Patents Examined by Stephen Crow
  • Neck support apparatus for abdominal exercises
    Patent number: 9468800
    Abstract: A neck support apparatus for performing abdominal exercises without causing or exacerbating neck discomfort. The neck support apparatus comprises an hourglass shaped body having three distinct sections and a removable handle portion. The body includes an upper portion adapted to receive and support the back of a user's head, a middle portion adapted to receive and support the back of a user's neck, and a lower portion adapted to receive and support the back of a user's shoulders. The handle portion is removably attachable to the back side of the body through the use of corresponding aspects of a hook and loop fastener system and includes a slidable grip disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Regina De Leon Guerrero
  • System for monitoring fitness performance
    Patent number: 9468793
    Abstract: A workout system for monitoring fitness and generating a workout summary is disclosed. The system includes a workout module that integrates with weight lifting equipment. The workout module includes one or more motion detectors that detect repetitions and/or tempo of weights lifted or displaced and a computer that logs and stores the repetitions and/or the tempo that weights are lifted or are displaced. The workout module also preferably includes a resistance, a radio frequency, an optical or a magnetic weight sensor or reader that automatically reads and determines values of weights used in the workout. The workout module also preferably includes a radio transmitter to transmit workout data and workout parameters to a remote computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: D'Miles Salmon, David Stubben
  • Ergonomic pull handle and associated exercise methods
    Patent number: 9463347
    Abstract: A pull handle that is ergonomically designed to avoid unnatural stresses on the user's body through the range of motion is disclosed. The invention enables a user to perform exercises that cannot be accomplished with existing handles or may be more difficult to do so. These objects are achieved by providing one or more axes of rotation or flexibility in the pull handle so that the user's hand, wrist and/or arm (or foot, ankle and/or leg) may bend and/or rotate more naturally through the user's range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: David Kristiansen
  • Accessory for gymnastic exercises
    Patent number: 9463369
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a gymnastic accessory including a twisting ring with an external ring and an internal ring, wherein the two rings are concentrically connected and rotatable in relation to each other about a common axis, wherein the external ring typically includes two connecting devices that are arranged symmetrically at the outer periphery and adapted for joining with an unyielding or elastic rope. The second ring include connecting means at the periphery, the connecting means adapted for mounting of connecting elements for a twisting belt. The invention further concerns a method for reconfiguring such a gymnastic accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PF Redskaber A/S
    Inventor: Preben Ebsen
  • Elliptical exercise apparatus
    Patent number: 9463351
    Abstract: This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame without lifting some heavy components of the elliptical exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Bo Long
  • Arch track for elliptical exercise machine
    Patent number: 9457222
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a base support structure, first and second reciprocating foot supports movably linked to the base support structure, first and second guide rails, and first and second rollers. The guide rails guide respective first and second foot supports to provide reciprocal movement of the foot supports. The guide rails each include a track surface having first and second end portions and at least first and second arch portions, respectively. The first arch portion is positioned at a location between the first and second end portions and having a first radius of curvature. The second arch portion is positioned at one of the first and second end portions and has a second radius of curvature that is less than the first radius of curvature. The first and second rollers are movable along the track surface of the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Treadboard of a treadmill and a treadmill
    Patent number: 9452314
    Abstract: A treadboard and a treadmill includes two first elastic strips of same structure arranged abreast with the lengths disposed along the moving direction of the belt of the treadmill and a plurality of solid support strips; the first elastic strips are arc structural, the center of the arc structure is higher than two ends of the arc structure; either end of each first elastic strip is once formed with buffer portion that is flexible along the length direction, so that the buffer portions buffer the arc structure of the first elastic strip after fixedly connected to the base of the treadmill; the solid support strips is of straight strip structure respectively connected vertically between the two first elastic strips, two ends of each solid support strip are respectively connected to the corresponding upper sides of the two first elastic strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: XIAMEN AOLRO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yanwei Hou
  • Bicycling exercise apparatus with multiple element load dispersion
    Patent number: 9446277
    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: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Real Ryder, LLC
    Inventors: Colin Irving, John J. Harrington
  • Top-loading adjustable weight kettlebell system
    Patent number: 9446283
    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: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Preston Nelson
  • Exercise device with treadles
    Patent number: 9440107
    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: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: NAUTILUS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Bradley J. Smith, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner
  • Dual chamber exercise device
    Patent number: 9440111
    Abstract: A dual chamber device 1 for exercising is comprised of a first chamber 2, a second chamber 3 and a rotation bracket 12 connected therebetween, said device 1 can be inverted such that when positioned in a first exercise mode the exerciser can do pushups by grasping a handle bar 5 and simultaneously rotating the first chamber 2 about the second chamber 3, and in the second mode 2 the exerciser can do pushups by forming a fist and placing his/her knuckles on the knuckle pad 4 and simultaneously rotating the second chamber 3 about the first chamber 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Lamar Anthony Rutherford
  • Bicycling exercise apparatus
    Patent number: 9440109
    Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a frame having a head tube, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, and a stem connected to a handlebar arrangement, the stem passing through the headset collar and connected to a base by a connection arrangement comprising an arm. The frame is configured to pivot about the first upper rear mounting point and second lower front mounting point in response to leaning by the user, causing rotation of the stem within the head tube by movement of the connection arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: RealRyder, LLC
    Inventors: Colin Irving, John J. Harrington, Brian C. Stewart, Michael S. Lofgren
  • Multipurpose exercise stool
    Patent number: 9440108
    Abstract: A multipurpose exercise stool for enabling aerobic and anaerobic exercise for a user seated thereon comprises a base member for providing a lower level having four wheels, a main body disposed over the base and a cushion member disposed over the main body. These parts are connected through a vertical swivel pole which is connected to the bottom of the cushion member, passes through the main body, and connects to the top of the base member. An internal base axle passes through the main body horizontally. A rod assembly may be attached to the base axle on either end as it exits the main body and two pedal assemblies can be attached to the base axle on the inside of the main body at one end and extend from the main body at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Victoria Shearin-Brown
  • Adjustable motion control arm pads for bench press and other weight lifting systems
    Patent number: 9433818
    Abstract: A bench press system 100 may include an adjustable arm pad support system 300 which may include right and left arm pads, right and left lever arms, right and left radial adjustment brackets and other components. The arm pads may be lowered to accommodate injuries or safety concerns of the user. The radial adjustment brackets may define adjustment voids that will accept a catch pin or link pin of a lever arm. The disclosed configurations allow for one handed adjustment of arm pad positions. The padded arms allow for a tactile warning of arm pad position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick E Kalleen
  • Toning garment with integrated damper
    Patent number: 9433814
    Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle toning garment with force dampening resistance elements, which may be fluid filled rotary dampers. The garment provides resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath conventional clothing. Toning may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Tau Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Kaitlin von Hoffmann, Gerard von Hoffmann
  • Exercise and rehabilitation apparatus with adjustable constant load resistance unit
    Patent number: 9433815
    Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation apparatus is provided having resistance load units comprising a resistance drum rotabably coupled to a user crank handle mechanism, a friction strap surrounds the resistance drum wherein the level of friction resistance between the drum and the resistance load unit housing is user selectable thereby selecting the force required to rotate the user crank. Once user adjusted the resistance load unit provides a constant load to the user crank. Resistance load units are mounted opposingly providing a left and right hand user crank. A variety of user crank embodiments are provided for simulating the forces and motion experienced by a user in various sporting, exercising and rehabilitation user activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hughes Super Flex, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G Hughes
  • Exercise machine
    Patent number: 9427620
    Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising at least one limb, in particular for use in rehabilitation and/or fitness, with a supporting frame and a generator of circular motion, which can be rotated on a rotary shaft associated with the supporting frame, and a limb support for resting and/or supporting at least one limb. A rotational shaft arranged radially off-set with respect to the rotary shaft of the generator of circular motion is associated with the generator of circular motion to rotatably mount a rotator. The limb support is associated with the rotator, preferably eccentric to the rotational shaft. The trajectory of the limb support is elliptical, the ellipse being formed by an overlapping of the circular motions of the generator of circular motion and the rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: medica-Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Oblak, Zlatko Matjacic
  • Resistive pull exercise device
    Patent number: 9421413
    Abstract: An example resistive pull exercise device includes a support housing having a first passageway and an opposing, second passageway, and a tension member to selectively impart a resistive force to a length of material spanning the first and second passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Rogers Athletic Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Staten, Michael Gittleson, Kyle R. Camp
  • Finger/hand exerciser
    Patent number: 9421419
    Abstract: A hand and finger exerciser apparatus having a base unit structure, resiliently-biased slidable finger button devices, and a mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking the finger button devices. Each finger button device can be used independently to exercise fingers, or compress the entire unit for complete hand and forearm strengthening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Elliott Goldberg
  • Fitness ball chair
    Patent number: 9415276
    Abstract: A fitness ball chair includes a base, a fitness ball, a support tube and a pad. The base is an elastic structure formed by being spirally enclosed and having an opening in the middle of the base. The fitness ball is movably disposed in the base, and a portion of the fitness ball is disposed in the opening to prevent the fitness from falling out. The support tube is provided for connecting the base and the pad and supporting a user's trunk. The fitness ball is positioned and stored in the base. With the elastic design of the base and the softness of the fitness ball, the fitness ball chair provides a good exercise and protection effects to users, and causes no waste of the using space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PLUS ‘O’MINUS FITNESS PRODUCTS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Szu-Chia Hao