Stair Climbing Patents (Class 482/52)
  • Patent number: 10272286
    Abstract: A climbing exerciser includes a base having two parallel rail posts to which two sliding units are respectively connected. Each sliding unit includes a sliding rod, a handle and a pedal. The sliding rod is movably located in the correspondent rail post. A transmission unit includes two down chain wheels and two up chain wheels respectively and rotatably connected to the support. Two front chains are engaged with the down chain wheels and connected with the connection members. Two side chains are engaged with the two up chain wheels and connected with the connection members. A cable is engaged with two respective two stationary pulleys and connected to the two side chains. A magnetic-resistance unit is connected to the support and driven by the two up chain wheels. The two sliding posts alternatively movable along the rail post to simulate rock climbing actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Shu-Chiung Liao Lai
  • Patent number: 10240945
    Abstract: Disclosed are a correlation coefficient correction method, a correlation coefficient correction apparatus, and a program, capable of improving estimation accuracy of a walking velocity or a stride of a moving object, and an exercise analysis method capable of analyzing a user's exercise with high accuracy. In one aspect, the correlation coefficient correction method includes calculating a reference velocity by using a detection result in a first sensor, calculating characteristic information regarding walking of a moving object by using a detection result in a second sensor mounted on the moving object, and correcting a correlation coefficient in a correlation expression indicating a correlation between the characteristic information and a walking velocity or a stride of the moving object by using the reference velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shuji Uchida
  • Patent number: 10105568
    Abstract: Stair climber apparatuses have a control circuit that controls the speed and torque of an electric motor and controls an output torque direction of the electric motor. The control circuit controls the speed of the electric motor and the output direction of the electric motor to maintain a constant speed of travel of a plurality of stairs in a downward direction along an inclined support when an operator is stepping on the plurality of stairs in an upward direction. When a change in output torque direction of the electric motor torque is required to maintain the constant speed of travel of the plurality of stairs in the downward direction along the inclined support, the control circuit controls the speed of the electric motor down to a zero speed. Methods are for operating the stair climber apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Emil S. Golen, Jr., Young Chul Kim, Jenny Slifko Manago
  • Patent number: 10022588
    Abstract: A body exerciser includes two linking units each including a pedal rod which is suspended by a handle rod and a linking rod to be moved in a forward-and-rearward direction and in an upward-and-downward direction, and which is subjected to a resistance by a first resisting unit. The handle rod is swingable and subjected to a resistance by a second resisting unit, so that a variety of exercising modes selected by a user can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunny Lee, Simon Chao
  • Patent number: 9937376
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank arm and a roller connected to the crank arm. A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly includes a pedal beam and a first tensioned element that spans at least a first portion of an underside of the pedal beam. A second tensioned element spans a second portion of the underside of the pedal beam and the roller is disposed between the first tensioned element and the second tensioned element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy McInelly, Kurt Finlayson, Keith A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9937378
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly is in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank arm, a roller connected to the crank arm, and at least one internal load bearing surface integrated into the roller. A pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. The pedal assembly includes a pedal beam and a tensioned element that spans a first portion of an underside of the pedal beam. The tensioned element guides the roller with at least one internal load bearing surface during the performance of the exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack
  • Patent number: 9937377
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a resistance mechanism attached to the frame. A crank assembly is in mechanical communication with the resistance mechanism, and the crank assembly includes a crank axle, a crank arm connected to the crank axle, and a roller connected to a distal end of the crank arm. A first pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in a performance of an exercise. A second pedal assembly is movably attached to the crank assembly and movable in the performance of the exercise. Each of the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly include a pedal beam and a first tensioned element spanning at least a portion of an underside of the pedal beam. At least a portion of the resistance mechanism is disposed between the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy McInelly, Kurt Finlayson, Keith A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9925412
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a linkage assembly that links a driving member to a driven member such that circular rotation of the driving member causes generally equal circular rotation of the driven member. The linkage assembly includes a linking member, a first crank arm that connects the driving member to the linking member such that rotation of the driving member causes motion of the linking member, and a second crank arm that connects the linking member to the driven member such that the motion of the linking member causes rotation of the driven member. At least one additional crank arm connects the linking member at a rotational axis that is laterally offset from a straight line through the first and second crank arm rotational axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Zhi Lu
  • Patent number: 9926077
    Abstract: A rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform includes a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a processing unit that receives positional sensor data and provides flight controls based upon the received positional sensor data. The vehicle body also includes a first frame connection interface that is configured to interface with a plurality of different arm types. The first frame connection interface comprises a physical connection and an electronic connection. Additionally, the rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform includes a first arm, of a rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform, that is selectively connectable to the vehicle body through the first frame connection interface. The first arm comprises a first arm connection interface that is selectively connectable to the first frame connection interface. Additionally, the first arm comprises a first motor mounted to the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TEAL DRONES, INC.
    Inventor: George Michael Matus
  • Patent number: 9914016
    Abstract: An elliptical climbing exercise apparatus includes a base frame, a swing unit including a pair of swing arms, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the swing arms, a damping unit including a rotating wheel with a spindle, a guiding unit including a pair of cranks respectively affixed to the two opposite ends of the spindle, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rocker. Cooperation between the base frame, the swing unit, the pedal unit, the resistance unit and the guiding unit is used to achieve a training of the leg muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 9907995
    Abstract: An exercise device has guide links each having a first attachment point pivotally attached to an upper part of a frame. Foot support links each have a foot receiving area to support a user's foot and are pivotally connected to a second attachment point of one of the guide links so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. A first and a second control pulley are each pivotally connected to a respective one of the guide links and offset from the first pivot axis so as to move in an arc. A first and a second flexible element each couple the vertical drive assembly to a respective one of the foot support links. Each flexible element has a midportion extending about a respective one of the control pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9907488
    Abstract: A high intensity preparation, physical exercise and recovery system configured to prepare muscles for workout through vibration, accept muscular input of high intensity, recover muscles through vibration. Embodiments provide an exercise system that enables a user to obtain a high intensity workout in a small amount of time, for example 15 minutes, and yet increase the user's metabolic rate for hours. Embodiments of the invention may further perform an initial and/or ongoing analysis in terms of body composition analysis and/or extremity composition analysis/score in order to target particular muscles, fat and/or skeletal areas. In one or more embodiments the system may provide outputs including suggested alterations in physical activity and/or food to consume in order to achieve targeted goals for example as compared to the user's trends of change over time, or in comparison to other user's trends down to the granularity of extremities and not just overall body metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GHB, LLC
    Inventors: Gene Barduson, Ted Barduson
  • Patent number: 9814932
    Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes a frame, first and second magnetic control wheel units, first and second swing levers, first and second transmission rods, first and second guiding mechanisms, first and second pedal rods, and a magnetic mechanism. When the first and second swing levers and the first and second transmission rods are swung forward and rearward synchronously and the first and second pedal rods are pedaled up and down to slide forward and rearward, the first and second pedal rods pivotally connected with bottom ends of the first and second swing levers are to do a tread motion of an elliptical trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Ying-Chou Lai
  • Patent number: 9757609
    Abstract: An electromechanical device for simulation of physical exercise with legs and arms includes two pedals mounted on two contiguous pantographs, with parallel supporting arms that are positioned in a predominantly vertical sense, with an orthogonal junction and parallel arms which are articulated, in a predominantly horizontal sense, onto the frame of the device and which always move in opposing directions left and right, through traverses which are articulated on vertical and horizontal axles, respectively, connected to vertical and horizontal parallel bars by means of risers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Key Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9757614
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Patent number: 9744401
    Abstract: A multifunctional exercise machine is an exercise machine that combines a stepper assembly and a stationary bicycle assembly into a single machine. The stepper assembly is positioned on a frame member while the stationary bicycle assembly is positioned on a stand member. The frame member and the stand member are both hingedly connected to a bridge positioned in between the frame member and the stand member. A stepper resetting mechanism is utilized to regulate the movement of a first step pedal and a second step pedal of the stepper assembly. The first step pedal and the second step pedal are slidably engaged to a first rail and a second rail of the frame member. The machine may be utilized in a standing position or in a seated position via an adjustable seat. A handlebar assembly may be utilized for user stability while exercising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Nabile Lalaoua
  • Patent number: 9682277
    Abstract: An exercise device with a pair of upper links coupled to the frame and a pair of lower links pivotally coupled to the upper links is provided. A pair of pedals is received on a distal end of each of the lower links. A transfer system between the pair of upper links may include a first and a second pushrod, each with a first end pivotally coupled to each upper link and a second end opposite to the first end. A first and a second pivot arm, each pivotally coupled to the frame, may be included, each pivot arm receiving a respective pushrod. A pliable connector may be coupled to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm, thus providing compliant reciprocating movement of the upper links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: FIT-NOVATION, INC.
    Inventor: Joel Gordon
  • Patent number: 9636540
    Abstract: Elliptical exercise machines with a footskate on a reciprocating rail that provides for the ability to alter the horizontal stride of the user utilizing the machine, without significantly altering their vertical stride height on the machine. This is generally performed by altering the angle through which any point on the rail can, and does, move. Such adjustment may be performed by having the rail attached to a swing arm, where the arc of rotation of the swing arm relative to the frame is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: True Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Mueller, Todd McKee, William Ross North, Robert John Hawthorne
  • Patent number: 9616280
    Abstract: An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright, a seat support, a cycle movement mechanism, two swinging handles, two drive bars, two pedal units and two adjustment units. Each of the pedal units includes a fixing plate, a rocking plate, two springs, two fastening rods and a pedal. Each of the two adjustment units includes a fixed disk, an adjusting disk, two limit stubs, a hollow rod, a hollow mounting sleeve and a positioning pull pin. Thus, when the pedal units are moved in concert with the drive bars, the pedal of each of the pedal units is adjusted to correspond to the oblong trace of movement. In addition, the user can adjust the position of each of the pedal units easily and quickly by operation of each of the two adjustment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: High Spot Health Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 9604098
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, two pedals, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, a resistance device, two link rods, two cranks, two limiting rods, and a stride-adjusting device. Each first swing arm has two ends, in which one end pivotally connects to the frame, and the other connects to one second swing arm. Each second swing arm has two ends, in which one end connects to one first swing arm, and the other connects to one pedal. Each crank includes an end connecting to an axle of the resistance device and another end connecting to one link rod. Each link rod includes two ends, in which one end connects to one crank, and the other connects to an area of one second swing arm. Each pedal sildely couples with one corresponding limiting rod, and an end of each limiting rod movably couples with the stride-adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9604096
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, left and right foot link supporting left and right foot pads. The left and right foot pads synchronously move out of phase through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height. The apparatus may include left and right side arms pivotally connected to the left and right foot links and pivotally supported by the frame. Left and right cranks eccentrically support left and right crank guides. Left and right links each have a first end pivotably connected to left and right foot links and a second end operably coupled to the left and right crank guides, respectively. A movable adjustment member is connected to left and right flexible members operably coupled to the left and right foot links. Movement of the adjustable member adjusts an extent to which the left and right flexible members wrap about the respective left and right crank guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Arnold, James S. Birrell
  • Patent number: 9555863
    Abstract: A water propelled flying board has a left and a right thrust nozzle. Each thrust nozzle has a knuckle joint attachment to a pressure water manifold. The thrust nozzles can be independently swiveled forward, backward, sideways or other directions relative to the rider. A left foot and a right foot platform are independently secured to the respective nozzle inlet to allow the rider to go toe up of toe down, they can rotate 360 degrees independently with each foot. This enables trick flying maneuvers including spinning like a top. The knuckle joint can be either a hose segment or a bearing. The left and right foot platforms or center blocks can be locked together and can have a spring return to neutral assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FLYDIVE, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon Robinson
  • Patent number: 9468795
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a left foot link supporting a left foot pad, a right foot link supporting a right foot pad in a left foot link supporting a left foot pad. The right foot pad is linked to the left foot pad so as to synchronously move out of phase with the left foot pad through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height and an adjustable stride length. An adjustment synchronizer is operably coupled to the left foot link and the right foot link to synchronously adjust both the step height and the stride length of the elliptical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Arnold, James S. Birrell
  • Patent number: 9463350
    Abstract: An improved structure for an exercise device having dual pedals wherein each pedal operates in a rotary manner in a vertical plane parallel to the bilateral axis of the user with each of the user's feet disposed, respectively, on a different one of the dual pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: M & S Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Snyderman
  • Patent number: 9457222
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a base support structure, first and second reciprocating foot supports movably linked to the base support structure, first and second guide rails, and first and second rollers. The guide rails guide respective first and second foot supports to provide reciprocal movement of the foot supports. The guide rails each include a track surface having first and second end portions and at least first and second arch portions, respectively. The first arch portion is positioned at a location between the first and second end portions and having a first radius of curvature. The second arch portion is positioned at one of the first and second end portions and has a second radius of curvature that is less than the first radius of curvature. The first and second rollers are movable along the track surface of the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9457224
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a foot support movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to an arc segment selection device that is manually actuatable to enable the user to manually select any one of the plurality of different arc segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Patent number: 9457223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework rearward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. The default mode provides a stepping motion with handles side by side. Allowing the handles to move as desired achieves elliptical curve pedal paths with varying stride length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 9446288
    Abstract: An exercise/therapy device has a base, a foot receptacle rotatably mounted to the base, and one or more rollers mounted to the base and aligned with the foot receptacle. Somatosensory proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education (SPNRED) material is provided on the foot receptacle and/or rollers to stimulate the user's foot during exercise. The exercise device allows for Active Isolated Stretching by enabling multiple exercises and stimulation materials that can be quickly interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Steven E. Pazan
  • Patent number: 9440107
    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: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: NAUTILUS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Bradley J. Smith, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner
  • Patent number: 9403054
    Abstract: An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright mounted on the main frame, a seat support mounted on the main frame, a cycle movement mechanism mounted between the seat support and the main frame, a seat mounted on the seat support, two guiding tracks mounted on the main frame, two swinging handles pivotally connected with the upright, two drive bars each having a first end pivotally connected with the cycle movement mechanism, two pedal units mounted on a second end of the respective drive bar, two driven bars each having a first end pivotally connected with the respective swinging handle and a second end pivotally connected with the respective drive bar, and two rollers each pivotally connected with the respective driven bar and each movably mounted in the respective guiding track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: High Spot Health Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 9352189
    Abstract: A range of motion machine having two or four cranks driven directly by motors without exposed gears or chains. The speed and direction of crank rotation and the length of the crank arms may be varied with electronic controls. Crank arm length may be varied whether the crank is stationary or rotating. The cranks and motors are mounted at the top of pedestals which are adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventors: David L. Lampert, Stephen Briggs, Edward William Cler, Daniel David Horein, Brian P. Lilly, Benjamin Berton Rund
  • Patent number: 9345926
    Abstract: There is provided an exercise machine including a frame, a wheel assembly rotatably mounted to the frame and an actuating assembly operatively connected to the wheel assembly, the actuating assembly being operable by a user to urge rotation of the wheel assembly. The frame includes a wheel mounting member having a central opening defined therein for mounting the wheel assembly to the frame. A central mounting plate is sized and shaped for engaging the central opening, the central mounting portion having a concave indent defined therein for rotatable receiving a wheel axle part of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Jean Cauchon, Raphael Murillo Sterling, Fernando Saturno
  • Patent number: 9339684
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Mao Liao, Mark J. Kannel, Donald E. Stiemke, Darian P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9302145
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride length includes a frame, a driving unit, an adjustment unit, and a coupling unit. The driving unit includes two pedals, a pair of handlebars and a pair of wheels. The handlebars and the wheels are correspondingly and respectively mounted to the frame. A crank is interposed between the wheels. Two pedal shafts are pivotally and respectively mounted between each wheel and each handlebar. The adjustment unit includes a stationery member mounted to the frame, a driving member mounted to the stationery member, and a linearly movable coupling member. The coupling unit includes two first shafts pivotally connected to the coupling member, two second shafts respectively and pivotally mounted between each handlebar and each first shaft. Two bars are pivotally and respectively engaged to each second shaft and the crank. Thereby, a stride length of the two pedals can be simultaneously adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: REXON INDUSTRIAL CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yao Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 9278250
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for a track of an elliptical exercise machine has a base member, a clamp member, and a strap. The base member is coupled to a guide rail of the elliptical and has at least one base-fastener orifice. The clamp member is pivotally coupled to the base member and has at least one clamp-fastener orifice. The strap is proximate the base member and the clamp member and has at least one strap-fastener orifice. The at least one base-fastener orifice, the at least one clamp-fastener orifice, and the at least one strap-fastener orifice are positioned to collectively receive a securing fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9272181
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a left foot link supporting a left foot pad, a right foot link supporting a right foot pad in a left foot link supporting a left foot pad. The right foot pad is linked to the left foot pad so as to synchronously move out of phase with the left foot pad through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height and an adjustable stride length. An adjustment synchronizer is operably coupled to the left foot link and the right foot link to synchronously adjust both the step height and the stride length of the elliptical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Arnold, James S. Birrell
  • Patent number: 9272182
    Abstract: An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: NAUTILUS, INC.
    Inventors: John Arthur Ohrt, James A. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9259610
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, a rotational mechanism, a left and a right coupling mechanism, and an adjusting assembly. A post structure is upwardly extended from the front portion of the frame. The rotational mechanism is arranged at the post structure. The left and right coupling mechanisms are arranged at a side of the post, respectively. One end of the left and right coupling mechanism couples to the rotational mechanism, and the other end respectively comprise a left and a right pedal assembly making a moving path. The adjusting assembly comprises a left and a right linkage structures with two ends, in which one end couples to the post and the other end moveably couples to the left and right pedal assembly. By changing the angles between the left and right linkage structures and the post structure, the pedal assemblies are moved to determine a step distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9254409
    Abstract: Embodiments of a strength training apparatus and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the strength training apparatus includes a base member and a tower structure coupled with the base member. At least one arm is pivotally coupled with the tower structure. A flywheel and a cable and pulley system are associated with the at least one arm, wherein displacement of at least one cable of the cable and pulley system effects rotation of the flywheel. The strength training apparatus may include a selectively adjustable magnetic braking mechanism associated with a flywheel that is configured to apply a selected resistance to the rotation of the flywheel. A torque sensor may be associated with the flywheel and the measured torque during operation of the apparatus may be used to calculate the work expended in rotating the flywheel. In one embodiment, the calculated work may be expressed in units of watts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dalebout, Michael Olson
  • Patent number: 9248338
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a frame, an impedance unit, two linkage units and a stride-adjusting unit. The impedance unit includes a flywheel supported on the frame and two cranks connected to the flywheel. Each linkage unit includes a rocking element and a moving element. The rocking element includes an upper end and a lower end. The moving element includes a rear end and a front end connected to the lower end of the rocking element. The stride-adjusting unit includes a threaded rod and a carrier. The threaded rod is supported on the frame. The carrier is connected to the upper end of the rocking element and formed with a screw hole for receiving the threaded rod so that the threaded rod can rotate to move the carrier and the upper end of the rocking element to adjust a stride of the elliptical exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: DK CITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chiu Hsiang Lo
  • Patent number: 9233267
    Abstract: An adjustable rebound device may include a support platform and a warping assembly to adjust a rebound resistance of the support platform. The warping assembly may include a plurality of mounting assemblies coupled to the support platform and a rebound adjustment assembly coupled to at least one of the mounting assemblies. The rebound adjustment assembly may be configured to actuate a mounting assembly such that the support platform is warped and a rebound resistance is adjusted. A method for adjusting a rebound resistance of a platform assembly is also described. An exercise machine may include a machine base assembly, a support platform, and a warping assembly. The warping assembly may include a plurality of mounting assemblies and a rebound adjustment assembly, such that the rebound adjustment assembly is configured to actuate a mounting assembly such that the support platform is warped and a rebound resistance is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: WILKINS IP, LLC
    Inventor: Larry C Wilkins
  • Patent number: 9216316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas Oblamski
  • Patent number: 9192809
    Abstract: An exercise device has a frame supporting guide links and foot support links. Upper pulleys are pivotally connected to the frame or guide links, front lower pulleys are connected to the guide links or foot support links and rear lower pulleys are connected to the foot support links. A flexible element extends from a vertical drive assembly to the upper pulley, front lower pulley, rear lower pulley and then to the frame rearward of the guide link pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventors: Larry D. Miller, Bradley Jordan Miller
  • Patent number: 9162105
    Abstract: A fitness apparatus includes a chassis, two linkages, two handlebars, two cranks and two joint bars. Each of the linkage includes a first linking-up part and second linking-up part transversally. The first linking-up parts are pivotably attached to the cranks for revolution of the cranks relatively to the chassis. Each of the handlebars includes a lower portion pivotably attached to the second linking-up portion, and an upper portion which can be held by the user to move along a closed elliptical trajectory. Each of the joint bars includes a rear and portion pivotably attached between the upper portions and the lower portions, and a front end portion pivotably attached to the chassis. In this way, the user's arms can take exercise effectively along an elliptical trajectory to further prevent the user from suffering sports injury resulting from incorrect posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Shih-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 9149679
    Abstract: A non-gravity type resistance exercise apparatus that includes a base assembly, a connector strut having a first end pivotally connected to the base assembly, a second end spaced apart from the first end and an intermediate portion, a first pair of sheaves rotatably connected to the connector strut, a selector assembly connected to the connector strut, a body engaging member, a second pair of sheaves rotatably connected to the body engaging member and a resistance assembly for yieldably resisting movement of the body engaging member, the resistance assembly comprising a pair of elastomeric belts entrained about the first and second pairs of sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Hovhanes Abassian
  • Patent number: 9144705
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Patent number: 9144706
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph D Maresh, Kenneth W Stearns
  • Patent number: 9144709
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using computer configured exercise equipment and an electric motor provided physical resistance in conjunction with a game system, such as a video game system, where the exercise system provides real physical resistance to a user interface. Results of user interaction with the user interface are integrated into a video game, such as running on a game console. The resistance system comprises: a subject interface, software control, a controller, an electric servo assist/resist motor, an actuator, and/or a subject sensor. The system provides actual physical interaction with a resistance device as input to the game console and game run thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventors: Alton Reich, James Shaw
  • Patent number: 9114275
    Abstract: An exercise assembly has a frame, a pair of elongated foot pedal members, a pair of elongated coupler arms, a pair of crank members, a pair of elongated rocker arms, and a front cross-shaft. The pair of foot pedal members are each movable along user-defined paths of different dimensions. Each crank member is rotatable in a circular path and is freely rotatable along the circular path in a first direction and restrained from rotation along the circular path in a second, opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Zhi Lu, Thomas J. Danowski, Mark C. Termion
  • Patent number: 9077465
    Abstract: Portable fitness monitoring methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring method includes a method for providing audible output to a user during an athletic activity using a portable fitness monitoring device. The method includes the steps of receiving an audio feedback file package that includes a first audio feedback file, updating the audio feedback file package, and processing the updated audio feedback file package to provide audible output to the user through an audio output device during the athletic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Christian Dibenedetto, Mark Arthur Oleson, Ian Michael Munson