Variable geometry flexible support systems and methods for use thereof
First Claim
1. A stationary exercise device comprising:
- a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by the floor;
a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system coupled to the frame;
first and second brake devices;
a right arcuate motion member coupled to the frame and a right foot support member coupled to the right arcuate motion member;
a left arcuate motion member coupled to the frame and a left foot support member coupled to the left arcuate motion member;
first and second coupling systems each comprising a flexible support element, said first coupling system coupling the right foot support member to the first crank coupling location and said second coupling system coupling the left foot support member to the second crank coupling location;
wherein force is applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary between a nearly vertical motion and a closed path striding motion, the length of the closed path striding motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a forward and a rearward force applied to the foot support members, andwherein the first brake device provides resistance to rotation of the crank system and the second brake device provides resistance to horizontal motion of the foot support member.
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Accused Products
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 crank coupling locations to rotate.
73 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A stationary exercise device comprising:
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a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by the floor; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system coupled to the frame; first and second brake devices; a right arcuate motion member coupled to the frame and a right foot support member coupled to the right arcuate motion member; a left arcuate motion member coupled to the frame and a left foot support member coupled to the left arcuate motion member; first and second coupling systems each comprising a flexible support element, said first coupling system coupling the right foot support member to the first crank coupling location and said second coupling system coupling the left foot support member to the second crank coupling location; wherein force is applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary between a nearly vertical motion and a closed path striding motion, the length of the closed path striding motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a forward and a rearward force applied to the foot support members, and wherein the first brake device provides resistance to rotation of the crank system and the second brake device provides resistance to horizontal motion of the foot support member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A stationary exercise device comprising:
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a frame having a base portion adapted to be supported by the floor; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system coupled to the frame; first and second brake devices; right and left linkage assemblies, each assembly comprising an arcuate motion member pivotally coupled to the frame and a foot support member pivotally coupled to the arcuate motion member at a location below the pivotal coupling to the frame, each said foot support member oriented in a generally horizontal position, each said foot support member comprising a foot plate; first and second coupling systems each comprising a flexible support element, said first coupling system coupling the right foot support member of the right linkage assembly to the first crank coupling location, said second coupling system coupling the left foot support member of the left linkage assembly to the second crank coupling location; wherein force is applied by a user to the right and left foot support members permitting the user to vary between a nearly vertical motion and a closed path striding motion, the length of the closed path striding motion being instantaneously variable by the user when the user varies a forward and a rearward force applied to the foot support members, and wherein the first brake device generally resists vertical motion of the foot plates and the second brake device generally resists horizontal motion of the foot plates. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification