Stair Climbing Patents (Class 482/52)
  • Patent number: 7455624
    Abstract: A low-impact exercise machine has a support device, a rotating device, a drive assembly and a handle assembly. The support device has a base, a pivot pin, a frame bracket, a supporting beam and two slideways. The rotating device is mounted rotatably with the support device and has a pivot post, a rotating panel and two rotating arms. The drive assembly is connected to the support device and the rotating device and has two driven segments. Each driven segment has a linking arm, two lateral beams, an operating shaft, a mounting bracket, a connecting stick and a transmitting shaft. The handle assembly is connected to the drive assembly with two handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Shu-Chiung Liao Lai
  • Patent number: 7455623
    Abstract: An elliptical machine includes: a machine body including a first support structure, and a second support structure extending upwardly from the first support structure; left and right cranks mounted rotatably to the first support structure and rotatable about a first rotation axis; a swing unit including left and right rotary shafts mounted rotatably and respectively to opposite sides of the second support structure, and left and right handles mounted respectively to the left and right rotary shafts, the left and right rotary shafts being respectively rotatable about second and third rotation axes, each of which is inclined to a line parallel to the first rotation axis; and a pedal unit including left and right pedal rods, each of which is connected rotatably to a respective one of the left and right handles and a respective one of the left and right cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Shih-Peng Wang
  • Patent number: 7455625
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of left and right crank members to elliptical movement of left and right foot supporting members. Rollers on the cranks allow the foot supporting members to translate relative to the cranks, and crank driven linkage arrangements determine the extent of the translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh
  • Publication number: 20080287264
    Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes a frame with a wheel connected thereto and two swinging mechanisms are pivotably connected on two sides of the wheel. Each swinging mechanism includes a swing bar and a connection link. A first end of each connection link is pivotably connected to the wheel and a second end of each connection link is connected to an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes a main body which has a first end pivotably connected to the frame and the two second ends of the connection links are pivotably connected to a second end of the main body. Two pedals are connected to the connection links so that the user holes the swing bars and stands on the pedal to move the pedals along an oval track. The long and short axes of the oval track are adjustable by pivoting the adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ming Nan Chen
  • Publication number: 20080287265
    Abstract: An exercise device comprising: a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing upright on the foot support, the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth between a rearward position and a forward position along any one of a plurality of separate, reproducible user selectable segments of an overall arcuate path; the foot support being supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage that is pivotally mounted on the frame for back and forth movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Scott Lee, Gordon Andrade
  • Patent number: 7452308
    Abstract: A cross-crawl chair including a chair frame for supporting a headrest, chair back, chair seat, right and left arm supports, right and left leg supports, and four actuators for moving the supports. The chair also includes a control system which synchronizes the movement of the right arm actuator with the left leg actuator and the movement of the left arm actuator with the right leg actuator so as to provide an “arm and opposing leg” or cross-crawl motion. Further, the electro-mechanical control system controls a speed, a length of time, and a range of the cross-crawl motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Robert G. Robideau
  • Patent number: 7452309
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through a range of motion greater in length than the distance between the points of connection to the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh
  • Publication number: 20080280733
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine having a frame adjustable between an operational position and a folded position. A removable outer shell is hingedly connected to a base upon which the elliptical machine stands. The outer shell is configured to resemble two halves of a coffee table that are pivoted to either cover or expose the machine. Each handlebar on the machine includes a hinged section that is movable between a folded and an operational position. The machine is further provided with a latching assembly to lock the flywheel against rotation and to correctly position the same so that the outer shell can be placed over the folded machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: SPARK INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Dickie, Steve A. Copeland
  • Publication number: 20080280731
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen W. Ercanbrack, Jaremy T. Butler, N. Jeffrey Chatterton
  • Publication number: 20080280732
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of factory or post-manufacture installation of at least two exercise equipment units in tractor-trailer vehicles with sleepers. The exercise equipment units are stored initially in storage compartments located under beds behind the driver and passenger seats. The exercise equipment units are securely held within the storage compartments by storage locking mechanisms. Each exercise equipment unit is movable manually or electronically from the storage compartment to an operational or use position within the tractor-trailer walking space or sleeping area. In the operational position, the selected exercise equipment unit is secured by an operation locking mechanism in the operational position; adjusted and setup for use by multiple users. The exercise equipment units are connected to a computer for sensing, remote monitoring and displaying of vital signs of at least two users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Levi Jones
  • Patent number: 7448986
    Abstract: The invention is an exercise device comprising (i) a frame, (ii) first and second foot supports operably associated with the frame for traveling along a closed loop path relative to a transverse axis defined by the frame, (iii) a heart rate monitor, and (iv) a means for automatically adjusting the stride length and/or stride height of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports based upon the sensed heart rate of person exercising on the exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Octane Fitness, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Porth
  • Publication number: 20080274860
    Abstract: An exercising machine includes a base frame, a rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right foot pedals, left and right cross links, and left and right coupling units. The rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame. Each of the left and right rocker link units is coupled pivotably to the base frame. The left and right foot pedals are coupled pivotably and respectively to the left and right rocker link units. Each of the left and right cross links has a length that is adjustable, is coupled pivotably to the rotary member, and is coupled pivotably to a respective one of the left and right rocker link units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Sunny Lee
  • Patent number: 7445584
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a right pedal and a left pedal, both of which are alternatively operated by the user to drive the right and left links so as to move the right and left swinging arms respectively, such that the hands and feet of the user are exercised. The exerciser includes a resistance mechanism which is located at the front end of the base together with the pedals and the swinging arms, and an adjustable seat is located at the rear end of the base. Therefore, when in maintenance to the resistance mechanism, the maintainers can directly access the resistance mechanism without removing the adjustable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shen Yi Wu
  • Publication number: 20080269023
    Abstract: An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, the front portions of the foot supports may be controlled by the handles to allow the foot supports to be actuated as a stepping exerciser when the front portions of the foot supports are stably held in place by the handles, and to allow the foot supports to be actuated as an elliptical exerciser when the handles are swung by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080269024
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a base with two handle bars at a front thereof and two pedal bars pivotally connected to the handle bars. An extending mechanism is provided between a wheel on a rear frame of the base and the pedal bars. The extending mechanism includes an inner link and an outer link pivoted on a rear of a pedal on the pedal bar, a connection bar pivotally connected to the outer link, and a small crank received in a rear pivoting portion of the pedal bar. With the multi-link extending mechanism, the elliptical exercise apparatus of the present invention may provides a greater exercise distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Joong Chenin Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Yu LIN
  • Publication number: 20080269022
    Abstract: An exercising machine includes a base frame, a rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right cross links, and front and rear coupling units. The rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame. The left and right rocker link units are coupled pivotably to the base frame. The front coupling unit couples pivotably the rotary member to a selected one of engaging segments of each of the left and right cross link units to thereby permit adjustment of stride height. The rear coupling unit couples pivotably each of the left and right cross links to a selected one of engaging segments of each of the left and right rocker link units to thereby permit adjustment of stride length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Sunny LEE
  • Publication number: 20080261777
    Abstract: An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, and two levers pivotally coupled to the pivot rod and the handle and spaced away from the spindle for forming a polygonal coupling structure and for allowing the foot supports to be moved elliptically relative to the upright support of the base. The levers may be adjustably coupled to the handles for adjusting the moving stroke of the foot supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080261778
    Abstract: An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, and two levers pivotally coupled to the pivot rod and the handle and spaced away from the spindle for allowing the foot supports to be moved elliptically relative to the upright support of the base. The levers may be adjustably coupled to the handles with a motorized threaded member for adjusting the moving stroke of the foot supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080261780
    Abstract: An exercise device comprising: a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing upright on the foot support, the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth between a rearward position and a forward position along an arcuate path; the foot support being supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage that is pivotally mounted on the frame for back and forth movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Scott Lee
  • Publication number: 20080261779
    Abstract: An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, and two levers pivotally coupled to the pivot rod and the handle and spaced away from the spindle for forming a polygonal coupling structure and for allowing the foot supports to be controlled by both the cranks and the link and the handles, and for allowing the foot supports to be moved elliptically relative to the upright support of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Patent number: 7438671
    Abstract: A manual pace-adjusting mechanism of an elliptical cross trainer having an adjusting rod pivotally attached to both sides of the bottom support frame, respectively. The top end of the adjusting rod is pivotally coupled to an L-shaped connecting rod while the other end of the L-shaped connecting rod is pivotally connected to the treadle plank. A positioning rod is interposed between the adjusting rod and the front upright posts of the elliptical cross trainer by means of a positioning element. As a result, the adjustment of the angle of the adjusting rod enables the change on the vertical position of the treadle planks so that an independent right and left adjustment of the exercise pace is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7438670
    Abstract: Exercise machines and methods of exercising which utilize a side-to-side stepping motion to exercise the lower extremities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: True Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Gray, Daniel Moon, Robert Starr
