An elliptical system is disclosed having a crank assembly configured to be adjusted in length to accommodate users having varying gaits. In some embodiments, the crank assembly includes a crank and an axle connection bracket that is slidably adjustable with respect to the crank. For example, the crank assembly can include a crank link having a longitudinal body, where the longitudinal body is connected to the crank at one end and includes a longitudinal slot slidably coupled with the axle connection bracket. The axle connection bracket is configured to slide through a plurality of positions along the longitudinal body. In some embodiments, the crank assembly further includes a screw for adjusting the axle connection bracket with respect to the crank, where the screw can cause the axle connection bracket to slide through one or more positions of the plurality of positions when the screw is turned.

A drive mechanism for an elliptically-driven device includes a drive arm with a foot platform pivot assembly; a crank arm; a foot platform assembly pivotally coupled to the drive arm via the foot platform pivot assembly; a foot platform angle adjustment mechanism operably coupling the foot platform assembly to the crank arm so as to impart a foot platform angle of the foot platform assembly relative to the drive arm that varies during a stroke of the foot platform assembly.

An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

A lateral glide elliptical exercise apparatus includes a frame defining a center line, a pair of pedal units disposed at two opposite lateral sides relative to the center line each including a pivoting block and a pedal shaft pivotally connected to the pivoting block, a damping unit for providing a damping resistance to the pedal units, and a pair of gliding guide units respectively mounted at the frame, each gliding guide unit includes a gliding guide, an actuation block and a linkage arranged so that the actuation block can be driven by the associating linkage to slide smoothly between an inner end portion and an outer end portion of the associating gliding guide when the pedal units are being alternately pedaled by the user.

A climbing machine includes a base; two sets of two inclined parallel rails wherein each rail has one end secured to a joining portion of a handlebar and the base and the other end rested on the ground; two pedals slidably mounted on the rails respectively; two spaced first wheels mounted forwardly of the rails; a magnetic resistance controlling device configured to add difficulty to motion and including a conductive disc, a curved groove member releasably secured to an edge of the conductive disc, magnetic elements disposed on two inner walls of the curved groove member, an axle disposed in the base, and at least one roller rotatably mounted on the axle; and at least one first rope each extending from the first wheel to wind around the roller prior to attaching to the pedal. In response to rotating the roller, the conductive disc rotates.

Described herein are embodiments of stationary exercise machines having reciprocating foot and/or hand members, such as foot pedals that move in a closed loop path. Some embodiments can include reciprocating foot pedals that cause a user's feet to move along a closed loop path that is substantially inclined, such that the foot motion simulates a climbing motion more than a flat walking or running motion. Some embodiments can further include reciprocating handles that are configured to move in coordination with the foot via a linkage to a crank wheel also coupled to the foot pedals. Variable resistance can be provided via a rotating air-resistance based mechanism, via a magnetism based mechanism, and/or via other mechanisms, one or more of which can be rapidly adjustable while the user is using the machine.

This invention discloses a climbing machine. Without being limited by the structure of the climbing assembly, the upper limbs and the lower limbs of the user can have different moving paths. In addition, the climbing machine also has the advantages of rapid response, wide range of resistance adjustment, and smooth operation.

A therapeutic and exercise device includes a frame; a hand crank coupled to the frame which is rotatably movable by a user, the hand crank coupled to a vertically oriented rail such that the hand crank is adjustable in a vertical plane fore and aft relative to a support surface for the therapeutic and exercise device; a foot crank coupled to the frame which is rotatably movable by the user, the foot crank coupled to a horizontally oriented rail such that the foot crank is adjustable in a horizontal plane; and a brake coupled to the frame and to at least one of the hand crank or the foot crank, the brake configured to selectively apply a braking force to said at least one of the hand crank or the foot crank to resist rotational movement of the at least one of the hand crank or the foot crank.

An apparatus and method for physical therapy includes a base structure, a roller table positioned on the base structure including a plurality of free motion rollers, at least one motor and/or and at least one air compressor connected to the base structure, a plurality of powered rollers or a contact plate located within the base structure being in contact with the plurality of free motion rollers, at least one pneumatic block with a pneumatic piston connected to the at least one air compressor and being configured to raise and lower the power rollers and/or the contact plate, a load cell in communication with the apparatus being configured to measure and record a patient's response to the transition of the roller table and/or the contact plate, and a programmable logic controller.

A composite motion exercise machine includes a control panel which provides a plurality of movement modes and allows a user to issue a command to change the configuration of linkage units of the exercise machine to have the machine perform a movement mode without manual adjustment, so that the pedal of each linkage unit can be moved along a closed trajectory. The control panel also allows the user to finely adjust the trajectory and the resistance associated therewith. The trajectory performed by each pedal of the exercise machine is ergonomic so that the user can be protected from exercise injury.