the movement of a user&#39;s legs and feet in a variety of repetitive paths of travel. Machines commonly referred to as elliptical path machines have been designed to pivot the foot pedals on which the user&#39;s feet reside causing the pedals and the user&#39;s feet to travel in an elliptical or arcuate path. The angular degree of pivoting of the foot pedals in such elliptical or arcuate machines changes as the foot pedal travels from back to front and front to back along the path of travel or translation of the user&#39;s foot, by typically more than about 3 degrees and more typically more than 10-30 degrees. The path of travel of the foot pedal in such machines is not adjustable other than to change the shape of the ellipse. The foot travels along a different path from back to front than from front to back in such elliptical machines. There is no provision in such prior apparati for incorporating upper body exercise. There is no provision of a handle or hand grip that is interconnected to a foot pedal which together move/pivot simultaneously in the same back or forth direction. Further, there is no provision for the incorporation of guided lateral movement along the path of travel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention there is provided In accordance with the invention there is provided An exercise device comprising: 
     a frame ( 10 ) having a generally vertical planar axis (PA), 
     first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) suspended on the frame ( 10 ) by first ( 18   c ,  26   c ,  26   b ) and second ( 18   d ,  26   a ,  26   d ) linkage assemblies that are respectively arranged on the frame ( 10 ) such that the first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) are pivotable through a front to back arcuate path of travel (PT 1 , PT 2 ) that is disposed at a selected angle (θ, θ′) between about five and about forty five degrees relative to the generally vertical planar axis (PA), 
     one or the other or both of the frame linkage assemblies being interconnected to an adjustment device ( 55 ,  56 ) that is selectively adjustable by a user to select one of a plurality of discrete segments (AP, P 1 , AP′, P 2 ) of a master or overall path of arcuate travel (J) for the foot supports, 
     wherein each one of the plurality of discrete segments (AP, AP′, P 1 , P 2 ) are delimited by a unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) and a unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position contained within the master or overall path (J) of arcuate travel. 
     The frame ( 10 ) and linkage assemblies are preferably arranged such that a front edge ( 60 ) of a longitudinal axis (B) of the foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) when disposed in the rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position is spaced a rear lateral distance (RLD) from the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that extends from four inches to three feet measured along a line between the front edge ( 60 ) and the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that is normal to or intersects the generally vertical planar axis (PA) at ninety degrees and, 
     the front edge ( 60 ) of the longitudinal axis (B) of the foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) when disposed in the forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position is spaced a forward lateral distance (FLD) from the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that is at least three inches less than the rear lateral distance (RLD), typically 3 inches to 3 feet less, and preferably 8 inches to 3 feet less, measured along a line between the front edge ( 60 ) and the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that is normal to or intersects the generally vertical planar axis (PA) at ninety degrees. 
     Each of the plurality of discrete segments (AP, AP′, P 1 , P 2 ) typically defines a complete, reproducible path of exercise travel or cycle where the foot supports travel either from the unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position to the unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position and back to the unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position or from the unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position to the unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) and back to the unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position. 
     Such an apparatus can further comprise a lateral adjustment device ( 58   a ,  58   b ) interconnected to the linkage assemblies that enables the user to selectively adjust the selected angle (θ, θ′) a selected degree. 
     The foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) or the linkage assemblies ( 18   c ,  26   c ,  26   b ,  18   d ,  26   a ,  26   d ) typically travel along a path within a generally vertical travel plane (LP 1 , LP 2 ) that is disposed at the selected angle (θ, θ′) relative to the generally vertical planar axis (PA). 
     The overall or master arcuate path (J) is preferably a circular path defined around a single point (C). 
     The resistance assembly ( 55 ) can comprise a flywheel or pulley ( 34 ) or crank ( 40   a ,  40   b ). 
     The apparatus can further comprise first and second manually graspable input arms ( 100   a ,  100   b ) each pivotably interconnected to a respective one of the first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ). 
     The arms ( 100   a ,  100   b ) are preferably interconnected to the foot supports in an arrangement wherein the first input arm ( 100   a ) pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the first foot support ( 24   a ), the first input arm ( 100   a ) pivots rearwardly together backward and downward movement of the first foot support ( 23   a ), the second input arm ( 100   b ) pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the second foot support ( 24   b ) and the second input arm ( 100   b ) pivots rearwardly together with backward and downward movement of the second foot support ( 24   b ). 
     The resistance assembly typically comprises a resistance device that increases resistance exponentially relative to degree of increase in speed or velocity of movement of one or more of the foot pedals ( 24   a ), the arms ( 100   a ,  100   b ) or a moving component of the resistance assembly ( 55 ). 
     The exercise device can further include a segment adjustment device interconnected to the resistance assembly in an arrangement that defines said arc segments such that each arc segment has a different degree of incline. 
     The frame linkage assembly typically has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the frame linkage assembly is pivotally engaged with the frame, and wherein the second end of the frame linkage assembly is pivotally engaged with the foot support. 
     The frame linkage assembly preferably comprises a four bar linkage. 
     The exercise device can further comprise a motor interconnected to the crank, the motor being operable to controllably move the location of the crank to controllably select an arc segment. 
     The foot support typically comprises or is mounted on a linkage ( 62 ) that comprises a linkage of the four bar linkage. 
     The adjustment device can be manually actuatable by the user to enable the user to manually move the adjustment to any selectable one of a plurality of different fixed mechanical positions that fix or limit travel of the foot support via interconnection to the arc segment selection device to a corresponding one of the plurality of different arc segments (AP, AP′), the user selecting one of the plurality of different arc segments (AP, AP′) by exerting a selected amount or degree of manual force on the adjustment device that corresponds to a selected one of the plurality of different fixed mechanical positions. 
     The first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) are preferably pivotable through a front to back arcuate path of travel (PT 1 , PT 2 ) that is disposed at a selected angle (θ, θ′) between about ten and about twenty five degrees relative to the generally vertical planar axis (PA). 
     In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an exercise comprising disposing a left and right foot of a user in the first and second foot supports of the exercise device according to any of the foregoing described devices and moving the user&#39;s feet back and forth while disposed in the first and second foot supports. 
     In another aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise device comprising: 
     a frame ( 10 ) having a generally vertical planar axis (PA), 
     first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) suspended on the frame ( 10 ) and pivotally mounted on a distal end of first ( 18   c ,  26   c ,  26   b ,  62 ) and second ( 18   d ,  26   a ,  26   d ,  62 ) linkage assemblies pivotally mounted on the frame ( 10 ), the frame ( 10 ) and the linkage assemblies being adapted such that the first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) are pivotable through a front to back arcuate path of travel (PT 1 , PT 2 ), 
     one or the other or both of the frame linkage assemblies being interconnected to an adjustment device ( 55 ) that is selectively adjustable by a user to select one of a plurality of discrete segments (AP, P 1 , AP′, P 2 ) of a master or overall path of arcuate travel (J) for the foot supports, 
     wherein each one of the plurality of discrete segments (AP, AP′, P 1 , P 2 ) are delimited by a unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) and a unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position contained within the master or overall path (J) of arcuate travel, 
     wherein the frame ( 10 ) and linkage assemblies are arranged such that a front edge ( 60 ) of a longitudinal axis (B) of the foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) when disposed in the rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position is spaced a rear lateral distance (RLD) from the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that extends from four inches to three feet measured along a line between the front edge ( 60 ) and the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that is normal to or intersects the generally vertical planar axis (PA) at ninety degrees and, 
     the front edge ( 60 ) of the longitudinal axis (B) of the foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) when disposed in the forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position is spaced a forward lateral distance (FLD) from the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that is at least three inches less than the rear lateral distance (RLD), typically 3 inches to 3 feet less, and preferably 8 inches to 3 feet less, measured along a line between the front edge ( 60 ) and the generally vertical planar axis (PA) that is normal to or intersects the generally vertical planar axis (PA) at ninety degrees. 
     In such a device the first and second foot supports and the linkage assemblies are preferably arranged on the frame ( 10 ) such that the first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ) are pivotable through a front to back arcuate path of travel (PT 1 , PT 2 ) that is disposed at a selected angle (θ, θ′) between about five and about forty five degrees relative to the generally vertical planar axis (PA). 
     Such a device can further comprise first and second manually graspable input arms ( 100   a ,  100   b ) each pivotably interconnected to a respective one of the first and second foot supports ( 24   a ,  24   b ). 
     The arms ( 100   a ,  100   b ) are typically interconnected to the foot supports in an arrangement wherein the first input arm ( 100   a ) pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the first foot support ( 24   a ), the first input arm ( 100   a ) pivots rearwardly together backward and downward movement of the first foot support ( 23   a ), the second input arm ( 100   b ) pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the second foot support ( 24   b ) and the second input arm ( 100   b ) pivots rearwardly together with backward and downward movement of the second foot support ( 24   b ). 
     The resistance assembly preferably comprises a device that increases resistance exponentially relative to degree of increase in speed or velocity of movement of one or more of the foot pedals ( 24   a ), the arms ( 100   a ,  100   b ) or a moving component of the resistance assembly ( 55 ). 
     The device can include a segment adjustment device interconnected to the resistance assembly in an arrangement that defines said arc segments such that each arc segment has a different degree of incline. 
     The frame linkage assembly typically comprises a four bar linkage. 
     The device can further comprise a motor interconnected to the crank, the motor being operable to controllably move the location of the crank to controllably select an arc segment. 
     The foot support typically comprises or is mounted on a linkage that comprises a linkage of the four bar linkage. 
     The adjustment device can be manually actuatable by the user to enable the user to manually move the adjustment to any selectable one of a plurality of different fixed mechanical positions that fix or limit travel of the foot support via interconnection to the arc segment selection device to a corresponding one of the plurality of different arc segments (AP, AP′), the user selecting one of the plurality of different arc segments (AP, AP′) by exerting a selected amount or degree of manual force on the adjustment device that corresponds to a selected one of the plurality of different fixed mechanical positions. 
     Each of the plurality of discrete segments (AP, AP′, P 1 , P 2 ) typically defines a complete, reproducible path of exercise travel or cycle where the foot supports travel either from the unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position to the unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position and back to the unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) position or from the unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position to the unique rearwardmost (RM 1 , RM 2 ) and back to the unique forwardmost (FM 1 , FM 2 ) position. 
     In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an exercise comprising disposing a left and right foot of a user in the first and second foot supports of the exercise device and moving the user&#39;s feet back and forth while disposed in the first and second foot supports. 
     In another aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: 
     a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing on the foot support, the foot support being movable along an arcuate path offset laterally at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis (A) of the frame, and 
     a linkage assembly coupling the foot support to a resistance assembly, the linkage assembly being adjustable to select one of a plurality of segments of the arcuate path for back and forth movement by the foot support, the selected segment being delimited by a forward position of the foot support and a rearward position of the foot support, the linkage assembly and resistance assembly cooperating to allow the foot support to move back and forth through said selected segment for each successive back and forth movement of the foot support by a user. 
     A horizontal orientation of the foot support can be adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the frame. A longitudinal axis (B) of the foot support can remain parallel with the longitudinal axis (A) of the frame for each successive back and forth movement of the foot support by the user. 
     The angle of the arcuate path is preferably laterally adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the frame, and the longitudinal axis (B) of the foot support remains parallel with the longitudinal axis (A) of the frame during adjustment of the angle. 
     The linkage assembly can include a frame linkage movably engaged with the frame, wherein the foot support is movably engaged with the frame linkage. 
     The frame linkage can have a first end and a second end, where the first end of the frame linkage is pivotally engaged with the frame, and wherein the second end of the frame linkage is pivotally engaged with the foot support. The frame linkage can also include opposing pairs of linkages including a front frame linkage and a rear frame linkage, the front frame linkage pivotally coupled to a front area of the foot support and the rear frame linkage pivotally coupled to a rear area of the foot support. 
     The foot support can be supported by the frame linkage in a cantilevered arrangement. 
     The frame linkage can include a four bar linkage mechanism. In some cases, the four bar linkage mechanism includes a bottom linkage and a front frame linkage that are pivotally interconnected to a rear frame linkage for back and forth movement, the foot support being mounted on or to the bottom linkage in the cantilevered arrangement rearward of the rear frame linkage. 
     The linkage assembly further includes a drive linkage, wherein the drive linkage is connected at its first end to the frame linkage and at its opposing end to the resistance assembly. 
     The resistance assembly preferably includes at least one of a friction mechanism, an air resistance mechanism, and a electromechanical braking device. The resistance assembly can include a flywheel and a crank arm coupled to the flywheel, and wherein the drive linkage is connected at its first end to the frame linkage and at its opposing end to the crank arm. 
     The exercise apparatus can further comprise a manually graspable input arm pivotably interconnected to the foot support such that the arm pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the foot support and rearwardly together with backward and downward movement of the foot support. The input arm can be adjustable to move in a pivot path of selected degree of pivot. 
     The foot support can be supported on a curved surface of a ramp extending along the arcuate path. 
     Further provided is an exercise device comprising: 
     A foot support suspended from above on a frame having a front to back generally vertically planar longitudinal axis (B), the foot support being suspended on the frame by a pivotable linkage that supports a user in a generally upright position with the user&#39;s foot disposed on the foot support wherein the generally vertically planar axis (PA) generally intersects a median of an upper torso of the user when the user is disposed in the generally upright position, 
     The pivotable linkage being arranged on the frame to guide the foot support along a master arcuate path of travel that is oriented at a selected lateral angle relative to the generally vertically planar axis (PA) wherein the master arcuate path of travel extends between a forwardmost upward lateral position and a reawardmost downward lateral position, 
     An adjustment device interconnected to the pivotable linkage or the foot support, the adjustment device being controllably actuatable to limit travel of the foot support to a selectable one of a plurality of complete, reproducible different segments of the master arcuate path of travel, each segment comprising a different portion of the master arcuate path of travel, each different segment being defined such that the foot support travels between a segment specific forwardmost upward lateral position and a segment specific rearwardmost downward lateral position. 
     The foot support can be pivotably mounted to the linkage for rotation in a plane generally perpendicular to the generally vertically planar axis (PA). 
     The linkage can form one of the linkages of a four bar linkage, the four bar linkage further comprising a bottom linkage and a front linkage that are pivotally interconnected to the linkage that supports the user in a generally upright position. 
     The foot support can be pivotably mounted to the linkage in a cantilevered arrangement. 
     The adjustment device can adjustably interconnected to the cantilevered linkage through one or more other linkages, the adjustment device being operable by the user to select any one out of the plurality of different segments, each separate one of the plurality of different segments being reproducible and having a separate degree of incline and a separate rearwardmost and forwardmost position determined by the incline selector. 
     The linkage can form one of the linkages of a four bar linkage, the four bar linkage further comprising a rear linkage and a front linkage that are pivotally interconnected to the linkage for back and forth movement, the foot support being pivotably mounted on or to the linkage in the cantilevered arrangement rearward of the rear linkage. 
     The front linkage of the four bar linkage can be connected to an arm that reciprocally rotates together with the back and forth movement of the front linkage, the arm being interconnected to a resistance mechanism. 
     The resistance mechanism can be a wheel mechanism. 
     The arm can be pivotally interconnected to a link that is pivotally interconnected to the resistance mechanism. 
     The exercise device can further comprise a manually graspable input arm pivotably interconnected to the foot support such that the arm pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the foot support and rearwardly together with backward and downward movement of the foot support. 
     The foot support can be supported on the linkage, the linkage being supported on a curved surface of a ramp having a selected curved path of travel, the linkage being drivable by the user back and forth along the curved surface of the ramp between a rearwardmost position and a forwardmost position and the foot support travelling in a path together with the linkage along the selected curved path of travel of the ramp from the rearwardmost to the forwardmost positions and back along the same path to the rearwardmost position from the forwardmost position of each selected arc segment. 
     The linkage can be pivotally interconnected to an arm mounted to the frame at a selected pivot point for pivoting in a back and forth direction around the selected pivot point, the arm being readily manually graspable by the user on one side of the pivot point for exerting force in a forward or backward direction to forcibly cause the arm to pivot, the interconnection between the arm and the linkage being arranged such that the user&#39;s exertion of force on the arm in a forward or backward direction drives the rear linkage to travel along the ramp. 
     The linkage can be drivable back and forth along the path of travel on the ramp by the user&#39;s forcibly driving the user&#39;s foot in a back and forth direction while standing upright on the foot support. 
     The arm can have a handle disposed on the one side of the select pivot point for manual pivoting of the arm around the select pivot point by the user grasping and exerting forward or backward force on the handle, and the arm can be linked to the linkage through an arm linkage pivotably connected to the arm on the one side of the selected pivot point. 
     The arm can be linked to a resistance mechanism through a first crank, and the first crank can be pivotably interconnected to the resistance mechanism through a second crank. 
     The linkage can be linked to a resistance mechanism through a first crank, and the first crank can be pivotably interconnected to the resistance mechanism through a second crank. 
     The linkage can interconnected to a forward linkage, the forward linkage is interconnected to a resistance mechanism through a crank. 
     The arm can be connected to a forward linkage that is interconnected to the linkage. 
     The linkage can be interconnected to a forward linkage, and the forward linkage can be connected to the arm linkage and a crank. 
     The first crank can be interconnected to a second crank. 
     A resistance mechanism can be interconnected to the adjustment device, the adjustment device being operative to pivot the resistance mechanism to define a user selected segment of the master arcuate path of travel. 
     The foot support can be supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage, the adjustment mechanism being adjustably interconnected to the cantilevered rear linkage through one or more other linkages, the adjustment mechanism being operable by the user to select any one of the plurality of different segments of the master arcuate path of travel. 
