Involving User Translation Or Physical Simulation Thereof Patents (Class 482/51)
  • Patent number: 9908001
    Abstract: Portable fitness monitoring systems with displays, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing performance feedback to an individual using a portable fitness monitoring device is provided. The method may include sensing performance parameter information during the physical activity, generating a first visual output that includes an indication of the intensity level that the individual should be performing at, and generating a second visual output that includes an indication of the intensity level that the individual is currently performing at.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Christian Dibenedetto, Mark Arthur Oleson, Scott Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 9901774
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame supporting guide links and foot support links. A cam system has a vertical control cam portion. Vertical control followers are pivotally connected to a vertical follower support. Mechanical vertical control couplings couple the foot support links to the vertical control followers. A foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a generally elliptical path when the cam portion rotates about the cam axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventors: Larry D. Miller, Bradley Jordan Miller
  • Patent number: 9895569
    Abstract: A garment that generates resistance against body movement that can be used during exercise, during everyday activities, or during rehabilitation therapy. The garment includes bands providing resistance against the movement of an associated limb. The garment includes a structure to secure the garment to a user during activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Franklin Yao
  • Patent number: 9895589
    Abstract: A bicycle rollers device (110), having a frame (112, 114, 116) that includes a rear mounting assembly (112) for two rear rollers; a front mounting assembly for a front roller (114); support elements (140, 141, 142, 144, 145) for supporting the frame above a surface, upon which the support elements are set to rest; and a central bridge (116) connecting the front mounting assembly to the rear mounting gear. Also, two rear rollers are mounted in the rear mounting assembly and a front roller is mounted in the front mounting assembly and defines a roller width. Finally, the central bridge is more narrow than the roller width, thereby permitting a bicycle rider to mount and dismount a bicycle set on the rollers without encountering the central bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Larry C. Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 9849392
    Abstract: A velocity sport boot system/velocity sport board for performing all-weather snowboarding activity. The velocity sport boot/board system includes a velocity sport boot assembly that provides a method of practicing snowboarding on a treadmill. The velocity sport boot assembly includes a boot liner, a boot body, and a plurality of ball bearing assemblies. The plurality of ball bearing assemblies further includes shock absorbing springs for user comfort on varying surfaces. An alternative embodiment of the velocity sport boot/board system uses a common snowboarding type boot affixed to a sport board assembly that includes a sport board base, coupling straps, and a plurality of ball bearing assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Kristine A. Scott
  • Patent number: 9849332
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, two pedals, a resistance device, two cranks, two link rods, two limiting rods, and two upper linking assemblies. By arrangement of the above components, the moving path of each pedal can be an elliptical path. In some embodiment, an angle-adjustment device is used to adjust the slope of the elliptical moving path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9849331
    Abstract: An elliptical stepper includes a base, a damping device mounted on the base, two crank devices respectively laterally mounted to two opposite sides of the damping device. Each crank device has a stepping device mounted thereon and each stepping device has a roller set mounted to a bottom thereof, wherein the roller set is universally rolled relative to a corresponding one of the two stepping device. The base includes two opposite sides each having a guiding structure disposed thereon. Each guiding structure includes at least one rail having a front end outwardly extending relative to a center line of the base. Each roller set is moved along a corresponding one of the two guiding structures such that each stepping device provides a wiggling effect when moved along an elliptical route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: SHANG JIA YU CO., LTD., QUIN FORM INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: A-Lan Jhang
  • Patent number: 9849330
    Abstract: An exercise machine inclination device for providing variable exercise intensity on an exercise machine by inclining the exercise machine. The exercise machine inclination device generally includes a base adapted for being positioned upon a floor, a support structure adapted for supporting an exercise machine, a hinge pivotally connecting the base and the support structure and an actuator connected between the base and the support structure, wherein the actuator adjusts an angle of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 9827461
    Abstract: An exercise device has a frame supporting guide links to which foot support links are pivotally attached. Upper pulleys are pivotally connected to the frame. Lower pulleys are connected to the foot support links. A vertical drive assembly is coupled to the foot support links by flexible elements. The flexible elements extend from the vertical drive assembly, about an upper pulley, about a lower pulley and to a second end connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9802078
