Patents by Inventor L. Kent Lines

L. Kent Lines 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: 8550964
    Abstract: Resistance training apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes an exercise station having a support portion and at least one user interface operatively coupled to the support portion by an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a housing attached to the support portion, and a coupling device pivotably attached to the housing and moveable throughout an angular range, the coupling device being coupled to the at least one user interface and configured to move through at least a portion of the angular range during use of the at least one user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines, Robert A. Rasmussen, Mark Tollison
  • Patent number: 8128538
    Abstract: Exercise assemblies having apparatus that retain the feet of a user during an exercise are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, and a support assembly operatively positioned relative to the load and including a base assembly. A force-transferring assembly is operatively coupled between the load and an exercise station such that a training force applied to the exercise station induces an associated force on the load. A foot-retaining assembly is operatively coupled to the support assembly and includes at least one foot-retaining device defining a foot-retaining space configured to receive at least a portion of a foot of the user. The foot-retaining device prevents a vertical movement of the foot of the user during the exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Kent Lines
  • Patent number: 7909742
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load and to the support assembly, and an exercise station operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly. The exercise station includes a user interface, at least one adjustment assembly configured to adjust a position of the user interface, and an actuator assembly selectively engageable with the at least one adjustment assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to approximately simultaneously enable vertical and horizontal adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to release the at least one adjustment assembly, and to approximately simultaneously disable adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to lock the at least one adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines, Jose L. Sanchez, Robert A. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20110028281
    Abstract: Resistance training apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes an exercise station having a support portion and at least one user interface operatively coupled to the support portion by an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a housing attached to the support portion, and a coupling device pivotably attached to the housing and moveable throughout an angular range, the coupling device being coupled to the at least one user interface and configured to move through at least a portion of the angular range during use of the at least one user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines, Robert A. Rasmussen, Mark Tollison
  • Patent number: 7695418
    Abstract: Exercise bench assemblies having wheels with integral brakes that automatically engage and disengage during use of the bench assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise bench assembly includes a support portion, and a frame assembly coupled to the support portion. A wheel assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and includes at least one wheel configured to rollably engage a support surface, and a braking device operatively associated with the at least one wheel. The braking device is configured to engage the at least one wheel to prevent the at least one wheel from rolling on the support surface when a user's weight is applied to the support portion, and to disengage from the at least one wheel to allow the at least one wheel to roll on the support surface when the weight of the user is removed from the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines
  • Publication number: 20090036277
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load and to the support assembly, and an exercise station operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly. The exercise station includes a user interface, at least one adjustment assembly configured to adjust a position of the user interface, and an actuator assembly selectively engageable with the at least one adjustment assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to approximately simultaneously enable vertical and horizontal adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to release the at least one adjustment assembly, and to approximately simultaneously disable adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to lock the at least one adjustment assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: VECTRA FITNESS, INC.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines, Jose L. Sanchez, Robert A. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20080051269
    Abstract: Exercise assemblies having apparatus that retain the feet of a user during an exercise are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, and a support assembly operatively positioned relative to the load and including a base assembly. A force-transferring assembly is operatively coupled between the load and an exercise station such that a training force applied to the exercise station induces an associated force on the load. A foot-retaining assembly is operatively coupled to the support assembly and includes at least one foot-retaining device defining a foot-retaining space configured to receive at least a portion of a foot of the user. The foot-retaining device prevents a vertical movement of the foot of the user during the exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: VECTRA FITNESS, INC.
    Inventor: L. Kent Lines
  • Publication number: 20080051266
    Abstract: Exercise bench assemblies having wheels with integral brakes that automatically engage and disengage during use of the bench assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise bench assembly includes a support portion, and a frame assembly coupled to the support portion. A wheel assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and includes at least one wheel configured to rollably engage a support surface, and a braking device operatively associated with the at least one wheel. The braking device is configured to engage the at least one wheel to prevent the at least one wheel from rolling on the support surface when a user's weight is applied to the support portion, and to disengage from the at least one wheel to allow the at least one wheel to roll on the support surface when the weight of the user is removed from the support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: VECTRA FITNESS, INC.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, L. Kent Lines
  • Patent number: 7150701
    Abstract: Cable-and-pulley devices having intermediate tension isolators for exercise machines. In one embodiment, a cable-and-pulley device includes a cable attached to a load and to a user interface, and operatively engaged with a main pulley positioned over the load, a floating pulley, and an end pulley proximate the user interface. A second user interface is attached to the floating pulley. A tension isolator is positioned on the cable at an intermediate position between the end pulley and the floating pulley so that a training force applied on a second user interface draws the tension isolator into contact with the an isolator stop. In one embodiment, the isolator stop is an intermediate pulley. Alternately, the isolator stop is a catch projecting from a frame of the exercise machine. The tension isolator effectively divides the cable into a tensioned portion and an isolated portion, thereby reducing the amount of cable that is stretched during use of the second user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Kent Lines, A. Buell Ish, III
  • Patent number: 6994660
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a load guide pivotable through at least one plane of freedom, a load slideably engaged with the load guide, a lift arm having a first end coupled to the load guide, and a cable-and-pulley device. The cable-and-pulley device is operatively coupled to the load and to the lift arm so that a training force applied to the lift arm induces a lift force on the load. The exercise machine requires the user to balance the load as the load is raised, providing a more enhanced workout. In alternate embodiments, the load guide may include at least one rocker engageable with the floor surface, or may be pivotably coupled to a support frame (or base) so that the load guide does not contact the floor surface. In another embodiment, the load guide may include a base having a convex surface engageable with the floor surface, the load guide being pivotable in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines, William D. MacLean
  • Publication number: 20040198565
    Abstract: Cable-and-pulley devices having intermediate tension isolators for exercise machines. In one embodiment, a cable-and-pulley device includes a cable attached to a load and to a user interface, and operatively engaged with a main pulley positioned over the load, a floating pulley, and an end pulley proximate the user interface. A second user interface is attached to the floating pulley. A tension isolator is positioned on the cable at an intermediate position between the end pulley and the floating pulley so that a training force applied on a second user interface draws the tension isolator into contact with the an isolator stop. In one embodiment, the isolator stop is an intermediate pulley. Alternately, the isolator stop is a catch projecting from a frame of the exercise machine. The tension isolator effectively divides the cable into a tensioned portion and an isolated portion, thereby reducing the amount of cable that is stretched during use of the second user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: L. Kent Lines, A. Buell Ish
  • Patent number: 6582346
    Abstract: Cable-and-pulley devices having intermediate tension isolators for exercise machines. In one embodiment, a cable-and-pulley device includes a cable attached to a load and to a user interface, and operatively engaged with a main pulley positioned over the load, a floating pulley, and an end pulley proximate the user interface. A second user interface is attached to the floating pulley. A tension isolator is positioned on the cable at an intermediate position between the end pulley and the floating pulley so that a training force applied on a second user interface draws the tension isolator into contact with the an isolator stop. In one embodiment, the isolator stop is an intermediate pulley. Alternately, the isolator stop is a catch projecting from a frame of the exercise machine. The tension isolator effectively divides the cable into a tensioned portion and an isolated portion, thereby reducing the amount of cable that is stretched during use of the second user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Kent Lines, A. Buell Ish, III
  • Publication number: 20030064868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a load guide pivotable through at least one plane of freedom, a load slideably engaged with the load guide, a lift arm having a first end coupled to the load guide, and a cable-and-pulley device. The cable-and-pulley device is operatively coupled to the load and to the lift arm so that a training force applied to the lift arm induces a lift force on the load. The exercise machine requires the user to balance the load as the load is raised, providing a more enhanced workout. In alternate embodiments, the load guide may include at least one rocker engageable with the floor surface, or may be pivotably coupled to a support frame (or base) so that the load guide does not contact the floor surface. In another embodiment, the load guide may include a base having a convex surface engageable with the floor surface, the load guide being pivotable in any direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, L. Kent Lines, William D. MacLean
  • Patent number: 6482135
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a load guide pivotable through at least one plane of freedom, a load slideably engaged with the load guide, a lift arm having a first end coupled to the load guide, and a cable-and-pulley device. The cable-and-pulley device is operatively coupled to the load and to the lift arm so that a training force applied to the lift arm induces a lift force on the load. The exercise machine requires the user to balance the load as the load is raised, providing a more enhanced workout. In alternate embodiments, the load guide may include at least one rocker engageable with the floor surface, or may be pivotably coupled to a support frame (or base) so that the load guide does not contact the floor surface. In another embodiment, the load guide may include a base having a convex surface engageable with the floor surface, the load guide being pivotable in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines, William D. MacLean
  • Patent number: 5605523
    Abstract: A multiple station weight lifting type exercise apparatus having cabled linkage and direct lifting capabilities is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized as having a plurality of exercise stations located about a base platform and a single weight stack being movable in a conventional manner through direct and indirect forces applied thereto by the various exercise stations. Each station generally has several apparatus connectable to one or more cables that are operatively linked to all other stations and effect movement of the weight stack preferably by a single cable when any cable undergoes tensioned movement. In addition, at least one station directly imparts movement of the weight stack by means of non-cable linkage. The non-cabled linkage or direct lift of the weight stack is carried out by providing for a translation assembly to be located in operative engagement with the weight stack to which the cable, operatively linked to other stations, is anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Buell Ish, III, L. Kent Lines