Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame; a right and left foot members supported by the frame; first and second flexible element coupled to the crank system and foot support members such that downward motion of either foot support member causes rotation of the crank system; and a crank offset assembly configured to prevent the crank system from becoming locked at a top dead center location.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to simulate climbing is described that includes such features as arm handles that move in synchronism with the motion of foot pedals to provide a total body workout; side handrails; a mounting step; linear foot movement at a simulated climbing angle; a three point support structure using a vertical support column; pedal track covers; a mechanism to provide constant resistance to pedal motion; and pedal impact absorption.

Abstract: An electric stepper includes a base having a rotation shaft, a pivot and a post; an upright rod fixed on the post; a main seat mounted on the base, having a tube sheathing on the rotation shaft and a horizontal shaft; a left support on the left of the horizontal shaft; a right support on the right of the horizontal shaft; a left link, two ends of which are separately connected to the front of the left support and a left crank; a right link, two ends of which are separately connected to the front of the right support and a right crank; a rocker arm pivotally fixed on the pivot of the base and connected to the left crank; a bearing set connecting between the left crank and right crank and having a driven wheel; and a gear box at the rear end of the main seat and having a driving wheel for driving the driven wheel through a belt.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise machine providing elliptical strides in substantially lateral directions. The elliptical motion of the pedals is basically a combination of a looped motion of a loop motion means and a reciprocating motion set by a motion guide means following a predefined path. The loop motion means connects the motion of a left pedal to the motion of a right pedal so that the movement of both pedals is dependent. Substantially lateral motions of the left pedal and the right pedal follow lateral predefined paths set by a left motion guide means and a right motion guide means.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.

Abstract: An exercise assisting device comprises foot supports having foot support surfaces respectively, a seat, a seat height adjusting unit, and a seat driving unit. The foot support is provided for bearing foot of a user. The seat is shaped to have a contact surface for supporting buttocks of the user when the user places the feet onto the foot support surfaces. The seat height adjusting unit is configured to move the seat toward a vertical direction and also toward a front-back direction in order to position the seat at a standard position which is located at a standard height from the foot support surface in the vertical direction. Consequently, a knee of the user has a predetermined angle. The seat driving unit is configured to swing the seat about the standard position so as to vary weight of the user which acts on legs of the user. The exercise assisting device further comprises a load regulating means.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to simulate climbing is described that includes such features as arm handles that move in synchronism with the motion of foot pedals to provide a total body workout; side handrails; a mounting step; linear foot movement at a simulated climbing angle; a three point support structure using a vertical support column; pedal track covers; a mechanism to provide constant resistance to pedal motion; and pedal impact absorption.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

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 machine includes a pair of support members having front ends connected to a crank unit for turning along with the crank unit and rear ends moving along a reciprocating path due to the guidance of a pair of guide members. A pair of foot members are each mounted on the respective support member. Each foot member moves through a substantially elliptical path, and each foot member at least partially overhangs the other foot member during at least a portion of travel along the substantially elliptical path.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a bottom frame, two transmission bars, and two stepping bars. The bottom frame has a rotating axis, both sides of which are provided with a crank, respectively. One end of each of the two transmission bars is connected with the corresponding crank. The two stepping bars are connected with the two transmission bars. The other end of each of the stepping bars has a dragging mechanism mounted on the bottom frame. Driven by the two swing arms and the two transmission bars, the two stepping bars perform elliptical motions. Before the two stepping bars move to the left and right extremities of the elliptical curve, the corresponding dragging mechanism is driven to produce a quick return action. The two dragging mechanisms also simultaneously perform reciprocal dragging motions to correct the elliptical motions of the stepping bars and make the motions smoother.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a bottom frame, two transmission bars, and two stepping bars. The bottom frame has a rotating axis, both sides of which are provided with a crank, respectively. One end of each of the two transmission bars is connected with the corresponding crank. The two stepping bars are connected with the two transmission bars. The other end of each of the stepping bars has a dragging mechanism mounted on the bottom frame. Driven by the two swing arms and the two transmission bars, the two stepping bars perform elliptical motions. Before the two stepping bars move to the left and right extremities of the elliptical curve, the corresponding dragging mechanism is driven to produce a quick return action. The two dragging mechanisms also simultaneously perform reciprocal dragging motions to correct the elliptical motions of the stepping bars and make the motions smoother.

Abstract: A dual mode exercise machine which can work in a stepping mode, or in an elliptical mode, and which has an interlock mechanism which ensures that the machine cannot be placed in a condition in which neither mode is engaged.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising: a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing upright on the foot support, the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth between a rearward position and a forward position along an arcuate path; the foot support being supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage that is pivotally mounted on the frame for back and forth movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Adjustable tracks are provided to vary the orientation of the pedal path for different intensity exercise. Further, the exercise apparatus is less complex than previous user defined motion elliptical apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permitting a user to perform a simulated climbing and full body exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a pair of lever arms and a pair of foot platforms and a torso support. The frame is configured to place the operator's center of gravity in a position of falling away from the frame, lever arms, foot platforms and providing a torso support enabling the operator to be supported by hanging from the hands and supported by the feet and torso support. The frame may be rotated through varying angles from vertical permitting the operator's center of gravity to fall away from the frame and allow the operator to hang away from the frame further enhancing the climbing experience.

