Variable stride exercise device

Abstract

The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel 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 versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may 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.

1 . An exercise device, comprising:
 a frame;   first and second swing links operatively associated with the frame;   first and second crank arms operatively associated with the frame and configured to rotate about a crank axis;   a first variable stride link operatively associated with the first crank arm and the frame;   a second variable stride link operatively associated the second crank arm and the frame;   a first foot link including a first foot engagement member, the first foot link operatively associated with the first swing link and pivotally coupled to the first variable stride link;   a second foot link including a second foot engagement member, the second foot link operatively associated with the second swing link and the second variable stride link;   the first swing link, the first crank arm, the first variable stride link, and the first foot link configured to allow a user by varying the user's stride length to dynamically vary a size of a first closed path traveled by the first foot engagement member; and   the second swing link, the second crank arm, the second variable stride link, and the second foot link configured to allow the user by varying the user's stride length to dynamically vary a size of a second closed path traveled by the second foot engagement member.