Patents Examined by Stephen Crow
  • Weight-lifting bar
    Patent number: 9044642
    Abstract: A weight-lifting bar includes a tubular member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The tubular member further includes an internal region. The weight-lifting bar further includes a plurality of balls disposed in the internal region of the tubular member that at least partially fills the internal region. The weight-lifting bar further includes a first endcap member configured to be coupled to the first end portion, and a second endcap member configured to be coupled to the second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Innovative Xercise Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Derek Mikulski
  • Ellipse exerciser with inclination adjustment unit
    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
  • Training device with hanging seat
    Patent number: 9044636
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of this invention, a training device is disclosed and comprises a conveyor belt, a frame set, and a hanging seat. The conveyor belt is used for a user walks on it in place for physical medicine or rehabilitation. The frame set is arranged around the conveyor belt for providing a support. The hanging seat is hanged on the frame set for supporting the user, comprising a trunk having a front end and a rear end, a seat connected with the rear end of the trunk, and at least one belt connected with the trunk and hanged on the frame set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Kuo-Wu Hao
  • Undulating rope exercise apparatus and system
    Patent number: 9044633
    Abstract: An exercise system includes a foot harness and an undulation rope that can be connected to the foot harness. The foot harness includes a back rigid section, two side rigid sections, and a front rigid section. A harness coupling is fixed to at least one of the rigid sections. One or more side straps couple the back rigid section to the two side rigid sections and couple the front rigid section to the two side rigid sections. A bottom strap couples the two side rigid sections. A top strap also couples the two side rigid sections. A dorsal strap may be fixed to the front rigid section and looped over the top strap. One or more of the side and top straps may be adjustable. The undulation rope includes a rope coupling fixed adjacent an end of the rope to provide a detachable connection to the harness coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: David Pesko
  • Exercise device with latching mechanism
    Patent number: 9039578
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a first frame, a second frame that is pivotally connected to the first frame and movable relative to the first frame between a storage position and an operating position, and a latching mechanism that selectively holds the second frame in the storage position. The latching mechanism includes a seat having a seat engagement surface, a seat engagement member selectively positioned on the seat engagement surface to hold the second frame in the storage position, and a lever that selectively rotates the seat engagement member off of the seat to allow the second frame to move from the storage position to the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T Dalebout
  • Convertible acupressure treadmill belt and treadmill
    Patent number: 9039579
    Abstract: A convertible treadmill belt apparatus in which base belt (10) is transformable both into an endless belt with prickly acupressure massaging surface by releasable attachment of at least one acupressure patch (20), and into a regular smooth surfaced treadmill belt, also by releasable attachment of at least one bald treadmill patch (50). Unique patches (20) and (50) can also be assembled to create different sized acupressure mats. These are used for massages in a variety of ways including on the floor, in a chair, and suspended on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Osime
  • Elliptical trainer
    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
  • Athletic speed training device using biofeedback
    Patent number: 9033855
    Abstract: An athletic training device, comprising a resilient member adapted to be worn behind a knee of a leg with at least one strap coupled to the resilient member so that the resilient member is located behind the knee. Two straps may be used where the first strap is coupled to the resilient member and securable to the leg above the knee; and the second strap coupled proximate to the first strap and securable to the leg below the knee. The strap or straps of the athletic training device are constructed of resilient flexible elastomeric material. Alternatively or additionally, the straps may be adjustable and held fast about the leg by one or more of the following: hook and loop fastener material, clips, snaps, buttons, and buckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: John D. Opfer
  • Bicycling exercise apparatus with multiple element load dispersion
    Patent number: 9028373
    Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a base, a frame comprising a head tube, and a lower front pivoting point connected to the base and an upper rear pivoting axial member positioned a fixed distance above the base. The lower front pivoting point and the upper rear pivoting axial member include a multiple component resistive element arrangement and collectively defining an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation forming a fixed angle relative to the base of 30 to 45 degrees, sloping upward in a rearward direction from the front pivoting point to the upper rear pivoting axial member. The design further includes a stem connected to a handlebar arrangement, the stem passing through the head tube and connected to the base by a connection arrangement comprising an arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: RealRyder, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Irving, John J. Harrington
  • Door-mounted fitness device with removable pulley members
    Patent number: 9028381
    Abstract: A fitness device for mounting on a door is useful for performing resistance exercises. The fitness device includes an upper member including a door anchor for securing the upper member to the door and a pulley support bracket having a pivot pin. The fitness device also includes a lower member including a door anchor for securing the lower member to the door and a pulley support bracket having a pivot pin. An elastic cord extends generally between the upper and lower members and is associated with two pulley members. The pulley members are configured to be removably received on the pivot pins. The pulley members include bores having keyways and the pivot pins include nubs configured to be received in the keyways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Michael J. Mestemaker
  • Abdomen exercise machine
    Patent number: 9028375
    Abstract: An exercise machine applicable for strengthening users abdominal muscles is described. The machine can include a track frame and a support frame adjustably coupled to the track frame. The track frame can include a pair of parallel rails to provide gliding support for movement along the parallel rails. Two sliding assembly may be movably mounted on the parallel rails respectively. Each sliding assembly may be configurable to move together or separately along the parallel rails. Two seat pads may be adjustably secured to the two sliding assembly respectively. Each seat pad may be rotationally adjustable to change angular relationship between the seat pad's longitudinal direction and movement direction along the parallel rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Willy Ho, Michael Edward Casey
  • Rowing exercise device
    Patent number: 9028374
    Abstract: A rowing exercise device simulates rowing including lateral pivoting movement to require control of core muscles, thus providing a more complete exercise experience. The device includes a frame having a pair of spaced supports and an elongated track coupled to and extending between the supports. A handle is coupled to the frame proximate a first end of the track. A seat is slidably coupled to the track wherein the seat is movable along the track to simulate a rowing motion. The seat is laterally pivotable relative to the track to require a user positioned on the seat to utilize core muscles to maintain balance on the seat as the seat moves along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Scott P. Brady
  • Abdomen exercise machine
    Patent number: 9028376
    Abstract: An exercise machine applicable for strengthening users abdominal muscles is described. The machine can include a track frame and a support frame adjustably coupled to the track frame. The track frame can include parallel rails to provide gliding support for movement along the parallel rails. Two sliding assembly may be movably mounted on separate pairs of the parallel rails respectively. Each sliding assembly may be configurable to move together or separately along the parallel rails. Two seat pads may be adjustably secured to the two sliding assembly respectively. Each seat pad may be rotationally adjustable to change angular relationship between the seat pad's longitudinal direction and movement direction along the parallel rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Willy Ho
  • Hand exerciser device
    Patent number: 9028371
    Abstract: A hand exerciser device that includes a body having a thumb opening and a plurality of finger openings spaced apart from the thumb opening. Between the finger openings and the thumb opening, there is provided at least one and preferably a corresponding number of projections, which can be independently depressed and manipulated by the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Power-Web International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Trent
  • Systems, methods, and devices for simulating real world terrain on an exercise device
    Patent number: 9028368
    Abstract: An exercise system includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via a network with a communication system. The communication system stores and/or generates exercise programming for use on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulate terrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programming can include images/videos of the remote, real world location. The control signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a user of the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real world location as well as see images of the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren C. Ashby, Scott R. Watterson, Kirk Lorrigan, William T. Dalebout
  • Balance training device and method
    Patent number: 9022910
    Abstract: A balance training device is a platform for standing upon that allows inserts with pads to be adjusted and inserted to provide varying degrees of instability. The upper surface of an insert, or pedestal, may include multiple protuberances positioned at or near the periphery of the upper surface and a comparatively lower region between the protuberances and at or near the center of the upper surface. The platform, or base unit, may be configured to support two or more inserts simultaneously, and the inserts may be of differing height or have different numbers of protuberances. A method of balance training includes removably connecting a pedestal to the base unit and standing upon an upper surface of the pedestal. Use of the balance training device may provide improved training safety for participants in group performance activities such as cheerleading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Willis A. Yehl, Brian S. Jordan
  • Top-loading adjustable weight kettlebell system
    Patent number: 9022906
    Abstract: Preferred top-loading adjustable weight kettlebell systems described herein preferably include a kettlebell base and at least one top-loading nesting weight. The kettlebell base preferably include a main body and a handle, the main body having a substantially convex upper surface, the handle upwardly extended from the main body. The at least one top-loading nesting weight preferably has a handle opening defined therein. The at least one top-loading nesting weight may have a substantially convex upper surface and a substantially concave lower surface. The at least one top-loading nesting weight is preferably loadable onto the kettlebell base by insertion of the handle through the handle opening. Preferred top-loading adjustable weight kettlebell systems may include a two-part securing mechanism for securement between the kettlebell base and the at least one top-loading nesting weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Preston Nelson
    Inventor: Preston Nelson
  • Stable multi-purpose exercise and training device
    Patent number: 9017228
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include providing a mixed-use training device that solves a number of problems with the prior art by providing for a dynamically adjustable height setting for weight bags and allowing for a greater radius of clearance and movement around the training device which allows the user the ability to perform a more diverse training regimen, without requiring the constant re-configuration of the training device. Weights secured to weight support members increase the stability of embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jeremy Hodges
  • Basketball trainer for developing gripping strength and power
    Patent number: 9017229
    Abstract: A training device is disclosed, which includes a ball and an anchored connecting structure that is anchored to the ball. A distal portion of the anchored connecting structure is a connector, extending from a distal portion of the ball, that is capable of connecting with a motion resisting device. A proximate portion of the anchored connecting structure extends into an inner volume of the ball, whereby resistance is provided to twisting and pulling motions between the anchored connecting structure and the ball resulting from torsion and thrust loading during training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Marty Gilman, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil F. Gilman
  • Selective stride elliptical exercise apparatus
    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