Treadmill For Foot Travel Patents (Class 482/54)
  • Patent number: 9956470
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining a target musculoskeletal activity cycle (MSKC) to cardiac cycle (CC) timing relationship. The method may include detecting a first characteristic of a signal responsive to a CC timing of a user that repeats at a frequency that corresponds to a heart rate of the user; detecting a second characteristic of a signal responsive to a rhythmic musculoskeletal cycle activity (MSKC) timing of the user that repeats at a frequency that corresponds to the MSKC rate of the user; determining a value representative of an actual timing relationship between the first characteristic and the second characteristic; detecting a third characteristic of a signal corresponding to a physiological metric that varies with the actual timing relationship between the first and second characteristics; and determining a target value representative of a preferred timing relationship between the first and second characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Pulson, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Bleich, Paul Mannheimer
  • Patent number: 9937379
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine, in one embodiment, includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly and at least one assist mechanism. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rotational resistance mechanism associated with the first frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism and a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member, a second reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member. In one embodiment, the assist mechanism may include a folding assist mechanism to provide resistance between the assemblies during a folding transition. In another embodiment, the assist mechanism may include a rotational assist mechanism to assist a user in transitioning the elliptical machine to an upright storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Mortensen, William T. Dalebout, Trenton Von Larsen
  • Patent number: 9914012
    Abstract: A treadmill comfort belt includes a strap having a first end portion and a second end portion. Each of the first end portion and the second end portion has a securing member. A lumbar support portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. A compressible sleeve is disposed over the lumbar support portion. A collar is slidingly disposed over the first end portion and the second end portion. The collar is adapted to slide between the securing members and the sleeve. A method of using the belt is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventors: Clark Walter, Doris J. Walter
  • Patent number: 9889333
    Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: True Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Kueker, Yu Hsin Wang, Kuo Ti Huang
  • Patent number: 9849329
    Abstract: An exercise device includes one or more image-capturing units, two identity backgrounds, and a processing unit. Each image-capturing unit captures images of one corresponded identity background shaded by a user, and the processing unit analyzes the captured images in real time, so as to automatically control the exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventor: Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9833657
    Abstract: A manual non-motorized exercise treadmill with the ability to provide adjustable resistance to perform strength training resistance movements and simulate the movements of an exercise drive sled in a stationary location is described. A treadmill deck of the treadmill is supported by friction-reduction rollers, a front treadmill roller and a rear treadmill roller. The treadmill is operated by the user pushing and/or pulling with the feet of the user via a belt or harness attached to adjustable stationary hand bars. Variable resistance allows for increased or decreased difficulty in achieving the exercise according to the preference and ability of the user. The resistance is configured to be applied to the rollers and/or belt, making it more difficult for the user to manually move the treadmill belt. The treadmill belt is configured to oscillate for both concentric and eccentric exercises not provided by conventional treadmills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Wagner
  • Patent number: 9808672
    Abstract: A treadmill system includes a deck, an endless tread belt covering at least a portion of the deck, a position sensor that senses a position of a user when the user is on the tread belt, and a control module that adjusts a speed of the tread belt in response to an output of the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9795827
    Abstract: A retractable walking treadmill which may be connected to an adjustable-height desk, in such a way as to be able to be retracted and stowed vertically when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Thermogenesis Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Wiener, Andrew Rosenbaum, Cole Dalton
  • Patent number: 9789023
    Abstract: A multi-function lower limb ambulation rehabilitation and walking assist device is provided. Through a suspension unit to support the user, the tolerance of the user's leg is reduced. For users of different weights, it can be used for a walking rehabilitation training of the lower limbs to achieve the best training effect. An exoskeleton rehabilitation device has a hip joint linear actuator, a knee joint linear actuator, a first actuator, a second actuator, a third actuator, and a fourth actuator to drive the one-legged the exoskeleton rehabilitation device which is safe, comfortable, reliable, practical and convenient. An indoor and outdoor navigation auxiliary device can be used as a blind guiding device. Through a display unit, a navigation and positioning system displays the orientation of the user in a virtual map corresponding to the real operation environment and a desired location point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Lunghwa University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Lian-Wang Lee, Hsin-Han Chiang
