Nautilus, Inc.

Zachary D Krapfl

Andrew P Lull

Jonathan B Watt

Chester F Kowalewski

Keith M Weier

Patrick A Warner

William A Baker

Michael H Harding

Richard W Trevino

The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. Some embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a releasable connection mechanism that can be used to selectively and/or automatically limit or eliminate the variable stride feature of an exercise device.

Releasable connection mechanism for variable stride exercise devices

An exercise unit that is a bench-based, has an easily adjustable load exercise system using a resistance engine that can provide a constant load level through the entire range of motion to approximate the use of free-weights, is portable, and reconfigures easily to several different shapes for different exercises. The exercise unit is compact, has a minimal vertical height, and weighs much less than the maximum resistance load that it can create. The bench unit can be stood on its end for compact storage.

Adjustable-load unitary multi-position bench exercise unit

The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.

Variable stride exercise device

The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.

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Boulder, CO, United States of America

Zachary D Krapfl