     The rear linkage can form one of the linkages of a four bar linkage, the four bar linkage further comprising a bottom linkage and a front linkage that are pivotally interconnected to the rear linkage for back and forth movement, the foot support being mounted on or to the bottom linkage in the cantilevered arrangement rearward of the rear linkage. 
     The front linkage of the four bar linkage can be connected to an arm that reciprocally rotates together with the back and forth movement of the front linkage, the arm being interconnected to a resistance mechanism. 
     The resistance mechanism can comprise a wheel mechanism. 
     The arm can be pivotally interconnected to a link that is pivotally interconnected to the resistance mechanism. 
     A manually graspable input arm pivotably can be interconnected to the foot support such that the arm pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the foot support and rearwardly together with backward and downward movement of the foot support. 
     The adjustment device can be connected to the foot support via a bell crank. 
     A manually graspable input arm pivotably can be interconnected to a foot support such that the arm pivots forwardly together with forward and upward movement of the foot support and rearwardly together with backward and downward movement of the foot support, wherein the foot support is supported in a cantilevered arrangement on the linkage. 
     The frame linkage can include an arrangement of left and right front, bottom and rear linkages pivotally interconnected to each other, the foot supports being mounted on the bottom linkages rearward of the rear linkage. 
     The foot support can be interconnected to the resistance assembly via a bell crank. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of the right foot support and four bar linkage assembly of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a left exploded perspective view of the components shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a is a side view of an apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a cantilevered foot support; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 7  adjusted to have an arc segment path of a greater incline; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a curved ramp. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a subassembly of an apparatus according to the invention showing the linkage assemblies adjusted to limit the travel of the foot supports along a first selected arc segment AP of an overall or master segment J the, selected segment AP limiting the travel of the foot supports between a first forwardmost position FM 1  and a first rearwardmost position RM 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10  showing the linkage assemblies foot adjusted to limit the travel of the foot supports along a second selected arc segment AP′ of the overall or master segment J the, selected segment AP′ limiting the travel of the foot supports between a second forwardmost position FM 2  and a second rearwardmost position RM 2 . 
         FIG. 12  is a right side view of an apparatus similar to the  FIG. 1  apparatus showing the resistance assembly  55  without a housing and having a manually actuatable arc segment selection device such as a screw with a handle. 
         FIG. 12A  is an enlarged right side view of a portion of  FIG. 12  showing the resistance assembly in a forwardly pivoted position relative to the position of the resistance assembly as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 12B  is a plot showing the non-linearly increasing relationship between the degree of opposing force exerted by a fan wheel against the user&#39;s exertion of input force and the rotational speed of the fan. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with the present invention. The device includes a frame  10  having a front region  12 , a rear region  14 , “legs”  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c  and  16   d , and upper supports  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c , and  18   d . Upper supports  18   c  and  18   d  comprise the upper links of a pair of four bar linkages (comprised on the right side of the apparatus, for example, of top bar  18   c , pivotable linkages  26   a ,  26   c  and foot support mounting plate  62  that is mounted to mounting rods  74  extending from the distal ends of linkages  26   a ,  26   c ) and part of the arcuate portion of the frame, terminate in legs  16   c  and  16   b  respectively and are an integral part of frame  10 . A display/control panel  20  and hand grips  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d  are secured to the frame  10 . 
     Frame  10  includes a front to back generally vertical planar axis PA that extends longitudinally from front to back A. Generally vertical planar axis PA and longitudinal axis A generally intersects a median of an upper torso of the user when the user is disposed in the generally upright position on the device. As describe below with reference to  FIG. 6 , the pivotable linkage arranged on frame  10  guide foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  along a master arcuate path of travel that is oriented at a selected lateral angle relative to the generally vertical planar axis PA and longitudinal axis A, where the master arcuate path of travel extends between a forwardmost upward lateral position and a reawardmost downward lateral position. 
     Foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are sized to receive the foot of a user. Foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are movably connected to, and supported by, forward linkages or legs  26   a  and  26   b , and rear linkages  26   c  and  26   d . Linkages  26   a - 26   d  are movably connected to the rear region  14  of frame  10  by upper supports or links  18   d  and  18   c . Although the device is shown with opposing pairs of linkages supporting each foot support, other embodiments are contemplated having fewer or more linkages supporting and controlling the range and path of motion of foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  associated with the linkage(s). 
     The foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  approximate a shod human foot in size and shape. They can include a non-skid surface and be bounded by one or more low lips to help a shoe remain in place on the foot supports during use. Alternately, straps may maintain each foot within the foot support to further retain the user&#39;s foot in place during use. However, as used herein, a “foot support” can also encompass any designated support such as a pedal, a pad, a toe clip, or other foot/toe/leg and device interface structure as is known in the art. 
