Patents Examined by Stephen R. Crow
  • Patent number: 9770617
    Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle specific exercise device. The device may provide passive or active resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The device may be low profile, and worn by a wearer, such as beneath conventional clothing. Exercise of selective joints or motion of the body 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: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Tau Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Kaitlin von Hoffmann, Gerard von Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9767785
    Abstract: A treadmill having a running deck comprising a motor arranged to drive movement of a tread belt, a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to determine an anti-phase waveform based on waveform attributes of a noise emitted from the treadmill and to cause a sound of the anti-phase waveform to be emitted into a surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren C. Ashby, Eric Watterson
  • Patent number: 9757610
    Abstract: A variable stiffness treadmill system having a variable stiffness mechanism, a split-belt treadmill, a counterweight system, and a body weight support for supporting an individual and varying the stiffness below the individual on the treadmill for research and rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Panagiotis Artemiadis, Andrew Barkan
  • Patent number: 9750975
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an exercise device that makes push-ups more physically challenging by reducing the area of contact that the push-up device makes with a surface while in use. A distal end of the device has a minimal radius of curvature, such that the surface area of the device in contact with the ground is minimized, thereby inducing instability. The user is challenged to overcome the inherent instability of the push-up device, thereby recruiting more muscle groups, placing higher demand on involved muscle groups, and practicing balance and proprioception. Additionally, by elevating the user's hands above the ground, the device can also enable the user's chest to move below the plane of the palms of his or her hands, thus inducing a larger range of motion with each push-up and further challenging the user's muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Stanley Russell Hunter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9744401
    Abstract: A multifunctional exercise machine is an exercise machine that combines a stepper assembly and a stationary bicycle assembly into a single machine. The stepper assembly is positioned on a frame member while the stationary bicycle assembly is positioned on a stand member. The frame member and the stand member are both hingedly connected to a bridge positioned in between the frame member and the stand member. A stepper resetting mechanism is utilized to regulate the movement of a first step pedal and a second step pedal of the stepper assembly. The first step pedal and the second step pedal are slidably engaged to a first rail and a second rail of the frame member. The machine may be utilized in a standing position or in a seated position via an adjustable seat. A handlebar assembly may be utilized for user stability while exercising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Nabile Lalaoua
  • Patent number: 9737780
    Abstract: A striking bag features a resiliently flexible foam tube, and a striking surface that is connected to an end of the flexible tube to hang therefrom in an exposed position strikeable from below. A threaded rod projects from an upper end of the flexible tube for coupling with a surface mount that is fastened to a ceiling or other suitable overhead surface. The surface mount features a rigid portion into which the threaded rod is threaded. The foam of the tube and the threaded rod solely define a resiliency by which the tube flexes and returns to a normal straight position relative to the ceiling mount. A fabric loop at a bottom of the striking surface allows selective connection of a stretchable tether between the striking surface and a ground based tether point to change a responsive character of the striking bag and enable two distinctive modes of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Bobby I. Khunkhun
  • Patent number: 9737755
    Abstract: An exercise device may comprise at least one joint. The at least one joint may comprise at least one first surface positioned adjacent to at least one second surface, the at least one second surface movable relative to the at least one first surface at at least one interface. A damping grease having a dynamic viscosity greater than about 100 Pascal seconds at standard temperature and pressure may be positioned at the at least one interface between the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface of the at least one joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9737750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bench, which is designed for performing hip extensions in such a way as to prevent damage to the back of the user, and can be adapted to different sizes. To this end, the bench consists of an H-shaped frame having a middle beam (7) that is slightly shorter than the distance established between the disks (6) of the bar (5) to be lifted, and on which a back rest or seat (14) is provided, comprising height-regulating means, characterized in that the height of the side beams is such that the bar (5) can be rolled over the surface of the beams above the stretched-out body of the user, while the large disks are flush with the ground so as not to limit the range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Arturo Garcia Lopez
  • Patent number: 9737453
    Abstract: A walk training apparatus includes a walking assist device, a first tensile portion, and a second tensile portion. The walking assist device is configured to be attached to a leg of a user so as to assist the user in walking. The first tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device and the leg of the user toward a vertically upper side and toward a front side. The second tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device and the leg of the user toward the vertically upper side and toward a rear side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimada, Masayuki Imaida, Hitoshi Konosu, Yoshinori Fujikake, Eiichi Saitoh
  • Patent number: 9724586
    Abstract: A balance trainer set including an inflatable balance board and an inflatable balance roller are disclosed. The inflatable balance board may have a flat, or slightly curved profile taken along a longitudinal centerline and/or a lateral centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TRIM LINE SPORTS LLC
    Inventors: Dan Smith, James Blakeney
  • Patent number: 9724589
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a stationary exercise bike along with a display that provides instruction to lead a rider through an exercise program. The invention allows a rider to obtain benefits of a group, instructor-led class though the rider's schedule does not permit the rider to participate in the class. The invention also describes a method of exercising with the foregoing bike and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Baudhuin
  • Patent number: 9694234
    Abstract: A treadmill includes an exercise deck, and a tread belt on the exercise deck having multiple slats. At least one slat of the multiple slats has a first rod end and a second rod end protruding from the slat. A first track is defined in a first side of the exercise deck and a second track is defined in a second side of the exercise deck. The first track receives and guides the first rod end, and the second track receives and guides the second rod end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack
  • Patent number: 9694233
    Abstract: Improvements in a weight bar locking mechanism that secures a zig-zag or bent curling bar or straight bar. Curl bars have only limited areas where the bar can be rested where the bar is perpendicular to the weights. The central area is typically fairly narrow in dimension and placing the curl bar on this central area can be difficult and is the bar is not placed into the central area the curl be can be unbalanced. The locking mechanism captures both the top and bottom of the curl bar to lock the bar and prevents the curl bar from falling if the curl bar is not properly placed onto the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism forces the retained sides of the curl bar like an over-center torsion bar type arrangement to forces both sides of the curl bar to be essentially parallel orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Cheng I Chou
  • Patent number: 9687690
    Abstract: Provided is a customized exercise system including exercise equipment comprising a sensor, a server storing information about an exercise method and an exercise amount corresponding to a body condition, and a mobile terminal receiving information about an exercise method and an exercise amount that are suitable for a user from the server and providing the transmitted information to the exercise equipment, in which a body condition of an individual user is determined using the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: IFIVE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chul Woong Park
  • Patent number: 9687406
    Abstract: A stretching device comprises a rectangular frame including two parallel longitudinal support sleeves, two parallel stretch sleeves fitted to slide into and from said parallel longitudinal support sleeves, two cross members perpendicularly and fixedly connecting the two said parallel longitudinal support sleeves; a foot grip assembly including two foot L-shaped foot grips attached perpendicularly to the distal ends of the longitudinal stretch sleeves; a mechanically ratcheting grip and push rod assembly including two upper push rod sleeves, two lower push rod sleeves, two push rods which slide inside the upper and lower push rod sleeves, two handles with trigger-style levers and quick release buttons, and ratcheting mechanisms to extend the push rods and hold said push rods in place; two U-shaped armpit grips with padding at the distal ends, a rotating connector that attaches the armpit grips to the upper push rod sleeves and the longitudinal support sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Gerald M. Steiner
  • Patent number: 9675839
    Abstract: A treadmill has an exercise deck, and a tread belt disposed on the exercise deck. The treadmill further has a tensioning mechanism attached to the exercise deck, and the tensioning mechanism has a selectively movable structure movable with respect to the exercise deck to push outward against an inward surface of the tread belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack, Ryan Workman
  • Patent number: 7938755
    Abstract: An exercise treadmill (20) is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly (50) is provided to allow a treadmill deck (32) to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin (56) transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (22). A pivot block (54) is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel (58) that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly (70) is provided having a foot (74) that is rotatable within a mounting block (72). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening (96) in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam (100) is provided between a motor compartment (102) and an adjacent endless belt (28). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt (120) is used between a motor assembly (104) and a roller assembly (24) that drives the endless belt (28). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame (22) is assembled using swaged fasteners (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Dyer, Donald A. Demuth, Mark D. Sand, Rodney P. West, Patrick J. Waite
  • Patent number: 7569001
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame having a seat and handlebars, a high-inertia flywheel having a hub at a center of rotation, the flywheel being rotatably supported on the frame at the hub, and a drive train including a drive sprocket, a crank arm attached to and extending from the drive sprocket, and a pedal attached to the crank arm, the drive train being rotatably supported by the frame. The drive train also includes a slave sprocket fixed to the flywheel at the hub, with the drive and slave sprockets connected in a direct-drive relationship, the drive train driveable in a forward and rearward directions to cause the flywheel to rotate. A clutch mechanism is positioned in engagement with the slave sprocket and the hub to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Warner, Michael H. Harding, Mu-Chuan Wu, Andy Baker
  • Patent number: 7488275
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame having a seat and handlebars, a high-inertia flywheel having a hub at a center of rotation, the flywheel being rotatably supported on the frame at the hub, and a drive train including a drive sprocket, a crank arm attached to and extending from the drive sprocket, and a pedal attached to the crank arm, the drive train being rotatably supported by the frame. The drive train also includes a slave sprocket fixed to the flywheel at the hub, with the drive and slave sprockets connected in a direct-drive relationship, the drive train driveable in a forward and rearward directions to cause the flywheel to rotate. A clutch mechanism is positioned in engagement with the slave sprocket and the hub to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Warner, Michael H. Harding, Mu-Chuan Wu, William A. Baker
  • Patent number: 7462134
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt