Patents Examined by Steve R. Crow
  • Patent number: 9821188
    Abstract: A pulley system of an exercise device for suspended weight training includes a first block with a first pulley, a second pulley, and a first attachment point. A second block is removably coupled to a weight and includes a third pulley and a second attachment point. A grip is configured to be held by a user while exercising and has a third attachment point. A line having a first line end is fixedly coupled to the grip and a second line end fixedly is coupled to a connection element. The connection element is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point, permits a user to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip to a pre-selected fraction of the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Stripe Fitness LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Dwork, Josh Dwork
  • Patent number: 9814931
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a roller support assembly and a roller positioned about the roller support assembly wherein the roller includes an aperture. A fixing member is disposed in the aperture to secure the roller to the roller support assembly allowing rotation of the roller. An element capable of being sensed disposed in the aperture and a sensor is positioned within the trainer at a stationary location wherein the sensor is configured to sense the element and provide a signal indicative of rotation of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KURT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Carlsen
  • Patent number: 9517382
    Abstract: An exercise system including a bar having a cushioned section and two non-cushioned sections configured for a user to grip while performing a pushup; a support apparatus, the support apparatus including: two side structures; a back structure affixed to an edge of each of the two side structures via one or more hinges, wherein the back structure is configured to be positioned against a wall; and a plurality of parallel slots formed in an edge of each of the two side structures opposite the edge of each side structure affixed to the back structure, wherein the parallel slots are configured to support the bar when a user performs a pushup; wherein the one or more hinges attaching each side structure to the back structure allow a user to transition the support apparatus between a deployed configuration and a storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Alan Payne
  • Patent number: 9415260
    Abstract: A plantar exercise device for therapeutic foot exercises is formed of a generally planar base board and a beam or block member firmly secured upon the base board and positioned transversely across the base board. The beam is positioned closer to one end of the base board than the other, so that the different stretch heights are presented on the two sides. Additional blocks may be present to provide additional stretch height. A non slip coating may be applied at least onto the upper surfaces of the beam and base board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Edward J. Islas
  • Patent number: 9413218
    Abstract: An adjustment device includes a casing to which a movable member and two positioning members are movably connected. Two links are connected between the movable member and the positioning members. Each positioning member has a magnetic member connected thereto and the flywheel has a magnetic operation face. When the movable member moves from a second position to a first position, the links drive the positioning members and the magnetic members from a close-to-center position to an off-center position, and the flywheel cuts the magnetic field of the magnetic members to generate a first resistance to the driving device and the flywheel. When the movable member moves from the first position to the second position, the positioning members and the magnetic members move from the off-center position to the close-to-center position to generate a second resistance that is different from the first resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Chiu-Hsiang Lo
  • Patent number: 9370687
    Abstract: An embodiment of this invention discloses a flattened treadmill comprising a conveyer belt and two decorating bars respectively arranged at a side of the conveyer belt. The conveyer belt and the decorating bars have the same elevation resulting in the flattened treadmill. In another embodiment, the flattened treadmill further comprising a motor housing, in which the elevation of the motor housing has also the same elevation as the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventor: Kuo-Wo Hao
  • Patent number: 9050496
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing barbell type free weight lifting exercises has a power cage or Smith press type frame, an elongated bar held on the frame in a substantially horizontal resting position, and an adjustable exercise mass assembly that allows a user to select an exercise weight from among a plurality of choices of different exercise weights provided by the exercise mass assembly. The exercise mass assembly is separate from the bar and any auxiliary weight plates carried on the bar. A cable and pulley system operatively connects the bar to a movable portion of the exercise mass assembly that provides the selected exercise weight. A powered actuator sets up the bar for performing a weight lifting exercise by lifting the movable portion of the exercise mass assembly up above a second portion of the exercise mass assembly that remains stationary during the particular weight lifting exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9005087
    Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus having a weight lifting bar, and in some cases, a weight lifting stand configured to support the weight lifting bar, is described. The weight lifting bar is a linearly contiguous bar having a neck wrap portion, two elongated members extending down approximately an arm's length from the neck wrap portion to at least the waist of a lifter and weight posts. Linearly contiguous means that the primary bar components, including the neck warp portion, elongated members and weight posts, are all part of a single connected bar having a length and a first end and second end. The weight lifting apparatus may comprise a stand configured to support the weight lifting bar. A stand may comprise a main portion, a step-up platform and a weight lifting bar support comprising two support members extending from the main portion or the step-up platform, and a bar rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Billy Betoney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8936539
    Abstract: A fitness apparatus for exercising with stretchable and resilient resistance bands includes a body member having a base and a rocker portion extending away from the base, the rocker portion having a generally convex configuration. The fitness apparatus includes a lid member having a generally planar configuration removably coupled to the body member. The lid member defines a pair of oppositely disposed lid member channels configured to receive the resistance bands therethrough for repositionable use in exercise by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fit In Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Richard, Stephen M. Pope
