Stair Climbing Patents (Class 482/52)
  • Patent number: 9072932
    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: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Bradley J. Smith, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner
  • Patent number: 9072936
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame supporting guide links and foot support links. A cam system has a horizontal control cam portion with a first and second offset horizontal drive portion. Horizontal control followers are pivotally connected to a horizontal follower support and each has a control portion and a cam engagement portion engaging a horizontal drive portion. Horizontal control couplings couple the guide links to the control portions of the horizontal control followers. A vertical drive system is coupled to the foot support links. A foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a generally elliptical path when the cam portion rotates about the cam axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventors: Larry D. Miller, Bradley Jordan Miller
  • Patent number: 9067101
    Abstract: An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright mounted on the main frame, a base frame mounted on the main frame, a support plate mounted on the base frame, two swinging members pivotally connected with the base frame, two primary rollers each connected with the respective swinging member and each placed on the support plate, a cycle movement mechanism mounted on the main frame, a belt wheel mounted on the upright, a belt mounted between the belt wheel and the cycle movement mechanism, two cranks mounted on the belt wheel, two driving levers each pivotally connected with the respective crank and the respective primary roller, two pedals each pivotally connected with the respective driving lever, two handles each mounted on the upright, and two driven levers each pivotally connected with the respective handle and the respective pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: High Spot Health Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 9067103
    Abstract: A gymnastic machine (1) comprising a frame (10) supporting a load group (20) that can be actuated cyclically for power exchange with a user during training; a pair of first levers (24), substantially identical to each other, each of which being carried by the frame (10) in a rotatable manner around a first pivot axis (A1) and being provided with a respective interface (243), so that the interface (243) can move cyclically along a given trajectory (T); a transmission group (30) being provided mechanically to connect the first levers (24) with the load group (20); the transmission group (30)(30?) comprising a modulating device (300?)(300) designed to limit a speed change of each user interface (243) along the annular trajectory (T) and to avoid, in use, a sudden movement of the interface (243) transversally to the trajectory (T) as the motion is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: TECHNOGYM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianmatteo Fabbri, Carlo Moroni
  • Patent number: 9067094
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, two crank units, two reciprocating members, two swing arms, two linkages and two carrying arms. A predetermined portion oriented between the top and bottom ends of each linkage is pivotally coupled to the corresponding crank unit and is moved along a circular path. The top end of each linkage is pivotally coupled to the corresponding reciprocating member and is moved along a curved path between two retracing points. The front end of each carrying arm is pivotally coupled to the bottom end of the corresponding linkage and is moved along a first closed path which is elliptical-like shaped. A predetermined portion oriented between the front and rear ends of each carrying arm is pivotally coupled to the bottom of the corresponding swing arm. The rear end of the carrying arm supports user's foot and is moved along a second closed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ziv Chang, Joe Chen, Noel Johnson, Derek Nelson
  • Patent number: 9061175
    Abstract: An exercise device has a frame supporting guide links and foot support links. A cam system has a vertical control cam portion with a first and second offset vertical drive portion. Vertical control followers are pivotally connected to a vertical follower support and each has a control portion and a cam engagement portion engaging a vertical drive portion. Vertical control couplings couple the foot support links to the control portions of the vertical control followers. Pivotal motion of the guide links is decoupled from motion of the foot receiving areas along the path of travel having a vertical component of motion so that the user can achieve a foot path that is generally vertical or a blend of vertical and horizontal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventors: Larry D. Miller, Bradley Jordan Miller
  • Patent number: 9056240
    Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that simulate motion in a virtual environment. The invention comprising a constraining element and footwear that allow the user freedom of movement while limiting one to a circumscribed area. As the user moves within the circumscribed area ones movements are continuously recreated in virtual space simulating similar movements through the virtual space which are then displayed for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Carrell
  • Patent number: 9050498
    Abstract: An exercise assembly comprises a frame and elongated foot pedal members that are each movable along user-defined paths of differing dimensions. Each foot pedal member has a from portion and a rear portion. Footpads are disposed on the rear portion of one of the pair of foot pedal members. Elongated coupler arms have a lower portion and an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the frame. Crank members have a first portion that is pivotally connected to the front portion of one of the pan of foot pedal members and have a second portion that is pivotally connected to the lower portion of one of the pair of coupler arms, such that each crank member is rotatable in a circular path. Elongated rocker arms have a lower portion that is pivotally connected to one of the pair of foot pedal members in between the foot pad and the crank member and have an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Zhi Lu, Gary Scott Clayton, Mark C. Termion
  • Patent number: 9044640
    Abstract: An ellipse exerciser includes a base, a rail frame having two rails, an ellipse unit having two pedals and two roller units, and an adjustment unit having a bottom part and a support frame. The roller units are moved along the rails of the rail frame. The bottom part has two slots and each slot has teeth. Two guide boards are pivotably connected to the two respective outsides of the bottom part. Each guide board is connected with a spring. The support frame has a rod and two ends of the rod are respectively engaged with the slots. The guide boards each have a stop portion to guide the rods. When the support frame is rotated to different angular positions relative to the bottom part, the rods are engaged with different teeth so as to adjust the inclination of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Chiu-Hsiang Lo
  • Patent number: 9039583
    Abstract: A foot exercise machine has a base, a rotation disk, a linkage rod, a pedal, two elastic ropes, two elastic strips and two elastic pulling strings. The foot exercise machine having simple structure and light weight. The manufacturing cost of the foot exercise machine is lower so it is more approachable for everyone. The foot exercise machine can also improve user's balance skill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 9039577
    Abstract: An elliptical treadmill has a main framework, guiding wheel set, rocker bar, upper connecting rod, pedal assembly and a crank set. Of which, the crank sets are fitted with first and second swinging arms arranged in pair at interval. The top of the first and second swinging arms is fixed by two pin joint members separately onto preset spaced locations of the upper connecting rod. The bottom of said first swinging arm is pivoted on the front side of the pedal linked to the lower connecting rod, while the bottom of said second swinging arm is pivoted on the rear side of the pedal. When the upper connecting rod shifts circumferentially along the rotary guiding wheel, the first and second swinging arms could swing by taking the pin joint member as a rotary pivot, increasing the swinging range and the step pitch during rotary shift of the pedal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MARIO CONTENTI DESIGNS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jing-Yuan Peng
  • Publication number: 20150141208
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a body and an adjustment wheel. The body has two flywheels and two foot support links. The two flywheels each have a sliding portion which radially connected thereto so as to guide the two foot support links to alternatively move along a supporting travel and a crossing travel to complete a closed pedal trajectory when the flywheels rotate. The timing adjustment wheel is pivotally connected to the body. The timing adjustment wheel has a first slider and a second slider, the first and second sliders are configured to move along the sliding portions of the flywheels. The foot support links drives the flywheel to rotate so that the first and second sliders move along the sliding portions to change the speeds and phase differences of the foot support links so as to meet the principles of ergonomics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Kun Shan University
    Inventors: Fu-Chen CHEN, Wei-Ren CHEN, Meng-Hui HSU
  • Publication number: 20150141209
    Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes a body having two foot support links and two rotation members. The rotation members are rotated about their respective rotation pivots to drive the foot support links to move along a supporting travel and a crossing travel to complete a closed pedal trajectory. The timing adjustment wheel is pivotally connected to the body. A distance is defined between the pivot of the timing adjustment wheel and either of the rotation pivots of the rotation members. Two connecting links are pivotally connected to the timing adjustment wheel. The lengths of the two connecting links are longer than the distance. When one of the foot support links moves within the supporting travel and rotates one of the rotation members, the timing adjustment wheel drives the other foot support link to move within the crossing travel and produces speed and phase differences to be more ergonomic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Kun Shan University
    Inventors: Fu-Chen CHEN, Wei-Ren CHEN, Meng-Hui HSU
  • Publication number: 20150141200
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to recumbent exercise machines and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a recumbent exercise apparatus can include a seat, two linear guide tracks forward of the seat, and two pedal assemblies movably coupled to corresponding linear guide tracks positioned forward of the seat. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move back and forth along the linear guide tracks. The recumbent exercise apparatus can further include linear actuators operably coupled to each of the linear guide tracks and configured to move the linear guide tracks up and down in a vertical direction. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move in elliptical patterns when the pedal assemblies move back and forth along the linear guide tracks and the linear actuators move the linear guide tracks up and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Murray, Yuhsiang Chen, Kuang-Shiung Kao
  • Publication number: 20150141207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus operated in a seated position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow linear paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals and handles are positioned forward the operator to allow easy ingress and egress. The handles and pedals may be operated in unison for rowing exercise or the left handle and pedal may be operated independent of the right handle and pedal for opposing stepping exercise. Adjustable resistance is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 9022912
    Abstract: A step platform for slow step exercises is provided and has a basic structural block which is formed as a solid block made of a lightweight styrene foam material and includes a plurality of first concave portions formed in a bottom surface of styrene foam by using a plurality of first hollow holes formed in a predetermined shape which includes a penetrating hole perpendicularly penetrating the styrene foam from the bottom surface toward the upper surface or which includes a non-penetrating portion formed inside the penetrating hole; and predetermined single or plural step plates for distributing a load and ensuring a load bearing performance, bonded or adhered to the upper surface of the basic structural block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: JunKen Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Keishi Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20150119201
    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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao Jen CHANG
  • Patent number: 9017223
    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 forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. A hydraulic crossover assembly causes the handles to move in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 9017224
    Abstract: An exercise ladder having an adjustable inclination angle is provided. The ladder has rungs which are motor driven, driving the rungs downward at a desired speed as well as providing means for retarding and braking. The inclination tilt of the exercise ladder ranges from a negative to a positive tilt thereby providing a wide range of exercise possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Paul E. Singley
  • Patent number: 9011755
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an exercise step that utilize spirally shaped air-cushioning legs. The direction of the spiral of the air-cushioning legs is alternated around the periphery of the exercise step to eliminate rotational creep. Flow regulators are utilized to control the flow of air from the top of each of the air-cushioning legs into an interior portion of the base of the exercise step. Spokes provide an air flow passage between the air flow regulators and the central air regulator, as well as providing structural support for the base. Rings are also used around the base that inner connect the spokes and provide additional support. Recessed portions of a lower plate of the base are welded to an upper plate during a blow molding process to add additional support to the base of the exercise step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: B&R Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell A. Kulzer
  • Patent number: 9011295
    Abstract: An aerobic step includes a body having a middle exercise area and four sides. A maximum height of the body is positioned in the middle exercise area. The middle exercise area has a domed shape and curves downwardly to the four sides. The four sides define two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides. The middle exercise area includes a layer of material co-molded with and supported by a main body portion which promotes gripping and non-slippage. The layer of material includes a pattern of grooves. Two handles are defined along a lower portion of the body in the form of cutouts. An edge material is co-molded with and positioned on the lower edge of the body for contacting the ground. The body has a convex upper surface, and a concave lower surface which promotes stacking for storage, or for adding additional height by nesting two or more steps together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Prophet Corporation
    Inventors: Amber Orenstein, Ben Ton
  • Patent number: 8998775
    Abstract: An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright, two swinging handles, a cycle movement mechanism, two tread bars, two sliding bars, two pedals, two cranks, two rollers, two guiding tracks, two pivot members, and two ball bearings. The top face of each of the guiding tracks has an arcuate convex shape to correspond to the respective roller. Each of the guiding tracks has two upward extending side wings formed on two opposite sides thereof. Each of the pivot members has a threaded rod threadedly connected with a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is located between a respective one of the pivot members and a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is mounted on the threaded rod of the respective pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: High Spot Health Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Publication number: 20150087481
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer comprises a reciprocal-movement mechanism and an angle-adjusting chassis. The angle-adjusting chassis comprises a frame, a guider, an angle-adjusting assembly, and an intermediary part. Both the front end of the frame and the rear end of the guider may contact a supporting surface, and the rear portion of the frame may be pivotally coupled with a front portion of the guider. The angle-adjusting assembly is arranged near the rear portion of the frame, and the intermediary part is arranged at or near or attached to the front portion of the guider. The angle-adjusting assembly pushes the intermediary part, such that the guider rotates around its rear end, and the frame rotates around its front end, resulting in varying a first angle between the guider and the supporting surface and varying a second angle between the frame and the supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei LIU, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Publication number: 20150087480
    Abstract: A simple harmonic motion exercise device including a pivotally rotatable handle module installed at a front stand of a base front and proximate to the top of the front stand, two pedal linkage rods pivotally coupled to the swing linkage rod, two elastically stretchable members and a parallel four-linkage rod cushion module for electrically adjusting height and position. In addition, a pull string, a pulley, and a passive flywheel are provided for inertial exercises, and an electromagnetic damping generator is installed adjacent to the flywheel for adjusting the resistance of the exercises to provide a better simple harmonic motion exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 8986168
    Abstract: A fitness equipment for use in hip lift and treading, including a casing. The casing has therein a power source. The power source is a motor. A center axle of the motor rotates to drive a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft drives first and second independent shafts to rotate. Rotational mechanical energy of the first and second independent shafts is transmitted to first, second, third and fourth eccentric blocks, such that first, second, third and fourth spindles, first and second U-shaped supports, and first and second rests together move vertically and alternately along an elliptic track so as for a user standing on the first and second rests to tread and for the user sitting on the first and second rests to perform hip lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: St. Life Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jue-Yao Chen
  • Publication number: 20150080188
    Abstract: An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright, two swinging handles, a cycle movement mechanism, two tread bars, two sliding bars, two pedals, two cranks, two rollers, two guiding tracks, two pivot members, and two ball bearings. The top face of each of the guiding tracks has an arcuate convex shape to correspond to the respective roller. Each of the guiding tracks has two upward extending side wings formed on two opposite sides thereof. Each of the pivot members has a threaded rod threadedly connected with a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is located between a respective one of the pivot members and a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is mounted on the threaded rod of the respective pivot member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 8979713
    Abstract: A pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer includes a base frame, a rotating mechanism assembly, a lifting mechanism, a sliding mechanism and a control mechanism. The lifting mechanism is biasable relative to the base frame, including a rail holder, a support member and two sliding rails. The rotating mechanism assembly includes two cranks coaxially pivoted with one of each of the ends thereof to the base frame, and a support link set pivotally coupled between the other ends of the cranks and slidably coupled to the sliding rails. The control mechanism is mounted between the base frame and the rail holder to control the angle of deflection of the lifting mechanism. The sliding mechanism is pivotally coupled between the control mechanism and the rail holder. Thus, the invention allows quick adjustment of the pedal motion paths, training different muscles of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 8979714
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device includes a frame supporting guide links which provide for a horizontal component of motion of associated foot support links. A mechanical coupling couples the foot support links to a crank system and intermediate links couple the crank system to the guide links such that a foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a closed generally elliptical path when the crank system rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8979712
    Abstract: A leg exerciser includes a base positioned on the floor, two pedals pivotally connected to the base in a parallel manner, two spring plates supporting the pedals on the floor, each spring plate having a fixed end connected to one pedal, a free end movably supported on the floor and a smoothly arched suspension arm connected between the fixed end and the free end, and two sliding coupling devices coupled between the free ends of the spring plates and the base, each sliding coupling device including a track plate extended from the base along a predetermined path and a roller pivotally connected to the free end of one spring plate and rotatably supported on the track plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Yuan-Hung Lo, Chung-Chin Yang, Jun-Jui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8974353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mrako A Fenster, Derek L Nelson, Chih-Ming Lai, Kung-Lung Lai, Chieh-Wen Lin, Ming-Hsin Chi, Chinh-Kuo Huang, Yung-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 8974352
    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 forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. Compound guides are used to achieve elliptical curve pedal paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20150065305
    Abstract: A step exercise apparatus with a self-centering pedal system. The system comprising a frame and a seat supported from the frame. A first pedal assembly and a second pedal assembly are pivotally supported from the frame positioned so as to be manipulable by a user seated in the seat. A linkage is positioned in communication with the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly such that movement of either pedal in a first direction causes movement of the other pedal in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A brake is preferably employed for resisting motion of the first pedal assembly and the second pedal assembly in at least the first direction. A centering system positions the first and second pedal assemblies in a substantially central position when not being manipulated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Cole Dalton
  • Publication number: 20150065307
    Abstract: A portable recumbent stepper device may comprise a frame which may have a main body in the form of a beam extending fore-to-aft. The frame may also include a front leg and a rear base both for providing vertical and lateral support. The device may include an upward frame element fixedly joined to the fore end of the main body. A pair of foot pedals may be hingedly joined to the upward frame element. A pair of upwardly extending handles may be hingedly joined to the upward frame element and to the foot pedals so that they move in unison with the foot pedals, and the handles may be swept rearward to accommodate a seated user. A pair of resistance elements may be joined to the frame at one end and to one of the pair of foot pedals at another end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Hinkle
  • Publication number: 20150065304
    Abstract: An exercise device having (-) left and right leg linkages, each including (i) an upper leg member pivotally coupled to the frame for pivoting about an upper pivot point with the upper pivot points defining a laterally extending upper pivot axis, and (ii) a lower leg member directly pivotally coupled to the upper leg member distal to the upper pivot point for pivoting about a lower pivot point, and (-) a foot support attached to each lower leg member distal to the respective lower pivot point. The invention characterized by an ergonomically synergistic spatial orientation and relationship amongst and between the upper leg members, lower leg members, upper pivot axis, lower pivot axis, hip region of a user, knees of a user, a biased damping means in communication with the lower leg members, and an interconnect member interconnecting the lower leg links with and the biased damping means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Nathan R. Luger, Thomas C. Coy, Mark R. Nestande, Daniel C. Boyles, Charles J. Rosenow
