Patents by Inventor Zachary D. Krapfl

Zachary D. Krapfl 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: 8062187
    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. Some 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. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a releasable connection mechanism that can be used to selectively and/or automatically limit or eliminate the variable stride feature of an exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Keith M. Weier, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • Patent number: 7922635
    Abstract: An exercise unit that is a bench-based, has an easily adjustable load exercise system using a resistance engine that can provide a constant load level through the entire range of motion to approximate the use of free-weights, is portable, and reconfigures easily to several different shapes for different exercises. The exercise unit is compact, has a minimal vertical height, and weighs much less than the maximum resistance load that it can create. The bench unit can be stood on its end for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, William A. Baker, Patrick A. Warner, Michael H. Harding, Richard W. Trevino
  • Publication number: 20100285928
    Abstract: The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel 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 versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • Publication number: 20100255958
    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. Some 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. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a releasable connection mechanism that can be used to selectively and/or automatically limit or eliminate the variable stride feature of an exercise device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Keith M. Weier, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • Patent number: 7785235
    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: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • Patent number: 7758473
    Abstract: The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel 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 versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may 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: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • Patent number: 7736278
    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. Some 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. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a releasable connection mechanism that can be used to selectively and/or automatically limit or eliminate the variable stride feature of an exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Keith M. Weier, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • Publication number: 20080312045
    Abstract: The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel 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 versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, Chester F. Kowalewski, Jonathan B. Watt
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030171191
    Abstract: The invention involves a base handle bar configuration having a stem and a base gripping portion connected with the stem. A variety of combinations of stub grips, spanning bars, arcuate bars, cross bars, prong grips, and the like are connected with the base gripping portion. The handle bar may be connected with any type of exercise device and is particularly suited for connection with an exercise bicycle. The various handlebar configurations provide a user with numerous gripping alternatives during use of the exercise device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Crawford, Zachary D. Krapfl
  • Publication number: 20020077230
    Abstract: An exercise unit that is a bench-based, has an easily adjustable load exercise system using a resistance engine that can provide a constant load level through the entire range of motion to approximate the use of free-weights, is portable, and reconfigures easily to several different shapes for different exercises. The exercise unit is compact, has a minimal vertical height, and weighs much less than the maximum resistance load that it can create. The bench unit can be stood on its end for compact storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Zachary D. Krapfl, William A. Baker, Patrick A. Warner, Michael H. Harding, Richard W. Trevino