    Abstract: A high knees exercise apparatus includes a base, a driving mechanism, a linkage mechanism and two magnetic resistance. The driving mechanism is located on the base and includes two driving member which is driven swung along arc path. The linkage mechanism is for leading the driving members swung reversely in response to each other. The two magnetic resistance devices are for providing magnetic resistances in accordance with swings of the two driving members respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PREVENTIVE MEDICAL HEALTH CARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Yu Yeh
  • Patent number: 9802076
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to recumbent exercise machines and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a recumbent exercise apparatus can include a seat, two linear guide tracks forward of the seat, and two pedal assemblies movably coupled to corresponding linear guide tracks positioned forward of the seat. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move back and forth along the linear guide tracks. The recumbent exercise apparatus can further include linear actuators operably coupled to each of the linear guide tracks and configured to move the linear guide tracks up and down in a vertical direction. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move in elliptical patterns when the pedal assemblies move back and forth along the linear guide tracks and the linear actuators move the linear guide tracks up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Murray, Yuhsiang Chen, Kuang-Shiung Kao
  • Patent number: 9799192
    Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent shoe for the blind, which includes a sole and an upper. At least a portion of the sole is provided with multiple pressure sensors for generating pressure sensing signals when the sole is in contact with raised ground surface. The intelligent shoe further includes a storage chip, used to pre-store a signal characteristic of pressure sensing signals generated when the sole is in contact with a blind sidewalk, and a ata processing chip electrically connected to the multiple pressure sensors and the storage chip, used to compare a signal characteristic of pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensors with the pre-stored signal characteristic, and determine that the sole deviates from the blind sidewalk and send a prompt signal in the case that the signal characteristic of the pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensors is inconsistent with the pre-stored signal characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haisheng Wang, Xue Dong, Xiaochuan Chen, Xiaoliang Ding, Hongjuan Liu, Yingming Liu, Weijie Zhao, Wei Liu, Changfeng Li, Rui Xu, Lei Wang, Shengji Yang
  • Patent number: 9782621
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a flywheel, a driving assembly, and a control assembly. The driving assembly drives the flywheel to rotate. The control assembly comprises an angle sensor for measuring the change of angular displacement of the flywheel during a specific period of time. The control assembly calculates the angular velocity or the angular acceleration of the flywheel by the measured angular displacement during the specific period of time. The control assembly determines if the flywheel is to be stopped according to at least a criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hao Chiang, Brian Murray
  • Patent number: 9776035
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a portable hamstring stretcher for stretching hamstring muscles and inner thigh muscles. The portable hamstring stretcher comprises a primary board, a secondary board (leg pieces), a plurality of hinges, a chain, a plurality of ratchet straps, a ratchet, a plurality of hinges, and a plurality of adjustable straps. A user lies down on the primary board and wraps his legs using the adjustable straps on the secondary board to exercise the hamstring muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Masoud Nouri
  • Patent number: 9776039
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent household air purification cabinet type body-building apparatus, comprising a box body, a running machine, an air purifier and a power supply. The intelligent household air purification cabinet type body-building apparatus is further provided with an intelligent control system which comprises a controller, a central control computer, a pressure frequency detection device, an audio device, a display device and a signal receiving and transmitting device. A use method of the body-building apparatus comprises five steps of facility unfolding and need setting, environment preparation, body-building process, statistical analysis of body-building completion, and folding. The present invention has the advantages of small occupation space, complementary functions, no need of adding a power supply, supply of body-building environment beneficial to a human body, convenient operation and capability of long-term sustainable improvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG FU XIN DA HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cui Shui Xu
  • Patent number: 9757613
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. A cam drive has cams supported for rotation about an axis of rotation and pivoting arms each engaging one of the cams such that rotation of the cams causes movement of the pivoting arms. Flexible elements couple the foot support links to the pivoting arms such that rotation of the cams moves the foot receiving areas of the respective foot support links in a path of travel having a vertical component of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9717947
