Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a foot supporting member. The crank rotates about a crank axis relative to a frame, and a distal portion of a link moves relative to a connection point on the frame. An intermediate portion of the link is rotatably connected to the crank, and an opposite distal portion of the link is rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supporting member. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member is movably connected to the frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The apparatus may be folded into a storage configuration having an overall height which is less than the greater of the diameter of the crank and the diameter of a flywheel which rotates together with the crank.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of an adjustable length crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a first link having a rearward end which is rotatably connected to the crank, and a forward end which is rotatably connected to a lower end of a suspended link. An upper portion of the suspended link is rotatably connected to the exercise apparatus frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotational motion and/or reciprocal pivoting motion to elliptical travel of a force receiving member. In one embodiment, a first link is pivotally mounted on a frame; a crank is rotatably mounted on the frame; a second link is rotatably connected to the crank; the force receiving member is rotatably interconnected between the first link and the second link; and a connector is rotatably interconnected between the first link and the second link. In another embodiment, the first link is pivotally mounted on a post which in turn, is pivotally mounted on a frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which is movably mounted on a frame and links rotation of left and right crank to elliptical movement of left and right foot supporting members. The linkage assembly includes left and right connector links having three discrete connection points. A first connection point on each connector link is rotatably connected to a respective crank. A second connection point on each connector link is constrained to move through a predetermined path relative to the frame. A third connection point on each connector link is connected to a first portion of a respective foot supporting link. A second portion of each foot supporting link is constrained to move through a predetermined path relative to the frame. The path of the foot supporting links may be altered by adjusting a first frame member relative to a second member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has (a) a bi-modal seat that readily transforms between a first configuration, which is adapted for conventional cycling, and a second configuration, which is adapted for recumbent cycling; (b) a bi-modal flywheel assembly that readily switches between a direct drive configuration and a free-wheel configuration; and/or (c) a braking assembly which readily stops rotation of the flywheel at the discretion of a user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a foot supporting member having a first end rotatably connected to a crank and a second, opposite end supported by a roller which is selectively movable in a radial direction.

Abstract: A recumbent cycling apparatus includes a foot support which moves through a substantially elliptical path of motion relative to a frame. A seat is movably mounted on the frame to facilitate adjustment of the seat relative to the foot support.

Abstract: A cycling mechanism consisting of foot pedals attached to rotatable cranks, in which the crank axes are independently connected to the machine frame in a movable manner such that in addition to each of cranks being rotatable about their respective axis, the crank axes are simultaneously allowed to translate to thereby cause the attached foot pedals to move in a combined revolving and axis translating manner. A flywheel or electric motor may be rotatably connected to the cranks to synchronize the cranks, and provide momentum characteristics. When used on an exercise machine, work may be performed to cause the pedals to rotate, or to cause the crank axis to translate.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a crank rotatably mounted on a frame; a connector link having an intermediate portion rotatably connected to the crank; a foot platform rotatably connected to an upper end of the connector link; a rocker link rotatably connected to a lower end of the connector link; a control link rotatably interconnected between the foot platform and the rocker link; and a handle bar link rotatably mounted on the frame and movably connected to the rocker link.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a foot supporting member. The crank rotates about a crank axis relative to a frame, and a distal portion of a link moves relative to a connection point on the frame. An intermediate portion of the link is rotatably connected to the crank, and an opposite distal portion of the link is rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supporting member. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member is constrained to move in reciprocating fashion relative to the frame. In the preferred embodiment, a rocker link is rotatably interconnected between the foot supporting member and the frame, and an upper end of the rocker link is sized and configured for grasping by a person standing on the foot supporting member. In an alternative embodiment, the rocker link is selectively linked to a discrete handle member which is similarly rotatably mounted on the frame.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the lower body, the upper body, or both simultaneously. The mechanism consists of a crank, a rocker, a connector link, and a stationary fourth link so arranged as to cause a portion of the connector link to travel about a closed curve resembling an ellipse, a tear drop shape, or any variation thereof. A flywheel and/or force resisting means may be added to provide inertial characteristics and drag resistance to the operator.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a foot supporting member. The linkage assembly includes a first link having a first end rotatably connected to a first rocker link, an intermediate portion rotatably connected to the crank, and a second end rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supporting member. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member is rotatably connected to a second rocker link. An upper distal portion of the second rocker link is sized and configured for grasping by a person standing on the foot supporting member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a force receiving member movable relative to a frame. A roller is rotatably mounted on a first crank and supports a rearward portion of the force receiving member. A link is rotatably interconnected between a second crank and an intermediate portion of the force receiving member. The cranks, the roller, and the link cooperate with the force receiving member to move the latter in a desired path.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A support member is movably supported between a frame and a crank rotatably mounted on the frame. The foot supporting member moves vertically together with the support member and horizontally relative to the support member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a support member that is movable relative to a frame, and a force receiving member that is movable relative to the support member. A first end of the support member is pivotally connected to the frame, and a second, opposite end of the support member is supported on a crank. A flexible link is interconnected between the crank and the force receiving member. The crank, the roller, the support member, and the link cooperate to move the force receiving member in a desired path.

Abstract: A four bar linkage is interconnected between a crank and a force receiving member. The linkage links rotation of the crank to generally elliptical movement of the force receiving member. The linkage includes a first link having a first end rotatably connected to the crank; a second link having a first end rotatably connected to a second, opposite end of the first link, an intermediate portion rotatably connected to the frame, and a second, opposite end rotatably connected to an intermediate portion of a fourth link; a third link having a first end rotatably connected to an intermediate portion of the first link, and a second, opposite end rotatably connected to a first end of the fourth link; and a force receiving member connected to at least one of the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link.

Abstract: A crank is rotatably mounted on a frame, and a roller is rotatably mounted on the crank at a radially displaced location. A force receiving member and a discrete support member bear against the roller. The roller links rotation of the crank relative to the frame to up and down movement of both the force receiving member and the support member and to back and forth movement of the force receiving member relative to the support member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a crank rotatably mounted on a frame, and an axially extending support connected to the crank at a radially displaced location. Both a force receiving member and a discrete support member are linked to the axially extending support in such a manner that rotation of the crank relative to the frame is linked to movement of the force receiving member in a generally elliptical path relative to the frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a support member that is movable relative to a frame, and a force receiving member that is movable relative to the support member. A first end of the support member is pivotally connected to the frame, and a second, opposite end of the support member is supported on a first crank. A link is interconnected between a second crank and the force receiving member. The cranks, the roller, the support member, and the link cooperate to move the force receiving member in a desired path.