Stair Climbing Patents (Class 482/52)
  • Publication number: 20130190138
    Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Brent Christopher, Brian R. Cook, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Eric D. Golesh, Ben Monette, Randal Potter, Todd Singh, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner, Bradley J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130190139
    Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Brent Christopher, Brian R. Cook, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Eric D. Golesh, Ben Monette, Randall Potter, Todd Singh, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner, Bradley J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8485945
    Abstract: An exercise workstation comprises a table assembly having a working surface, and an elliptical trainer. The elliptical trainer comprises a seat, and at least two footplates capable of elliptical motion about an axis having a horizontal component of motion greater than a vertical component of motion. A first distance between the seat and the table assembly is adjustable, a second distance between the seat and the axis is adjustable, the first distance and the second distance are independently adjustable, and the elliptical trainer is a recumbent or semi-recumbent elliptical trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: DuoDesk LLC
    Inventor: Christoph Leonhard
  • Patent number: 8485952
    Abstract: A leg elevator is disclosed. The leg elevator includes a base having a lower leg end and an upper leg end, a portion of the base having at least one support retaining device. A lower leg support is provided. A height adjustment mechanism is also provided having a support leg pivotally attached at a first end to the lower leg support. The support leg has a second end attached to a support bar extending perpendicular to the support leg. The support bar is removably engaged with the at least one support retaining device such that a height of the lower leg support above the base may be adjusted. An upper leg adjustment mechanism is operably connected to the upper leg end of the base for adjusting a distance between the upper leg end of the base and the lower leg support. An upper leg support is operably attached to the upper leg adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Ellavations, LLC
    Inventor: Jon C. Gehrke
  • Patent number: 8480544
    Abstract: An exercise chair of the type wherein a user can sit on a seating platform and extend and retract his legs while his feet are resting on a spring-resisted foot rod includes a movable bar for pivotally supporting the foot rod and which is positionable in an operative position or a storage position. In the operative position, the foot bar is positioned for desired use in pre-determined exercises while in the storage position it is positioned so as to permit nestable stacking of a plurality of the chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard J. Solow, James V. Osburn, Julie Lobdell, Jeffrey T. Samson
  • Publication number: 20130157529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat propelled by two submerged independent wings actuated by means of a step simulator mechanism that imparts an vertical alternating movement to the wings, which are articulated around a shaft located forward of the center of pressure thereof, such that the wings assume angles of inclination that generates propulsive force in the upward and downward movements. In the analogous position of a conventional bicycle, the driver actuates the footrests while seated. A handlebar, connected to a rudder, is used to maneuver the vehicle. The catamaran configuration offers hydrodynamic efficiency and stability. When disassembled, the mainframe of the boat can be converted into a step machine, simply fitting a pair of dampers to the structure, which absorb and dissipate the energy generated during exercising. Thus, the present invention has a dual use—boat and gymnastics apparatus—and can be transported in the car trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Mateus Frois Santa Catarina
  • Publication number: 20130157812
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base having an upright support, two brackets attached to the upright support and adjustable relative to upright support between a forwardly directed position and a sidewise directed position, and two foot supports pivotally attached to the brackets and to be pivoted and swung forwardly and rearwardly relative to the brackets and the upright support when the brackets are attached to the carrier at the forwardly directed position, and the foot supports are allowed to be pivoted and swung sidewise relative to the brackets and the upright support when the brackets are attached to the upright support at the sidewise directed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Chen
  • Patent number: 8465398
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a frame unit having a base frame and an upstanding frame, two crank arms, and an adjustment unit including a motor, a slide mounted movably on the upstanding frame, and a threaded rod connected threadedly to the slide and connected drivenly to the motor. Two swing units are disposed respectively on left and right sides of the frame unit and each includes a handle movable along with the slide, a link rod connected pivotally between an intermediate portion of the handle and one of the crank arms, a pivot arm connected pivotally to the link rod, and a pedal rod connected pivotally between a lower connecting portion of the handle and the pivot arm. The slide moves upwardly or downwardly along the upstanding frame when the motor is activated to adjust the position of the handle relative to the upstanding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunny Lee, Simon Chao
  • Patent number: 8460161
