Exercise device for cross training

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.

1 . An exercise device comprising:
 a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user in an upright position on the foot support,   the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth along one of a plurality of user selectable segments of an arcuate path,   said segments being defined by the device such that the foot support travels between a forwardmost upward position and a rearwardmost downward position,   the device requiring the foot support to travel through a complete and reproducible arc segment between the forwardmost upward and rearwardmost downward positions of a selected one of the plurality of segments of the arcuate path.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1  further comprising a frame and a frame linkage movably engaged with the frame, wherein the foot support is movably engaged with the frame linkage. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 2  wherein the frame linkage has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the frame linkage is pivotally engaged with the frame, and wherein the second end of the frame linkage is pivotally engaged with the foot support. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 3  wherein the frame has a front region and a rear region and wherein the frame linkage is pivotal from the front region to the rear region. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 4  further comprising a resistance assembly and a drive linkage, wherein the drive linkage is connected at its first end to the frame linkage and at its opposing end to the resistance assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 5  wherein the resistance assembly comprises a flywheel and a crank arm coupled to the flywheel, and wherein the drive linkage is connected at its first end to the frame linkage and at its opposing end to the crank arm. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 6  wherein the crank arm's location is movable with respect to the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 6  further comprising a motor and a control panel in communication with the motor, wherein the motor is operative to move the crank arm's location in response to control panel input to define the user selected arc segment. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 6  wherein the crank arm is pivotally secured to the frame. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 2  wherein the frame linkage is comprised of opposing pairs of linkages including a forward frame linkage and a rear frame linkage, the forward frame linkage pivotally coupled to a front area of the foot support and the rear frame linkage pivotally coupled to a rear area of the foot support. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 2  wherein the foot support is an integral part of the frame linkage. 
     
     
         12 . An exercise device comprising:
 a frame;   a foot support mechanically coupled with the frame via a linkage,   the linkage supporting a user standing in an upright position on the foot support,   the linkage defining an arcuate path of travel of the foot support between a forwardmost upward position and a rearwardmost downward position,   the foot support being adapted to travel through one of a plurality of segments of the arcuate path that are selectable by the user,   the linkage defining a forwardmost upward and rearwardmost downward position for each one of the plurality of user selectable segments of the arcuate path;   the foot support being adapted to be required to travel through a complete and reproducible one of the user selectable segments of the arcuate path.