  • Publication number: 20150065306
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: John Arthur Ohrt, James A. Duncan
  • Patent number: 8968159
    Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine includes a main frame, a guider frame coupled to the main frame for being moved between a use position and a storage position, a rotatable crank mechanism arranged on the main frame, two supporting members coupled between two crank units of the rotatable crank mechanism and two tracks of the guider frame, and two pedals coupled to the two supporting members. The engagement of the locking device is affected by the position of the guider frame. The locking device has a latch which can be located in an unlocked position where it is not interfering with the rotatable crank mechanism when the guider frame is oriented in the use position, or can be located in a locking position for stopping the rotatable crank mechanism from rotating when the guider frame is moved from the use position to the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noel Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150057129
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer includes a base, a post, a circular movement unit, two elliptical movement units and a stride-adjusting device. The post and the circular movement unit are supported on the base. Each elliptical movement unit includes a swing bar and a pedal carrier. The pedal carrier includes a front end pivotally connected to a lower end of the swing bar and a rear end pivotally connected to the circular movement unit. The stride-adjusting device includes a power unit and a lever set. The power unit is supported on the post. The lever set includes a middle portion pivotally connected to the post, an end pivotally connected to the power unit, and another end pivotally connected to the swing bars. The power unit is operable to pivot the lever set to move upper ends of the swing bars to change the strides of the elliptical movement units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: DK CITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chiu Hsiang LO
  • Patent number: 8961373
    Abstract: The invention is a skating simulator 10 having a frame 20, a longitudinally extending rail 30, a carriage 40, and a foot pedal 50. The rail 30 is attached to the frame 20. The carriage 40 operably engages the rail 30 for reciprocating along a path 60 along the rail 30. The foot pedal 50 is attached to the carriage 40. The foot pedal 50 has an intermediate member 51, a foot pad 52, means for attaching the foot pad 52 to the intermediate member 51 allowing non circular arcuate movement of the foot pad 52 in relation to the intermediate member 51 in the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Z.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Terrence Halver
  • Patent number: 8944979
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an exercise step that utilize spirally shaped air-cushioning legs. The direction of the spiral of the air-cushioning legs is alternated around the periphery of the exercise step to eliminate rotational creep. Flow regulators are utilized to control the flow of air from the top of each of the air-cushioning legs into an interior portion of the base of the exercise step. Spokes provide an air flow passage between the air flow regulators and the central air regulator, as well as providing structural support for the base. Rings are also used around the base that inner connect the spokes and provide additional support. Recessed portions of a lower plate of the base are welded to an upper plate during a blow molding process to add additional support to the base of the exercise step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: B&R Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell A. Kulzer
  • Patent number: 8944966
    Abstract: An adaptive exercise device includes a frame which supports swing arms which provide for horizontal motion of associated foot links. A crank system provides for vertical motion of the foot links and is movable relative to the frame. The vertical and horizontal motions of the foot links are mechanically decoupled and may be blended to approximate a desired foot path. The movable crank system causes the foot path to correspond to a natural running action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8936534
    Abstract: A free walking training machine includes a chassis having a left supporting frame and a right supporting frame, a left swing arm having a left axial portion extending laterally, a right swing arm having a right axial portion extending laterally, a left lifting mechanism, a right lifting mechanism, a first linking unit, and a second linking unit. The left lifting mechanism makes the left swing arm move upward and downward relative to the left supporting frame. The right lifting mechanism makes the right swing arm move upward and downward relative to the right supporting frame. The first and second linking mechanisms are connected with the left and right swing arms for enabling the left and right axial portions and the left and right swing arms to make coordinated movement and move in opposite directions, respectively. The first and second linking mechanisms are operable independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center
    Inventors: Chun-Ho Chen, Chia-Hsun Chuang
  • Patent number: 8936535
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer includes a frame, a handrail set, a flywheel set, and a pedal set. The frame has two opposing rails. The handrail set has two handrails pivotally connected to the frame. The bottom ends of the handrails are pivotally connected to handrail links. The rear end of each of the handrail links has a first guiding roller disposed at one of the rails. The flywheel set has a driving flywheel. The driving flywheel is flanked by two cranks each pivotally connected to a crank link. The front end of the crank link has a second guiding roller disposed at one of the rails. The pedal set has two opposing pedal links. Two ends of each of the pedal links are pivotally connected to the handrail links and the crank links, respectively. Pedals are fixed to the pedal links and follow stable motion paths to enable easy operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Healthstream Taiwan Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 8926478
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer includes a base, a pair of foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms, and a pair of hand-oriented elliptical mechanisms. The base is anteriorly provided with a frame having a first axle and a second axle. The first and second axles are parallel and spaced apart by a distance. The foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms flank the frame and include a revolving assembly pivotally disposed at the first axle and adapted to enable the foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms to revolve relative to the first axle. The hand-oriented elliptical mechanisms flank the frame and include a reversing assembly pivotally disposed at the second axle. The revolving assembly and the reversing assembly revolve in opposite directions. The hand-oriented and foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms enable a user's hands and feet to revolve in the same direction and follow closed paths, respectively. Hence, the user can exercise ergonomically and work different muscle groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Shih-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 8915825
    Abstract: An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercise is disclosed having a platform and a plurality of support elements. The support elements include a downwardly arcuate notch or channel for receiving a sidewall or endwall of the platform, allowing the platform to be arranged in multiple angled orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Elpers
  • Publication number: 20140371032
    Abstract: An elliptical treadmill has a main framework, guiding wheel set, rocker bar, upper connecting rod, pedal assembly and a crank set. Of which, the crank sets are fitted with first and second swinging arms arranged in pair at interval. The top of the first and second swinging arms is fixed by two pin joint members separately onto preset spaced locations of the upper connecting rod. The bottom of said first swinging arm is pivoted on the front side of the pedal linked to the lower connecting rod, while the bottom of said second swinging arm is pivoted on the rear side of the pedal. When the upper connecting rod shifts circumferentially along the rotary guiding wheel, the first and second swinging arms could swing by taking the pin joint member as a rotary pivot, increasing the swinging range and the step pitch during rotary shift of the pedal assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: MARIO CONTENTI DESIGNS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jing-Yuan PENG
  • Publication number: 20140371035
    Abstract: Embodiments of an elliptical exercise machine are provided including an elliptical exercise machine having a rear mechanism that is foldable or collapsible from an operating position to a storage position. In one embodiment, the elliptical machine includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rear rotational mechanism and first and second foot supports operably coupled with the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm and a second reciprocating arm. The second assembly may be displaced relative to the first assembly from an operating position to a storage position without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the first assembly and without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the second assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan Mortensen, William T. Dalebout, Trenton Von Larsen
  • Publication number: 20140371033
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine, in one embodiment, includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly and at least one assist mechanism. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rotational resistance mechanism associated with the first frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism and a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member, a second reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member. In one embodiment, the assist mechanism may include a folding assist mechanism to provide resistance between the assemblies during a folding transition. In another embodiment, the assist mechanism may include a rotational assist mechanism to assist a user in transitioning the elliptical machine to an upright storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan Mortensen, William T. Dalebout, Trenton Von Larsen
  • Publication number: 20140371034
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine, in one aspect of the invention, includes at least one frame member, a rear rotational mechanism associated with the at least one frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism, a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism, a plurality of support pads, each support pad having an engagement surface lying substantially in a first plane and a plurality of support structures, each support structure having an engagement surface lying substantially in a second plane, the first plane being at a defined angle relative to the second plane. The entire elliptical machine may be rotated through the defined angle to place the elliptical machine in a storage position. In one embodiment, the first assembly may be pivotal relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nathan Mortensen, William T. Dalebout, Trenton Von Larsen
  • Patent number: 8911332
    Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: HPN Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David W Kraus, Dean Maro
  • Publication number: 20140364279
    Abstract: A fitness equipment for use in hip lift and treading, including a casing. The casing has therein a power source. The power source is a motor. A center axle of the motor rotates to drive a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft drives first and second independent shafts to rotate. Rotational mechanical energy of the first and second independent shafts is transmitted to first, second, third and fourth eccentric blocks, such that first, second, third and fourth spindles, first and second U-shaped supports, and first and second rests together move vertically and alternately along an elliptic track so as for a user standing on the first and second rests to tread and for the user sitting on the first and second rests to perform hip lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jue-Yao Chen