Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and a foot member end of travel apparatus. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The foot member end of travel apparatus provides a two-stage stiffness profile to the foot member indicating the end of travel to the user.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a flexible support element and a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible support element couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.

Abstract: A weight system includes a selector which is movable along weights and may be inserted into a void between adjacent weights.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a member that moves through a selected one of a plurality of differently available paths. A display provides a visual representation of the movement of the first member.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis. A foot link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is a pivotally connected to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the lower portion and a second portion coupled to the forward portion of the foot link, such that a rearward force applied to the upper portion will produce a force on the forward portion having a downward component. An arm enabling/disabling mechanism is positioned on the elongate swing arm below the pivotal connection. The arm enabling/disabling mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, a pair of foot supports, and at least one four-bar linkage assembly coupled to the frame. The at least one linkage assembly is coupled to at least one of the foot supports. The four-bar linkage assembly directs the foot support in a generally elliptical motion while in use. The generally elliptical motion defines a major dimension extending at an angle from horizontal that is within the range of about thirty degrees (30°) to about seventy-five degrees (75°) and the major dimension having a length that is within the range of about ten inches to about eighteen inches.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided including a foot link having a rearward end and a forward end. An adjustable stride mechanism is provided. The adjustable stride mechanism includes a primary gear and a secondary gear. The primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear. A primary crank connects the primary gear and the secondary gear. A timing belt connects the primary gear to the secondary gear. The primary crank and the timing belt enable the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear. A secondary crank is pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link. The secondary crank creates an ellipse-shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear. Thus, the foot link motion combines an at least a dual ellipse motion. An automatic adjusting mechanism can be provided to adjust the adjustable stride mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a member that moves through a selected one of a plurality of differently available paths. A display provides a visual representation of the movement of the first member.

Abstract: A weight system includes a selector which is movable along weights and may be inserted into a void between adjacent weights.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, a deck assembly, at least one deck deflection sensor, and a control system. The deck assembly is supported by the frame. The deck assembly includes a longitudinally extending deck, at least first and second rollers, and a belt positioned about the deck and the first and second rollers. The deck deflection sensor is coupled to the deck. The deck deflection sensor is a contactless displacement sensor including an electrical intermediate device and an aerial. The control system is operably coupled to the at least one deck deflection sensor.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and first and second directional resistance systems. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The first and second directional resistance systems are each coupled to the crank system. The first direction is different from the second direction.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and a foot member end of travel apparatus. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The foot member end of travel apparatus provides a two-stage stiffness profile to the foot member indicating the end of travel to the user.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill (20) is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly (50) is provided to allow a treadmill deck (32) to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin (56) transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (22). A pivot block (54) is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel (58) that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly (70) is provided having a foot (74) that is rotatable within a mounting block (72). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening (96) in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam (100) is provided between a motor compartment (102) and an adjacent endless belt (28). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt (120) is used between a motor assembly (104) and a roller assembly (24) that drives the endless belt (28). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame (22) is assembled using swaged fasteners (38).

Abstract: A self-actuated structure, such as an antenna structure, is provided that can be stowed in a compact manner and can be deployed in a self-actuated fashion. The self-actuated structure includes a flexible skin, a boom extending thereacross and rings about which the flexible skin can be folded such that a payload volume is defined therewithin. The self-actuated structure also has a plurality of ribs extending parallel to the boom that cooperate with the flexible skin to define a number of channels extending between the boom and an edge of the flexible skin. The structure also includes a plurality of self-deploying stiffeners disposed within respective channels. In this regard, the stiffeners can have an unbiased relaxed shape, such as a “U” shape, in the absence of external forces and a biased shape, such as a flat shape, upon the application of external bias forces.