Variable stride exercise device using spring damper assembly

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 . A variable stride exercise apparatus, comprising: 
 a frame;    a crank system coupled to the frame;    a pivotal linkage assembly coupled to the crank system;    a variable stride system coupled to the pivotal linkage assembly, 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 has a maximum stride length that is at least about 40% of an overall length 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.    
     
     
         2 - 768 . (canceled)  
     
     
         769 . A stationary exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a frame;    a crank system coupled to the frame;    a left movable member coupled to the crank system;    a right movable member coupled to the crank system;    a left foot member operatively associated with a left foot pad;    a right foot member operatively associated with a right foot pad;    a left variable stride system having a left spring, wherein the left variable stride system couples the left movable member to the left foot member; and    a right variable stride system having a right spring, wherein the right variable stride system couples the right movable member to the right foot member,    wherein the feet of the user imparting forces on the left and right foot members in cooperation with the left variable stride system and the right variable stride system may vary the stride substantially instantaneously, and    wherein the apparatus is configured such that the feet of the user may travel in a substantially closed path.    
     
     
         770 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the left variable stride system further comprises a left damper, and the right variable stride system further comprises a right damper.  
     
     
         771 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the left variable stride system further comprises a left roller, and the right variable stride system further comprises a right roller.  
     
     
         772 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the feet of the user may travel in a substantially closed elliptical path.  
     
     
         773 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the feet of the user may travel in a closed orbital path.  
     
     
         774 . The apparatus of  claim 769  further comprising a brake/inertia device coupled to the crank system.  
     
     
         775 . The apparatus of  claim 774  wherein the brake/inertia device is coupled to a portion of the frame in front of the user.  
     
     
         776 . The apparatus of  claim 774  further comprising a housing, wherein the housing encloses at least a portion of the brake/inertia device.  
     
     
         777 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the left and right movable members are coupled to the crank system so that at least a portion of the left and right movable members are configured to move in a reciprocating path.  
     
     
         778 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the left and right movable members are coupled to the crank system so that at least a portion of the left and right movable members are configured to move in a closed path.  
     
     
         779 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the crank system comprises a pulley.  
     
     
         780 . The apparatus of  claim 769  wherein the crank system comprises a left crank and a right crank coupled to the pulley.  
     
     
         781 . A stationary exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a frame;    a crank system coupled to the frame;    a left movable member pivotally coupled to the crank system;    a right movable member pivotally coupled to the crank system;    a left foot member operatively associated with a left foot pad;    a right foot member operatively associated with a right foot pad;    a left variable stride system having a damper, the left variable stride system operatively associated with the left movable member and the left foot member so that the user may vary the stride substantially instantaneously; and    a right variable stride system having a damper, the right variable stride system operatively associated with the right movable member and the right foot member so that the user may vary the stride substantially instantaneously,    wherein the apparatus is configured such that the feet of the user may travel in a substantially closed path.    
     
     
         782 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the left variable stride system further comprises a left spring and the right variable stride system further comprises a right spring.  
     
     
         783 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the left variable stride system further comprises a left roller and the right variable stride system further comprises a right roller.  
     
     
         784 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the feet of the user may travel in a substantially closed elliptical path.  
     
     
         785 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the feet of the user may travel in a closed orbital path.  
     
     
         786 . The apparatus of  claim 781  further comprising a brake/inertia device coupled to the crank system.  
     
     
         787 . The apparatus of  claim 786  wherein the brake/inertia device is coupled to a portion of the frame in front of the user.  
     
     
         788 . The apparatus of  claim 786  further comprising a housing, wherein the housing encloses at least a portion of the brake/inertia device.  
     
     
         789 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the left and right movable members are coupled to the crank system so that at least a portion of the left and right movable members are configured to move in a reciprocating path.  
     
     
         790 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the left and right movable members are coupled to the crank system so that at least a portion of the left and right movable members are configured to move in a closed path.  
     
     
         791 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the crank system comprises a pulley.  
     
     
         792 . The apparatus of  claim 781  wherein the crank system comprises a left crank and a right crank coupled to the pulley.