US 7,604,573 B2
Method and system for varying stride in an elliptical exercise machine
William T. Dalebout, North Logan, Utah (US); N. Jeffrey Chatterton, Logan, Utah (US); Jaremy T. Butler, Paradise, Utah (US); D. Jeffrey Nielsen, Nibley, Utah (US); and Gaylen W. Ercanbrack, Logan, Utah (US)
Assigned to Icon IP, Inc., Logan, Utah (US)
Filed on Apr. 14, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/107,375.
Prior Publication US 2006/0234838 A1, Oct. 19, 2006
Int. Cl. A63B 22/04 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 482—52 37 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An exercise machine comprising:
a support structure;
a drive component coupled to said support structure and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis;
a reciprocating foot support configured to travel about a closed path having a stride length upon rotation of said drive component, said reciprocating foot support having (i) a front end pivotally linked to said support structure, (ii) a rearward end; and (iii) a footpad positioned therebetween;
a coupling configuration pivotally coupling said rearward end of said reciprocating foot support to said drive component, said coupling configuration configured to support said reciprocating foot support at a position radially offset from said first pivot axis, said coupling configuration comprising a link member having (i) a first end pivotally mounted on said drive component at a second pivot axis that is offset from said first pivot axis; and (ii) a second end adapted to rotate about said second pivot axis; and
an adjustment mechanism configured to enable said second end of said link member to be selectively mounted on said drive component at one of at least two discrete adjustment positions in said drive component to vary said radial offset of said reciprocating foot support with respect to said first pivot axis to thereby vary the stride length of said reciprocating foot support.