Exercise Device

Abstract

An exercise device with a pair of upper links coupled to the frame and a pair of lower links pivotally coupled to the upper links is provided. A pair of pedals is received on a distal end of each of the lower links. A transfer system between the pair of upper links may include a first and a second pushrod, each with a first end pivotally coupled to each upper link and a second end opposite to the first end. A first and a second pivot arm, each pivotally coupled to the frame, may be included, each pivot arm receiving a respective pushrod. A pliable connector may be coupled to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm, thus providing compliant reciprocating movement of the upper links.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . An exercise device comprising:
 a frame;   a first upper leg link and a second upper leg link, each pivotally coupled to the frame about a common axis;   a first lower leg link pivotally coupled to the first upper leg link and a second lower leg link pivotally coupled to the second upper leg link;   a first pedal mounted to the first lower leg link and a second pedal mounted to the second lower leg link, the first pedal and the second pedal adapted to support the weight of a user; and   a motion transfer system coupled to the first upper leg link and the second upper leg link, the motion transfer system comprising:
 a first motion transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link; 
 a second motion transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link; 
 a pliable connector coupled to the first motion transfer member and the second motion transfer member, the pliable connector allowing for pliable reciprocating movement of the first motion transfer member relative to the second motion transfer member and thereby, the first upper leg link relative to the second upper leg link; and 
 a tension adjustment mechanism comprising a tension adjustment member coupled to the pliable member and movable to adjust a tension of the pliable member. 
   
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 9 , wherein the tension adjustment mechanism further comprises a shaft with a threaded end and wherein the tension adjustment member comprises a threaded fastener on the shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 10 , wherein the pliable member comprises a coil spring disposed around the shaft. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein the coil spring is held in compression by the threaded fastener. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , further comprising a damper coupled to opposite ends of the pliable connector. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise device of  claim 13 , wherein the damper is configured to limit a range of movement of the pliable connector. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second motion transfer members comprise first and second pushrods, respectively, and further comprising first and second coil springs coupled to the first and second pushrods, respectively, to absorb energy as a corresponding upper leg link swings rearwardly and to provide a rebound force to assist in forward return of the corresponding upper leg link.