  • Patent number: 9764184
    Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: True Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Kueker, Yu Hsin Wang, Kuo Ti Huang
  • Patent number: 9737138
    Abstract: A shared workstation apparatus with converging treadmills including treadmills with centerlines that are transversely oriented towards each other at an angle, which can for example be an acute angle. The shared workstation includes a frame, a first treadmill, a second treadmill, and at least one shared work surface located above the treadmills. The orientation of the treadmills and the shared work surface allows users to share work with each other across the shared work space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Brian Siebert, William Cesare Cesaroni, Morad Ghassemian, Brian Young Lee, Christopher Justin Mayer
  • Patent number: 9682307
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus include a base frame and a treadmill deck movably coupled with the base frame. The exercise apparatus also includes a desk with a working surface. The working surface is selectively positionable between a first position where the working surface lies in a first plane, and a second position where the working surface lies in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are angularly disposed relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9675838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a platform with an endless belt. The endless belt defines an exercising space above it. A restricting device has a retaining portion, a left restricting portion and a right restricting portion. The two restricting portions are elongated and flexible, such as straps. The left restricting portion is connected to a left end of the retaining portion from a left rear of the exercising space. The right restricting portion is connected to a right end of the retaining portion from a right rear of the exercising space. The restricting device maintains the retaining portion at an appropriate position to make the retaining portion naturally abut against a waist of the user for resisting forward movement of the user toward a front side of the exercising space and allowing the user to sprint or quick run on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON HEALTH TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Russell C. Manzke, Ryan Francis Crist
  • Patent number: 9649528
    Abstract: A treadboard and a treadmill includes two first elastic strips of same structure arranged abreast with the lengths disposed along the moving direction of the belt of the treadmill and a plurality of solid support strips; the first elastic strips are arc structural, the center of the arc structure is higher than two ends of the arc structure; either end of each first elastic strip is once formed with buffer portion that is flexible along the length direction, so that the buffer portions buffer the arc structure of the first elastic strip after fixedly connected to the base of the treadmill; the solid support strips is of straight strip structure respectively connected vertically between the two first elastic strips, two ends of each solid support strip are respectively connected to the corresponding upper sides of the two first elastic strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: XIAMEN AOLRO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yanwei Hou
  • Patent number: 9630050
    Abstract: An office walking equipment includes a platform and a working table. The platform is disposed on the ground and provided for a user to exercise. The working table is principally provided for work. When the platform is in use, a front end of the platform is relatively below the working table. When the platform is not in use, the platform can be separated from the working table. The platform is assembled with the working table in a non-contact manner, so that when the user performs exercise on the platform, the vibration of the platform caused by the exercise is not transmitted to the working table to affect the user's working performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Yao Wu
  • Patent number: 9623281
    Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick W. Hendrickson, Greg W. Law, Rodney L. Hammer, Paul C. Ricks, Darren C. Ashby
  • Patent number: 9616283
    Abstract: A low stress therapeutic device is provided by utilizing foot plates and guide rails having operationally tracking surfaces of a low coefficient of friction supported by a platform. The device includes a rail stabilizer equipped with extending longitudinally recess or slot and a slideably mounted foot plate having upon its underside a longitudinal projection slideably retained within the rail recess. The therapeutic device may be designed to operate under relatively effortless strain at a low coefficient of friction. The therapeutic device is useful for knee replacement, stroke victims, ACL repair, and other therapeutic treatments requiring a nominal initiating effort of movement for rehabilitation. The device may be provided as a one or two footed device of a light weight particularly useful in a patient sitting or lying position. The foot plates may be appropriately equipped with longitudinally underside tracking guides reciprocating sliding within longitudinal slots provided by a tracking rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Bradley Allen Heineck, Gregory Carl Heineck
  • Patent number: 9609958
