Abstract: An exercise machine includes a joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a pivot rod, a first component connected to the pivot rod, a second component connected to the pivot rod, and a bushing mounted on the pivot rod between the first component and the second component. The bushing includes a body with a first side and a second side, the body comprising an elastic, flexible material; a first plate connected to the first side of the body; and a second plate connected to the second side of the body.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank arm and a roller connected to the crank arm. A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly includes a pedal beam and a first tensioned element that spans at least a first portion of an underside of the pedal beam. A second tensioned element spans a second portion of the underside of the pedal beam and the roller is disposed between the first tensioned element and the second tensioned element.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly is in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank axle, a crank arm connected to the crank axle, and a roller connected to a distal end of the crank arm. A first pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. A second pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in the performance of the exercise. Each of the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly include a pedal beam and a first tensioned element spanning at least a portion of an underside of the pedal beam. At least a portion of the resistance mechanism is disposed between the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a pivot rod, a first component connected to the pivot rod, a second component connected to the pivot rod, and a bushing mounted on the pivot rod between the first component and the second component. The bushing includes a body with a first side and a second side, the body comprising an elastic, flexible material; a first plate connected to the first side of the body; and a second plate connected to the second side of the body.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank arm and a roller connected to the crank arm. A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly includes a pedal beam and a first tensioned element that spans at least a first portion of an underside of the pedal beam. A second tensioned element spans a second portion of the underside of the pedal beam and the roller is disposed between the first tensioned element and the second tensioned element.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly is in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank axle, a crank arm connected to the crank axle, and a roller connected to a distal end of the crank arm. A first pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. A second pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in the performance of the exercise. Each of the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly include a pedal beam and a first tensioned element spanning at least a portion of an underside of the pedal beam. At least a portion of the resistance mechanism is disposed between the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly.

Abstract: An improved lift apparatus for use in a treadmill having a support base and a treadbase is disclosed. The lift apparatus includes a lift motor assembly linked to the support base and to a cam. The first cam can be attached to a torsion bar linked to the support base. An incline link bar is linked to the first cam and to the treadbase. The force generated by the motor assembly is efficiently translated from the cam to the treadbase, thereby inclining the treadbase.

Abstract: An exercise device having a cushioning mechanism assembly configured to absorb energy during exercise is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cushioning mechanism assembly comprises a first and second biasing apparatus having a spring element configured to absorb energy by undergoing elastic deformation. According to another aspect of the present invention, a lever cushioning apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the lever cushioning apparatus includes a lever arm and a cushioning element that functions as a fulcrum of the lever arm. In another embodiment, the cushioning element is movable along the length of the elongate member to change the amount of cushioning provided by the cushioning element. By being movable, the cushioning element allows the user to select a desired amount of cushioning during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device having a cushioning mechanism assembly configured to absorb energy during exercise is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cushioning mechanism assembly comprises a first and second biasing apparatus having a spring element configured to absorb energy by undergoing elastic deformation. According to another aspect of the present invention, a lever cushioning apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the lever cushioning apparatus includes a lever arm and a cushioning element that functions as a fulcrum of the lever arm. In another embodiment, the cushioning element is movable along the length of the elongate member to change the amount of cushioning provided by the cushioning element. By being movable, the cushioning element allows the user to select a desired amount of cushioning during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device having a cushioning mechanism assembly configured to absorb energy during exercise is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cushioning mechanism assembly comprises a first and second biasing apparatus having a spring element configured to absorb energy by undergoing elastic deformation. According to another aspect of the present invention, a lever cushioning apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the lever cushioning apparatus includes a lever arm and a cushioning element that functions as a fulcrum of the lever arm. In another embodiment, the cushioning element is movable along the length of the elongate member to change the amount of cushioning provided by the cushioning element. By being movable, the cushioning element allows the user to select a desired amount of cushioning during exercise.

Abstract: An improved lift apparatus for use in a treadmill having a support base and a treadbase is disclosed. The lift apparatus includes a lift motor assembly linked to the support base and to a cam. The first cam can be attached to a torsion bar linked to the support base. An incline link bar is linked to the first cam and to the treadbase. The force generated by the motor assembly is efficiently translated from the cam to the treadbase, thereby inclining the treadbase.

Abstract: An exercise device having a cushioning mechanism assembly configured to absorb energy during exercise is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cushioning mechanism assembly comprises a first and second biasing apparatus having a spring element configured to absorb energy by undergoing elastic deformation. According to another aspect of the present invention, a lever cushioning apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the lever cushioning apparatus includes a lever arm and a cushioning element that functions as a fulcrum of the lever arm. In another embodiment, the cushioning element is movable along the length of the elongate member to change the amount of cushioning provided by the cushioning element. By being movable, the cushioning element allows the user to select a desired amount of cushioning during exercise.

Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes: (i) a support base; and (ii) a treadbase having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner portion therebetween, the treadbase selectively inclining with respect to the support base. The treadbase is pivotally coupled at the inner portion thereof to the treadbase. A handrail assembly of the hiking apparatus adjusts automatically throughout the range of motion of the treadbase.