Patents Examined by Garrett Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9308417
    Abstract: Herein provided is a method and system for wearable data collection in sports strength training and fitness exercise. The system includes an admin sensor set including sensors that couple to fitness equipment and a fitness sensor set which includes a wrist band sensor. A fitness app communicates with the sensors via Bluetooth Low Energy and Near Field Communication and detect concurrent movement based on proximity, user parameters and fitness object parameters. A fitness training report is generated that identifies the fitness objects used in a fitness exercise detected. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: FLOMIO
    Inventor: Richard Grundy
  • Patent number: 9302150
    Abstract: A training apparatus includes: a rotation center to be substantially matched with a center axis of a body of a user when the user is in standing posture; pelvis-fixing means capable of moving toward and away from the rotation center; and rotary mechanism support means for supporting the pelvis-fixing means so that the pelvis-fixing means is rotatable about the rotation center and capable of being aligned with a height position of an ilium of the user by causing the pelvis-fixing means to move up and down in parallel with the rotation center. The pelvis-fixing means is arranged so as to be pressed against the height position of the ilium of the user, from front or back side, or is arranged on each of front and back sides of the user so as to sandwich the height position of the ilium of the user from the front and back sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Clubcreate Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeo Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 9295874
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer has a base, two sliding assemblies, a slope adjusting mechanism, and two stride adjusting mechanisms. A transverse diameter of an elliptical path that a user exercises along can be adjusted by driving the slope adjusting mechanism, so as to adjust each stride of the user. A slope of the elliptical path can also be adjusted by driving the stride adjusting mechanisms, so as to provide climbing exercise effects. The elliptical trainer can be easily adjusted to form different exercise modes and intensities. The user's desire for exercising on the elliptical trainer can be increased accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
  • Patent number: 9289648
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a support structure and a treadbase connected thereto. The treadbase has first and second opposing side rails extending along at least a portion of first and second sides of the treadbase, respectively. A deck is connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. Front and rear pulleys are connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. A continuous belt is trained around and rotatable about the front and rear pulleys. One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the deck and selectively create vibrations to cause the deck to vibrate. The vibrations are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 9289638
    Abstract: An exercise equipment frame, such as a power cage, is formed from uprights that comprise at least two sections that are telescopically interfit with one another. The sections have an interference fit between them when the telescopic interconnection is made that is tight enough to require the use of a tool that enables leverage greater than that achievable by the hand pressure of a user. The sections may be of substantially equal length to one another when forming the main uprights of the frame to allow packaging of the sections when disassembled in a carton of more regular dimensions. The sections may also be unequal length to allow coupling of a frame extension to the top of a completed power cage type frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: PowerBlock Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9283425
    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 front 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 pair 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: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Zhi Lu, Gary Scott Clayton, Mark C. Termion
  • Patent number: 9278249
    Abstract: An exercise cycle includes a base support and an upright support structure. Connected to the upright support structure are a seat, a handlebar assembly, a pedal assembly, and a resistance assembly. The upright support structure may be pivotally connected to the base support to allow the upright support structure to move between various tilted positions. One or more vibration assemblies may be connected to the exercise cycle at various locations in order to vibrate desired portions of the exercise cycle, such as the handlebar assembly, the seat, or the pedal assembly. The vibrations are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 9265686
    Abstract: A system for exercising muscles that move the thigh according to various aspects of the present invention provides a source of resistance, suitably positioned, for the user to use when forcing the thigh to return to its original standing position, for instance, returning the foot to the floor. Such a system may include a base, an exerciser, and an upward motion limiter. The exerciser may include a position adjuster and a compliant surface. The compliant surface may include an elastic support and a foot receiver. The upward motion limiter may be mechanically coupled to any part of the exerciser to protect the user from unintended, perhaps sudden, release of energy, for example, from the elastic support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Kathy Pichnarcik
  • Patent number: 9259603
    Abstract: A portable spotting apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies positioned a distance from each other to define a spotting area for a user. The support assemblies each have an upright member that includes a top portion coupled with a pulley and a bottom portion configured to rest on a floor surface. A pair of legs each have an upper end coupled with an intermediate portion of the upright member and a lower end configured to rest on the floor surface on opposing lateral sides of the upright member. At least one cord is configured to extend over the pulley and to couple with a harness for spotting the user in the spotting area. A cross member is coupled between lower regions of the support assemblies to maintain the distance between the support assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SAM Spotting Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Justin Wireman
  • Patent number: 9254416
    Abstract: A touchscreen exercise device controller is connected to an exercise device and is used to adjust one or more operational parameters relative to the exercise device. The touchscreen exercise device controller includes a touchscreen that displays one or more exercise device controls for controlling exercise device operations, and receives touch inputs from an exercise device user that indicate which exercise device operations are to be changed. The touchscreen exercise device controller further includes a processing module that generates operational commands for the exercise device based on the received user inputs, and upon determining that one or more of the touch inputs comprises a predefined touch input, modifies at least a portion of the exercise device controls displayed on the touchscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren C. Ashby
  • Patent number: 9233277
    Abstract: An exercise assembly includes a bench sized and configured to support the back of a supine person. In a first mode of operation, the bench is structurally supported in a fixed, upwardly facing orientation relative to an underlying floor surface. The structural support is selectively removed by the person to switch to a second mode of operation, in which the bench is tiltable laterally relative to the underlying floor surface. Left and right pivot poles are mounted on one end of the bench and selectively pivoted back and forth by the feet of the person lying supine on the bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 9227100
    Abstract: A portable exercise support stand includes a base from which extend first and second vertical support members, each having upward ends and a resilient, elastic member having ends attached to the upward ends of the first and second support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Tammy Johnson
  • Patent number: 9216318
    Abstract: A resistance training device comprising a mounting device, the mounting device configured to removably mount onto a game table, a resistance article configured to be operably attached to a game table rod that extends into a game space of the game table, the resistance article having a thickness that tapers from a minimum thickness to a maximum thickness, wherein the resistance article extends through a non-uniform opening of the mounting device, wherein a resistance is gradually increased during rotation of the resistance article is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: FIRST PRINCIPLES, INC.
    Inventor: Keith A. Raniere
  • Patent number: 9205297
    Abstract: An exercise device and methods for performing physical exercise that improve strength, conditioning, and flexibility of an operator in a functional way using multiple body positions and exercising multiple muscle groups while keeping the spine in a safe and natural position, being simple to manufacture and use, and being compact and portable. The exercise device includes an elongated member, a hollow member, handles, a foot board system, and at least one resistance band. A resistance band is secured to the elongated member and the hollow member, and slidable movement of the hollow member and the elongated member relative to each other by the operator stretches a resistance band, which creates resistance to the movement, thereby exercising, strengthening, and conditioning the operator. The operator may use the exercise device in a number of configurations to perform a number of exercises in a number of body positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J. Kaehler
  • Patent number: 9192840
    Abstract: A martial arts training device has a frame including a vertical post, and an impact absorbent material formed over the vertical post. The impact absorbent material is provided with an exterior striking surface. The vertical post supports the impact absorbent material to form a primary striking target. An upper armature member connects to the vertical post at an upper armature member upper end. The upper armature member extends horizontally from the vertical post and then extends downwardly at a diagonal angle. The upper armature member is connected to the central armature mount. A lower armature member connected to the central armature mount at a lower armature member upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Stevon Thomas
  • Patent number: 9186543
    Abstract: A foot pad for a ski exercise apparatus has a heel retainer plate across a width of the foot pad proximate one end of a length of the foot pad, the heel retainer plate spaced above a floor level of the foot pad, and a toe stop spanning the width of the foot pad and adjustable along a portion of the length of the foot pad at a forward end of the foot pad opposite the heel retainer plate. A skier, wearing a ski boot, is enabled to step into the foot pad, engage a portion of the sole at the heel of the ski boot under the heel retainer plate, constraining the heel of the ski boot vertically, and to lower a toe of the ski boot to lie behind the toe stop, constraining the toe portion horizontally not vertically. The foot pad is provided with ski exercising apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventors: R Joel Loane, Ty Hargroder
  • Patent number: 9186551
    Abstract: A crawling exercise device having a base with a quartet of spaced apart notches disposed within the top side, a block slidably disposed above each notch, respectively, a pad disposed atop each block, a wheel connected to each block through each notch, each wheel supported on the bottom side interior, a first connecting rod in operational communication with the wheels of the first small block and the first large block, a second connecting rod in operational communication with the wheels of the second small block and the second large block, a dual inertia wheel disposed at the first end, each of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod pivotally affixed to the dual inertia wheel, the first connecting rod affixed to the dual inertia wheel 180 degrees out of phase with the second connecting rod, wherein sliding movement of the blocks turns the dual inertia wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Allen D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9180332
    Abstract: A compressive exercise device facilitates exercises utilizing compressive force to develop multiple parts of the body. The device includes an elongated tube. A top section of the tube is slidably inserted into a bottom section wherein the tube is telescopic. A longitudinal slot extends through the bottom section of the tube. A resilient loop has a first end coupled to the bottom section of the tube proximate a bottom end of the bottom section. Each of a pair of rollers is coupled to an associated side of the bottom section between the top end of the slot and a top end of the bottom section. The loop extends over each roller. A pin coupled to the top section extends through the slot and slides in the slot when the tube is compressed. The loop is coupled to the pin such that the loop resists compression of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventors: Juan M. Tenorio, Luis Tenorio
  • Patent number: 9180339
    Abstract: A method of using a resistance training device including mounting a mounting device onto a game table, wherein a placement of the mounting device onto the game table corresponds to an opening on a sidewall of the game table, and utilizing a resistance article with a game table rod that extends into a game space of the game table, the resistance article coacting with the game table rod to gradually increase a resistance during rotation of game table rod is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: FIRST PRINCIPLES, INC.
    Inventor: Keith A. Raniere
  • Patent number: 9168417
    Abstract: An exercising apparatus for exercising muscles in the abdominal region of a user's body may include a stationary primary body support configured to support upper portions of the user's body including the abdominal region. The primary body support may include a primary body support surface oriented to support a user's back in a rearwardly inclined position and a secondary body support surface for supporting the user's buttocks. A movable carriage may be configured to be engaged by the user's lower leg portions and may be movable along a substantially linear path extending generally toward and generally away from the secondary body support surface. A resistance application assembly may be configured to apply an adjustable degree of biasing force to the carriage in a direction generally away from the secondary body support surface to resist movement of the carriage toward the secondary body support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Torrey M. Vaughns