Abstract: A resistance system for an exercise device may include: a drive shaft configured to be operably connected to a movable part of an exercise device such that movement of the movable part causes the drive shaft to rotate; and a resistance source operably connected with the drive shaft and configured to resist rotation of the drive shaft. An exercise device may include: a drive shaft rotatably supported by a frame; a resistance source operably connected with the drive shaft and configured to resist rotation of the drive shaft; and first and second treadle assemblies pivotally connected with the frame and including respective moving surfaces. In such an exercise device, the first treadle assembly and the second treadle assembly may be operably connected with the drive shaft such that pivotal movement of the first treadle assembly and pivotal movement of the second treadle assembly cause the drive shaft to rotate.

Abstract: An exercise machine composed of a frame, a first four bar linkage system, a second four bar linkage system, and a means for transferring an incident force from the legs of a user is disclosed. The first four bar linkage system is operably mounted on the frame and operably connects the transferring means to the frame to allow for back and forth movement of the transferring means along a path of travel about an instantaneously changing axis of rotation. The second four bar linkage system operably engages the first four bar linkage system. Either or both of the first four bar linkage system and the second four bar linkage system are operably connected to a resistance means, whereby the second four bar linkage system operates in conjunction with the first four bar linkage system and the resistance means to create a mechanical disadvantage to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of stands and lift bases capable of supporting various objects above a support surface. The stands and lift bases are configurable between a stationary and mobile configurations. The stands may include a frame and a top adapted to support various objects, and the lift bases may include a base adapted support a stationary stand. Embodiments of the stands and lift bases include a lift device that can be operated to engage or disengage wheels or rollers with the support surface to place the stand or base in stationary and mobile configurations. When in the mobile configuration, the stand or lift base is rollingly supported on the wheels or rollers. Some embodiments of the stands and lift bases also include locking devices that allow the user to fix the stand or lift base in the mobile and/or stationary configurations.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame defining a front portion and at least one front wheel operably coupled with the front portion of the frame. The exercise apparatus also comprises an elevation support frame defining a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is pivotally supported at the front portion of the frame and the rear portion operably supports at least one rear wheel. The exercise apparatus further comprises a motor coupled with the elevation support frame, the motor adapted to pivot the elevation support frame and extend the at least one rear wheel away from the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. Some embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a releasable connection mechanism that can be used to selectively and/or automatically limit or eliminate the variable stride feature of an exercise device.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt.

Abstract: Controlling the operation of an exercise apparatus configurable to facilitate a combination of a substantially horizontal and a substantially vertical exercise motion. Such control functions provide for various exercise levels and/or programs and may utilize various mechanisms, sensors, and other control apparatus to control the operation of the exercise apparatus for various exercise routines.

Abstract: An exercise device including a first monoarm treadle assembly supporting a first tread belt and a second monoarm treadle assembly supporting a second belt. The tread belt is supported on a tread deck between a front roller on each treadle assembly, and a rear roller, which may be a distinct rear roller on each treadle assembly or a single rear roller for both treadle assemblies. The monoarm structure of each treadle assembly supports a plurality of deck supports in a cantilever fashion. The treadmill deck and the belt are supported on the deck supports. Further, the treadles are coupled with one or more hydraulic resistance structures, which may also function as an interconnect structure to coordinate pivotal movement of the treadle assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.