  • Publication number: 20080254948
    Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes two swing arms pivotably connected to a mediate portion of a post on the base and two slidable link units are pivotably connected to two respective lower ends of the two swing arms. Each slidable link unit has a first link and a second link wherein two connection parts respectively extend from two ends of the first link at an angle. The first end of the first link is pivotably connected to the wheel. Two ends of the second link are pivotably connected to the two connection parts by two connection members which allow the second links to be pivotable relative to the two connection parts. The two second links have two pedals connected thereto so that the pedals can travel a further distance relative to the first links so as to increase the distance of the ling axis of the oval trace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Ming Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 7435203
    Abstract: In an elliptical step exercise apparatus where stride length can be varied the various user programs can take advantage of this feature to provide for an enhanced workout. A control system can be used to implement a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill program where stride is shortened as the user goes up a simulated hill and lengthened as the user goes down the hill. In an interval training program, stride length can be increased and decreased at periodic intervals. In a cross training program, stride length can be decreased when the user is pedaling backwards and increased when the user is pedaling forwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy T. Anderson, Gregory A. Bahnfleth, Rachel Lara Abigail Buckley, Juliette C. Daly, Thomas J. Fuller, Ming Jiang, Gregory A. Joseph, Karen Jean Knauf, Elena A. Martynenko, Craig R. Norman, Lisa Marie Nowak
  • Patent number: 7435204
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with an adjustable exercising track comprises a framework, having a flywheel, a crank settled on the flywheel, and at least two parallel rails; a wheel assembly, comprising two wheel-shafts arranged at two sides of the crank and two wheels slidably coupled to the rails; a handle-shaft assembly, comprising a pair of handle-shafts disposed at two sides of the framework for being gripped by a user; a stepping-pedal assembly, comprising two pedals coupled to two pedal-shafts which are linked to the handle-shafts; and a pair of adjusting assemblies for shifting positions of joints of the pedal-shafts and the wheel-shafts along the wheel-shafts. By shifting the positions of joints of the pedal-shafts and the wheel-shafts, a minor axis of the elliptical exercising track can be lengthened or shortened and consequently the elliptical exercising track can be non-proportionally scaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignees: Cycling & Health Tech Industry, R & D Center
    Inventors: Hung-Sheng Wu, Chun-Ho Chen, Chia-Hsiun Chuang
  • Patent number: 7435202
    Abstract: In an elliptical step exercise apparatus distance traveled can be approximated by determining the portion of the ellipse traversed by a foot pedal where the user applies force to the pedal. This portion can be considered equivalent to the amount of foot travel on a treadmill and modified as a function of speed to simulate the gait of a user at various speeds so as to provide an approximation of the distance traveled by a user as if he were running on a treadmill. This process can be further modified for use with an elliptical exercise apparatus where the stride length can be changed such that the simulated distance will be increased with increased stride length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Juliette C. Daly, John M. Rogus, John J. Hsing, Gregory Joseph
  • Publication number: 20080248928
    Abstract: An elliptical walking exercise machine, an apparatus comprising: a base assembly standing on a floor and having a base frame which supports a base upper pivot and a base crank pivot. An embodiment further comprises a right crank arm, a left crank arm, and a main pulley pivotally engaged to the base frame at the base crank pivot. The right crank arm and the left crank arm each having a mechanical engagement point, a roller, for respective links, a right second link and a left second link that are parts of respectively a right pedal linkage and a left pedal linkage. The rollers are attached over a right crank step of the right crank arm and a left crank step of the left crank arm. Both the right and left crank arms are fixed to each other to maintain their relative position of about 180 degree offset angle from each other, and both arms are fixedly attached to the main pulley to rotate together at the base crank pivot of the base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Publication number: 20080242517
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. The user support pivot axis is spaced below at least one of the supports in at least one of the exercise start and end positions. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080242516
    Abstract: Described is an exercise apparatus for providing elliptical foot motion that utilizes a pair of rocking links suspended from an upper portion of the apparatus frame permitting at least limited arcuate motion of the lower portions of the links. Foot pedal assemblies are connected to rotating shafts or members located on the lower portion of the links such that the foot pedals will describe a generally elliptical path in response to user foot motion on the pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Zhi Lu, John M. Rogus, Eric White
  • Patent number: 7429234
    Abstract: The present invention is an oval track stepper, which has resolved the disadvantage of a typical oval track stepper by having rear ends of left and right stepping rods linked to left and right sides of a freewheel set and the enclosure, leading to excessive spacing against stepping comfort. The oval track stepper includes a main frame, a head frame, left and right stepping rods, left and right vertical swing rods, a freewheel set and damping device. The freewheel set and damping device are mounted externally at left and right stepping rods. An obstruction-free and closer space between left and right stepping rods delivers an optimum stepping distance for the users, thus improving comfort and practicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Chang-Hsin Yang, Ya-Chi Chen
  • Publication number: 20080234110
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame which supports a user in an exercise position, and a multiple pivot assembly pivotally mounting the user support frame for movement between a start position and an end position. The pivot assembly has multiple pivots which define a theoretical pivot axis of the user support pivotal movement and a vertical gravitational center line which extends through the theoretical pivot axis. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20080227602
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on a floor surface; left and right rocker links pivotally mounted on the frame; left and right reciprocating links having forward ends rotatably coupled to respective rocker links, and rearward ends constrained to move in reciprocal fashion relative to the frame; left and right cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right drive links having forward ends rotatably coupled to respective cranks, and rearward ends rotatably coupled to intermediate portions of respective reciprocating members; and left and right foot links having forward ends rotatably coupled to respective rocker links, and rearward, foot supporting ends supported by respective drive links for both rotational and translational movement relative thereto. The resulting linkage assemblies constrain the foot supporting ends to move through elliptical paths, and the paths may be altered by adjusting various components of the linkage assemblies relative to one another and/or the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh, Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7425189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates downhill skiing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows an separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is coordinated with the foot pedal movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 7425188
    Abstract: An exercise device having a cushioning mechanism assembly configured to absorb energy during exercise is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cushioning mechanism assembly comprises a first and second biasing apparatus having a spring element configured to absorb energy by undergoing elastic deformation. According to another aspect of the present invention, a lever cushioning apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the lever cushioning apparatus includes a lever arm and a cushioning element that functions as a fulcrum of the lever arm. In another embodiment, the cushioning element is movable along the length of the elongate member to change the amount of cushioning provided by the cushioning element. By being movable, the cushioning element allows the user to select a desired amount of cushioning during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventors: Gaylen Ercanbrack, Darren Zaugg, Kurt Finlayson, William T. Dalebout
  • Publication number: 20080220943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates downhill skiing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows an separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is coordinated with the foot pedal movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20080220944
    Abstract: An exercise for step aerobics, games, and proprioceptive input training. The device features a rigid platform supported by a resilient inflated tubular sidewall. The sidewall may be of a single tube or a plurality of tubular members engaged on top of each other. Inflation pressure of said sidewall provides an adjustment of the resilience thereby adjusting instability of the platform in the horizontal and vertical directions. Instability in the vertical direction provides a cushioning to users in a step aerobics exercise while instability in both direction provides a manner for a user moving or exercising on the platform to obtain proprioceptive input training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: David C. Pratson, Axel Mnich, Tien Le, John Cole
  • Publication number: 20080214362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates lateral climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows an separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is coordinated with the foot pedal movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20080214364
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a flexible drawbar interconnected between the crank and frame of the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph D. Maresh, Kenneth W. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20080214363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates lateral rock climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows an separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is positioned above the shoulders of an operator to simulate rock climbing and is coordinated with the foot pedal movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Publication number: 20080207406
    Abstract: A folding step exerciser includes a base including a front square socket projecting upwardly and including front and rear apertures, a horizontal support extending rearward from the support, and a transverse tube on the support adjacent rear of the socket; left and right handlebars; an upright having a top end adjustably secured to the handlebars; a pivot fixedly secured around a bottom end of the upright, the pivot having a U-shaped cross-section and including a front surface, a cavity on a bottom edge of the front surface, two triangular side surfaces, and a hole at a rear pointed end of either side surface; a bolt adapted to drive through one hole, the tube, and the other hole to pivotably secure the pivot and the socket together by cooperating with a nut, and a fastener adapted to threadably fasten the pivot and the socket together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jao Hsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080207400
    Abstract: A low-impact exercise machine has a support device, a rotating device, a drive assembly and a handle assembly. The support device has a base, a pivot pin, a frame bracket, a supporting beam and two slideways. The rotating device is mounted rotatably with the support device and has a pivot post, a rotating panel and two rotating arms. The drive assembly is connected to the support device and the rotating device and has two driven segments. Each driven segment has a linking arm, two lateral beams, an operating shaft, a mounting bracket, a connecting stick and a transmitting shaft. The handle assembly is connected to the drive assembly with two handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Shu-Chiung Liao Lai
  • Publication number: 20080200314
    Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine that allows for easy, safe, and quick storage and being capable, upon a single motion by a user, of changing its shape into a substantially compact form for storage, and vice versa, is provided. The elliptical exercise machine comprises a frame having a base support structure having a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion is rotatably attached to the front portion such that the elliptical exercise machine is movable between an operating position and a storage position, and first and second reciprocating foot supports interconnected to the frame, each foot support having a first end and a second end with a collapsible joint therebetween, wherein each reciprocating foot support is collapsible such that the exercise machine can be moved between the operating position and the storage position in a single step by rotating the rear portion of the base support structure upward and toward the front portion of the base support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ICON Health and Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen W. Ercanbrack, N. Jeffrey Chatterton
  • Patent number: 7413528
    Abstract: An exercise device for improving physical fitness, includes a base body having several modules for supporting an exercising person. At least one of these modules can be displaced by the exercising person, by means of his/her feet, hands, or other body parts. The exercise device is equipped, in addition to its device-specific function, with an additional vibration function in which the vibration can be regulated in terms of frequency and amplitude, and is effective only on those components on which the exercising person is supporting himself/herself. Each module for supporting the exercising person has a separate component that is effectively connected with the body part of the exercising person assigned to it. This component is connected with the other components of this module by way of at least one damping element, and can have a vibration movement applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sport-Thieme GmbH
    Inventor: Reimar Nestler
  • Publication number: 20080194388
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, a wheel disposed on the frame and two exercise sets arranged on opposite sides of the wheel. Each of the exercise sets includes a track installed on the frame, a rocker disposed on the frame, a crank connected to the wheel, a rod arranged between the crank and the rocker and a tread connected to the rod and crank on one hand and movable on the track at the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Yu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20080194387
    Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes a base having a pair of inclined pivot axles, a pair of foot pedals having one end rotatably attaching to the inclined pivot axles, to allow the foot pedals to be stepped downwardly and outwardly by a user, and a lever rotatably attached to the base and having two ends engaged beneath the foot pedals, to couple the foot pedals together, and to allow one of the foot pedals to be moved upwardly when the other foot pedal is stepped downwardly by the user. The lever includes two pads for engaging with the foot pedals. A resistive device may provide a resistive force against the foot pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Jin Chen Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080188357
    Abstract: A frame structure arranged to be supported by a rest surface, against which frame structure a crank mechanism is arranged to be supported, which crank mechanism has a right and a left pedal part and a footrest arranged to be supported by both pedal parts and arranged movably in the direction of the pedal part; and a right and a left front rest, each having a first end and a second end, whereby the right and the left front rest are fastened turnably to the right and the left pedal part by their first end, and both front rests are fastened turnably to the frame structure by the area between the first and the second end to achieve elliptical paths of movement for the foot rests. The exercise device comprises a right and a left belt part arranged in connection with the right and the left pedal part, the belt parts being arranged to travel as an endless loop around sheaves; and a right and a left rod part, each of which has a first end and a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Henri Kuivala
  • Publication number: 20080182725
    Abstract: A pedal assembly has a base, a rail, a slider, a pedal and a transmission assembly. The base has a pivotal bracket mounted on the top at the front end. The rail is securely attached to the top of the base. The slider is slidably mounted on the rail. The pedal is securely mounted on the slider. The transmission assembly is mounted between the base and the slider to move the slider with the pedal along an enlarged oval movement travel and has a driven rod, a connecting rod, a lever and a connecting member. The driven rod is rotatably mounted on the base. The connecting rod is rotatably mounted on the base and is connected to the driven rod with a transmission device. The lever is pivotally connected to the driven rod. The connecting member is connected pivotally between the lever and the slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Su-Jung Fon
  • Patent number: 7404785
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of an adjustable length crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a first link having a rearward end which is rotatably connected to the crank, and a forward end which is rotatably connected to a lower end of a suspended link. An upper portion of the suspended link is rotatably connected to the exercise apparatus frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh
  • Patent number: 7402126
    Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes two side tubes on two sides of the base and two guiding rails are pivotably connected to the two side tubes respectively. Two connection rods are connected to two ends of the crank on the wheel and each connection rod has a roller which is movably engaged with one of the guiding rails. Two pedals are connected to the two connection rods. The angle between the two guiding rails can be adjusted so that the users may operate the elliptical exerciser in a skiing or twisting way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Huang-Tung Chang
  • Publication number: 20080171639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepper with a wave type vibrator, which enables a user to aerobically exercise his/her feet or other parts requiring training to harden the parts or reduce the body fat thereof, using both strong wave type vibrating motion of a step board and an improved multi-level control system, thus increasing the base metabolic rate of the user's body and realizing effective body fat reduction and an increase in muscle power. The stepper includes a stepper frame, a drive unit and a control unit. The stepper frame is composed of a box-shaped stand, a central column securely standing on the stand, and a handle arm extending outwards from each of left and right sides of the central column to an associated position on the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Sang-Won Hahn