    Abstract: A height adjustable all-terrain baby walker including a base with one pair of removable treaded first wheels and one pair of interchangeable treaded wheels and a pair of auxiliary alternate skis interchangeable with the interchangeable wheels via insertion rods which engage receptacles in the base. An upper platform is connected to the base by a pair of stacked interconnected mirror image u-shaped support units. A semicircular seat is disposed on the upper platform. A removable canopy is pivotably disposed on the upper platform and has an adjustable angle relative the upper platform. A plurality of handles disposed on the upper platform with one of the handles being a toy securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Roop, Allison Roop
  • Patent number: 9545535
    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: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 9521901
    Abstract: Exercise devices, and related components and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an exercise device is provided having a frame, treadmill deck and a desk. The treadmill deck is movably coupled with the frame and selectively positionable between a first position wherein a user may run or walk on the treadmill deck, and a second position wherein the deck is placed in a stored position. The deck defines a running path when in the first position. The desk may move between multiple positions, including a first position wherein the desk is placed toward a front portion of the running path, and may even be positioned over a portion of the running path (or at least over a portion of the deck), and a second position where the desk is moved out of the running path. The desk may be adjusted as to height and inclination also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9494446
    Abstract: A treadmill is capable of performing a gait analysis and comprises a conveyor belt, a supporting plate, a driving mechanism, and at least two sensing assemblies. The conveyor belt is used for a user to walk or run in place. The driving mechanism drives the conveyor belt to run. The supporting plate supports the conveyor belt. The two sensing assemblies are fixed with the supporting plate, for respectively sensing the user's left and right heel strike. A left and right pulse diagram thus can be obtained from the sensing assemblies, and the gait analysis is performed according to the left and right pulse diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Brian Murray, Mao-Ying Huang, Hao Chiang
  • Patent number: 9480874
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, at least one arm rest connected to a first portion of the frame, and an exercise platform connected to a second portion of the frame. The at least one arm rest pivotally connected to the first portion to be oriented between an arm rest storage position and an arm rest operating position. The exercise platform is pivotally connected to the second portion to allow the platform to be oriented between a platform storage position and a platform operating position. A locking mechanism to connect the exercise platform to the frame in the platform storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Cutler
  • Patent number: 9468796
    Abstract: A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Speedfit LLC
    Inventors: Alex A. Astilean, Dan Bostan
  • Patent number: 9452315
    Abstract: A treadmill comprises a base, a first frame, a second frame, and a driving assembly. The base allows a user to walk or run in place. The first frame and the second frame pivotally couple with a front portion and a rear portion of the base, respectively. The driving assembly moveably couples with the first frame and the second frame. The moving of the driving assembly between the first frame and the second frame will result in an elevation of the front portion or the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Dyaco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Murray, Sheng-Chih Hsieh, Shang-Wei Yeh
  • Patent number: 9393475
    Abstract: A progressive resistance device is provided having a cylinder having an outer wall which defines an inner chamber. The cylinder is carried on an axle and is rotatable thereabout. An eccentric axle surrounds the axle and is rotatable relative the axle. A magnet carrier partially encircles the eccentric axle and carries a magnet. A bearing is nested between the magnet carrier and the eccentric axle. The magnet carrier is rotatable about the eccentric axle on an axis which is eccentric to the axle's axis, whereby the distance between the magnet and the outer wall is variable as defined by the rotative position of said housing relative said outer wall, which rotative position is governed by the speed of rotation of the cylinder. The progressive resistance device described herein is adapted for use as a roller on a bicycle trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: SportCrafters, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Colan
  • Patent number: 9375605
    Abstract: A high voltage direct current signal is obtained from a power supply. The power supply includes power factor correction circuitry. A control command is obtained from an exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a direct current motor. A pulse-width modulation signal is generated from the direct current signal based on the control command. The pulse-width modulation signal is provided to the direct current motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tyger, Derrek Williams
  • Patent number: 9370686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a treadmill which comprises: a main frame; a treadmill belt which is installed inside said main frame, and rotates in connection with the rotation of a support roller through an operation of a driving unit; and a pair of left and right support decks which are placed in an inner space of said treadmill belt, and support said treadmill belt when pressure is applied to an upper surface of said treadmill belt from an upper side, wherein said support decks are installed to move along a guide rail installed in said main frame in connection with the rotation of said treadmill belt and running of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Byung Don Lee
  • Patent number: 9364706
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a base, a platform, a universal joint, two elevators and two telescopic elements. The universal joint is used to connect a rear portion of the base to a rear portion of the platform. Each of the elevators includes a post supported on a front portion of the base and a carriage movably supported on the post. Each of the telescopic elements includes an end connected to a front portion of the platform and another end connected to the carriage of a corresponding one of the elevators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: DK CITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chiu Hsiang Lo
  • Patent number: 9352186
    Abstract: A treadmill includes an impact absorption mechanism operatively positioned at least in part between a deck and a base frame of the treadmill so that the impact absorption mechanism enables the deck to move relative to at least a portion of the base frame during impact events on the deck and a selectively engageable deck stiffening mechanism that reduces the amount of movement of at least a portion of the deck relative to the base frame during impact events on the deck. The deck stiffening mechanism includes one or more generally rigid members and an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism selectively engages the one or more generally rigid members with the deck to provide support to the deck during impact events on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 9352188
    Abstract: A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt running between front and rear pulley rollers is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. This prevents the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e., it must be held taut), to prevent the concave top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Alex Astilean
  • Patent number: 9333388
    Abstract: A dual-purpose foldable treadmill includes a drive unit, a base frame, an arm frame, a cantilever panel and a tread frame. The arm frame extends in an upright direction from a wall of the base frame and terminates at a top joining end. The cantilever panel extends transversely from the top joining end. The tread frame is pivotally connected to and foldable relative to the base frame such that a lengthwise line of the tread frame is parallel to the upright direction of the arm frame in the folded position. The folded treadmill can be used as a piece of furniture for storage or as a bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunny Lee, Simon Chao
  • Patent number: 9307351
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a system comprising a portable sensor device including a housing having a physical size/shape that is adapted to couple to a user's body, an identification tag including identification data which is associated with the sensor device and an identification tag transmitter to responsively and wirelessly transmit the identification data according to a first communication protocol. The system further includes a portable electronic device including an identification tag receiver to wirelessly receive the identification data of the identification tag according to the first communication protocol, transceiver circuitry to wirelessly and responsively communicate with the sensor device according to a second communication protocol, and processing circuitry to instruct the transceiver circuitry, after receiving the identification data, to wirelessly request, from the sensor device the sensor data and/or data which is representative of the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventor: James Park
  • Patent number: 9289648
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a support structure and a treadbase connected thereto. The treadbase has first and second opposing side rails extending along at least a portion of first and second sides of the treadbase, respectively. A deck is connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. Front and rear pulleys are connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. A continuous belt is trained around and rotatable about the front and rear pulleys. One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the deck and selectively create vibrations to cause the deck to vibrate. The vibrations are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 9277883
    Abstract: A method for controlling gait-training apparatus using biofeedback is provided. A biosignal-detecting loop is used to detect and analyze the electromyographic signal of a user using the gait-training apparatus. A feedback control loop is used to drive the gait-training apparatus and determine the fatigue level of the user. When the user's muscle starts to become fatigue, the feedback control loop can further adjust the threshold for triggering the gait-training apparatus to retain the training session so that the training intensity can be regulated on-line and the user's muscle can be trained effectively based on the concept of progressive overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: HIWIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Fu-Han Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9278248
    Abstract: A high voltage direct current signal is obtained from a power supply. The power supply includes power factor correction circuitry. A control command is obtained from an exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a direct current motor. A pulse-width modulation signal is generated from the direct current signal based on the control command. The pulse-width modulation signal is provided to the direct current motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tyger, Derrek Williams
  • Patent number: 9278249
    Abstract: An exercise cycle includes a base support and an upright support structure. Connected to the upright support structure are a seat, a handlebar assembly, a pedal assembly, and a resistance assembly. The upright support structure may be pivotally connected to the base support to allow the upright support structure to move between various tilted positions. One or more vibration assemblies may be connected to the exercise cycle at various locations in order to vibrate desired portions of the exercise cycle, such as the handlebar assembly, the seat, or the pedal assembly. The vibrations are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 9233272
    Abstract: A treadmill, having: (a) a frame with front and rear rollers and a continuous tread wrapped therearound; (b) a flywheel connected to one of the front or rear rollers; and (c) a magnetic resistance unit positioned near the flywheel to provide resistance to rotation of the flywheel. The magnetic resistance unit is moved up and down by an operator to move a series of magnets to different positions near the flywheel such that the position of the magnets determines the amount of resistance provided to rotation of the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SHREDMILL LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Villani, Mark Drucker
  • Patent number: 9227101
    Abstract: A training apparatus having an endless belt is provided. The apparatus provides a treadmill operable to simulate a variety of high intensity exercises. In particular, the apparatus is designed to simulate high intensity pushing and pulling exercises. The system includes forward and rearward mounts for attaching accessories to facilitate various training exercises. The system also includes a drive control with multiple flywheels for providing variable resistance to rotation of the treadmill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Maguire
  • Patent number: 9220940
    Abstract: Disclosed is a treadmill device providing a cushioned layer of sand to walk upon. The device comprises a base having a conveyor walking surface and an underside sand storage area. The base connects to an upstanding support having a control interface to establish the walking surface speed. A second sand conveyance means draws collected sand from the lower storage area and dispenses a continuous and uniform volume of sand onto the leading end of the conveyor walking surface. The sand is then leveled to a defined depth and conveyed toward the trailing end of the walking surface. Sand is collected along the sides of the walking surface and along the trailing end thereof, whereby the sand is recollected and conveyed again to the walking surface leading end for reuse. The sand is then treated by high intensity light to prevent bacteria from forming in the sand over long periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Hamad Saad AL Kuwari
  • Patent number: 9168420
    Abstract: A force measurement system includes an instrumented treadmill with one or more treadmill belts configured to rotate at a plurality of different speeds, one or more speed adjustment mechanisms coupled to the one or more treadmill belts, and at least one force transducer. The force measurement system further includes a data processing device configured to receive one or more signals that are representative of one or more loads being applied to one or more respective surfaces of the one or more treadmill belts by a subject, and to convert the one or more signals into one or more output load components, the data processing device further configured to determine a position of a body portion of the subject and to control the speed of the one or more treadmill belts using the position determined for the body portion of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Haluk Ay
  • Patent number: 9168414
    Abstract: A foldable treadmill includes a base for running or walking, a frame set pivotally connected with the base, and a folding mechanism for folding the frame set. The folding mechanism has a control assembly comprising a knob and a first bolt controlled by the knob. When a part of the first bolt is arranged inside the frame set, the frame set cannot be folded, and when the first bolt is moved out of the frame set, the frame set can be folded to a storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Shih Wei Liu, Wei Chieh Huang, Hsuan Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9138615
    Abstract: Incline mechanisms are provided for adjusting an incline of an inclinable portion of an exercise device. The incline mechanism may include one or more racks disposed on a frame, such as a generally upright support structure of a treadmill. One or more pinions may be movably connected to the inclinable portion of the exercise device, such as a treadbase of a treadmill, and may engage the one or more racks. An incline motor may rotate the pinions, which causes the pinions to ride up or down the racks. As the pinions rides up or down the racks or linear gear bars, the incline of the inclinable portion of the exercise device is increased or decreased. The pinions may rotate between various positions on the racks which correspond to various inclines and declines, including fully inclined, fully declined, and neutral positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Olson, William T. Dalebout, Kent Smith, Trenton V. Larsen, Gordon Cutler
  • Patent number: 9119988
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of this invention, a treadmill is disclosed with a conveyor belt, two assistance devices, and at least a first control member. The two assistance devices are respectively arranged at a side of the conveyor belt with each assistance device comprising a handrail and two supporting bars, and each supporting bar couples to the handrail via a connecting assembly. The first control member is used to lock or release the connecting assembly, so as to adjust the distance between the two handles of the two assistance devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Brian Murray, Feng-Ren Huang
