Patent ID: 7645215

Claim:
An exercise device comprising: a base member; a support mechanism connected to said base member; a leg linkage mechanism coupled to said support mechanism, said leg linkage mechanism defining a pair of leg linkages each having an upper leg linkage member with a first end pivotally coupled to said support mechanism and a second end directly pivotally coupled to a lower leg linkage member with a foot platform disposed on a lower end of the lower linkage member; a drive system rotationally coupled to said support mechanism and said leg linkage mechanism for selectively adjusting a displacement distance between said foot platforms and said base member; a suspension mechanism contiguous to and rotatable about a portion of said support mechanism and coupled to said lower leg linkage members for enabling guided movement of said leg linkage mechanism; a leg interlink system including a pair of linkage rods each rotationally coupled to a respective one of said upper leg linkage members of said pair of leg linkages for directionally constraining substantially opposite displacement of said leg linkages each with respect to the other; whereby said foot platforms are selectively adjustable during exercise without stopping movement for varying gaits of a user devoid of mechanical adjustment, said gaits comprising walking, striding, stair stepping, or any combination thereof; said support mechanism comprises a pair of upright members, each said upright member respectively extending from said base member, a pair of frame extension members respectively extending from an upper portion of said upright member, and a bridge tube coupled to and extending between said upright members; and a spring bar coupled to said bridge tube and a portion of said suspension mechanism, said spring bar controlling a user's ability to simulate uphill and downhill travel by controllably angularly displacing said pair of leg linkage mechanisms in substantially the same direction.