Patents Examined by Stephen Crow
  • Desk workstation with an integrated treadmill
    Patent number: 9511254
    Abstract: A treadmill and desk assembly which allows a user to comfortably exercise while simultaneously running or walking. The desk includes a work panel, an adjustable leg, and a base frame. The work panel is connected normal to the adjustable leg, which in turn is connected to and supported by the base frame. The treadmill includes a first guiding member, a second guiding member, a front housing, a belt, a front roller, and a rear roller. The first guiding member and the second guiding member are adjacently connected to the front housing. The front roller and the rear roller are connected in between the first guiding member and the second guiding member. The belt is tensionably positioned about the front roller and the rear roller, thus allowing for relative rotation. The front housing is sized to fit and interlock with a treadmill-receiving cavity of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SmartMuv Wellness, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Patrick Netter, Clifford Ames, Jr., Craig Darryl Landfair
  • Elliptical exercise device with moving control tracks
    Patent number: 9511255
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. Vertical control tracks are pivotally connected to the frame and support the foot support links. A vertical drive is coupled to the forward portion of the frame and vertical control elements connect the vertical drive to the vertical control tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Two stage progressive resistance trainer
    Patent number: 9511271
    Abstract: A two-stage resistance trainer is provided having a first magnet that is in proximity to a rotating wheel, and a moveable second magnet that is linked to the first magnet. The first magnet is moved when the rotating wheel rotates and the second magnet is moved closer to the rotating wheel to add a second order effect to the resistance. The trainer is capable of adjusting the first magnet position in relation to the rotating wheel to provide a different relationship of speed to resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SportCrafters, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter V. Colan, Patrick T. Kulwicki
  • Hand held martial arts striking paddle
    Patent number: 9504894
    Abstract: A sonic paddle is a hand held device used for Martial arts striking practice. The sonic paddle is formed of layers of dense foam, rigid plastic, and plastic film resonating sheets. A cushioning layer is positioned on an outer surface of each of the resonating layers. The rigid center, supporting layers, resonating layers, and cushioning layers can be coupled to one another in sandwiched relationship. The part that the person strikes is the cushioning layers on either side of the paddle which are smaller in circumference than the resonating sheets leaving the resonating sheets protruding in order to resonate upon impact and thereby creating a loud sound when hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Nick Patakos
  • Wall structure for exercising and attaching fitness and physical activity elements
    Patent number: 9504871
    Abstract: A wall structure for exercising and attaching fitness and physical activity elements includes one or more modular panels configured to be fixed to a wall. The panels are configured receive at plurality of handles at various fixing positions distributed over a surface of the panel. Each panel has one more anchoring points distributed over the surface of the panel and configured for fixing accessory elements thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Cesar Juan Muñoz Saez
  • Weight holding device
    Patent number: 9504867
    Abstract: A weight holding device includes a strap and a strap-separating component attached to the strap. The strap-separating component maintains a separation between two portions of said strap when a weight is suspended from said weight holding device. An optional handgrip may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: William B. Hall
  • Body hardening machine that simulates martial arts sparring
    Patent number: 9504893
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for martial arts training that simulates sparring with a live partner and provides a safe tool for body hardening. The machine is a vertical alignment of three independently rotatable alpha bodies having arms and a weighted base, where each alpha body rotates when met by force from a user. The machine facilitates martial arts offensive strikes and defensive moves, which safely promotes the formation of calcium deposits and scar tissue about key nerve areas to give the body a hardened feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan Cameron Nelson
  • Automated weight selector
    Patent number: 9498668
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame and a weight assembly with multiple plates moveably disposed along a vertical length of the frame. The exercise machine also includes a lifting member selectively engaged with the weight assembly, and the multiple plates each include at least one lift opening to receive the lifting member. The lifting member is oriented transverse to a plate length and to travel in a transverse direction with respect to the plate length. Further, the exercise machine includes a locking member associated with at least one plate of the multiple plates, and a selector having a first position and a second position. When the selector is in the first position, the locking member is interlocked with the lifting member. When the selector is in the second position, the locking member is disengaged from the lifting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent M. Smith
  • Exercise device with swing function
    Patent number: 9498673
    Abstract: An exercise device with a swing function includes a main body and a plurality of support mechanisms. The main body has a base which includes a front part and a back part. Each of the plurality of support mechanisms has a height and is abutted upon a ground to sustain the base. The height of each of the plurality of support mechanisms is changeable. When the main body is controlled to drive the base, the base stresses each of the plurality of support mechanisms to change its height. Therefore, the main body can be inclined to any direction to form a swing motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Singularity Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia Lin Tung
  • Elliptical exercise device with moving control tracks
    Patent number: 9498672
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. Vertical control tracks are pivotally connected to the frame and support the foot support links. A vertical drive is coupled to the forward portion of the frame and vertical control elements connect the vertical drive to the vertical control tracks. A horizontal drive and horizontal control links control pivoting of the guide links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Resistance training device
    Patent number: 9498677
    Abstract: A game table for resistance training including walls defining a game space of the game table, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is a side wall having a plurality of non-uniform diameter openings, a plurality of game table rods extending through the plurality of non-uniform diameter openings, wherein at least one foosmen is attached to each of the plurality of game table rods, and a resistance article at least partially wrapped around at least one of the plurality of game table rods, the resistance article having a tapered thickness, wherein the non-uniform diameter openings of the side wall is defined by a first section and a second section, the first section having a constant radius from a center point of the non-uniform opening, and the second section having a smaller radius than the constant radius of the first section, is provided. A resistance device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: FIRST PRINCIPLES, INC.
    Inventor: Keith A. Raniere
  • Self correcting fitness test
    Patent number: 9495880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a physical fitness test which is easy to do, easy to monitor and is easily self correcting. It involves taking a push, pull, core, and cardio test that is easy to do but can be measured for like age and gender individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: RivalHealth, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Thomas Durand
  • Exercise apparatus
    Patent number: 9486670
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus (10) comprising a first rigid member (12) having a first surface (18) that rests on the ground in use and a second rigid member (14) having a first surface (18) on which a person can be supported. At least one resilient member (16) is provided to extend between a second surface (19) of the first rigid member (12) and a second surface (19) of the second rigid member (14). Recesses (20, 21) are provided in the second surfaces (19) of each of the first and second rigid members (12, 14) such that each of the resilient members (16) includes a first end portion (22) secured into the recess (20, 21) in the second surface (19) of the first rigid member (12) and a second end portion (23) secured into the recess (20, 21) in the second surface (19) of the second rigid member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MAXQUIP PTY LTD
    Inventors: Laurie Maximillian, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Self-compensating tire compression trainer
    Patent number: 9486687
    Abstract: A self-compensating tire compression device is provided for use with a trainer. The device attaches to a frame, such as a bicycle, that holds the axis of a driving wheel fixed. The device has a pivoting portion that presses a driven portion of a resistance device against the driving wheel. The pivoting point of the pivoting portion is located on the trainer to provide a static contact pressure between the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and when the driving wheel begins to rotate and the resistance device begins to resist the rotation, the contact pressure between the driving wheel and the driven wheel increases to prevent slippage between the two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SportCrafters, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter V. Colan, Patrick T. Kulwicki
  • Locking mechanism for a vertically storable exercise machine
    Patent number: 9480874
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, at least one arm rest connected to a first portion of the frame, and an exercise platform connected to a second portion of the frame. The at least one arm rest pivotally connected to the first portion to be oriented between an arm rest storage position and an arm rest operating position. The exercise platform is pivotally connected to the second portion to allow the platform to be oriented between a platform storage position and a platform operating position. A locking mechanism to connect the exercise platform to the frame in the platform storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Cutler
  • Support apparatus for plyometric exercise
    Patent number: 9480870
    Abstract: A support apparatus for use during plyometric exercise. The apparatus includes a resilient body having a cuboid shape. A flexible cover is provided that surrounds the body. The cuboid body has a height, width and depth which are all of different lengths to each other such that the apparatus may be arranged in three different orientations in which an uppermost face defines a landing platform of three different heights. The body includes a foam core and a shock absorbing layer located at and bonded to the outer surface of the core that surrounds and encapsulates the core. The shock absorbing layer is formed of a foam material having a density greater than the foam core and is located at all six sides of the apparatus such that an intermediate layer is located at the upper face of the apparatus to define a landing platform whatever the orientation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ESCAPE FITNESS LIMITED
    Inventor: Matthew Januszek
  • Walking assistance apparatus
    Patent number: 9480619
    Abstract: A walking assistance device configured to permit the independent movement of an individual via simulated weight reduction is described. The device is configured to partially suspend a portion of a user's weight via a seat-lifting system, facilitating the movement of a user with experiencing difficulty walking without assistance. The system of the device preferably employs a seat, a hydraulic or electric seat-lift mechanism, a seat restraint, a frame, wheels, a brake system, and a power source. The seat-lift mechanism is configured to rise and lower the seat, enabling the user to control the percentage of weight lifted, while the feet of the user remain in partial contact with the floor. The frame forms the structure and support of the device, and is configured to move laterally via wheels on the bottom of the frame of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Justin Frankian
  • Treadmill with folding overhead handlebar assembly
    Patent number: 9474928
    Abstract: A treadmill exercise machine may include a frame having a base and upright supports extending upward from at a forward end of the base. Horizontal arms connected proximate the upper ends of the supports may extend generally toward the rear end of the base. A handlebar assembly may be rotatably connected proximate the distal ends of the arms. The handlebar assembly may be moved from a non-deployed position to an upright locked position accessible to a user to grasp and pull down on an overhead hand bar of the handlebar assembly to reduce the weight load transmitted to the user's lower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph D Maresh
  • Exercise device with elliptical stepping motion
    Patent number: 9468797
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, pivotally connected arm links and a crank assembly. A pair of foot links each has a forward end, a rearward end, and a mid-portion. Each foot link has a crank attachment at the forward end that is connected the crank assembly. A foot receiving area is defined at the rearward end of each foot link. Each foot receiving area is longitudinally fixed with respect to the respective foot link and the mid portion of each foot link has a defined support location. The frame supports the support locations of the support links at a generally constant vertical height while allowing horizontal motion relative to the frame. The rearward length of the foot links is at least 1.5 times the forward length such that the foot receiving areas move in a path of travel having more vertical travel than horizontal travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Decoupled arm supports in an elliptical machine
    Patent number: 9468798
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to a frame and arranged to travel along reciprocating paths. A pedal resistance mechanism is integrated into the exercise machine and arranged to resist movement of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths. A first arm support and a second arm support are movably attached to the frame where the first arm support and the second arm support are mechanically independent of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal. Further, a dampening assembly is arranged to resist movement of the first arm support and the second arm support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout