Patents by Inventor Christopher E. Brennan

Christopher E. Brennan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8002679
    Abstract: A chest exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame and movable between a start position and an end position during an exercise, a user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames and having at least one handle for gripping by a user positioned on the user support, and a connecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. The user engagement device provides articulated motion so that the handle moves in a user-defined chest exercise movement path between a start position and an end position. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7988603
    Abstract: A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame and having primary and secondary support portions which support spaced locations on a user's body throughout an exercise, and a leg press exercise arm rotatably mounted relative to the main frame. The exercise arm has a first pivot connection which pivotally links the exercise arm to the user support and a second pivot connection which is associated with the main frame to link movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7976440
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation between start and end positions. The user support frame supports spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames and has at least one handle gripped by the user in performing exercises, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage. The user engagement device is at least partially non-rigid to allow a user to define the path of the handle and thus the type of back exercise performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7963890
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and an at least partially flexible connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. The connecting linkage includes at least two axially spaced winding portions mounted for rotation about a common cam axis. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7901335
    Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine in one embodiment comprises at least two exercise stations for performing different exercises, at least one of the stations having a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame, a user engagement device movably mounted on one of the frames for actuating by a user in order to perform an exercise, and a connecting linkage which links movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A load provides resistance to movement of the user support frame, user engagement device and/or connecting linkage. The connecting linkage, user support pivot, and user engagement device mount are arranged so that movement of the user engagement device results in self-aligning movement of the user support. The other station may have a fixed user support or a moving user support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith, Christopher E. Brennan
  • Patent number: 7878953
    Abstract: A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame and having primary and secondary support portions which support spaced locations on a user's body throughout an exercise, and a leg press exercise arm rotatably mounted relative to the main frame. The exercise arm has a first pivot connection which pivotally links the exercise arm to the user support and a second pivot connection which is associated with the main frame to link movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20100323853
    Abstract: A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame and having primary and secondary support portions which support spaced locations on a user's body throughout an exercise, and a leg press exercise arm rotatably mounted relative to the main frame. The exercise arm has a first pivot connection which pivotally links the exercise arm to the user support and a second pivot connection which is associated with the main frame to link movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7731638
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. The user support pivot axis is spaced below at least one of the supports in at least one of the exercise start and end positions. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7654938
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame which supports a user in an exercise position, and a multiple pivot assembly pivotally mounting the user support frame for movement between a start position and an end position. The pivot assembly has multiple pivots which define a theoretical pivot axis of the user support pivotal movement and a vertical gravitational center line which extends through the theoretical pivot axis. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7594880
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame with a pivot mount, a user support frame pivotally mounted on the pivot mount, the pivot mount defining a vertical, gravitational center line, an exercise arm movably mounted for engagement by the user in performing exercises, a connecting link linking movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, and a load for resisting movement of at least one of the moving parts. Movement of the user engagement device in an exercise movement simultaneously moves the user support frame between a start and an end position, the pivot mount being positioned at a predetermined location under the user support frame, such that portions of the combined weight of the user and user support frame are distributed on each side of the gravitational centerline throughout the entire exercise movement and only a portion of the combined weight passes through the gravitational centerline during the exercise movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20090211996
    Abstract: A dumbbell rack has a pair of upright supports and at least one support tier extending between the supports to hold a plurality of dumbbells positioned side-by-side along the length of the tier. The support tier has at least one raised portion extending along at least part of its length which is raised above opposite ends of the tier. The tier may be of arcuate shape or may have angled portions extending upwardly from each end which meet at a central peak or are bent to form a central straight section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan
  • Patent number: 7468024
    Abstract: A triceps dip exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame movably mounted on the frame, an exercise arm movably mounted on one of the frames, a connecting link connecting movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, such that movement of the exercise arm between a start and end position simultaneously moves the user support frame from a start to an end position, and an exercise resistance for resisting movement of one of the moving parts. The arrangement is such that the combined movement of the exercise arm and user support frame substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of the human body when performing a free bar, suspended triceps dip exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20080248929
    Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine in one embodiment comprises at least two exercise stations for performing different exercises, at least one of the stations having a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame, a user engagement device movably mounted on one of the frames for actuating by a user in order to perform an exercise, and a connecting linkage which links movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A load provides resistance to movement of the user support frame, user engagement device and/or connecting linkage. The connecting linkage, user support pivot, and user engagement device mount are arranged so that movement of the user engagement device results in self-aligning movement of the user support. The other station may have a fixed user support or a moving user support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith, Christopher E. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20080242517
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. The user support pivot axis is spaced below at least one of the supports in at least one of the exercise start and end positions. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080234110
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame which supports a user in an exercise position, and a multiple pivot assembly pivotally mounting the user support frame for movement between a start position and an end position. The pivot assembly has multiple pivots which define a theoretical pivot axis of the user support pivotal movement and a vertical gravitational center line which extends through the theoretical pivot axis. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080220950
    Abstract: A chest exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame pivotally associated with the main frame and movable between a start position and an end position during an exercise, a user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames and having at least one handle for gripping by a user positioned on the user support, and a connecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. The user engagement device provides articulated motion so that the handle moves in a user-defined chest exercise movement path between a start position and an end position. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffery O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080214367
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and an at least partially flexible connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. The connecting linkage includes at least two axially spaced winding portions mounted for rotation about a common cam axis. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080182732
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation between start and end positions. The user support frame supports spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames and has at least one handle gripped by the user in performing exercises, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage. The user engagement device is at least partially non-rigid to allow a user to define the path of the handle and thus the type of back exercise performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080153677
    Abstract: A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame and having primary and secondary support portions which support spaced locations on a user's body throughout an exercise, and a leg press exercise arm rotatably mounted relative to the main frame. The exercise arm has a first pivot connection which pivotally links the exercise arm to the user support and a second pivot connection which is associated with the main frame to link movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: D577234
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan