主权项 |
1. An elliptical exercise device comprising: a frame configured to be supported on a horizontal surface, the frame having a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis defined thereon, the second pivot axis being forward of the first pivot axis; a first and a second guide link each having a first and a second attachment point defined thereon, each guide link being pivotally attached, through its first attachment point, to the frame at the first pivot axis thereof;
a first and a second foot support link each having a rear portion, a mid portion and a forward portion, the rear portion of each support link defining a foot receiving area configured to support a user's foot thereupon, the mid portion of each foot support link being pivotally connected to the second attachment point of a respective one of the guide links so that when the guide links reciprocate relative to the frame, they each cause their respective foot support link to move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion; a crank system pivotally attached to the frame at the second pivot axis thereof, the crank system being rotatable about the second pivot axis; a first and a second horizontal control link each having a first end coupled to a respective one of the guide links and a second end coupled to the crank system at an offset crank axis such that rotation of the crank system about the second pivot axis causes the respective first and second guide links to pivot about the first pivot axis such that the foot support links move in the path of travel having a horizontal component of motion; a first and a second vertical control link each having a first end coupled to the forward portion of a respective one of the foot support links and a second end coupled to the crank system at said offset crank axis such that rotation of the crank system about the second pivot axis pivots the foot support links with respect to the guide links and the foot receiving areas move in a path of travel having a vertical component of motion, whereby a foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a generally elliptical path when the crank system rotates about the second pivot axis. |