Including Single, Movable, Interface Element Following Predetermined Path Patents (Class 482/135)
  • Patent number: 10357681
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a frame, a movable platform disposed on the frame, the movable platform being movable between a first position and a second position, at least one weight disposable on the moveable platform in a first orientation so that the at least one weight slides between a third position and a fourth position, and a tether connected to the moveable platform to move the moveable platform from the first position to the second position. The at least one weight slides to the third position when the movable platform reaches the first position. The at least one weight slides to the fourth position when the moveable platform reaches the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Steve W Davison
  • Patent number: 10226662
    Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device including a frame and a panel. The frame includes a plurality of legs, and a support assembly that secures the legs in a vertical position, or allows the legs to freely rotate to allow the frame to fold flat. The support assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust a distance between the legs. A panel is detachably securable to the frame in a flat or inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher John Mink
  • Patent number: 9248336
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for cooperating with an exercise ball during performance of core exercises thereon. The exercise apparatus comprises: (i) an exercise platform comprising a framework defining a first opening approximate its proximal end for receiving therein a first padded exercise mat and a second opening approximate its distal end for receiving therein a second padded exercise mat; (ii) an upright framework engaged with the exercise platform framework at its proximal end, the upright framework having a vertically adjustable backplate with an adjustable headrest and an adjustable handlebar grip, a handgrip support rail and a stabilizer bar integrally engaged with the proximal end of the exercise platform; (iii) a first padded exercise mat for demountable installation into the first opening defined in the exercise platform framework; and (iv) a second padded exercise mat for demountable installation into the first opening defined in the exercise platform framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: PERFECT BALANCE REHABILITATION
    Inventor: Dale Deis
  • Publication number: 20150133278
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is mountable to a substrate, having a channel, a belt, and at least one buckle. The buckle has a bottom portion that is adapted to fit within the channel such that the buckle can move along the channel and resist moving in either perpendicular direction. The buckle has a top portion that includes an opening for attaching exercise equipment and at least one cam. The cam is selectively engaged with the belt such that when the cam is disengaged, the buckle can be moved along the belt and when engaged, the buckle resists movement with respect to the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Kayo Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Braier, David J. Grandin, Leslie A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8998781
    Abstract: Exercise equipment is for performing exercises in an exercise zone. The exercise equipment comprises a frame and a band peg that is connected to the frame so as to be selectively movable between an active position wherein the band peg extends from the frame into the exercise zone and an inactive position wherein the band peg is retracted away from the exercise zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Westin Nelson
  • Patent number: 8998782
    Abstract: An adjustable band peg assembly is for exercise equipment in an exercise zone where a user performs exercises. The assembly comprises a housing and a band peg that is connected to the housing so as to be selectively movable between an active position wherein the band peg extends into the exercise zone and an inactive position wherein the band peg is retracted away from the exercise zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Westin Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150057137
    Abstract: A rehabilitation mechanism includes a supporting base having a seat member, a frame member is mounted on the supporting base and includes two protrusions each having a pivot shaft, two handle members and two foot supports are pivotal attached to the pivot shaft, and a latch device includes two catch members slidably attached to the handle members and each catch member includes one end for selectively locking the handle member to the frame member and for preventing the handle member from being rotated relative to the frame member, and the catch members each include another end for selectively locking the handle member to the foot support and for allowing the handle member and the foot support to be rotated relative to the frame member altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Paul CHEN
  • Patent number: 8915829
    Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall, an integral downwardly slanted inner wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein between the outer and inner walls. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having an upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly releases the cords by pivoting either one of the shoulder stops toward the foot end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Endelman, Christopher J. Savarino, Brian Masterson, Elger Oberwelz, James R. Yurchenco, Anthony Patron, Thomas Dieter Christian Overthun, Joerg Student, David Webster, Jennifer Ellen Davis-Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140287892
