Patents Examined by Stephen Crow
  • Play equipment
    Patent number: 9126069
    Abstract: To provide play equipment on which a user can log-walk and which is capable of interfering with the user's walking. The play equipment is provided with a pair of pedestals that are placed on the floor, a shaft on which the user can walk, an obstacle that interferes with the user's walking and a driving mechanism. The two ends of the shaft are supported rotatably on the pair of pedestals. The obstacle is disposed on the shaft. A drive motor is provided in the pedestal and a drive mechanism drives the shaft by the rotation of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: BLD Oriental Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Method and apparatus for incrementally increasing strength
    Patent number: 9126077
    Abstract: A micro-weight training apparatus can include one or more disc-shaped micro-weights. The micro-weight can include an annular body defining a substantially central aperture extending entirely through the annular body, wherein the annular body comprises first and second surfaces, with each surface terminating in a radiused edge. The micro-weight further includes a magnet disposed in the aperture. The micro-weight can have a mass in of about ¼ ounce to about 2 ounces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander M. Rothacker
  • Stride adjustment mechanism
    Patent number: 9126078
    Abstract: In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy T. Anderson, Rachel Lara Abigal Buckley, Juliette C. Daly, John J. Hsing, Gregory A. Joseph, Gary E. Oglesby, John M. Rogus, Robert C. Seaman, Mark C. Termion
  • Exercise assemblies having crank members with limited rotation
    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
  • Exercise brace
    Patent number: 9114277
    Abstract: An exercise device includes an exercise brace, a first strap, a second strap and a resistance band. The exercise brace includes a first frame member and a second frame member that pivotably couples to the first frame member. The first strap couples to the first frame member about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to a user. Similarly, the second strap couples to the second frame member about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the user. The resistance band couples to the exercise brace such that the resistance band creates a resistance to pivoting movement between the first frame member and the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory William Goeckel
  • System for dynamically training postural balance
    Patent number: 9114274
    Abstract: A dynamic postural balance training system includes a base frame, a support frame which extends upwards from the base frame, a roll motion frame which is coupled to the upper portion of the support frame by a first shaft so as to be rotatable to the left or the right, and a pitch motion frame which is coupled to the roll motion frame by a second shaft so as to be rotatable forwards or rearwards. The system also includes a pelvis fastening unit which is disposed inside the pitch motion frame and which expands to fix the pelvis of the user in place, a connector which extends downwards from the pitch motion frame, and a foot fastening unit which is coupled to the lower end of the connector and expands to fix the feet of the user in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION FOUNDATION CHONBUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dae Kyu Kwon, Jung Pyo Hong, Jong Dae Kwon, Mi Yu, Gu Young Jeong, Kyong Kim
  • Range of motion flexibility device and method of use
    Patent number: 9114270
    Abstract: A stretching device comprises a shoulder or body harness with an adjustable central hold arranged around the upper body connected with an adjustable extension strap configured to engage a foot at a distal end. The extension strap is slidably connected to the central strap to move along the length of the central strap. The wearable device and method of using the device provides a comfortable tension and facilitates hands free stretching in the supine position, for improving duration of the stretching and range of motion. The device straps may be quickly disassembled with a strap independently used, or in a combination rearranged for connection by interlocking the central strap with either a shoulder strap or the extension strap, for upper body and shoulder stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: BAM MOTION, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Aldridge, Shari Aldridge
  • Recumbant exercise assembly
    Patent number: 9114278
    Abstract: A recumbent exercise assembly allows a person to exercise while lying in bed. The assembly includes a base panel and a pedal assembly coupled to and extending upwardly from the base panel. At least one support panel is coupled to and extends from the base panel. Each support panel is configured to support a person thereon while the person pedals the pedal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: George S. Sigel
  • Exercise table
    Patent number: 9108079
    Abstract: An improved exercise table or reformer having increased adjustability and storage features. The starting point of the carriage or platform is adjustable to accommodate different sized users. An anchor bar mechanism is adjusted to correspond to carriage starting point, and limits rotation of the anchor bar with respect to the reformer and may be non-removable from the reformer frame. A foot bar assembly may be adjusted and placed in a storage position, allowing the foot bar to serve as a lift handle. The reformer's adjustability provides greater ease of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard J. Solow, Christopher J. Hahn
  • Locking mechanism
    Patent number: 9095743
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a shaft provides secure frictional engagement to the shaft while manually operable to be removed from the shaft. There is a first cylinder allowable to slide freely on the shaft. One or more holes retaining one or more balls allow a projection of the balls into an interior of the first cylinder. A tensioning ring (second cylinder) partially overlaps the first cylinder, retains the balls within the holes, and has at least a portion of the inside diameter increasing in diameter. A biasing mechanism acts against the second cylinder to urge the balls into the first cylinder interior to frictionally engage the shaft. Two release mechanisms movable with the biasing mechanism manually actuated against the bias move the second cylinder to allow the balls to freely move within the holes and the locking mechanism to be slid onto and removed from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Barbell, LLC
    Inventor: David Robert Davies, III
  • Tilting and folding device for a treadmill
    Patent number: 9095740
    Abstract: A tilting and folding device of a treadmill includes a base and a track bed is pivotably connected to the base by an arm, a support device and an actuator. The arm is pivotably connected between the base and the track bed. The actuator is pivotably connected between the base and a pivotal portion located between the first and second pivotal ends. The support device is pivotably connected to the base and the track bed. When the arm is pivoted about the second pivotal end and driven by the actuator, the front end of the track bed is lifted and stopped after being traveled to a pre-set stroke. When the actuator continuously drives the arm, the rear end of the track bed is supported by the support device and pivoted until the track bed is located upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Yao Wu
  • Apparatus for a lightweight punching bag
    Patent number: 9095757
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first plastic pipe comprising a first end and a second end. A padding surrounds a portion of the first plastic pipe extending from the first end towards the second end. The padding comprises a material for mitigating injuries during striking. A cover encases the padding. A pipe receiver is joined proximate to the second end for grounding motion of the plastic pipe to a structure. The pipe receiver comprises a bracket operable for joining to the structure, and a collar disposed between the bracket and the pipe for mitigating movement of the pipe within the bracket. A concentrically oriented second plastic pipe and third plastic pipe is disposed within the first plastic pipe proximate the second end for mitigating stress on the first plastic pipe proximate the pipe receiver, wherein a strike to the padding flexes the plastic pipe and the plastic pipe springs back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Brian J Corbett
  • Martial arts training device
    Patent number: 9084923
    Abstract: A martial arts training device that includes an inner frame shaped to encircle an outer surface of a training bag, an outer frame shaped to encircle the inner frame, a plurality of support shafts, and a locking mechanism. Both the inner and outer frame have a plurality of corresponding tee fittings. The support shafts connect the corresponding tee fittings and a locking mechanism is configured to adjust the width of the inner frame to fit the outer surface of the punch bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Terrance Jackson
  • Locking mechanism
    Patent number: 9084913
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a shaft provides secure frictional engagement to the shaft while manually operable to be removed from the shaft. There is a first cylinder allowable to slide freely on the shaft. One or more holes retaining one or more balls allow a projection of the balls into an interior of the first cylinder. A tensioning ring (second cylinder) partially overlaps the first cylinder, retains the balls within the holes, and has at least a portion of the inside diameter increasing in diameter. A biasing mechanism acts against the second cylinder to urge the balls into the first cylinder interior to frictionally engage the shaft. Two release mechanisms movable with the biasing mechanism manually actuated against the bias move the second cylinder to allow the balls to freely move within the holes and the locking mechanism to be slid onto and removed from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Barbell, LLC
    Inventor: David Robert Davies, III
  • Exercise device
    Patent number: 9079072
    Abstract: Provided is an exercise device including a planar support surface and a rolling joint which is configured to enable a 360° range of motion for the exercise device. In this regard, the user may roll the exercise device along a planar surface in a forward-and-backward motion, a side-to-side motion, or in an arcuate or circular motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Scott C. Agostini
  • Pull-up bar with hand and finger holds
    Patent number: 9079085
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a doorway engaging portion configured to releasably secure the exercise apparatus in a doorway and distribute a weight of a user of the exercise apparatus through a frame of the doorway. The exercise apparatus also includes a finger hold mounted to the doorway engaging portion, the finger hold comprising a ridge or groove shaped and sized to receive the fingertips of the user. When the doorway engaging portion is releasably securing the exercise apparatus in the doorway, the user may insert the fingertips around the ridge or into the groove of the finger hold, and perform an exercise by supporting an entirety of the weight of the user through the frame of the doorway via the finger hold. A method of exercising using an exercise device having a doorway engaging portion and a finger hold configured to receive the fingertips of a user, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert McBride, Tyler Rogers, Taylor McBride, Siz-Pin Lin
  • Training glove
    Patent number: 9079092
    Abstract: A training glove for training includes a training glove body and a rotatable turntable secured adjacent to a knuckle portion of the training glove body, such that when the training glove is in a pushup position on its knuckles, the training glove body rotates relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Stack
  • Exercise apparatus and associated methods
    Patent number: 9079071
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include a track having a first end and a second end, and a first pad fixedly attached to the first end of the track. The first pad may include a pedestal, a support structure attached to a lower surface of the pedestal and extending generally downwards therefrom, and an attachment member extending from a surface of the support structure to an outer edge of the pedestal. The exercise apparatus may also include a second pad slidably coupled to the track. The second pad may include a slidable vehicle and a top pad fixedly connected to the slidable vehicle. The exercise apparatus may further include a first bumper and a second bumper connected to the track. The first bumper may be connected to the track adjacent the first end, and the second bumper may be connected to the track adjacent the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventors: Stephanie Allain, Craig Allain
  • Exercise apparatus and methods for making the same
    Patent number: 9072928
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may include an elongated tube disposed between a pair of handles. The elongated tube may be stretchable and flexible, making the exercise apparatus ideal for use in resistance training, amongst other sports and activities. The elongated tube may be attached to each handle by a grommet, a gasket, and an insert. An end of the elongated tube may be threaded through the gasket and may receive the insert, which prevents the end of the elongated tube from retreating back through the gasket. The grommet may be arranged on the gasket and affixed to a strap defining a portion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Charles Reed, Michael Otterman
  • Integrated flywheel set for exercise equipment
    Patent number: 9072942
    Abstract: An integrated flywheel set for exercise equipment includes a base plate, a flywheel that is coaxial with the base plate and arranged such that an accommodating space is formed between the flywheel and the base plate, a magnetic damper unit that is deposited on the base plate and received in the accommodating space and provides magnetic attraction to hinder the flywheel from rotation, and a transmission that is received in the accommodating space and configured to drive the flywheel to perform an inertial motion. Thereby, the integrated flywheel set has the magnetic damper unit, a driving wheel set, a driven wheel set, and a multiplying wheel set integrated on the base plate, allowing exercise equipment to have its internal space used more effectively, and making the production and maintenance of the integrated flywheel set easier, thereby providing economical advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu