Variable stride exercise apparatus

Abstract

A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system and the foot member may be coupled such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.

1 - 96 . (canceled)  
     
     
         97 . A variable stride exercise apparatus, comprising: 
 a frame;    a crank system coupled to the frame;    a foot member coupled to the crank system, wherein the foot member comprises a footpad;    a variable stride system coupled to the foot member such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad, wherein the variable stride system is configured to allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus;    wherein the apparatus is configured such that a foot of the user can travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus; and    wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of the apparatus remains substantially stationary during use.    
     
     
         98 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the substantially closed path comprises a substantially elliptical path.  
     
     
         99 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the substantially closed path comprises an orbital path.  
     
     
         100 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the foot of the user travels in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus.  
     
     
         101 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the foot of the user can also travel in a curvilinear path during use of the apparatus.  
     
     
         102 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the variable stride system is configured such that the user of the apparatus, by varying the user's stride, can thereby selectively vary a path of the foot member.  
     
     
         103 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the variable stride system is configured to allow the user of the apparatus to instantaneously vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus.  
     
     
         104 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a second foot member, wherein the foot member and the second foot member comprise a left foot member and a right foot member, and wherein the left foot member and the right foot member are cross coupled so that the left foot member moves in opposition to the right foot member.  
     
     
         105 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member coupled to the foot member.  
     
     
         106 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising one or more links coupled to the foot member.  
     
     
         107 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member coupled to the crank system.  
     
     
         108 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member coupled to the crank system, wherein at least a portion of the movable member is configured to move in a reciprocating path.  
     
     
         109 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member coupled to the crank system, wherein at least a portion of the movable member is configured to move in a closed path.  
     
     
         110 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member, wherein the movable member is coupled to the foot member and the crank system.  
     
     
         111 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the foot member is coupled to the crank system through the variable stride system.  
     
     
         112 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member, wherein the foot member is coupled to the movable member through the variable stride system.  
     
     
         113 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising an arm link coupled to the foot member.  
     
     
         114 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising an arm link coupled to the foot member through two or more links.  
     
     
         115 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising an arm link coupled to the foot member, wherein the arm link is pivotally coupled to the frame.  
     
     
         116 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , further comprising a movable member coupled to the foot member, wherein the foot member is coupled to the movable member such that the foot member is configured to move in a dynamic angular relationship to the movable member.  
     
     
         117 - 768 . (canceled)