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a substantially flat, rigid platform for supporting a user during exercise. An inflatable tubular support having an upper portion with a first radial outside diameter, and a lower portion with a second radial outside diameter that is greater than the first radial outside diameter, is coupled to the platform by a fastener. The tubular support defines a central opening that communicates between the platform and a support surface. The platform includes a venting structure for releasing air from the central opening during use. The inflatable support includes an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the tubular support, the intermediate portion including a support feature to restrain the intermediate portion from radial expansion induced by an air pressure internal to the integral inflatable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: iStep Global, LLC
    Inventors: John Cole, David C. Pratson, Tien Le, Jeff Harlan, Irene Elisa Mnich
  • Publication number: 20130143720
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device includes a support device for cyclically and elliptically supporting two foot supports above a base, and a resist device coupled between the foot support and the support device for applying a resistive force to the foot support and for braking an elliptical movement of the foot support relative to the support device, the resist device includes two members slidably coupled together and moveable linearly relative to each other for applying a frictional and resistive force between the members and for resisting a linear movement between the members, and for resisting the elliptical movement of the foot support relative to the support device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Patent number: 8454478
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Scott Lee, Gordon Andrade
  • Patent number: 8449437
    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 paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph D Maresh, Kenneth W Stearns
  • Patent number: 8439807
    Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Piaget, Douglas A. Crawford, Edward L. Flick, Bradley J. Smith, Matt Rauwerdink, Patrick A. Warner
  • Publication number: 20130116094
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base having a carrier, two brackets attached to the carrier and adjustable relative to carrier between a forwardly directed position and a sidewise directed position, and two foot supports pivotally attached to the brackets and to be pivoted and swung forwardly and rearwardly relative to the brackets and the carrier when the brackets are attached to the carrier at the forwardly directed position, and the foot supports are allowed to be pivoted and swung sidewise relative to the brackets and the carrier when the brackets are attached to the carrier at the sidewise directed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Chen
  • Patent number: 8430796
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises at least one pedal pivotably mounted to a leg rest portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The pedal is configured to rotate about the pivot axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The exercise device further comprises a resistance mechanism configured to exert a torque on the pedal opposite to a direction of rotation of the pedal about the pivot axis and away from the neutral position. The device is adjustable to at least a first configuration wherein the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a sitting position, and a second configuration wherein the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a supine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Mary Anne Tarkington, Peter-Christoph Tarkington Schmidt, Hans J. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130095979
    Abstract: An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercise is disclosed having a platform and a plurality of support elements. The support elements include a downwardly arcuate notch or channel for receiving a sidewall or endwall of the platform, allowing the platform to be arranged in multiple angled orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Indian Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8419596
    Abstract: An exercise machine comprises an oval-shaped structure with a fly wheel, two driving arms, two swing handle and two slidable bars. The fly wheel of the oval-shaped structure simultaneously drives the driving arms and the swing handles, and the slidable bars are pivoted onto the corresponding swing handles and rest on corresponding shafts of the fly wheel such that the movements of the slidable bars are not limited by the driving arms and can be longer than the travel stroke of the fly wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ying-Chou Lai
  • Publication number: 20130090217
    Abstract: A recumbent stepper system has a tubular frame, a left leg assembly, a right leg assembly and a resistance mechanism. The leg assemblies are supported by the frame for pivoting movement about a central pivot axis. The leg assemblies each include an upwardly extending pedal arm terminating in a pedal. A left belt is coupled to the pedal arm of the left leg assembly and engages a left one way clutch and a left pulley. A right belt is coupled to the pedal arm of the right leg assembly and engages a right one way clutch and a right pulley. The resistance mechanism directly engages the left and right one way clutches via a resistance mechanism belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Richard N. Sarns, Matthew P. Weber, Kirk Stanley Fiegel
  • Publication number: 20130090216
    Abstract: An exercise device includes: a step housing structured to support the weight of a user; one or more cables at least partially contained within the step housing; a variable resistance mechanism controlling resistance applied to the one or more cables; and a panel comprising a substantially planar member with a first broad face, the substantially planar member attached to the housing, the panel having a deployed position in which the first broad face of the panel is spaced apart from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Broc Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130085042
    Abstract: A pedal correction mechanism used in an elliptical trainer is disclosed to include a pedal link having a coupling portion at the inner side thereof, and a pedal bracket carrying a pedal and having a shaft pivotally inserted into the coupling portion of the pedal link for allowing the pedal bracket to be biased leftwards and rightwards on the axis of the shaft relative to the pedal link to eliminate cumulative tolerances among component parts, preventing derailment and reducing noises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Hsuan-Fu HUANG
  • Patent number: 8409058
    Abstract: An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having upper right and left leg links pivotally mounted to lower right and left leg links respectively. The upper leg links are pivotally coupled to the frame. A foot support is provided on the distal end of the lower leg links. The device includes first and second transfer systems for coordinating movement of the right and left sets of upper and lower leg links. The first transfer system is movably coupled to the frame and includes a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link, a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, and a pivot bar pivotally mounted to the frame between a first end and a second end thereof with the first end coupled to the first transfer member and the second end coupled to the second transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Exerciting, LLC
    Inventors: Joel D. Gordon, Kevin G. Abelbeck, Glenn D. Ross, Brad R. Olschansky, Scott M. Olschansky
  • Patent number: 8403815
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Mao Liao, Mark J. Kannel, Donald E. Stiemke, Darian P. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20130065732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel elliptical machine designed on orthopedic standards of body kinetics wherein the handles rotate 360 degrees and the foot pedals slide fore and aft and roll forwards and backwards as the user is exercising on the machine. This novel machine provides maximum efficacy and safety while a user is exercising, and does not limit the range of motion to the standard fixed elliptical motion of merely forward and backwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Lisa Hopp
  • Publication number: 20130059697
    Abstract: An exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright post mounted on the main frame, two swinging handles pivotally connected with the upright post, a cycle movement mechanism mounted on the main frame, two pivot members mounted on the cycle movement mechanism, two links each pivotally connected with the respective swinging handle and the respective pivot member, two pedals mounted on the links, and two adjusting members each pivotally mounted between the respective link and the respective pivot member and each provided with a plurality of adjusting holes. Thus, each of the links is pivotally connected with one of the adjusting holes of the respective adjusting member to change the position and angle of each of the links and each of the swinging handles so as to adjust the movement trace of each of the links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Publication number: 20130045840
    Abstract: A step apparatus is disclosed for individual training or group fitness classes. The step apparatus may simultaneously contain a plurality of step heights for a dynamic work out. The platform heights may be quickly adjusted to user preference. The adjustable settings may be self-contained within a single unit, or alternate pieces may be provided for additional variation. The step apparatus has a frame and a plurality of step platform units, with each platform unit having two height settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Exemplar Design, LLC
    Inventor: Adam Ross
  • Publication number: 20130045838
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact stepping and swinging fitness machine, comprising: a frame base, an arc frame base, a pedal frame and a handlebar or a pulling string, such that the fitness machine can be supported stably on the floor by a plurality of wheels of the transverse frame base, and a user can stand on the pedals by both feet and hold upper ends of left and right handlebars or pulling strings by both hands and apply a stepping force on both left and right pedals alternately. The stepping movement is performed repeatedly to achieve the sports fitness effect of swinging and balancing the user's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Wei-Teh Ho
  • Publication number: 20130045839
    Abstract: A sitting type stepper includes a stationary base having a support frame, a seat provided on the support frame, and a stepping assembly. The stepping assembly is provided on the stationary base, including two transmission units pivoted on the support frame of the stationary base, and each of the transmission unit has a handle and a pedal connected to the handle that the pedal is moved by swinging the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GEE HOO INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventor: Ching-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8376913
    Abstract: An exercising device includes left and right linking units each having a swing link pivotally mounted on a front support of a frame, a crank link coupling a crank arm to the swing link, and a pedal link connected to a lower end of the swing link, and left and right foot engaging pedals each mounted on a rear linkage end of the pedal link to be movable along an elliptical path with rotation of the crank arms. A sloping ramp member has an inclined surface to guide the foot engaging pedals to simulate stair climbing during the elliptical movement of the foot engaging pedals through left and right rollable anti-friction members mounted under the foot engaging pedals and rollably engaged with the inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunny Lee, Simon Chao
  • Publication number: 20130040785
    Abstract: An exercise device includes two front cranks rotatably coupled to an upright support of a base, two handles pivotally coupled to the upright support, two foot supports each having a front portion coupled to the front cranks with a link and a rear portion coupled to an upright post with a connecting member, a foot pedal supported on each of the foot supports and coupled to the lower portion of the handle with a connecting lever, two rear cranks coupled to the upright post and each having a pivot rod, and a pair of coupling levers coupled between the pivot rods of the rear cranks and the connecting members for pivotally coupling the connecting members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Publication number: 20130035213
    Abstract: A compact leg exerciser includes two portions rotatable about a hinge. Each portion includes a base and a foot pedal displaceable along the base. The pedals include stops located longitudinally inward of the wheels. Each base is provided with resilient limiters for contacting against the stops of the pedals to limit travel of the pedals and thereby prevent the pedals from contacting the longitudinal ends of the periphery. The hinge is offset from the sides of each base and forms a handle for transporting the leg exerciser when the exerciser is folded about the hinge into a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Richard S. Cohen, Lou Henry, Petros Stambolis
  • Publication number: 20130035212
    Abstract: An exercise device includes an upright post extended upwardly from a base, a pair of connecting members pivotally coupled to the upright post with an axle, two wheels rotatably attached to the axle, two lower brake arms and two upper brake arms pivotally attached to the upright post and each having a brake shoe for engaging with the wheels, a bar engaged with the free ends of the lower brake arms, and a follower engaged with the free ends of the upper brake arms and adjustable toward and away from the bar for adjusting a resistive force of the brake shoes onto the wheels and for adjusting the resistive force to the swinging movement of the handles and the elliptical movement of the foot supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jin Chen Chuang, Lung Fei Chuang
  • Patent number: 8366590
    Abstract: A back machine and method that can be employed by individuals particularly those with chronic back pain to stretch the lower back muscles, realign and strengthen the lower spine and also to reduce pain. The back machine includes a base portion and a frame portion. The frame portion includes a lower end attached to the base portion. The frame portion extends in a vertical direction from the base portion to a height that is substantially above that of an average user standing upright on said base portion. The back machine includes a handle bar portion, a right foot support elevated above the base; a right leg restraint adjacent to the right foot support; a left foot support elevated above the base; and a left leg restraint restraining movement of a user's left leg when elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Fikre Atnafe
  • Publication number: 20130023383
    Abstract: A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: Nautilus, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130023384
    Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second coupling systems at each comprise a flexible element. In one implementation, the exercise device further comprises a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible element of the first and second coupling systems couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, David E. Dyer, Peter J. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20130012363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging 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 where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. A hydraulic crossover assembly causes the handles to move in opposing directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 8348812
    Abstract: An adjustable stepping structure for aerobic exercise is disclosed having a platform and a plurality of support elements. The support elements include a downwardly arcuate notch or channel for receiving a sidewall or endwall of the platform, allowing the platform to be arranged in multiple angled orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Elpers
  • Patent number: 8348811
    Abstract: Provided is a novel physical therapy system and device that can be manually operated by a post-operative patient without the need of professional on site assistance, wherein the degree of movement of the limb or joint of interest is measured and recorded so as to provide a record of the progress of the prescribed post-operative therapy for immediate feedback to the patient as well as for long term data recordation for the therapist or physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Kamins
  • Publication number: 20120322623
    Abstract: An exercise machine comprises an oval-shaped structure, two driving arms, two swing handles and two slidable bars. With the above-mentioned embodiments, following benefits can be obtained, the fly wheel of the oval-shaped structure utilizes the assembling section to be connected an adjusting member, such that the movement strokes can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ying-Chou Lai
  • Publication number: 20120322624
    Abstract: A sports training machine includes a frame having a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis, both ends of which are provided with a first linkage and a second linkage. The other end of the first linkage pivotally connects to a pedal bar. The other end of the second linkage pivotally connects to a pedal installed on the pedal bar in a sliding way. The first and second linkages rotate with respect to the first and second rotational axes, respectively. The user operates the pedals to perform independent reciprocal displacements upward and downward as well as forward and backward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: STRENGTH MASTER FITNESS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHU-YAO WU
  • Patent number: 8328699
    Abstract: An exercise step with air-cushioning legs. The exercise step (1) includes a plate-shaped panel (10), and air-cushioning legs (30). Each of the air-cushioning legs is provided under the panel to support the panel, and absorbs a load applied to the panel by air cushioning effect. The exercise step has a high air cushioning effect, thus protecting a user's knees from injury, allowing the user to exercise in comfort and safety, and minimizing noise generated during a cushioning operation. Further, the exercise step prevents the panel from being deformed due to a load applied to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Equbic Product Company, LLC
    Inventor: Hee-sun Park
  • Patent number: 8323155
    Abstract: An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: John Arthur Ohrt, James A. Duncan
  • Patent number: 8317663
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a flexible support element and a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible support element couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, David E. Dyer, Peter J. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8317664
    Abstract: A portable exercise device including a support structure and a pair of opposing handrails pivotably connected to the support structure. The handrails are movable between a storage position and a use position. A platform is selectively positionable on the handrails for adjusting a vertical position of the platform relative to the handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew David Gorsuch, Daniela Suzanne Gorsuch
  • Publication number: 20120289380
    Abstract: A tool with quick pop-up tool head includes a body. The body has a handle, a telescopic portion telescopically mounted in the handle, and an operational portion mounted on the telescopic portion such that the operational portion is able to telescopically move relative to the handle. The operational portion has a shoulder disposed on an interior thereof. The telescopic portion has a tool head means mounted therein. The tool head means is selectively engaged with the shoulder and is extendable from the telescopic portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: CHAO-CHUAN CHEN
  • Patent number: 8308617
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus with a swinging effect has a pedals, a crank mechanism, a damping mechanism and pedals. A pair of sloping guide rails are arranged symmetrically between the front support and a middle support of a pedestal. One end of the pair of sloping guide rails is arranged laterally. A pair of pedals are arranged separately onto the pair of sloping guide rails and connected with the crank mechanism. A slide guide is steerably set at a front bottom of the pedals and slidably mated with the pair of sloping guide rails. A universal joint is set at the rear bottom of the pedals and is connected to the left and right cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shang Jia Yu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: A-Lan Jhang, Chien-Fu Fang
  • Patent number: 8303470
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a flexible support element and a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible support element couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, David E. Dyer, Peter J. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20120277062
    Abstract: A robotic module which can be attached to an exercise apparatus provides enhanced physical therapy for victims of stoke or other maladies or accidents by simulating normal or arbitrarily modified profiles of angular position of an extremity such as a foot in accordance with a position of that extremity along a locus of repetitive motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Peter E. Pidcoe, Jessica Cortney Bradford
  • Publication number: 20120277064
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a base frame with two supporting frames, two swing sleeves each pivotally connected with one supporting frame, two sliding arms each having a top portion slidably inserted through one swing sleeve and a bottom portion extending transversely inwardly and coupled with a treadle, two swing arms each having an end pivotally coupled with the base frame, and two sliding sleeves each axially slidably sleeved onto one swing arm and pivotally connected with the bottom portion of one sliding arm through a pivot. A rotational shaft is transversely and rotationally coupled with the base frame. Two links each have an end vertically coupled with one of two ends of the rotational shaft, and an opposite end pivotally connected with a lower portion of one of the sliding sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Chun-Ho Chen, Chia-Hsun Chuang
  • Patent number: 8292789
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame for residing on a horizontal surface, a pair of arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms and a pair of leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs. A linkage assembly couples the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members to the frame and moves the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in response to user forces applied to the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage assembly includes actuators for adjusting dimensions of the closed paths in response to control signal inputs. Sensors mounted on the linkage assembly generate force-indicating signals representing user force. A user interface receives and processes the force-indicating signals and supplies the control signal inputs to the actuators. A dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at least one of the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph D Maresh, Kenneth W Stearns
  • Publication number: 20120264572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Mrako A. Fenster, Derek L. Nelson, Chih-Ming Lai, Kung-Lung Lai, Chieh-Wen Lin, Ming-Hsin Chi, Chinh-Kuo Huang, Yung-Fa Wang