     The forward linkages or legs  26   a  and  26   b  are movably connected to drive linkages  28   a  and  28   b ; and the drive linkages are in turn connected to other elements. In other embodiments, the drive linkages  28   a  and  28   b  are connected directly to the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b . Additionally, “foot supports” can be on or integral to either the forward linkages or to the one or more linkages joined to the frame. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , representative movable connectors  31   a ,  31   b ,  31   c , and  31   d  include pivot assemblies, as known in the art, that provide very smooth and easy relative rotation or reciprocal motion by elements joined by the pivot assemblies. Movable connectors  31   b  and  31   d  rotatably couple forward linkages or legs  26   b  and  26   a , respectively, to upper supports or links  18   c  and  18   d . Movable connectors  31   c  and  31   a  rotatably couple rear linkages  26   c  and  26   d , respectively, to upper supports or links  18   c  and  18   d . Other connection assemblies that permit similar motion are contemplated by the invention. The movable connectors allow for a smooth and controlled swinging of foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  in an arcuate path. The arcuate path can be laterally offset at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of frame  10  by adjustable hinges  58   a  and  58   b  as described in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1  illustrating internal elements of a resistance assembly  55 . As illustrated, the forward ends of drive linkages  28   a  and  28   b  are shown attached to crank arms  40   a  and  40   b , which are connected to a crankshaft  32  that turns a pulley  34  mounted on the crankshaft  32 . Top bearings  36   a  and  36   b , shown in  FIG. 3 , receive the crankshaft  32  are secured to a mounting  38 . Crank arms  40   a  and  40   b  are secured to each end of the crankshaft  32  and are movably coupled to the drive linkages  28   a  and  28   b , respectively, as is known in the art. A second pulley  42 , rotatably mounted on stationary shaft  44 , which is mounted to frame member  38 , is coupled to the pulley  34  with a belt  50 . A second belt  52  couples the second pulley  42  to a brake assembly  54 , which includes a rotatable mass such as a flywheel or an electromechanical brake (e.g., an eddy current brake) secured to the mounting  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mounting  38  pivots around bottom bearings  46   a  and  46   b  so as to be rotatable fore and aft. A motor  56  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) or supplemental motor (not shown), responsive to input from the display/control panel  20 , can act as a tilt actuator to tilt the mounting  38  and the elements affixed thereto. In one embodiment the motor  56  or supplemental motor (not shown) can be adapted to be responsive to input from a user interface or display/control panel  20  where the motor  56  acts to drive a tilt actuator such as a pneumatic or hydraulic or electric actuator  56   a  that has a controllably extendible piston or screw  56   p  driven by the motor  56 , the extendible piston or screw  56   p  acting on extension or retraction to tilt the mounting  38  back and forth and the elements affixed thereto thus adjusting the selection of arc segment depending on the degree of tilting of the mount  38  and associated pulley  34  and second pulley  42 . Thus the controllable operation of the motor  56  effects controllable and selective tilting of the mounting  38  and concomitantly the forward to backward tilt or pivot position of the resistance device  55  resulting in selection of an arc segment having a unique selectable height H 1 , H 2 , path of travel AP, AP′, forwardmost position FM 1 , FM 2  and rearwardmost position RM 1 , RM 2  in the same manner as shown and described herein with reference to  FIGS. 10, 11 . The motor  56  and associated components can alternatively be substituted for by a manual arc selection mechanism such as a screw  225  as described with reference to  FIGS. 12, 12A . 
     As shown, the pulley  34 , the second pulley  42  and the resistance assembly  55  including a brake  54  rotate about an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the frame  10 . It should be clear from the above description of the drive system that both foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are synchronized together by the motion of crankshaft  32 . It should also be noted that there are no clutches between crankshaft  32  and brake assembly  54 . This is done to allow the inertia of brake assembly  54  within resistance assembly  55  to assist the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  through the weaker portion of the range of motion of the user&#39;s leg. 
     Although the brake assembly  54  is the preferred component in resistance assembly  55 , various other braking devices such as known to those skilled in the art can be associated with the rotatable elements to inhibit rotation thereof. The braking device may include but is not limited to any of the following: friction and air resistance devices such as fans, pneumatic or hydraulic devices, as well as various other types of electromechanical braking devices. This list is by no means exhaustive and represents only a few examples of resistance mechanisms that may be incorporated into the present invention. One configuration disclosed herein uses a flywheel and eddy current brake which promotes a smooth, bilateral, reciprocal motion that is easily maintained by a device user. Further, resistance assembly  55  can be enclosed within a housing to protect the user from the internal elements of resistance assembly  55 . An alternative resistance assembly can comprise a fan  54   a ,  FIGS. 10, 11  that exponentially increases the degree resistance with the increase in speed of rotation of the fan  54   a.    
     The resistance or brake mechanism  54 ,  54   a  can comprise a mechanism that increases resistance exponentially with the increase in degree of speed or velocity of travel of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  or with the degree of increase in speed or velocity of movement of the resistance mechanism itself. 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 1 . The illustration in  FIG. 4  is how a user would view the device upon mounting. Foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are positioned to allow the user to place his or her feet on the foot supports. As described above, clips or straps may be used to firmly secure the user&#39;s feet within their respective foot supports. Drive linkages  28   a  and  28   b  are coupled to either side of resistance assembly  55 . Crankshaft  32  is connected to each of the drive linkages via crank arms  40   a  and  40   b . Handles  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d  allow the user to steady themselves while the user&#39;s legs move in an arcuate path of motion. 
     Monitor  20  may include displays and controls to allow the user to manipulate the intensity of the resistance to create an easier or more difficult exercise routine and to adjust the motion path of the foot supports to one that is more inclined or less inclined. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 . In this view, the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b , forward linkages or legs  26   a ,  26   b  and rear linkages or legs  26   c ,  26   d  are presented from a perspective that allows ready visualization of the path that foot supports  24   a  and  24   b , and thus a user&#39;s feet, will traverse as the foot supports move fore and aft while suspended from the forward and rear linkages. It will be noted that as foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  move fore and aft, the forward and aft limit of motion is not unbounded. Rather, the range of motion is defined by the length of the crank arms  40   a  and  40   b  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), which provide an appropriate stride length. Further, because the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are pivotally connected to, and swing with, the forward linkages  26   a ,  26   b  and rear linkages  26   c ,  26   d , the foot supports travel a curved or arcuate path, and not an elliptical path, to provide more favorable biomechanics. 
     The motion path for the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  can also be altered by adjusting the position of mounting  38 . As described above, the mounting  38  is pivotally mounted to the frame member and pivots fore and aft upon command. As is evident by reference to the Figures, pivoting the mounting  38  forward moves the components secured directly or indirectly thereto forward. Likewise, pivoting the mounting  38  rearward causes the components secured directly or indirectly thereto to move rearward. This repositioning causes the motion path of the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  to move to a different location along an arcuate path around a point of rotation “p”, shown here between pivot assemblies  31   b  and  31   c , at a distance established by the length of the forward and rear linkages or legs  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  and  26   d . Thus, the specific location on the arc or arc segment (“the motion path”) is user selectable to increase or decrease stride angle and location from a number of user selectable points, or arc segments P 1 , AP, P 2 , AP′ defined around the point of rotation. Further, as described in  FIG. 6 , the motion path has a lateral offset at an angle θ, θ′ relative to the longitudinal axis A, AP of frame  10  that is adjustable via pivot mechanisms where a forward end of the upper links  18   c ,  18   d  of the linkage assemblies  18   c ,  26   b ,  26   c ,  24   b  and  18   d ,  26   a ,  26   d ,  24   a  are laterally pivotably connected to the frame via a pivot mechanism such as hinges  58   a  and  58   b.    
     In operation, a user approaches the device from the rear region  14 , grasps the hand grips  22   a  and  22   b , and places a foot on each of the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b . The user&#39;s feet and legs begin to move fore and aft in a comfortable stride. The user selects an exercise program or manually adjusts the device by imputing commands via the display/control panel  20 . In response to the command input, the resistance to fore and aft movement of the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  can be altered by impeding rotation of the pulleys  34 ,  42  or flywheel. Also, in response to command, input, the mounting  38  is moved fore or aft. As shown, when the mounting  38  moves forward, the motion path of the foot supports is on a more inclined or vertical define arc segment. To discontinue use of the device, a user simply stops striding, thereby causing the movement of the device to stop, and dismounts from the foot supports. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the device of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, foot support  24   a  can move back and forth in an arcuate motion along path PT 1 . Similarly, foot support  24   b  can move back and forth in an arcuate motion along path PT 2 . Each of paths PT 1 , PT 2  can be laterally offset at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis A of the frame. For instance,  FIG. 6  shows path PT 1  offset at an angle θ, and path PT 2  offset at an angle θ′. Preferably, angles θ, θ′ are equivalent such that paths PT 1 , PT 2  are mirrored across longitudinal axis A of the frame. Angles θ, θ′ can also be adjusted via adjustable hinges  58   a ,  58   b , respectively. In this manner, angles θ and θ′, and therefore the arcuate motion along paths PT 1  and PT 2 , can be varied between about 0° (i.e., parallel with longitudinal axis A) and about 35°. 
     As foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  move along paths PT 1 , PT 2 , it is preferable that a longitudinal axis B of the foot supports remains parallel with longitudinal axis A of the frame. Thus, the horizontal orientation of each of foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  can be manually or automatically adjustable to compensate for lateral offset angles θ, θ′. For instance,  FIG. 6  shows path PF along which foot support  24   b  can be rotated to keep longitudinal axis B parallel with longitudinal axis A of the frame. 
     Although  FIG. 6  depicts a specific embodiment of the present invention, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, adjustable hinges  58   a  and  58   b  can be disposed at varying locations along the frame. Moreover, other configurations, such as adjustable foot supports, can be used together with or in place of hinges  58   a ,  58   b  to create a lateral offset angles θ, θ′ in the arcuate motion of foot supports  24   a ,  24   b . Further, although paths PT 1  and PT 2  depict a straight path when looking down on the arcuate motion, it should be appreciated that a degree of inward curvature (i.e., curvature toward longitudinal axis B) or outward curvature (i.e., curvature away from longitudinal axis B) can be introduced. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  are pivotably mounted at a front edge or point  60  to a foot support plate  62  that ties the distal ends of the pivotable linkages  26   b ,  26   c  together to form a four bar linkage. The front edge or point  60  is disposed along and intersects the longitudinal axis B of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b . The frame  10  and linkage assemblies are arranged such that a front edge or point  60  of the foot support longitudinal axis B when disposed in the rearwardmost RM 1 , RM 2  position is spaced a rear lateral distance RLD from the vertical planar axis PA of the device that extends from four inches to three feet as measured along a line that is normal to or intersects the generally vertical planar axis (PA) at ninety degrees. 
     Also as shown in  FIG. 6 , the front edge or point  60  of the longitudinal axis B of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b , when disposed in the forwardmost FM 1 , FM 2  position is spaced a forward lateral distance FLD from the vertical planar axis PA that is at least three inches less than the rear lateral distance (RLD), typically 3 inches to 3 feet less, and preferably 8 inches to 3 feet less, measured along a line that is normal to or intersects the generally vertical planar axis (PA) at ninety degrees. 
       FIGS. 6A, 6B  illustrate one embodiment of four bar linkage where a support plate  62  forms the bottommost link of a four bar linkage formed by an upper link  18   c , a pair of pivotable leg linkages  26   b ,  26   c  and the support plate  62 . As shown, a foot support  24   b  is pivotably mounted on the upper surface of the support plate  62  for pivoting around the mounting aperture  60 . The support plate  62  is a rigid structure such that it can act as a linkage within the four bar linkage. A pair of mounting tubes  70  are attached typically via welding to the undersurface of the plate  62  and include a pair of rotatable bearings  72  through which mounting rods  74  extending from the distal ends of legs  26   b ,  26   c  are insertable such that plate  62  can be rotatably mounted to the distal ends of legs  26   b ,  26   c  and form the lower link of the four bar linkage. In the embodiment shown, the support plate  62  is provided with positioning adjustment apertures  68  for receiving a pin  24   p  that extends from the undersurface of foot support  24   b , the pin  24   p  fixing the angular position or orientation of the support  24   b  relative to the support plate  62  when inserted into one of the apertures  68  such that the foot support does not freely rotate around aperture  60 . An exemplary means of adjusting the angle of the foot supports is shown in  FIG. 6B , an exploded perspective view of the foot support of  FIG. 6A . As shown in  FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B , the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  may be adjustable through an angular range, PF, of around 25 degrees. The foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  are pivotally mounted  60  to baseplates  62 . Threaded posts  64  can be provided on the underside of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  which can be loosened or clamped by means of thumbnuts  66  to allow the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  to be selectively indexed to a desired angle PF by indexing means  68 . The baseplates  62  have bearing tubes  70  affixed to their undersides. The bearing tubes have bearings  72  mounted at each end that in turn are supported on spindles or axles  74  which are affixed to the lower ends of linkages  26   a - 26   d  such that the baseplate  62  remains generally parallel to the ground when the linkages are pivoted back and forth from front to back and back to front. The angular fixing of the foot supports relative to the baseplates  62  is preferred so that the risk of the user&#39;s losing balance or control of their footing is minimized. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the handles  100   c ,  100   d  and arms  100   a ,  100   b  follow the front to back movement of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  with a pivoting front to back or back to front movement. That is, when the right foot support  24   a  moves forwardly the right handle  100   c  and arm  100   a  pivot or move forwardly, and when the right foot support  24   a  moves backwardly the right handle  100   c  and arm  100   a  pivot or move rearwardly. Similarly, when the left foot support  24   b  moves forwardly the handle  100   d  and arm  100   b  pivot or move forwardly, and when the left foot support  24   b  moves rearwardly the handle  100   d  and arm  100   b  pivot or move rearwardly. As shown the frame linkage assembly generally moves forwardly and backwardly together with forward and backward movement of the input handles and arms. The degree of front to back pivoting of the arms  100   a ,  100   b  can be predetermined at least by selective positioning of the pivot joints  108   a ,  108   b ,  110   a ,  110   b , selective positioning of the mount  104  and selection of the lengths of linkage arms  102   a ,  102   b.    
