Edge Engaging Braking Element Patents (Class 482/119)
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Patent number: 11547903Abstract: The rotator cuff exercise device includes a ring unit, a mounting board, and a pair of mounting tracks. The rotator cuff exercise device may be adapted to exercise joints and muscles or may prevent the loss of flexibility in an elbow or a shoulder blade. The rotator cuff exercise device may be particularly suited for therapy after an injury involving a rotator cuff. A handle may detachably couple to an individual rotatable ring selected from one or more rotatable rings of the ring unit and may be adapted to be grasped by a hand of the user. The handle may be operable to move the individual rotatable ring in a circular motion. The circular motion of the handle may exercise the joints and muscles of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Inventor: Meshach Hamilton
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Patent number: 11426618Abstract: An indication is received from a user to rack or unrack a digital weight. A motor is signaled to apply or remove tension to a cable couple to the motor based at least in part on the indication. The actuator is connected to the cable and is physically arranged to deliver a force to the user. The motor selectively tensions a cable in accordance with an exercise program.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Lafrance, Aly E. Orady, Brandt Belson, Sarah Wilson Lewis
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Patent number: 11406861Abstract: An indication is received from a user to rack or unrack a digital weight. A motor is signaled to apply or remove tension to a cable couple to the motor based at least in part on the indication. The actuator is connected to the cable and is physically arranged to deliver a force to the user. The motor selectively tensions a cable in accordance with an exercise program.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Lafrance, Aly E. Orady, Brandt Belson, Sarah Wilson Lewis
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Patent number: 10857404Abstract: An endless loop rope climbing machine that maintains a constant rope speed through a hydraulic resistance mechanism. This method and device uses a climbing rope threaded about a tapered friction sheave connected to a hydraulic pump via a shaft. The user selects a desired fluid flow rate corresponding to a preferred rope climbing speed using a flow adjustment mechanism. Force exerted on the rope by the climber initiates the flow of fluid through the hydraulic system. Fluid is propelled through the system to a pressure compensated flow control (PCFC) valve in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump. A pressure compensating spool within this PCFC valve shifts in position to regulate fluid flow, returning a constant velocity of fluid to the hydraulic pump. The shaft connected to the hydraulic pump rotates at a consistent speed regardless of the force applied by the climber, thereby maintaining the steady rope climbing speed selected by the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Inventor: Mark Small
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Patent number: 10758776Abstract: A column-type combination climbing exercise machine mainly includes: the bottom end of a stand frame provided with a ground seat; a column is locked with the stand frame through a locking component; two sliding chutes are respectively disposed at the opposite left and right sides of the column; two sliding seats are correspondingly disposed in the two sliding chute, each sliding seat is adjacent to the top thereof, and a handle and a pedal are respectively disposed at the two ends of the bottom; a first linkage mechanism is connected with the two sliding seats to form a mutually opposite lift-fall and linkage action; a damper is assembled in the ground seat; two connectors are respectively disposed in the two sliding a seat; and a second linkage mechanism makes the damper and the two sliding seats in a linkage relationship.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Inventor: Ya-Chi Chen
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Patent number: 10702741Abstract: A therapy device aids an occupational therapist in soft tissue recovery and development. The device includes an attachment base which anchors to a table or other support surface, a riser pivotably connected to the base with 2-3 degrees of freedom, and a handle connected to the riser with an additional 2-3 degree of freedom. Each pivotable connection can be adjusted to rotate freely or with a desired level of friction, or can be locked in a desired configuration. Multiple interchangeable handles may be included to adjust the patient-device interface, e.g., unilateral or bilateral engagement. Height adjustments may also be provided. The dual-pivoting design and adjustability of the device facilitates applications for a wide variety of patients with varying therapeutic needs.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Inventor: Serena R. Horen
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Patent number: 10478696Abstract: A sports training device attached to the shaft of a swinging sports apparatus, such as a baseball bat. The device includes a drag chute disposed between two rigid members, a support rod disposed between the two rigid members along the longitudinal axis of the chute, and a plurality of coupling elements connected to the support rod. Each coupling element includes an annular opening for positioning of the sports apparatus therethrough. One coupling element has a stationary component that secures the device to the sports apparatus and a rotating component that rotates 360° around the sports apparatus. As such, the entirety of the device, with exception to this stationary component, can substantially freely rotate 360° around the sports apparatus. Resistance during a swing can be adjusted by sliding the coupling mechanisms along the support rod to expose more or less of the chute.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: CPY 2 LLCInventors: Cindy Yablonowski, Randall Yablonowski, James Yablonowski, Robert J. Marsh, II, John L. Smelser
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Patent number: 10413776Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device for use in non-surgical treatment of tennis elbow or lateral epicondylopathy (LE) and for post-surgical rehabilitation and other upper limb rehabilitation. The exercise device comprising a main body, and at least one gripping means provided on the main body, wherein each gripping means comprises a rotatable hand grip and a mode selector means, wherein the mode selector means is operable to move the gripping means from a first configuration in which the rotatable hand grip is rotatable relative the main body and a second configuration in which the rotatable hand grip is in a fixed position and not rotatable relative the main body, and wherein a static grip is provided on the main body such that a user may hold the exercise device with both hands, one hand holding the rotatable hand grip, the other hand holding the static grip to perform exercises.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Inventors: Jeremy Simon Lewis, Edward Ronald Lennon
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Patent number: 10080919Abstract: An epicyclic gear system features a cylindrical flywheel with a flywheel cavity, a plurality of mounting pillars, an annular ring gear mounted on the mounting pillars, and an annular sun gear mounted to and extending from the flywheel cavity. The epicyclic gear system has a planet carrier mounted to an axle shaft and a planet gear mounted to the planet carrier. The axle shaft passes through an axle aperture, a ring gear aperture, and a sun gear aperture. The planet gear engages the ring gear and the sun gear to provide a desired gear ratio for rotating the flywheel via rotation of the axle shaft, the planet carrier, the planet gear, and the sun gear.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Shinn Fu CorporationInventors: Marko Vujicic, Chien-Chi Su
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Patent number: 9919180Abstract: A transmission device is provided for bodybuilding devices or bicycles, including an axle that is operatively coupled to a sprocket assembly for collaborative operation. Two cranks are provided, having contact surfaces including one way bearing mounted thereto for fitting to two ends of the axle. Two clutch control assemblies are controllable through a wire control assembly such that the clutch control assemblies are selectively engageable with or disengageable from two cranks respectively to set the cranks in an operation mode of regular bicycle pedaling or an operation mode of one side pedaling alone or two side parallel pedaling. An important feature is that the wire control assembly is of an arrangement involving a mateable combination of two halves of which the parts are made of plastics, where assembly for centering is achieved with recess-projection engagement for better assembly accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: VIVASPORTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kyung Woo Seol
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Patent number: 9814930Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a platform having a front roller, a rear roller and an endless belt mounted around the front roller and the rear roller for allowing a user to perform walking, jogging or running exercises on the belt. A flywheel is coupled to one of the two rollers. A friction resistance device is coupled to the flywheel for being manually controlled by the user to adjust rotational resistance of the flywheel, and a magnetic resistance device is coupled to the flywheel as well for being manually controlled by the user to adjust the rotational resistance of the flywheel. A front frame is mounted at a front side of the platform and has at least one holding portion for being held by the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: JOHNSON HEALTH TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Russell C. Manzke, Ryan Francis Crist
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Patent number: 9776038Abstract: A rowing simulation trainer includes a base frame, a pulling unit, an inertia wheel unit and a guiding unit. The pulling unit includes a shaft, a first belt wheel, two cord wheels, two pulling cords, two handgrips and two elastic coiled plates. The guiding unit includes two mounting tubes. Each of the two pulling cords extends through one of the two mounting tubes. Thus, the two cord wheels and the two pulling cords cooperate to drive the inertia wheel unit and are respectively operated independently without interfering with each other. In addition, the two pulling cords are limited by the two mounting tubes so that the two pulling cords are kept in line with and will not be deflected from the two cord wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: High Spot Health Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
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Patent number: 9630049Abstract: A reciprocating rehabilitation device that can be used as a stand alone unit or incorporated within a stationary bicycle. The device utilizes independently operating pedals together with range of motion limiters. Patients and therapists alike can rehab each limb independently through any necessary progressive range of motion on the way to recovery.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventors: Joseph D Hartman, Eugene L DiMonte
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Patent number: 9272176Abstract: A multi-use exercise apparatus consisting of two stations, a wheel as the upper station for exercising upper extremities and a T-bar below the wheel as the lower station designed for resistance exercises of the lower extremities. Both stations are mounted on a collapsible structure making it easily transportable. Fixed knobs are disposed at various radii from an axis of the wheel to allow users to perform different ROM type exercises. Anchoring means are also provided on the apparatus to engage various other exercising accessories as well, either on the T-bar or adjacent to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Inventors: Jack Bendror, Zelik Ziegelbaum
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Patent number: 9248041Abstract: An orthosis includes a first arm cuff for attachment to a first body portion, a first arm member, a first extension member, a second cuff for attachment to a second body portion, a second arm member, and a second extension member. The orthosis can also include a drive assembly comprising a knob and a shaft. The first cuff and the second cuff may each include at least one cuff strap and at least one loop connector for receiving the at least one cuff strap. A method of using the orthosis includes coupling a first cuff to a first body portion, coupling a second cuff to a second body portion, wherein the second cuff is coupled to the first cuff, and rotating the first and second cuff from a first position to a second position, relative to the second cuff.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Bonutti Research, Inc.Inventors: Boris P. Bonutti, Peter M. Bonutti, Kevin R. Ruholl, Glen A. Phillips
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Patent number: 9072651Abstract: An apparatus and method for sexual stimulation that includes a handheld driving member and an insertive member that is tipped with an insertive sexual device that moves in response to a user's movement of the driving member. The two members are coupled by a rotating or tilting coupling mechanism with which a user may control the motion of the insertive device with great precision. The coupling device couples the driving member to the insertive member in such a way as to translate a movement of the driving member to an analogous movement of the insertive member that the two movements are equivalent or proportional in amplitude, acceleration, and velocity, but mechanically out of phase. Variations allow the apparatus to be used simultaneously by two users, or provide features by which a user may customize the scale or direction of the insertive device's motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Renworth Inc.Inventor: Michael H. Parker, Jr.
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Patent number: 8986176Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise device comprising a plurality of belt members attached to, and arranged in parallel on a base frame, the exercise device further comprising at least one frictional member disposed in frictional contact with, and forcibly biased against a surface of at least roller in communication with the belt such that an external force applied to at least one of the belts is opposed by a frictional force provided by the frictional contact between the frictional member and the roller. A method of exercising using the exercise device is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Lani Renae Arst
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Patent number: 7803096Abstract: An exercise machine which has a base with at least three spaced apart legs and two spaced apart handles attached to the base. A rocker assembly that includes a rocker fastener and first and second sets of spaced apart brackets is provided where the second set of brackets rotates relative to the first set of brackets along a longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation passes between the handles and is substantially parallel to the handles and the second set of brackets rotates only about the longitudinal axis of rotation. The first set of brackets is secured to the base and the second set of brackets is secured to the underside of a rotation assembly. The rotation assembly is coupled to a seat to enable rotation of the seat relative to the second set of brackets. The rotation assembly includes a stop to limit rotation of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Je Matadi, Inc.Inventor: Pershant Mehta
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Publication number: 20090156362Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exercising muscles with the aid of an exercise apparatus and, where appropriate, for measuring exercise conditions, where the person exercising loads the relevant muscles by increasing or decreasing the rotational energy (E(kin)), kinetic energy, of at least one rotatably mounted flywheel, by means of a traction element which is wound up and designed for acting on the flywheel (1), the flywheel (1, 1a) being braked in a controlled manner by means of a brake element (40). The invention also relates to an exercise apparatus for exercising muscles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2006Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventor: Ernst Hans Erik Berg
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Publication number: 20090152059Abstract: A rotational resistance apparatus and method of use is disclosed to control movement of a carriage across a surface. The apparatus includes a disc having an axial rotational axis, an axial first end portion, and second end face portion that is substantially perpendicular to the axial rotational axis. The first end portion rotationally engages a rotating element of the carriage. Also included, is a cover having an axial longitudinal axis, an axial outer end portion that removably engages a frame of the carriage, and an axial inner face portion positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal and axial rotational axes are approximately co-axial and the inner face portion and the second end face portion are in a selected rotational frictional contact. Further included, is a first structure for selectable axial urging of the cover toward the disc, being operational to further selectably alter the selected rotational frictional contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Nathan Paul Womack, Edmund Charles Burke, JR., John Harold Burke
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Patent number: 7419458Abstract: A new and unique highly adjustable stationary exercise bicycle is presented incorporating a number of features specifically designed for youthful stationary bicycle users. The improvements over the prior art include infinitely adjustable vertical and horizontal seat heights and handlebar heights which are secured in their positions by a quick release lever rather than the standard pop pins. Also included is a lubrication port that allows the surface between the friction member and the working wheel to be lubricated. An emergency brake for the working wheel as well as a quick way to disengage the working wheel from the pedals is provided. Special pedal cage brackets are placed around each pedal so that the youth's use of such an exercise bicycle is made much more safely. All of the above elements combine to make this stationary exercise bicycle safe for use by children or adolescents.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: STS World Concept Ltd.Inventor: John Forcillo
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Publication number: 20080076644Abstract: An exercise device comprising a support bracket and affixed thereto a mounting plate with an aperture configured therein. A handle sized for grasping by the hand of a user is appended to a radial arm which is in turn appended to a shaft for passing through the aperture. The shaft is characterized as having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft being appended to the radial arm at its proximal end and appended to an adjustable resistance device at its distal end whereupon the adjustable resistance device moves with movement of the radial arm. The resistance to motion of the radial arm being varied by varying the adjustable resistance device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Paul B. Rutherford
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Patent number: 7282014Abstract: An exercise device which uses two generally opposing grips on guides to guide a user through circular movements for exercise of the human body. The grips may be movably mounted to side supports or a central base. Resistance to the user's movement of the grips may be added.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
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Patent number: 6641507Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Warner, Michael H. Harding, Mu-Chuan Wu
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Patent number: 6113521Abstract: An exercise belt with compartments for individual exercise bar weights, which is sometimes used with some empty compartments to reduce the exercising effort, the use of elastomeric construction material for each compartment holding by its urgency the bar weights in place, rather than the use of a closure flap over all of the openings of all of the compartments even those that are empty, and being empty are not effective in providing an interengaged loop and hook connection for the closure flap.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: Edith Winston
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Patent number: 6053850Abstract: A variable resistance exercise assembly for runners, football players and the like includes a housing having a pair of opposing spaced side walls with an end wall therebetween. A fixed cylinder is rotatably mounted between the side walls. A cord is wrapped about the cylinder with each of its two ends extending from the end wall of the housing. Each end of the cord includes a hook for attaching either end of the cord to a shoulder harness.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventors: Lorenzo R. Martinez, Gilbert Lance Martinez
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Patent number: 5961424Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc.Inventors: Patrick Warner, Michael H. Harding, Mu-Chuan Wu
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Patent number: 5779600Abstract: A rowing simulator including a frame, a seat slidably mounted on the frame, a pair of adjustable foot rests, and, on each side of the frame, a rotatably mounted flywheel, a driven wheel secured to the flywheel, a rotatably mounted drive wheel, and connector means interconnecting the drive wheel to the driven wheel. An oar is pivotally connected to a rotatable pivot linked to a first universal coupling. The latter is connected to a drive shaft which, in turn, is connected to a second universal coupling connected to the drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1995Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Inventor: Leslie Pape
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Patent number: 5722918Abstract: A jogger exerciser in which a saddle is connected to an arm member on support frames by a locating plate and a coupling sleeve and fixed in position by a latch. The locating plate is fastened to the bottom of the saddle and can be rotated between two positions. The locating plate has two locating holes at opposite sides thereof, and the latch is inserted into one of the two locating holes to fix the saddle in one of the two positions. A substantially arched foot support is fastened to a rear end of the arm member for the resting of the user's feet when the saddle is set in a backward position. A handlebar stem is mounted in a sleeve member and rotatably securable in a forward facing position or a backward facing position by the use of a lock pin mounted in a radial hole in the sleeve member and forced into engagement with one locating hole at one side of the handlebar stem.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Kuo-Ron Lee
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Patent number: 5558605Abstract: A treadmill having a frame with first and second rollers mounted at opposite ends of the frame and an endless tread belt placed about the rollers. The treadmill further including a flywheel attached to the frame and coupled to the first roller for rotatably driving the flywheel at a rate of rotation greater than the rate of rotation of the first roller. The coupling mechanism comprises a first drive wheel attached to the flywheel and a second drive wheel attached to the first roller with an endless drive belt placed around the drive wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Kor-One, Ltd.Inventor: Ned Gvoich
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Patent number: 5509879Abstract: A portable exerciser having an adjustable constant resistance to employment thereof. The exerciser includes a shaft and a housing slidably disposed on the shaft. A gear in the housing engages the shaft and a member frictionally engages the gear so that movement of the housing relative to the shaft rotates the gear against the friction force applied by the member.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventor: Ignacio Lanzagorta
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Patent number: 5496241Abstract: An exercise machine of the present invention is transformable between a first mode for simulating an activity such as skiing or rowing involving reciprocating linear motion and a second mode for simulating a cycling activity. The exercise machine comprises a frame, a shaft operatively connected to the frame for rotation about a shaft axis, a flywheel secured to the shaft and rotatable therewith, and a runner. A drive roller is operatively connected to the frame and is engageable with the runner such that forward or rearward movement of the runner causes the drive roller to rotate. A one-way clutch operatively connects the drive roller to the shaft so that the drive roller when rotated in a first direction causes rotation of the flywheel, and is free wheeling when rotated in a second opposite direction. A pair of offset cranks are operatively connectable to the shaft and a pair of foot pedals are connected to the cranks.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventor: Tyrone D. Sellers
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Patent number: 5490824Abstract: Disclosed is a limb exerciser mainly including an outer wheel housing and an inner wheel set in the outer wheel housing. With frictional members disposed between the contact surfaces of the outer wheel housing and the inner wheel, as well as actuating members oppositely disposed at two sides of the inner wheel, the inner wheel can be rotated relative to the outer wheel housing by pushing or pedalling the actuating members to produce frictional force or resistance and thereby helps the user to conveniently take hand or foot exercise at a desk top or on a floor or ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Inventor: Chih C. Wang
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Patent number: 5474512Abstract: A Mobil Variable Hydraulic Resistance Exerciser which allows a user to be in motion throughout the complete exercise movement. This exercises the muscles of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, legs and trunk of the body by providing a constant resistance to the user while in motion. A variable hydraulic reservoir is used to regulate the amount of resistance applied thru the Mobil Exerciser.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Inventor: Wayne T. Belfry
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Patent number: 5302161Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible line guidance and tension measuring device for use on an exercise apparatus to guide a flexible line from a resistance mechanism to an exercise member and measure tension in the flexible line. A fixed member is operatively secured to the exercise apparatus, and a movable member is movably mounted to the fixed member. The flexible line passes over a load bearing pulley rotatably mounted on the movable member. Tension in the flexible line causes the movable member to move relative to the fixed member, and an incremental deflection measuring means measures the relative movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1992Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: NoordicTrack, Inc.Inventors: Craig A. Loubert, Stephen S. Peterson, Timothy S. Engel
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Patent number: 5292293Abstract: A training machine comprising a frame on which is mounted an element freely rotating about a horizontal axis, and an inertial flywheel coupled to said rotating element. A strap is tightened about the flywheel. The rotating element is mechanically coupled to said flywheel and a microprocessor is mounted on the frame to provide a control signal for the adjustable traction device. Said control signal corresponds to an adjustable and predefined simulated difficulty to be encountered. The microprocessor is designed to store the torques theoretically needed for several predefined simulated runs and, in response to a signal corresponding to the actual torque, to generate a second signal corresponding to the variation in the torque required to attain the torque theoretically needed for the corresponding simulated run, the second signal controlling the adjustable traction device.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1993Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Inventor: Jean-Michel Schumacher
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Patent number: 5244446Abstract: The prevent invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person exercises. The apparatus 100 includes a support frame 101 and a chair member 102 that is rotatably mounted to the support frame 101. A rotational resistance means 105 is also mounted to the support frame 101. The rotational resistance means 105 includes conical surfaces 255 and 256 that provide frictional resistance through interengagement between one of thirty-two teeth 257 on shaft member 154 and one of three ratcheting members 258a-c on rotatable friction member 155. A rotational arm means 106 is operatively connected to the rotational resistance means 105 to allow application of a rotational force in a given direction of rotation against the rotational resistance means 105. A foot anchor means 103 is mounted to the support frame 101, so that a person seated in the chair member 102 may anchor his feet beneath the foot anchor means 103 in order to perform abdominal flexions.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: NordicTrack, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Engel, Frank W. Campbell, Weston L. Cutter
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Patent number: 5195937Abstract: A multiple exercise unit capable of providing a user with a wide range of strength and conditioning exercises. The exercise unit provides resistance through an isokinetic device which utilizes a clutch mechanism. Lines extend out of the isokinetic device and attach to various exercise elements such that a variety of upper and lower body strength exercises may be performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: NordicTrack, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Engel, Frank W. Campbell, Stephen S. Peterson, Craig A. Loubert, Edward R. Holden
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Patent number: 5147265Abstract: A straight back side chair has a seat cushion and a back member, and includes a low resistance loading device that is operated through a system of cords and pulleys from handgrips. The pulleys are supported on arms that are mounted to the back of the chair and which can be selectively positioned for different types of exercise. The arms can be positioned laterally out from the sides of the chair for doing butterfly type exercise; pushed downwardly at an angle for curls; or positioned overhead above the back of the chair for permitting a person seated in the chair to do pull downs. When the chair is not in use as an excerciser, the arms are folded out of the way so it functions as a side chair and does not visually intrude on the usable space in a room or tend to give the room the look of a gymnasium. The force resistance device is very compact so that it takes little space beneath the seat, permitting a cushioned or padded seat to be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: NordicTrack, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Pauls, Timothy S. Engel, Michael E. Heutmaker, Robert A. Iverson, Jeffrey E. Sandahl
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Patent number: 5145472Abstract: An upper body exerciser having a frame which supports a rotatable head that has an axis of rotation. The head has two end plates with radially extending slots in which cross rods are reciprocably radially movable. A track mounted to the frame below the axis of rotation provides a sloping support for cross-rods below the axis so that a person hanging from such a rod moves the cross rod down and draws the next one toward him in a sequence simulating a "monkey bar" movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1991Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Inventors: David S. Johnson, III, Louis A. Brown