Abstract: An impact absorbing exercise device includes a stepping platform having an upper surface and a lower surface. An impact absorbing panel is configured to be releasably coupled to the upper surface of the stepping platform. The impact absorbing panel includes a resilient wear surface and an impact absorbing material positioned between the resilient wear surface and the stepping platform.

Abstract: An athletic apparatus includes two rotary wheels installed on a frame, a pair of tracks disposed on the frame and tilted relative to the frame, a pair of pedal mechanisms slidably attached to the tracks and each having a pedal, a pair of rocker arm mechanisms having upper ends attached to the axle rod and lower ends coupled to the pedal mechanisms, a pulley attached to the frame and a steel rope engaged with the pulley and coupled to the pedal mechanisms, two linking belts coupling the lower ends of the rocker arms to an elastic belt which is engaged with the rotary wheels, a belt wheel and two gear wheels installed on a shaft rod of the frame, and the tracks are curved and tilted or inclined relative to the frame.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine allowing a user to move between a first position (standing on a stationary platform and using the machine's exercise arms), a second position (using the machine's footskates and holding a stationary handlebar), and a third position (using the machine's footskates and exercise arms), or any variation thereon. The machine may include a computer that directs the user's movements between those positions and others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator.

Abstract: A safety device for use with an elliptical exercise machine includes a holder frame, a movable member, a locking member, and an operating member. The holder frame is fixedly mounted in the elliptical exercise machine at a predetermined selected location. The movable member is movably mounted in the elliptical exercise machine. The locking member is movably mounted in the holder frame in order to selectively lock the movable member from moving. The operating member is operable to move the locking member. A user can lock the movable member of the elliptical exercise machine after each exercise. When the user uses the elliptical exercise machine again and steps on the pedals of the elliptical exercise machine before starting to exercise, the user will not accidentally fall from the elliptical exercise machine due to an unexpected displacement of the center of gravity.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame for residing on a horizontal surface, a pair of arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms and a pair of leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs. A linkage assembly couples the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members to the frame and moves the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in response to user forces applied to the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage assembly includes actuators for adjusting dimensions of the closed paths in response to control signal inputs. Sensors mounted on the linkage assembly generate force-indicating signals representing one or more of the user force. A user interface receives and processes the force-indicating signals and supplies the control signal inputs to the actuators, wherein a dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at least one of the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting members.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simulating a back and forth leg or foot movement, the apparatus comprising: a pair of pivotable support mechanisms supported on a frame, a pair of foot pedals mounted on the support mechanisms for back and forth movement along an arcuate path of translation movement, the foot pedals being adjustable to a selected segment of an overall arcuate path of translation movement. The apparatus includes handles or arms interconnected or interlinked to the foot pedals for upper body pushing or pulling energy input. The handles or arms pivot together with and in the same back or forth direction as the pedals to which they are interlinked.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to simulate climbing is described that includes such features as arm handles that move in synchronism with the motion of foot pedals to provide a total body workout; side handrails; a mounting step; linear foot movement at a simulated climbing angle; a three point support structure using a vertical support column; pedal track covers; a mechanism to provide constant resistance to pedal motion; and pedal impact absorption.

Abstract: In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right support elements and first and second left support elements; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a right guide element coupled to the right foot support member and; a left guide element coupled to the left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the first and second right support elements and the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the first and second left support elements and the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, wherein alternating motion of the right and left foot support members causes the first and second c

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: An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members.

Abstract: A recumbent stepper includes a frame, a pair of lever arms, pedals, pulleys, flexible members, springs and adjustable resistance devices The pair of lever arms are pivotally attached to the frame and are movable from a retracted position to an extended position. Pedals are attached to each lever arm. The pair of pulleys are rotatably attached to the frame. The pair of flexible members are attached between the lever arms and pulleys and are wound around the pulley when the lever arm is in the retracted position and deploys as the lever arm moves to the extended position. Springs are operably attached to each pulley such that each lever arm is biased to the retracted position. Adjustable resistance devices are operably connected to each pulleys whereby increasing the resistance on the pulley increases the force required to move the lever from the retracted position toward the extended position.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercise is disclosed having a platform and a plurality of support elements. The support elements include a downwardly arcuate notch or channel for receiving a sidewall or endwall of the platform, allowing the platform to be arranged in multiple angled orientations.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