     In the embodiments shown, the user can reduce or transfer the amount of energy or power required by the user&#39;s legs and/or feet to cause the foot supports to travel along the arcuate path P 1 , P 2  from back to front by pushing forwardly on the upper end of the arms  100   a ,  100   b  during the back to front movement. And, the user can increase the speed of forward movement by such pushing, or reduce the speed and increase the power or energy required by the legs to effect forward movement by pulling. Conversely, the user can reduce or transfer the amount of power or energy required to cause the foot supports to move from front to back by pulling backwardly on the upper end of the arms. And, the user can increase the speed of rearward movement by such pulling or reduce the speed by pushing, or reduce the speed and increase the power or energy required by the legs to effect rearward movement by pushing. 
     The linkage and foot support assemblies,  24   a - b ,  26   a - d ,  18   e - f  that are pivotably linked via the linkages  102   a ,  102   b  to the pivotably mounted arms  100   a ,  100   b  can be configured to enable the foot support and the plane in which the sole of the foot is mounted to either not rotate or to rotate/pivot to any desired degree during front to back movement by preselecting the lengths of each and any of the links  26   a - d ,  18   e - f  appropriately to cause the desired degree of rotation/pivoting. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , drive linkages  28   a  and  28   b  are interconnected to brake  54  at opposing 180 degree circle positions  40   c ,  40   d  from the center of rotation of the shaft  32  and crank arms  40   a ,  40   b  of brake  54 , i.e. the linkages are connected at maximum forward and maximum rearward drive positions respectively. This 180 degree opposing interconnection causes foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  to always travel in opposite back and forth directions, i.e. when the right foot support is traveling forward the left foot support is traveling backwards and vice versa. Similarly, the pivotably mounted arms  100   a  and  100   b  are interconnected to the brake  54  such that when the right arm is moving forward the left arm is moving backward and vice versa. 
     In any event, foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  and input arms  100   a ,  100   b  are linked to the resistance assembly such that when the left side components (i.e., left foot support and associated input arm) are traveling forward the right side components (i.e. right foot support associated input arm) are traveling backward for at least the majority of the travel path and vice versa. 
     In the same manner as forward or backward pivoting of the mounting member  38  changes the degree of incline, height and/or path of travel of foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  as described above, a forward or backward pivoting of the mounting member  38  also changes the degree of back to front pivoting and/or the degree of path of travel of arms  100   a ,  100   b . Thus, in the same manner as the user is able to select the degree of incline of the path of travel of the foot supports, e.g. arc path P 1 , P 2 , the user is able to select the degree, length, path of travel of back to front, front to back pivot stroke or travel path of input arms,  100   a ,  100   b , by adjusting the front to back pivot position of the linkage  102   a ,  102   b.    
     As shown, the vertically disposed links  26   a - d  of the four bar linkage are pivotally connected and supported at upper pivot points, e.g., points  527 ,  529  on the frame members  18   e - f  and pivotally connected to the lower linkages  525   a - b  at lower pivot points, e.g., points  535 ,  537 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the longitudinal lengths L of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  extend beyond and rearwardly of the lower inside lengths X of the lower four bar linkages  525   a ,  525   b  and thus beyond, i.e., rearwardly of the pivot points  535  at which the lower linkages  525   a - b , are pivotally connected to the rear linkages  26   c - d . By such an arrangement, the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are cantilevered in their structure, function and movement relative to the four bar linkage assembly around lower pivot points  535 . The load DO exerted on foot supports  24   a - b  by a user as shown is supported primarily by rear linkages  26   c, d  at the pivot connections  535 . 
     The degree of leverage or cantileverage force exertable by exertion of a downward force DO on the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  around the pivot points  535  can be varied by variably selecting the overall distance by which the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  extend beyond or rearwardly of the lower pivot points  535  of the four bar linkage assembly. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the rear end of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b  are distanced away from the pivot points  535  by distance L. As shown the front terminal ends of the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  are connected to the rear terminal ends of lower bar or linkages  525   a ,  525   b , the maximum cantilever distance in the  FIG. 7  embodiment being essentially the length L of the foot supports  24   a ,  24   b . As can be readily imagined, the leverage/cantileverage force can be selectively varied by varying the distance by which the foot supports extend rearwardly of the pivot points  535 . 
