Patent ID: 8419598

Claim:
An elliptical exercise device, comprising: a frame having a pivot axis; a foot link having a rearward portion, a forward portion, and a foot support portion, the foot support portion having a central location; a coupling associated with the rearward portion of the foot link for coupling the rearward portion of the foot link to the pivot axis so that the rearward portion of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the pivot axis; a swing arm having a pivotal connection to the frame; an engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the foot link at a location rearward of the central location of the foot support portion, such that a force applied to the swing arm will produce a force on the foot link; and a guide system for supporting the forward portion of the foot link along a preselected reciprocating path of travel as the rearward portion of the foot link travels along its path of travel, the guide system selectably positionable in a plurality of different positions, such that when the exercise device is in use the foot support portion moves along a generally elliptical path of travel, wherein the guide system is selectably positionable at an angle from horizontal within the range of about zero degrees (0°) to about a forty degrees (40°).