Patent ID: 7303511

Claim:
An exercise device comprising: a frame transversely extending from a first lateral end to an opposing second lateral end, the frame being configured to be supported on a surface and having a central portion between the first and second lateral ends; a pair of coaxial torque tubes transversely elongated end to end from a first lateral end, proximate the first lateral end of the frame, to an opposing second lateral end, proximate the second lateral end of the frame, the torque tubes being rotatably mounted to the frame, each of the torque tubes including a helical fin having a first surface and a second surface, opposing the first surface, the helical fin extending about a cylindrical surface of each of the torque tubes, the helical fin being continuous and rigidly fixed with respect to the cylindrical surface at least from proximate the central portion to proximate the first lateral end of one of the torque tubes and from proximate the central portion to proximate the second lateral end of the other of the torque tubes; a first foot carriage assembly having at least one drive wheel rotatably coupled to a foot support member, the drive wheel being positioned on the first surface of the helical fin to allow transverse motion of the first foot carriage assembly between proximate the central portion and proximate the first lateral end of the frame, the one torque tube rotating when the drive wheel moves along the first surface of the helical fin; and a second foot carriage assembly having at least one drive wheel rotatably coupled to a foot support member, the drive wheel being positioned on the first surface of the helical fin to allow transverse motion of the second foot carriage assembly between proximate the central portion and proximate the second lateral end of the frame, the other torque tube rotating when the drive wheel moves along the first surface of the helical fin.