     Thus, by mounting or connecting the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b  to the lower bar/linkage such that some portion or all of the length of the foot supports extend rearwardly or beyond the position of the lower rear pivot points  535  of the four bar linkage, the user is provided with the ability to exert a lever or cantilever force when pushing downwardly DO or forwardly FO,  FIG. 7  with the user&#39;s legs and/or feet on the top surface of the foot supports  24   a  and  24   b . The degree of such leverage can be selected by preselecting the length L or the distance of mounting of the foot support from the pivot points  535 . The longer the cantilever distance, the greater the cantilever or lever force that is exertable with the same amount of DO force. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which foot supports  224  are movable along an arcuate path defined by corresponding ramps or rails  230  on which the foot supports  224  are typically rollably (e.g. on wheels  225  mounted to the underside of the foot supports  224 ) or slidably mounted for back and forth, up and down reciprocal movement along ramps  230 . The path of the foot supports  224  on or along the ramps/rails  230  is arcuate and preferably laterally offset at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of apparatus  200 . Further, the arcuate path is preferably the same identical arcuate path from front to back as from back to front in the course of an exercise cycle by the user of the apparatus  200 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the exercise apparatus  200  includes a stationary frame  240 , a frame linkage assembly  250  pivotally/movably engaged with the frame  240 , the one or more foot supports  224  being pivotally engaged with the frame linkage assembly  250 . The apparatus includes a crank mechanism  260  pivotally engaged with the frame linkage  250 . The crank mechanism  260  is typically connected an electromechanical and mechanical resistance mechanism  255  can provide resistance to back and forth motion of the foot supports. 
     The foot supports  224  have a generally planar support surface  242  for receiving the sole of a user-subject&#39;s foot. The foot supports  224  have a front to back center axis X and are pivotally interconnected to drive linkages that have a front to back center axis Y. During travel of the foot supports  224  and the drive linkages from back X 1 , Y 1  to front X 2 , Y 2  and from front X 2 , Y 2  to back X 1 , Y 1 , the axes X and Y remain generally parallel to a fixed reference (e.g., ground). 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , in operation, a user approaches the device from the rear region of the apparatus, then moves toward the front region of the apparatus and grasps the hand grips  271  of the input arms  270  which are pivotably mounted to the frame at pivot point  275  for back and forth  277   b ,  277   f  motion. The user then places a foot on each of the foot supports  224  and moves the user&#39;s feet in a forward  223   f  and backward  223   b  motion. The user can exert force in performance of the exercise by either forcibly moving the feet and legs on the supports  224  or by forcibly moving the handles  271  and arms  270  fore and aft. As a result of the arrangement of the linkage and other interconnections between foot supports  224  and the arms  270 , when the user pushes the right arm  271  forward and pulls the left arm  271  backwardly the corresponding right foot support  224  is simultaneously forcibly moved forwardly and the corresponding left foot support  224  is simultaneously forcibly moved backwardly. Similarly, when the user pushes the right foot support  224  forward and pulls the left foot support  224  backwardly the corresponding right arm  270  is simultaneously forcibly moved forwardly and the corresponding left arm  270  is simultaneously forcibly moved backwardly. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  more clearly illustrate the previously described selectability of the arc segment when the mounting member  38  and its associated control components  30  such as flywheel  54   a , brake and crank elements is/are pivoted or tilted from one orientation to another. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the pivotable mounting member  38  is positioned with its longitudinal axis X arranged in about a vertical orientation. In this orientation, the maximum difference in height or incline H 1  between the rearwardmost position  24   b ′ of the foot pedal  24   b  and forwardmost position  24   b ″ of the foot pedal  24   b  is less than the maximum difference in height or incline H 2  of  FIG. 11  where the axis of the mounting member  38  and its associated components  30  have been tilted or pivoted forwardly by an angle A from the position of  FIG. 10 . As shown, the arcuate path AP of the pedals  24   b  in  FIG. 10 , going from position  24   b ′ to  24   b ″ is less steep or upwardly inclined than the arcuate path AP′ of the pedals going from position  24   b ′″ to  24   b ″″ in  FIG. 11 . Thus, as shown, the user can select the degree of arc of travel of the pedals by selecting the position of tilt of assembly  30  to which the linkage bars  28   b  are attached. 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  the pedals travel along the same path AP or AP′ from front to rear and from rear to front. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12, 12A , the arc segment selection device can comprise a manually, as opposed to motor  56 , driven, device such as a screw  225  having a manually engageable and drivable crank or wheel handle  227  connected to a proximal end of the screw  225  that is preferably mounted so as to be readily manually accessible and engageable by a user located in the user disposition region  14  of the apparatus  10 . The handle is readily rotatable or turnable by hand by a typical human user so as enable the user to readily effect rotation T of the screw  225  to any desired degree of rotation quickly and immediately upon manual engagement. The screw  225  is screwably engaged at distal position with a screw receiving bracket or nut  38   a ,  FIG. 12 , that is attached to the mounting bracket or arm  38  such that when the screw  225  is rotated either counterclockwise or clockwise, the bracket or arm  38  will pivot back and forth FB a selectable distance depending on the degree of rotation T of the screw. In the same manner as described below with reference to the motor driven adjustment embodiments the degree of such pivoting back and forth FB of bracket or arm  38  as determined by the degree and direction of rotation T of screw  225  enables the user to selectively change the identity of the particular arc segment AP, AP′ through which the foot pedals  24   a ,  24   b  will travel when the pedals are driven between a forwardmost upward FM 1 , FM 2  and rearwardmost RM 1 , RM 2  downward position. Depending on the particular arc segment chosen by the user, the degree of incline of the foot pedals and thus the degree of difficulty of driving the foot pedals  24   a ,  24   b  back and forth will vary as described above with reference to the motor driven arc segment selection device. As shown in  FIG. 12  the bracket or arm  38  is disposed in a first generally vertical disposition similar to the disposition shown in  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 12A , the screw has been turned T such that the bracket or arm  38  is now disposed at an angle A relative to the position of  FIG. 12A  (similar to the difference in arm and foot pedal positions between  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 ) and the horizontal components of force required to drive the foot pedals  24   a ,  24   b  through the new arc segment associated with the new pivoted position A of the bracket or arm  38  has changed relative to the position of the arm in  FIG. 12  and thus degree of difficulty of the force F needed to perform an exercise cycle has been selectively changed by the user. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein, and that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.