Patents Examined by Steve R. Crow
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Patent number: 7775944Abstract: A kinematic rotating-tilting mechanism (10) that consists of six major elements: a housing (12), a housing flange assembly (42), a platform flange assembly (70), a platform base (90), a resilient section (110) and an angled shaft (120). The housing (12) includes an upper end (18) having a cover (20) to which is attached the housing flange assembly (42), and attached to the lower surface (98) of the platform (90) is the platform flange assembly (70). The shaft (120) has a lower vertical section (122) that is rotatably attached to the housing flange assembly (42), and an upper angled section (126) that is rotatably attached to the platform flange assembly (70). The platform base (90) has an upper surface (96) to which is attached a resilient section (110). A person who is located on the resilient section (110) can produce torque by shifting their body weight.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Inventor: Larry D. Shultz
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Patent number: 7775941Abstract: Exercise apparatus including first and second foot pads coupled to a frame. The frame includes first and second telescoping members to enable the apparatus to be moved between a stored position and an exercise position. The apparatus may be conveniently stowed beneath a seat of a transport vehicle, and may be secured to the seat tracks aboard the vehicle. Foot pad supports provide resistance to movement of the foots pads, enabling a user to exercise his or her legs while seated to reduce fatigue, increase blood flow and decrease the formation of blood clots.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Tony H. Nguyen, Michael A. Long
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Patent number: 7775939Abstract: In a balance exercise machine (1), a swing mechanism (3) that swings a seat (2) in both of an anteroposterior direction (direction X) and a widthwise direction (direction Y) is rotatably supported on a supporting unit (119 around a predetermined rotation axis (T0). A first inclination mechanism (12) that stands up or down the rotation axis (T0) is provided between the supporting unit (11) and a pedestal (4). A second inclination mechanism (20) that can compensate the posture of the seat (2) is provided between the seat (2) and the swing mechanism (3). By driving the swing mechanism (3), the first inclination mechanism (12) and the second inclination mechanism (20) independently with each other, a stroke of swing motion of the seat can be expanded or contracted. Alternatively, by driving the swing mechanism (3), the first inclination mechanism (12) and the second inclination mechanism (20) in conjunction with each other, the trace of the motion of the seat (2) can be varied.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryusuke Nakanishi
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Patent number: 7775940Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine is disclosed. The folding elliptical machine has a frame that comprises a base support structure and an upright support structure, wherein the base support structure has a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the rear portion is rotatably attached to the front portion at a pivot mechanism such that the elliptical exercise machine is selectively moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The upright support structure extends upward from the first end of the front portion of the base support structure. The folding elliptical machine further comprises first and second reciprocating foot supports, each foot support having a first end and a second end, a drive assembly situated on the rear portion of the base support structure, and a ramp assembly situated at the first end of the front portion of the base support structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Icon IP, Inc.Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen W. Ercanbrack, Jaremy T. Butler, Robert L. Alleman
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Patent number: 7766797Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine comprising a base support structure having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivot joint comprising a pivot mechanism configured to pivotally connect the front and rear portions, the pivot mechanism being configured to facilitate a breakaway of the base support and an upward rotation of the rear portion with respect to the front portion, thereby enabling the elliptical exercise machine to fold into a compact configuration; an upright support structure extending upward with respect to the base support structure; a drive assembly operably supported about the rear portion of the base support structure and comprising a drive component configured to rotate about a pivot axis; and a reciprocating foot support operable with the drive assembly and configured to travel about a closed path upon rotation of the drive component and operation of the elliptical exercise machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Icon IP, Inc.Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen W. Ercanbrack, Jaremy T. Butler, Robert L. Alleman
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Patent number: 7758473Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
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Patent number: 7758472Abstract: An exercise device as a member configured to be driven by one or more feet, a roller rotationally coupled to the first member and a first projection extending away from the first roller. The exercise device includes a roller guide including an inclined floor underlying the roller and overhang extending over the projection opposite a first side of the roller.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Precor IncorporatedInventor: Jonathan M. Stewart
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Patent number: 7744508Abstract: A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user. The stationary device having a stationary frame and a movable frame that moves relative to the stationary frame to vary the exercise intensity of a user.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hung-Mao Liao, Mark Kannel
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Patent number: 7744511Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and is used for forcedly modifying a human posture and producing an increased load on a locomotion apparatus. The inventive device comprises shoulder, pelvic, knee and foot supports which are connected to each other by loading elements each of which is embodied in the form of an inextansible strip and an avoid of residual deformation elastic rod fixed thereto. Said device also comprises a support arranged on the thoracic surface of the body which is connected to the shoulder supports with the aid of self-fixing buckles, thereby forming a vest which tightly embraces a patient body. The pelvic support is embodied in the form of shorts. Said thoracic and pelvic supports are provided with load strips which are sewed therein and provided with buckles for fixing said thoracic and pelvic supports to each other. The knee supports are embodied in the form of a binder in such a way that it tightly embraces a knee-joint area, the upper quarter of a leg and the lower quarter of a hip.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: State Scientific Center of Russian Federation - Institute of Bio-Medical Problems of the Russian Academy of SciencesInventors: Anatoly Ivanovich Grigoriev, Inesa Benediktovna Kozlovskaya, Evgeniy Petrovich Tihomirov, Elena Illarionovna Sorokina
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Patent number: 7740564Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary exercise apparatus having an adjustable assembly connected to the frame for changing the position of the console or the handles. The stationary exercise apparatus comprises a frame, an adjustable assembly which has part of the frame, a moving member pivoted to the frame, a guiding mechanism interconnected the moving member and the frame, and an upright post mounted on the guiding mechanism, a crank unit mounted on the moving member, left and right supporting members respectively connected to the crank unit, left and right swing members respectively connected to the left and right supporting members, and left and right pedals respectively coupled to the left and right supporting members.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Shan Shen
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Patent number: 7736278Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Keith M. Weier, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
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Patent number: 7731637Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rowing machines, and, more particularly, to such rowing machines with internal environments that duplicate actual Olympic-class rowing shells in terms of both dimensions and appearance, and simulate the specific rowing motion and technique that occurs on the water.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: Michael D'Eredita
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Patent number: 7731633Abstract: An exercise glove for intrinsic muscles and method of use. The exercise glove incorporates rigid ribs having rib distal end angles corresponding to patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles. The ribs passively hold the patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles in extension, while the patient actively flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints to obtaining optimal intrinsic muscle stretching. The rib distal end angles may be set by a physical therapist to correspond to individual patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles, or alternately an array of ribs of different rib distal end angles may be provided with the exercise glove, from which rib assortment the physical therapist may choose ribs having appropriate rib distal end angles ribs to attach to the exercise glove. The method includes the steps of using the exercise glove to passively hold metacarpal phalangeal joints in extension, while actively flexing proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: Randall K. Williams
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Patent number: 7727118Abstract: An improved rock climbing simulator that uses an adjustable fluid resistance apparatus coupled to an axle of a rotating climbing surface to control the rate of rotation of the climbing surface and thus the perceived climbing speed experienced by the climber. The fluid resistance apparatus is structured to control the rate of rotation of the climbing surface, and hence the perceived climbing speed, regardless of the weight or position of a climber on the climbing surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Terry D. McCall
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Patent number: 7727120Abstract: A mechanism for an elliptical exerciser comprises a crank rotatably connected to a frame so as to have a free end rotatable in a circular path. A restriction member is rotatably connected to the frame. A transmission member is connected to the restriction member, and a central portion thereof is rotatably connected to the crank, whereby the central portion of the transmission member moves along said circular path while the first end of the transmission member is constrained by the restriction member to move along a reciprocating arcuate path, such that a free end of the transmission member moves along an elliptical path.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Appareils D'Exercice Bodyguard Inc.Inventor: Charles Smith
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Patent number: 7722505Abstract: A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Johnson Health Tech.Inventors: Hung-Mao Liao, Bill W. Baier, Mark J. Kannel, Donald E. Stiemke, Darian P. Johnston, J. Addison Pettis
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Patent number: 7717830Abstract: An exercise device includes a support frame and a running platform supported by the support frame. The support frame includes a front, a rear, a left side, and a right side and defines a horizontal plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The running platform includes at least one support member extending longitudinally between the front and the rear of the support frame. A left track and a right track are each rotatably connected to the at least one support member and the support frame for lateral rotation. The left track and the right track are each operable between a horizontal position and an inclined position. The left and right tracks are substantially parallel to the horizontal plane in the horizontal position and are laterally rotated relative to the horizontal plane in their respective inclined positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Dynamic Fitness Equipment, LLCInventors: Andrew-Bud Charniga, Genadi Hiskia
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Patent number: 7713178Abstract: The invention relates to a skating simulating exercise device including a force transmission means, which exponentially increases the amount of force required to spin a flywheel as the user approaches the limits of ovoid shaped boundaries, thereby eliminating abrupt stoppages and to simulate the digging in and pushing off actions in a real skating stride. The skating simulating exercise device also includes resistance to both rearward and lateral motion, which can be linked together to more effectively strengthen all aspects of a skater's motion.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Robert Edmondson
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Patent number: 7713176Abstract: A recumbent step exercise machine including a frame, a seat supported from the frame, and a drive mechanism supported from the frame. The drive mechanism includes a first and a second pedal, at least one axle shaft, at least one clutch, a speed increaser, and a brake. The first and the second pedal assemblies are each linked to at least one shaft by a linkage assembly. Each of the shafts are drivingly engaged to at least one clutch. The linkage assemblies act as levers that translate the reciprocating motion of the pedal assemblies into rotational motion of the shaft. Each linkage assembly extends downwardly from the shaft to which it is drivingly engaged and terminates with the pedal assembly. A first and a second arm mechanism may be linked through the linkage assembly to the first and second pedal assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Scifit Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael Kent Farney
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Patent number: 7708669Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a back and forth path of motion or in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.