  • Patent number: 8317658
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse L. Dorogusker, Scott Krueger, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily C. Schubert, Gregory T. Lydon, Debbie Lambert, Michael B. Hailey, Donald Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 8313419
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider's preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Brian H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8240306
    Abstract: A base unit for use in a breathing gas heating and humidification apparatus includes a gas source configured to generate an initial gas flow, the gas source having a gas source outlet and a flow divider in fluid communication with the gas source outlet. The flow divider is configured to divide the initial gas flow into a first flow of gas and a second flow of gas. The flow divider includes a first compartment including a first gas flow path for the first flow of gas and a second compartment including a second gas flow path for the second flow of gas. A heater is disposed in the second compartment. A method for use in generating breathing gas and insulating gas from a gas source is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland, Carl Buyer, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 8202202
    Abstract: An athletic training system is described herein. The training system is accessed by a computer system enabled for accessing the internet through a known web browser. The computer system accesses the athletic training system that accepts user input including at least past performance in a race or time trial, generates a pace chart based on that performance which pace chart defines the user's current fitness status and appropriate training intensity, and generates a training program that considers at least the fitness level of the user as indicated by the pace chart and the races the user plans to run. The training program is populated from a database containing many different classes of workouts, a different mix of the stored workouts providing optimum training for races of different distances. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system may provide access to a coach who can answer user questions or change the automatically generated workout schedule to accommodate particular concerns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Lee McGlynn, Renganathan Sreenivasan
  • Patent number: 8083653
    Abstract: An exercise device having a door anchor is described. The anchor is fixed to a pair of elongated members each having a grip. The anchor stands off from the door by 1 to 18 inches before attaching to the elongated members. In one embodiment, the exercise device is sewn together. In another embodiment, a ring holds the various components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Fitness Anywhere, LLC
    Inventor: Randal Hetrick
  • Patent number: 8079940
    Abstract: An offset weight bar is provided which operates with the lifter's neuro-fascial connections to increase muscle activation and recruitment of muscle groups. The offset weight bar includes a grip portion that is shaped in accordance with the neuro-fascial connections in the lifter's hands and arms. The offset weight bar also offsets the weight of the bar from the lifter's palm to a point out along the lifter's unfolded fingers. The shape of the offset weight bar operates with the offset of the weight from the palm to increase the lifter's muscle activation and muscle group recruitment in accordance with the lifter's neuro-fascial physiology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Chris Roney
  • Patent number: 8002674
    Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Brent Christopher, Brian R. Cook, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Eric D. Golesh, Ben Monette, Randal Potter, Todd Singh, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner, Bradley J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7998034
    Abstract: The runner arm training apparatus provides feedback to a user and help for a user in establishing a correct upper arm to lower arm, or elbow, angle. Typically, this angle is about 90 degrees. However, the apparatus may also be used to aid in preventing a 90-degree elbow bend, for perhaps a different athletic or rehabilitating pursuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Juan A. Cobo
  • Patent number: 7998033
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer frame adapted for use with a bicycle includes a frame member having spaced apart ends. A coupler is disposed in at least one of the ends, the coupler having engaging cam elements to cause linear movement of a rod. A lever is connected to one of the cam elements wherein the cam surfaces are configured to cause linear movement for rotation of lever less than one revolution such that the rod moves from a first position to a second position, the first position being spaced apart from a component of the bicycle to allow removal of the bicycle from the frame, and the second position being sufficient to secure the bicycle to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane G. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7988600
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system comprising first and second crank system coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and coupled to the second crank coupling location, and an adjustment assembly, wherein the user of the exercise apparatus may undertake a stepping motion or an instantaneously variable striding motion, and wherein the structural geometry of the exercise apparatus can be changed with operation of the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7985166
    Abstract: A treadmill conversion resistance training apparatus includes mirror-image left and right attachments for attaching to treadmill vertical support columns, each attachment having a vertical mounting bracket removably attachable to a vertical support column; a translation member rotatingly connectable to the vertical mounting bracket at a translation axis; resistance straps removably connectable between the translation member and the mounting bracket; a handle connectable to the translation member and lockable at selected angles; wherein, the treadmill to continues to function as an treadmill while the apparatus is attached. A treadmill conversion apparatus includes a handle having an articulation joint lockable at selectable angles. A treadmill conversion apparatus includes a handle joint having adjustable resistance portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: AVERO Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Farnsworth, Douglas G. Dixon