  • Patent number: 9098614
    Abstract: Systems and devices provide interactive, feedback-driven exercise through reconfigurable exercise devices which provide tactile, visual and auditory feedback, and proactive and reactive resistive control. The reconfigurable exercise device provides motor controlled resistive forces which may be independently controlled to provide active and passive resistance during an exercise. Portable electronic devices in communication with the exercise equipment provide exercise programs, track user activity, communicate with the exercise device to adjust resistance and other exercise parameters in real time, and provide an interactive visual exercise experience using displays and other device feedback. The portable electronic devices may access exercise programs and user profile data from a remote cloud server and connected databases so as to provide a customized and continually updated exercise program to a user at any exercise device in any location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: FITWEISER, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Tuthill, Rudy Campidonica
  • Patent number: 9095740
    Abstract: A tilting and folding device of a treadmill includes a base and a track bed is pivotably connected to the base by an arm, a support device and an actuator. The arm is pivotably connected between the base and the track bed. The actuator is pivotably connected between the base and a pivotal portion located between the first and second pivotal ends. The support device is pivotably connected to the base and the track bed. When the arm is pivoted about the second pivotal end and driven by the actuator, the front end of the track bed is lifted and stopped after being traveled to a pre-set stroke. When the actuator continuously drives the arm, the rear end of the track bed is supported by the support device and pivoted until the track bed is located upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Yao Wu
  • Patent number: 9072930
    Abstract: A treadmill may comprise a deck, a treadbelt covering at least a portion of the deck, and a drive motor configured for driving the treadbelt. The treadmill may further comprise a sensor, a console, and a computer. The sensor may be configured to detect an amount of power utilized by the drive motor, and the console may be configured to convey information to a user. The computer may comprise a memory and a processor, and be configured for electric communication with the sensor and the consol. The computer may be programmed to analyze data received from the sensor, to provide a communication to a user through the consol that provides information about the user's running form based on the analyzed data received from the sensor, and to provide a communication to the user through the consol that provides information on how the user may change their current running form to improve running efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren C. Ashby, Greg W. Law
  • Patent number: 9044637
    Abstract: A belt for a treadmill includes a carrier belt and a tread surface arranged on the carrier belt. The tread surface has pockets which are separate from one another. The pockets are filled, or can be filled, with a filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Kybun AG
    Inventor: Mueller Karl
  • Patent number: 9044638
    Abstract: An embodiment of this invention discloses a foldable treadmill comprising a bracket, a platform, a lifting device, a folding frame, a motor, a linear actuator, and a control board, wherein the bracket comprises two supporting sticks, two tracks, and a rear linkage connected with the supporting sticks, the lifting device comprises a rod connected with the bracket, and two pull members respectively arranged at one end of the rod, the folding frame comprises two bars and a link bar, in which the link bar has two ends respectively connect with one bar, a middle portion of each bar connects with the pull member of the lifting device, a front end of each bar is used as a pivotal point to rotate, and a rear end of each bar has a wheel placed in the track, and the linear actuator is horizontally laid on the rear linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Shih-Wei Liu, Yi-Cheng Li
  • Patent number: 9039580
    Abstract: A manually operated treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a treadmill frame, a front shaft rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame, a rear shaft rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame, a running belt including a contoured running surface upon which a user of the treadmill may run, wherein the running belt is disposed about the front and rear shafts such that force generated by the user causes rotation of the front shaft and the rear shaft and also causes the running belt to rotate about the front shaft and the rear shaft without the rotation of the running belt being generated by a motor, and a one-way bearing assembly configured to prevent rotation of the running surface of the running belt in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 9039578
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a first frame, a second frame that is pivotally connected to the first frame and movable relative to the first frame between a storage position and an operating position, and a latching mechanism that selectively holds the second frame in the storage position. The latching mechanism includes a seat having a seat engagement surface, a seat engagement member selectively positioned on the seat engagement surface to hold the second frame in the storage position, and a lever that selectively rotates the seat engagement member off of the seat to allow the second frame to move from the storage position to the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T Dalebout