Patents by Inventor Rodney P. West

Rodney P. West 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: 8105213
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a foot member configured to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis, the foot member supporting a footpad, a first surface coupled to the foot member to pivot with the foot member about the horizontal pivot axis, a second surface stationarily supported by the frame, and a bumper between the first surface and the second surface. The bumper resiliently compresses during pivoting of the first surface in the arc towards the second surface while in contact with the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Rodney P. West, David E. Dyer, James S. Birrell, Sean Horita
  • 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: 7901323
    Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a display system for a fitness trainer is provided. The display system includes a processor, a hardware circuit board in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the hardware circuit board and the processor. A base portion is provided in communication with the processor and the memory. The base portion provides exercise information to the user. At least two modules are provided that can be removably attached to the base portion. In one embodiment, the removable modules comprise entertainment modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Brady A. Olason, Rodney P. West, Blakely Todd Pennington, Victor Pipinich, Jonathan M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20110028275
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a foot member configured to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis, the foot member supporting a footpad, a first surface coupled to the foot member to pivot with the foot member about the horizontal pivot axis, a second surface stationarily supported by the frame, and a bumper between the first surface and the second surface. The bumper resiliently compresses during pivoting of the first surface in the arc towards the second surface while in contact with the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Rodney P. West, David E. Dyer, James S. Birrell, Sean Horita
  • Patent number: 7833133
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and a foot member end of travel apparatus. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The foot member end of travel apparatus provides a two-stage stiffness profile to the foot member indicating the end of travel to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Rodney P. West, David E. Dyer, James S. Birrell, Sean Horita
  • Patent number: 7758469
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a member that moves through a selected one of a plurality of differently available paths. A display provides a visual representation of the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Dyer, Sean Horita, James S. Birrell, Rodney P. West, Jonathan M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090298649
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a member that moves through a selected one of a plurality of differently available paths. A display provides a visual representation of the movement of the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: David E. Dyer, Sean Horita, James S. Birrell, Rodney P. West, Jonathan M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7507187
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, a deck assembly, at least one deck deflection sensor, and a control system. The deck assembly is supported by the frame. The deck assembly includes a longitudinally extending deck, at least first and second rollers, and a belt positioned about the deck and the first and second rollers. The deck deflection sensor is coupled to the deck. The deck deflection sensor is a contactless displacement sensor including an electrical intermediate device and an aerial. The control system is operably coupled to the at least one deck deflection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Dyer, Rodney P. West, Victor Pipinich
  • Publication number: 20080161164
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and a foot member end of travel apparatus. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The foot member end of travel apparatus provides a two-stage stiffness profile to the foot member indicating the end of travel to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Rodney P. West, David E. Dyer, James S. Birrell, Sean Horita
  • Publication number: 20080161163
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a user. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a crank system coupled to the frame, a pivotal linkage pendulum system, a foot member and first and second directional resistance systems. The crank system includes one or more crank members. The pivotal linkage pendulum system comprises at least a first link member. The first link member is coupled to the crank system through at least a first pivot point. The first pivot point of the first link member is configured to move in a path during use. The foot member is coupled to the at least one first link member. The first and second directional resistance systems are each coupled to the crank system. The first direction is different from the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, David E. Dyer, James S. Birrell, Rodney P. West, Sean Horita
  • Patent number: 7156777
    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: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Dyer, Donald A. Demuth, Mark D. Sand, Rodney P. West, Patrick J. Waite