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise apparatus comprising a main frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a user engagement member, and an arm, the user engagement member linked to the arm, the arm in turn linked to the main frame, wherein the linkage between the arm and the main frame is adapted or configured such that the user engagement member is capable of being moved from an operable position to a storable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Varga
  • Patent number: 8821428
    Abstract: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ito Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Tanaka, Yoshiharu Ootomo, Toshimasa Sakagami
  • Patent number: 8727953
    Abstract: An exercise system utilizes exercise apparatus having at least two operative positions, a first operative position with a base fixedly contacting a floor, and a second operative position with the base spaced apart from the floor and horizontally moveable over the floor in any desired direction of travel. When a barbell is mounted at rest on the exercise apparatus the apparatus is in the first operative position. When the barbell is disengaged from the at rest position, the exercise apparatus moves to the second operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur J Drechsler
  • Patent number: 8721506
    Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers, and, in some embodiments, may comprise independently movable foot supports for each foot. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Stamina Products Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Gerschefske
  • Patent number: 8721511
    Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall, an integral downwardly slanted inner wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein between the outer and inner walls. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having an upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly releases the cords by pivoting either one of the shoulder stops toward the foot end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Endelman, Christopher J. Savarino, Brian Masterson, Elger Oberwelz, James R. Yurchenco, Anthony Patron, Thomas Dieter Christian Overthun, Joerg Student, David Webster, Jennifer Ellen Davis-Wilson
  • Patent number: 8696528
    Abstract: A method of using an adjustably inclinable exercise device using guidelines from a selected strength table, hypertrophy table, power table, or endurance table. The exercise device includes an adjustable incline and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline. A user selects parameters including a loading parameter from the selected table, adjusts the incline to an inclination corresponding to the selected loading parameter, and engages the exercise device for performance of exercise training according to the selected parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Total Gym Global Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Campanaro, Joy L. Campanaro, Dan McCutcheon, Douglas Dale McMurray
  • Publication number: 20130303347
    Abstract: A training equipment for resistance training of the upper body, wherein the training equipment comprises: an attachment portion adapted to be attached to the body of an exercising person, a handle portion adapted to be gripped by the exercising person, a first distance device flexibly attached in the attachment portion by a first joint, a second distance device flexibly attached in the first distance device by a second joint. At least one of: the first joint, the second joint, the first distance device, and the second distance device comprises an adjustable movement resistance device adapted to create an adjustable resistance between the attachment portion and the handle portion, so that training of the upper body is obtained upon movement of the handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Stig Malmqvist
  • Patent number: 8579772
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training of the body of a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus allows the a user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues joining all the muscles in these areas. the apparatus comprises a support structure, two elongate foot platforms and hanging members for attaching the foot platforms to the support in such a manner that they can move in a substantially horizontal X-Y plane with two degrees of freedom. The foot platforms can be hung so that they are either arranged in parallel or have one of their ends closer together than their opposite ends. At least one substantially horizontal connecting member may be provided to interconnect the two foot platforms, either in front, in the middle or in the rear. The support structure is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BVP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Piane
  • Patent number: 8556349
    Abstract: A bouncing seat for a child includes a seat support having an opening for receiving the child, a base, a post connected to and extending upwardly from the base, and first and second arms extending outwardly from a distal end of the post. The first and second arms are connected to the seat support, thereby connecting the seat support to the base. The post is aligned with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Juliette Marlene Welch, John S. Canna, Theresa R. Rojek, Gregory Scott Young
  • Patent number: 8500614
    Abstract: A reformer includes a combined mount that serves to attach and support a foot bar assembly, a jump board, and a spring bar. The combined mount is easily and quickly attached to a side rail of a frame of the reformer. A carriage of the reformer includes a combined wheel axle and strap attachment point, which eliminates the need for a separate strap attachment bracket. The carriage also include side wheels which are mounted on the sides of the carriage, and which are biased outward so that they contact the side rails of the frame of the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rooks
  • Patent number: 8480548
    Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers, and, in some embodiments, may comprise independently movable foot supports for each foot. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Gerschefske
  • Patent number: 8465400
    Abstract: A linearly adjustable multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus provides at least two linearly adjustable flexible connector ends which can be pressed or pulled for functional and strength training exercises. The flexible connector ends may be interconnected with resistance wherein the pressing or pulling of one flexible connector end will provide the user a different ratio of resistance than the pressing or pulling of an alternate flexible connector end. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide less resistance and will provide more flexible connector travel for functional training exercises. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide more resistance and will provide less flexible connector travel for strength training exercises. Some flexible connector ends may share the same swivel pulley assembly. One handle assembly may be attached to multiple flexible connector ends to obtain additional ratios of resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Batca
  • Patent number: 8425384
    Abstract: An exercise machine which includes a frame which is connected to a series of pivotable links. A user sits on one of the links and applies force, typically with his legs, to a drive link. At least two of the links are connected by some form of resistance, such as hydraulic cylinder. When the user presses against one of the links, resistance is applied, through the links, by the weight of the user and the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Baylor University
    Inventor: Brian Garner
  • Patent number: 8394005
    Abstract: An exercise table which finds use in Pilates exercising includes an outer framework, a slidably movable support platform, and a foot bar against which a user's feet can be engaged while sliding the support platform against the bias of springs by extending and retracting the user's legs. The frame has supporting legs which are tapered inwardly and downwardly so that one exercise table can be nestably stacked on another by inserting the tapered legs of an overlying exercise table through an opening in the frame of an underlying table until the frames themselves are closely adjacent. The foot bar, shoulder blocks, and pulleys used in operation of the table are also movable between elevated use positions and lowered storage positions to facilitate closely adjacent nestable stacking of identical exercise tables. Various systems are disclosed for accommodating different sized individuals while retaining desired resistance from resilient elements incorporated into the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Jay Solow, Julie Lobdell, Nicholas D. Smith, Chad Follmar, Jeffery T. Samson, Nicholas Aldo Nespeca
  • Patent number: 8328698
    Abstract: A dual action weightlifting machine has a stationary frame including a racking portion and spaced vertical guides slidably mounted on opposite sides of the frame for horizontal movement relative to the frame. A horizontally extending exercise bar assembly has spaced first and second vertical slides slidably mounted on the vertical guides, at least one rotatable user engaging portion for gripping by a user, at least one rack engaging portion comprising a rotatable wear sleeve which rotates independently from the user engaging portion, and opposite first and second end portions for receiving one or more selected weights. The user engaging portion is located between the opposite sides of the frame and has a central longitudinal axis which is coaxial with the cylindrical surfaces of the wear sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge
  • Patent number: 8323157
    Abstract: A method of using an adjustably inclinable exercise device using guidelines from a selected strength table, hypertrophy table, power table, or endurance table. The exercise device includes a vertical support member, an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end and adjustably supported by the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline, and a user support platform for engagement by a user movably attached to the adjustable incline and configured for movement along the incline. A user selects parameters including a loading parameter from the selected table, adjusts the incline to an inclination corresponding to the selected loading parameter, and mounts the support platform and engages the exercise device for performance of exercise training according to the selected parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Total Gym Global Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Campanaro, Joy L. Campanaro, Dan McCutcheon, Douglas Dale McMurray
  • Patent number: 8246524
    Abstract: An exercise device with an arc shaped track having a concave side that is mounted upon a support structure that supports the arc shaped track at a position in which the concave side of the arc faces downward and in which the arc shaped track can be fixed at a location centered above a user's head to extend to each side of the user. When in use, a track follower engages the track and moves along a length of the track to follow a course defined by the arc shape of the track. A handle is coupled to the track follower to be gripped by the user's hand to guide the user's side to side bends. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Ivonne Castillo
  • Patent number: 8137247
    Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser flame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gerschefske, Robert McDonial
  • Patent number: 8118718
    Abstract: An abdominal training device includes a stationary base with a user support surface and a hub connected to a track with a friction mitigation unit and a track anchor. A console is slidably mounted on the track and includes a hand support member and a console anchor. A bearing is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the track and supports an elastic resistance element with one end attached to the track anchor and the other end attached to the console anchor. A beam rigidly connects the track to the hub of the stationary base so that the track is at least partially rotatable about the hub of the stationary base. The device may also include an electronic training program that directs a user to rotate the track to specified positions. The device may be part of an abdominal training kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fitness Brands 2, LLC
    Inventors: David Brodess, Michael Casey
  • Patent number: 7874971
    Abstract: A calf extension training device which focuses training on the calf muscles is disclosed herein. The training device may comprise a frame, base, riser, sled, and one or more springs. The sled may comprise a sled frame and shoulder extensions, and is configured to move along the length of the frame while attached to one or more springs. Generally, the user stands on the riser leaving the user's heels unsupported while the user's shoulders are engaged by the shoulder extensions of the sled. The user may then lift and lower the sled using his or her calf muscles. This occurs by the user raising or lowering his or her body by extending and flexing the ankles. Resistance may be provided by one or more springs attached to the sled and the frame. The springs may provide variable resistance against the force of the user's calf muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: GRAA Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Gil Reyes
  • Publication number: 20100323860
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles of a user generally comprise a user support set atop an enclosure. The enclosure houses mechanisms to actuate a cable system, wherein the mechanisms at least one of feed and retract a cable of the cable system. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise footholds proximate to the user support to support at least the feet from a user, wherein the cable system actuates between the footholds, and wherein the footholds actuate in at least a lateral motion to further accentuate increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise a control handle coupled to the cable system for the user to grasp, wherein the cable system actuates to either one of increase and release a tension to the grasped control handle, and wherein the control handle comprises at least one control to regulate the either one of increase and release the tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: MICHAEL REED
  • Patent number: 7850584
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, first and second free pulleys, first and second handle portions, first and second frame pulleys attached to the frame, a central pulley, a pull cord, and a resistance member. The first free pulley includes a first pulley wheel and a first hub with the first pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the first hub. The second free pulley includes a second pulley wheel and a second hub with the second pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the second hub. The first and second handle portions are in mechanical communication with the first and second hubs with the pulley wheels configured to rotate relative to the handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys with the resistance member configured to resist movement of the pull cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Viktor Uygan
  • Patent number: 7846073
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a leg exerciser device offering a pair of footplates arranged for inward and outward reciprocal movement along a respective pair of rails and whereby each of the footplates is operatively connected by way of support arms to a variable number of weights so as to increase the resistance offered by apparatus during an exercise routine. The path of travel of each footplate and the configuration of each arm is such that the vertical distance moved by the weights is greater than the vertical distance moved by each footplate during its reciprocal motion along the rails so as to enhance the degree of work undertaking during an exercise routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: ENANEF Limited
    Inventor: Neil Summers
  • Patent number: 7833139
    Abstract: A pulley assembly for removably fastening an arm cord to an exercise apparatus is disclosed. The pulley assembly includes a yoke having a central portion and a pair of parallel leg portions, the central portion having a bore therethrough, a pulley wheel rotatably supported between the yoke leg portions by an axle, and an elongated stem having an axially extending shaft portion protruding through the bore. The shaft portion has distal end portion having an L shaped slot formed therethrough. The L shaped slot forms a hook shaped end to the shaft portion. A tapered coil spring over the shaft portion of the stem, has a small end and a large diameter around the shaft portion of the stem. The spring biases the hooked end away from an eyebolt on the exercise apparatus to keep the pulley assembly engaged with the eye bolt and hence fastened to the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Endelman, Brian Masterson
  • Patent number: 7785232
    Abstract: A training system and method include providing a frame, a user support portion coupled to the frame and arranged to support a user, and a user engagement portion coupled to the frame and arranged to be engaged by the body part. A force sensor is provided for sensing a user-applied force at the user engagement portion, and a position sensor is operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for sensing a relative position therebetween. A motor is coupled to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for driving a position thereof with respect to the frame over a range of motion at a preprogrammed velocity, and a controller is provided in communication with the motor, the force sensor, and the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Neil M. Cole, Charles L. Cole, Walter N. Cole
  • Patent number: 7775951
    Abstract: The present invention is a lower body workout apparatus that is a part of a gym and supports leg press exercise feature and may be combined with a leg extension/curl feature. The seat on the apparatus or the feature station may be used with upper body exercises. The apparatus comprises a base frame that is on a floor surface and can be a part of a gym unit frame, and a seat frame that supports a seat pad and moves relative to the base frame, a guide that relates the seat frame to the base frame mechanically and guides the motion of the seat frame relative to the base frame, and a cable system comprising a force source that relates either the seat frame or the guide or both to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Patent number: 7766801
    Abstract: A method of using an exercise device by following guidelines from a selected strength chart, hypertrophy chart, power chart or endurance chart. The exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Engineering Fitness International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Campanaro, Joy L. Campanaro, Dan McCutcheon, Douglas Dale McMurray
  • Patent number: 7766298
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an image measuring platform, the apparatus includes a horizontal base (11); a measuring platform (21) movable on the horizontal base; a support arm (12) extending in the Z-axis direction secured to the horizontal base; two parallel sliders (435) extending in the Z-axis direction fixed on the upper ends of the support arm; a first bar (411) for controlling the measuring platform to move in X-axis direction; a second bar (421) for controlling the measuring platform to move in Y-axis direction; a first cantilever (314) and a second cantilever (315) vertically attached on the two parallel sliders; a charge coupled device lens (31) fixed on the first cantilever and the second cantilever through a lens clamp (312) and a locking cap (313); a first screw handle (414) engaged with the holes of both sides of a first bracket (413) secured on the horizontal base, a first male screw thread (415) formed outside the first screw handle, and a first female screw thread (416) corresponding to the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Sen Zhang
  • Patent number: 7727128
    Abstract: A leg press exercise machine that provides translational and rotational motion of the user support structure by translating the user support structure along two intersecting non-orthogonal linear paths. A front portion of the user support structure travels along an inclining linear path and a rear portion of the user support structure travels along a declining linear path. The translation of the user support structure along the inclining and declining linear paths results in the user support structure exhibiting a rational motion, defining an arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Stephen C. Wendt, Scott Lee, Scott Sechrest, Gary Lurken, Arnold B. Gillen
  • Patent number: 7727129
    Abstract: A dual lift apparatus is provided for use by up to two people to perform the same lifts and exercises simultaneously. The apparatus includes a frame, guide rods, weight guides and a weight bar. The guide rods are coupled vertically within the frame and the frame provides support for the weights to be lifted. The weight guide is operatively coupled to the guide rods, the weight guide having rollers and a lock device to allow the weight guide to move along a length of the guide rods and also to be locked at a particular position on the guide rods. The weight bar is coupled to the weight guide and provides the weight to be lifted by users. The apparatus may also include at least two benches to allow up to two people to use the apparatus simultaneously and each bench is independently adjustable to accommodate different sized users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Danny Jay Goddard
  • Patent number: 7717832
    Abstract: A shoulder press exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame movably mounted on the frame for supporting a user in an exercise ready position, at least one exercise arm movably mounted on one of the frames and movable between a start position in which handles are located in front of the shoulders of a user on the user support frame and an end position in which the handles are located above the head of the user. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, so that movement of the exercise arm from the start to the end position simultaneously moves the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user, user support frame and exercise arm between the start and end position substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of a human body when performing a free weight shoulder press exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20100120590
    Abstract: A training apparatus for training a gluteus maximus muscle. The training apparatus includes a load application device for producing a certain load. A seat section is provided for supporting a body of a trainee. A pivotally operative arm section is provided to receive the load produced by the load application device. A step is provided attached to the arm section, for resting a sole of the trainee thereon. The trainee is able to train the gluteus maximus muscle by repeating extending and bending actions of a leg while lying down on the seat section and resting the sole on the step. In this training apparatus, the step is rotated in linkage with a pivotal operation of the arm section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SENOH KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katuyuki Inaizumi
  • Patent number: 7682295
    Abstract: Changing resistance patterns in an exercise machine is accomplished by moving a cable pivot point within a channel. The channel may take the form of numerous shapes. Multiple shapes may comprise one continuous channel. The placement of the pivot point and surrounding channel shape dictate the resistance pattern along the range of exercise motion. The pivot point is attached to two cables, one leading to a weight, the other leading to the user of the exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher R. Hulls
  • Patent number: 7674211
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Viktor Uygan
  • Patent number: 7666124
    Abstract: The present invention is an exercise machine which includes a moveable section connected to a frame such that the moveable section is independently and simultaneously moveable along an horizontal direction and vertical direction. The exercise machine further includes and a weight stack operably connected to the moveable section, such that the weight stack providing resistance to movement of the moveable section; and a frame operably supporting the moveable section and the weight stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: John Vaes
  • Publication number: 20100041529
    Abstract: A variable resistance hand rehabilitation device and corresponding system. Improvements over the prior art include: a new damping system or damper design, to reduce friction and increase maximum force output; a dynometer feature that enables converting the dynamic device to a static grip force measuring device; a closed-loop controller; and a new graphic user interface for the medical practitioner and new virtual reality game software that allow accurate and smooth operation of the device and increased patient motivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicants: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, WGI D/B/A WESTFIELD GAGE CO. OVERHAUL AND REPAIR
    Inventors: Brian Weinberg, Azadeh Khanicheh, Constantinos Mavroidis, James Shannon, Don Consolini, George Galanis
  • Patent number: 7662076
    Abstract: An exercising machine includes a front foot member, a rear foot member, an upright mounted on the front foot member to support a handlebar, two sliding tubes connected in parallel between the upright and the rear foot member, two slide members respectively coupled to the sliding tubes by a respective set of sliding wheels to hold a respective footplate for movement along the slide members, two elastic pull straps respectively inserted through the sliding tubes and connected between the upright and the slide members, and two tension adjusters for adjusting the tension of the elastic pull strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Teh Ho
  • Patent number: 7654941
    Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus for martial arts is provided and includes a longitudinally extending platform, a support on which the platform rests or is otherwise supported and a plate unit slidably carried along the platform and movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position in response to a force being applied to the plate unit by the leg or arm of an individual during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Natural Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lacher
  • Patent number: 7654942
    Abstract: A linearly adjustable multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus provides at least two linearly adjustable flexible connector ends which can be pressed or pulled for functional and strength training exercises. The flexible connector ends may be interconnected with resistance wherein the pressing or pulling of one flexible connector end will provide the user a different ratio of resistance than the pressing or pulling of an alternate flexible connector end. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide less resistance and will provide more flexible connector travel for functional training exercises. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide more resistance and will provide less flexible connector travel for strength training exercises. Some flexible connector ends may share the same swivel pulley assembly. One handle assembly may be attached to multiple flexible connector ends to obtain additional ratios of resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Batca
  • Patent number: 7641602
    Abstract: A weightlifting system includes a weight arm system having a handle which may be mounted in one of a multitude of clocked positions. A handle engagement member extends radially from the handle adjacent the end section and includes a multitude of radially extending engagement male members to take the shape of a gear or multi-pointed star. The multitude of radially extending engagement members of the handle engagement member corresponds with a multitude of radially extending engagement members which defines an arm engagement member on the weight arm about an opening. The handle engagement member is the opposite of the handle engagement member such that the handle engagement member is received therein at a multitude of clocked positions as defined by the multitude of radially extending engagement handle members and the multitude of radially extending engagement arm members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rogers Athletic Company
    Inventors: Orley David Rogers, Kenneth Edward Staten
  • Patent number: 7608022
    Abstract: An exercise machine composed of a frame, a first four bar linkage system, a second four bar linkage system, and a means for transferring an incident force from the legs of a user is disclosed. The first four bar linkage system is operably mounted on the frame and operably connects the transferring means to the frame to allow for back and forth movement of the transferring means along a path of travel about an instantaneously changing axis of rotation. The second four bar linkage system operably engages the first four bar linkage system. Either or both of the first four bar linkage system and the second four bar linkage system are operably connected to a resistance means, whereby the second four bar linkage system operates in conjunction with the first four bar linkage system and the resistance means to create a mechanical disadvantage to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Gregory P. Webb
  • Patent number: 7608028
    Abstract: A handle for an exercise device, the handle attached to an actuating arm of the exercise device and including a connection structure that allows the handle to rotate with respect to the arm, as well as pivot in at least two directions orthogonal to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Pertegaz-Esteban