Patent ID: 8092351

Claim:
An exercise apparatus allowing instantaneously variable striding motions, the exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame and adapted for continuous rotation, said crank system comprising a crank offset assembly configured to apply offset torque to the crank system when the crank system is in a dead center position; first and second brake devices; a right foot support member coupled to the frame; a left foot support member coupled to the frame; a first flexible support system comprising: a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the crank system and operative to rotate the crank system when the right foot support member moves downward; and a second flexible support system comprising: a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and the crank system and operative to rotate the crank system when the left foot support member moves downward, wherein force may be applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary among a climbing motion and a closed path walking, striding, or jogging motion, the length of the walking, striding, or jogging motion being instantaneously variable by the user as the user varies between a forward and rearward force applied to the foot support members, and wherein the first brake device provides resistance to rotation of the crank system and the second brake device provides resistance to horizontal motion of the foot support member.