    Abstract: A climbing exercise machine with adjustable inclination includes a frame, an exercising unit including pair of arm members respectively pivotally mounted to the frame, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the arm members, a damper including a rotatable wheel with an axle and adapted for providing damping to the pedal unit, a guide unit including a pair of cranks respectively fixedly connected to opposite ends of the axle of the rotatable wheel and respectively pivotally connected to the pedal shafts, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rockers, and an adjusting unit mounted to the frame and adapted for driving the links to adjust the distance between a rear pivoting portion of each rocker and the frame and to achieve adjustment of the inclination of the climbing exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: REXON INDUSTRIAL CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 9707439
    Abstract: An elliptical machine includes a transmission unit and two exercise units. The transmission unit includes two transmission rods connected pivotally to a fly wheel unit, and two swing rods each being connected pivotally to a respective transmission rod. Each exercise unit includes a connecting rod connected pivotally to a pedal rod and a respective swing rod. A distance from an intersection of the connecting rod and the respective swing rod to a top end of the respective swing rod is larger than that from an intersection of the respective swing rod and the respective transmission rod to the top end of the respective swing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunny Lee, Simon Chao
  • Patent number: 9700755
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Patent number: 9700478
    Abstract: A walking movement device is provided for producing a walking movement of a human being with two controlled foot guiding units, each having a foot plate for placing a foot thereon. The foot plates are alternately movable forward and backwards in opposite directions to stimulate the walking movement. The foot plates are coupled with at least one drive unit, via which drive unit the walking movement of the foot plates can be produced, and have a suspension unit for easing the weight on the human being. The foot plates each have a front and a rear partial area with the at least one drive unit being configured to move the rear partial area out of the common plane with respect to the front partial area and back again during the walking movement of the foot plates, in order to enable bending of the midfoot toe joint during the movement process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schepp Medtech GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schörgendorfer, Christof Hepp
  • Patent number: 9682279
    Abstract: An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having an upper link pivotally mounted to a lower leg link and a foot support on a distal end of the lower leg link. A first transfer system is movably coupled to a frame and including a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link and a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, thereby enabling substantially reciprocating motion of the first leg link relative to the second leg link. A second transfer system is also provided and may be movably coupled to the frame and including a pair of third transfer members coupled to each of a pair of fourth transfer members by way of each of a pair of transfer couplings, each movably mounted to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Exerciting, LLC
    Inventors: Joel D. Gordon, Kevin G. Abelbeck, Glenn D. Ross
  • Patent number: 9669256
    Abstract: Gait tread simulation fitness equipment is provided, which utilizes a multi-linkage mechanism disposed on a main body and a suspending side frame to make an action track of a pedal to match the natural gait tread well. In addition, the relative position of the movable pivot can be adjusted to obtain different exercise modes for training different muscle groups, so as to achieve the objective of exercise training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-yao Wu
  • Patent number: 9662535
    Abstract: This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame without lifting some heavy components of the elliptical exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON HEALTH TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun-Bo Long
  • Patent number: 9649529
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. Vertical control tracks are pivotally connected to the frame and support the foot support links. A vertical drive is coupled to the forward portion of the frame and vertical control elements connect the vertical drive to the vertical control tracks. A horizontal drive and horizontal control links control pivoting of the guide links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9643045
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, two pedals, a resistance device, two cranks, two link rods, two supporting mechanisms, two rock rods, and two adjusting devices. Each first swing arm couples with the frame and has a lower end coupling with a first end of one second swing arm. Each second swing arm has a second end coupling with one pedal. Each crank has a first end coupling with the resistance device and a second end coupling with a first end of one link rod. Each link rod has a second end coupling with one second swing arm. Each rock rod has a first end pivotally coupling with a fulcrum of one supporting mechanism and a second end coupling with one second swing arm. Each adjusting device adjusts the distance between the second end of one rock rod and one fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Liu, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9643044
    Abstract: A damping device for exercise equipment is disclosed. The damping device includes a transmission unit, a tension unit, and a resistance unit. The transmission unit has a driven shaft and a driving wheel mounted around a middle section of the driven shaft. The driven shaft has two ends thereof provided with a first rotating wheel and a second rotating wheel, respectively. The resistance unit includes a resistance fan and an adjustable resistance member located outside and below the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel, respectively, so as to structurally achieve overall weight balance. When the tension unit receives a push/pull force, a woven ribbon connected between the tension unit and the driving wheel drives the driven shaft to rotate the first and second rotating wheels, thereby making the resistance fan rotate and making the adjustable resistance member output even and adjustable resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Great Fitness Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9636541
    Abstract: A heel-lifting elliptical machine has a foundation, two linkage assemblies and two pedal assemblies. The foundation comprises a swing shaft and a driving wheel connected with a flywheel via a driving belt. The linkage assemblies are mounted on two sides of the foundation, staggered from each other, and joined to a driving shaft of the driving wheel. Each of the linkage assemblies comprises a rotation rod, a crank and a swing arm. The rotation rod is connected to the driving shaft. The crank is pivotably mounted on the other end of the rotation rod. The swing arm is pivotably mounted on the swing shaft and the crank. Two pedal assemblies are mounted securely on the cranks and form vertical ellipse routes along with the movement of the cranks, thereby increasing the exercise intensity and decreasing the obstruction and the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kuan-Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9630052
    Abstract: An elliptic-orbit treadmill has a front-end drive portion and a middle drive portion configured on the front end of the pedal, the middle drive portion being pivotally linked to the bottom end of the handle bar on the same side. Each transmission bar set includes a transverse connecting rod and a vertical connecting rod pivotally connected to each other in an elbow style, the rear end of the transverse connecting rod being pivotally connected to the middle section of the handle bar on the same side, while the bottom end of the vertical connecting rod being pivotally connected to the front-end drive portion of the pedal on the same side. The crank provided on the transverse driven shaft at the center of the flywheel is pivotally connected to the middle section of the transverse connecting rod provided on the transmission bar set on the same side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: MARIO CONTENTI DESIGNS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jing-Yuan Peng
  • Patent number: 9623286
    Abstract: A stair-climber includes a base, a first inclination unit, a second inclination unit, a step unit, and a sensor. The front end of the first inclination unit is slidably disposed at the base. The second inclination unit is pivotally connected to the rear end of the first inclination unit. The rear end of the second inclination unit is pivotally connected to the base. The inclination angle of the second inclination unit is adjusted by an inclination unit regulator disposed between the first and second inclination units. The step unit is disposed at the second inclination unit and has multiple steps. The steps undergo angle adjustment with a step regulator disposed at the second inclination unit and thus tilt at angles suitable for a tread performed by users ergonomically. The sensor is disposed at the rear end of the second inclination unit to detect whether the users have lost footing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HEALTHSTREAM TAIWAN INC.
    Inventor: Chun-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 9586086
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a crank member with a first portion connected to a resistance mechanism and a second portion comprising an adjustable connection arranged to attach to a foot support. The adjustable connection is arranged to change a connection point between crank member and the foot support along a length of the crank member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen Ercanbrack
  • Patent number: 9586087
    Abstract: A stepping exercise machine has a frame, a transmission assembly, a resistance fan and two stepping assemblies. The frame has a base, a supporting bar, a mounting bracket and an oblique auxiliary bar. The transmission assembly is mounted on the supporting bar of the frame. The resistance fan is mounted rotatably on the transmission assembly and is able to be driven by the transmission assembly to create airflow. The stepping assemblies are mounted on the frame, are connected to the transmission assembly and are able to drive the transmission assembly to rotate the resistance fan. The resistance fan improves exercise intensity of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ching-I Lin
  • Patent number: 9579544
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a desk connected to a frame of the exercise machine. The desk has a first control module on a first side of the desk. The exercise machine also has a second control module located off of a first side of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 9579537
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer has a main frame having two opposite sides, each having a linking device, a stepping device and an interlocking device mounted thereon, wherein the interlocking device is provided to connect the linking device and the stepping device. A damping device is mounted on the main frame and operated with the two interlocking devices so as to promote exercise on the elliptical trainer. A longitudinal axis of an elliptical foot motion of each stepping device is adjusted due to a step force from an operator for changing a working stroke of the elliptical trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: MARIO CONTENTI DESIGNS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jing-Yuan Peng
  • Patent number: 9566466
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided with a frame, two pedals, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, a resistance device, two link rods, two cranks, two limiting rods, and two roller assemblies. Each first swing arm has two ends, in which one end pivotally connects to the frame, and the other connects to one of the two second swing arms. Each second swing arm has two ends, in which one end connects to one first swing arm, and the other connects to one pedal. The resistance device has an axle. Each crank includes two ends, one end connecting to the axle, and the other connecting to one link rod. Each link rods includes two ends, one end connecting to one crank, and the other connecting to an area of one second swing arm. Each roller assembly connects to one second swing arm, and can slide along one limiting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9566467
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right cranks may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and cranks in such a manner that the force receiving members move through variable paths of motion that may change as a function of user applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph D Maresh
  • Patent number: 9557172
    Abstract: Visual codes are scanned to assist navigation. The visual code may be a Quick Response (QR) code that contains information useful to calibrating a variety of navigation-based sensors such as gyroscopes, e-compasses, and barometric pressure sensors. In an embodiment, an imaging device, an e-compass, an accelerometer, and a processor are elements of a system. The processor is coupled to the imaging device, the e-compass, and the accelerometer. The processor causes the imaging device to scan a visual code, read a yaw angle from the visual code, and computes an estimate of a yaw angle based on magnetic field measurements taken by the e-compass. The processor generates scale factors and biases determined from measurements generated by the e-compass. Based on scanning the visual code, the processor computes a quality factor based on the yaw angle read from the visual code and the estimate of the yaw angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Deric Wayne Waters, Tarkesh Pande
  • Patent number: 9549866
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rehabilitative training device for use with a stroke patient includes a first component that is operatively coupled to a first body part (unaffected body part) of the patient and a second component that is operatively coupled to a second body part (affected body part) of the patient. The first component and second component are operatively coupled to one another such that motion of the first component as a result of movement of the first body part by the user causes the second component and second body part to move in a symmetrical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MIRRORED MOTION WORKS INC
    Inventors: Donald J. Weisz, Preeti Raghavan
  • Patent number: 9539464
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, two pedals, a resistance device, two cranks, two link rods, a lever bracket, two rock rods, and an adjusting device. Each first swing arm has a first end coupling with the frame and a second end coupling with a first end of one second swing arm, which has a second end coupling with one pedal. Each crank has a first end coupling with the resistance device and a second end coupling with a first end of one link rod, which has a second end coupling with one second swing arm. The lever bracket pivotally couples with the frame and has two fulcrums. Each rock rod has a first end coupling with one fulcrum and a second end coupling with one second swing arm. The adjusting device adjusts the distance between the fulcrums and an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Liu, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9527547
    Abstract: There is provided a drive assembly for converting the motion of a person running or jogging into mechanical motion to drive a machine or apparatus, such as self propelled apparatus like a bicycle, or stationary exercise apparatus. The drive assembly comprises a rotatable member, such as a crank arrangement, coupled to a frame of the machine and to stirrups, and where foot pedals are pivotally attached to each of the stirrups. A first pivot is connected between a stirrup and the rotatable member, and a second pivot is connected between the same stirrup and the frame. Preferably, a pivot axis of a foot pedal remains below the first pivot and the second pivot during motion of the foot pedal. Preferably, the pivot axis of the foot pedals trace asymmetric ovate paths during motion of the foot pedals. Motion of the foot pedals drive the rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: RUN4 PTY LTD
    Inventors: William Henry Thomas, Steven Patrick Cranitch
  • Patent number: 9526668
    Abstract: An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ReWalk Robotics Ltd.
    Inventors: Amit Goffer, Chaya Zilberstein
  • Patent number: 9522300
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has guide links pivotally attached to a frame and foot support links pivotally attached to the guide links. Vertical control links couple a cam drive to forward ends of the foot support links such that rotation of the cam drive moves foot receiving areas vertically. Horizontal control links couple a crank system to the guide links such that rotation of the crank system pivots the guide links and moves the foot receiving areas horizontally. The vertical and horizontal movement is generally out of phase to move the foot receiving areas in an elliptical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9510958
    Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing an electrically powered artificial hand that can be constructed with a simple configuration, the operation of which is easy to master and the control of which is highly reproducible. The electrically powered artificial hand (1) is provided with: a shape-detecting sensor (2) for detecting the shape of the forearm of an upper limb amputee; a hand section (6) having a pair of arms (7a, 7b) that are capable of opening and closing movements; and a main control unit body (8) having a sensor signal-receiving circuit for receiving the sensor signal output from the shape-detecting sensor (2) according to the shape of the forearm, and a control signal-generating and -sending circuit for generating a control signal on the basis of the sensor signal and sending the control signal to the hand section (6) to control the opening and closing movements of the arms (7a, 7b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Insitute of National Colleges of Technology
    Inventor: Takahiko Mori
  • Patent number: 9511253
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention have left and right guide links that are pivotally attached to the frame, typically to an upper part of the frame, and left and right foot support links each having a mid-portion pivotally interconnected with a lower end of the respective guide link. Reciprocal motion of the guide links causes the foot support links to move along a path having a horizontal component of motion (i.e. fore and aft). Left and right vertical control links are coupled to a vertical cam drive such that the vertical cam drive reciprocates the vertical control links. The vertical control links are each coupled to a forward portion of the respective foot support link such that the reciprocating control links cause foot receiving areas at the rear of the respective foot support links to reciprocate along a path having a vertical component of motion (i.e. upwardly and downwardly).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9511252
    Abstract: An exercise machine including a support frame, one or more arched frames and a grip frame detachably coupled together in a circular sequence is described. A locking control mechanism can allow detaching or attaching one end of the grip frame from the arched frames to configure the machine in an operating configuration or a collapsed configuration. The arched frames in an operating configuration are arranged substantially parallel to each other to allow a user positioned in between the arched frames to perform exercise movements. When one end of the grip frame is detached from the arched frame, the arched frames, the grip frame and the support frames may be folded (or foldable) into a collapsed configuration with the arched frames substantially stacked together covering each other. The arched frames, the support frame and the grip frame can remain coupled in sequence in the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Willy Wei Yu Ho
  • Patent number: 9511255
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. Vertical control tracks are pivotally connected to the frame and support the foot support links. A vertical drive is coupled to the forward portion of the frame and vertical control elements connect the vertical drive to the vertical control tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9498672
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. Vertical control tracks are pivotally connected to the frame and support the foot support links. A vertical drive is coupled to the forward portion of the frame and vertical control elements connect the vertical drive to the vertical control tracks. A horizontal drive and horizontal control links control pivoting of the guide links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9492704
    Abstract: Embodiments of an elliptical exercise machine are provided including an elliptical exercise machine having a rear mechanism that is foldable or collapsible from an operating position to a storage position. In one embodiment, the elliptical machine includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rear rotational mechanism and first and second foot supports operably coupled with the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm and a second reciprocating arm. The second assembly may be displaced relative to the first assembly from an operating position to a storage position without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the first assembly and without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Mortensen, William T. Dalebout, Trenton Von Larsen
  • Patent number: 9468797
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, pivotally connected arm links and a crank assembly. A pair of foot links each has a forward end, a rearward end, and a mid-portion. Each foot link has a crank attachment at the forward end that is connected the crank assembly. A foot receiving area is defined at the rearward end of each foot link. Each foot receiving area is longitudinally fixed with respect to the respective foot link and the mid portion of each foot link has a defined support location. The frame supports the support locations of the support links at a generally constant vertical height while allowing horizontal motion relative to the frame. The rearward length of the foot links is at least 1.5 times the forward length such that the foot receiving areas move in a path of travel having more vertical travel than horizontal travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9463349
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a two side frames, a support plate disposed above the side frames, two shock-absorbing structures mounted between the support plate and the side frames, a styrofoam layer mounted on the support plate, and a surface layer mounted on the styrofoam layer. Each of the shock-absorbing structures includes an elastic bar mounted between the support plate and one of the side frames, and a plurality of vibration absorbers mounted between the support plate and one of the side frames. Thus, the elastic bar, the vibration absorbers and the styrofoam layer provide multiple shock-absorbing and vibration damping functions to the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Li-Ling Chang
  • Patent number: 9463351
    Abstract: This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame without lifting some heavy components of the elliptical exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Bo Long