Abstract: This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame without lifting some heavy components of the elliptical exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sit down exercise apparatus operated in a chair position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow oblong paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals fold away from the operator to allow easy ingress and egress as well as arm exercise only. The handles for arm exercise fold away from the operator for foot only exercise and easy stowage. The exercise apparatus is wheelchair friendly and has a security connector to prevent tipback during operation. Arm exercise can passively exercise the feet or foot exercise can passively exercise the arms.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system comprising first and second crank system coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and coupled to the second crank coupling location, and an adjustment assembly, wherein the user of the exercise apparatus may undertake a stepping motion or an instantaneously variable striding motion, and wherein the structural geometry of the exercise apparatus can be changed with operation of the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine comprises a frame, two transmission rods, two stepping rods, wherein the frame is provided with a driving wheel and two sides of the driving wheel are respectively provided with a crank. One ends of the two transmission rods are connected to two cranks. The two stepping rods are connected to two transmission rods. Another end of each stepping rod is pivoted with a towing rod. Each towing rod is pivoted to the frame. Relatively elliptical orbits are formed through the two stepping rods driven by the two swing arms and the two transmission rods. When the two stepping rods reach a left acme and a right acme of each elliptical orbit, the two towing rods further tow the stepping rods corresponding to each other to generate a quick return effect so that elliptical orbit motion can be smoother.

Abstract: A method of performing a stair-training exercise. The method includes the steps of placing a foot of an affected leg on a stationary platform having a planar upper surface positioned parallel to a reference plane and at a predetermined distance above the reference plane; placing a foot of the other leg on a movable platform having a planar upper surface and being configured to move from a first position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the reference plane, to a second position, wherein the planar upper surface of the movable platform is substantially level with the planar upper surface of the stationary platform; and moving the movable platform between the first position and the second position using a lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A track-adjusting method and a track-adjusting mechanism are applicable to an elliptical exercise apparatus using a linkage system to generate a cyclic exercise track. The track-adjusting method and the track-adjusting mechanism provide the elliptical exercise apparatus with additional exercise tracks by displacing at least one set of horizontally symmetrical pivotal joints in the linkage system, so as to allow diverse training programs and improved exercise effects.

Abstract: A cyclical skating motion exercise machine has a base frame assembly. A first pedal arm mounted on a first pedal axle, wherein the first pedal axle is substantially vertical. A first link assembly mounted to the first pedal arm at a first pedal joint. The first pedal joint provides motion between the first link assembly and the first pedal arm. A first pedal mounted to the first pedal arm for supporting a user's foot. A second pedal arm is mounted on a second pedal axle, wherein the second pedal axle is substantially vertical. A crank assembly has a first link assembly is mounted to the crank assembly, and the crank assembly has rotational inertia is substantially orthogonally to the first pedal axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator.

Abstract: An adaptive exercise device provides for a foot motion in which the vertical component of the path of foot travel is mechanically decoupled from the fore-aft component of the path of foot travel so that a user may selectably control the ratio of these two components during the use of the device. The adaptive exercise device includes foot links which are supported on a track for motion therealong. The links are mechanically interconnected so that when a first link moves in a first direction along the track, the second link moves in an equal and opposite direction. The apparatus further includes a vertical motion control system which raises and lowers portions of each of the foot links along a vertical path of travel independent of their position along the track.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user is disclosed. The stationary device having a stationary frame and a movable frame that moves relative to the stationary frame to vary the exercise intensity of a user.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device with a frame including a base, a front portion, and a back portion, a rail joined to the front portion and back portion including a portion of the rail that is spaced apart from and above the base, first and second supporting members linked to the frame to rotate about a first axis, first and second swing member connected to the rail to pivot about a swing axis, first and second control links pivotally connected to the first and second control members, and first and second pedals respectively connected to the first and second control links.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention generally provide a control system and a process for an exercise apparatus configurable into a combined treadmill and stepper mode. The apparatus may also be configured into stepper only and treadmill only modes. The apparatus generally includes a master control unit, a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus, and a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level. Using the first signal, the resistance level, and empirical information, the amount of energy expended by a user of the apparatus may be calculated and the operation of the apparatus controlled. Various sensors, actuators and information, such as that obtained from various data structures, may be utilized in performing calculations and controlling the features, functions and operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise device includes one or more foot supports movable along an arcuate path defined around a point of rotation. The arcuate path is divisible into machine defined user selectable arc segments and the movement of the foot support(s) is limited to the machine defined user selected arc segment. The exercise device can include a frame, a linkage movably engaged with the frame, a foot support movably engaged with the linkage, a crank arm movably engaged with the frame, a motor operative to move the crank arm location with respect to the frame, and a drive linkage movably engaging the linkage.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: A treadmill device includes two treadmills disposed above a base and each having a tread supported around a platform and each has one end rotatably supported on the base with a shaft which may be driven by a motor. An arm has a middle portion pivotally supported on the base and has two ends located below and coupled to the treadmills, for elevating one of the treadmills when the other treadmill is lowered, such that the two treadmills may be operated as a stepping exerciser. A latch may be used to lock the treadmills together.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device includes a frame member having a transverse pivot axis. A first and a second foot tread member are operatively associated with a coupling member for pivotally coupling the first end of each foot tread member to the a respective pivot axis at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis, so that each foot tread member first end travels in an arcuate path about the pivot axis. Each foot tread member moves independently of the other foot tread member. Each foot tread member second end is operatively associated with a glide member for moveable coupling of the second end of each foot tread member to a support surface. The glide members direct each foot tread member second end along a reciprocating path of travel, as each foot tread member first end travels in an arcuate path.