Rowing Patents (Class 482/72)
  • Patent number: 7530936
    Abstract: An exercise machine having a bench top having a right side, a left side, a forward end, a rearward end, and having an upper support surface; the exercise machine further having a rear leg fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the bench top's rearward end; the exercise machine further having a “J” leg having a stem section and a tail section, the “J” leg's stem section having an upper end fixedly attached to the bench top's forward end, the “J” leg's tail section having a distal end; the exercise machine further having at least a first arm, the at least first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the at least first arm being pivotally attached to the distal end of the “J” leg's tail section; the exercise machine further having a first handle fixedly attached to the at least first arm's distal end; and the exercise machine further having a first free weight bar fixedly attached to the at least first arm's distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Antony A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20090098984
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device (10) which includes at least one pair of independently movable leg supports (186, 188) which are pivotally connectable to a main body support (12) to raise and lower, either separately and/or together, a user's legs during exercise between upper and lower positions and an adjustment device (198, 224) to allow the positions of said upper and lower positions to be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: CARALEEN ENTERPRISES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Rodney William Smyrk, Claude Mario Sfilgoj
  • Patent number: 7500938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved rowing exercise device includes one base, two rowing widgets, one driving widget, one footrest widget, one hoisting widget and one cushion. Making use of the driving widget to drive rowing widget, footrest widget and hoisting widget synchronously, operator, who sits on the cushion and stays on the hoisting widget, will be able to operate rowing handle to practice rowing action with hands and his feet will co-operate with the action of sway-forward and sway-backward of the footrest widget to practice stretching-and-bending exerting action at the same time; moreover, hoisting widget can load the operator's body up and down synchronously. By means of harmony-operation, not only the purpose of stretching and exercise hands, feet belly and thorax can be reached, but also improves the effect of reality and fun of rowing sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 7497807
    Abstract: A computer simulation enhanced exercise device is provided which engages the user by directly relating the users exercise motion in real time to a visual simulation or interactive game. The exercise device may comprise any variety of machines including, stationary bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, stepper, elliptical gliders or under desk exercise. These exercise devices are configured with sensors to measure physical movements as the user exercises and are coupled to computer hardware with modeling and virtualization software to create the system. These sensor measurements are then sent to a computer for use in the physics based modeling and real-time visual simulation. The computer simulation enhanced exercise device is further provided with features including manual and automatic adjustment of resistance levels, visualization of accurate caloric burn rates and correlation to everyday food items, and network connectivity providing for multiplayer network simulations and directed advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cube X Incorporated
    Inventors: John D. Neff, Matthew T. Verona, Jerry M. Roane
  • Patent number: 7497812
    Abstract: A computer simulation enhanced exercise device is provided which engages the user by directly relating the users exercise motion in real time to a visual simulation or interactive game. The exercise device may comprise any variety of machines including, stationary bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, stepper, elliptical gliders or under desk exercise. These exercise devices are configured with sensors to measure physical movements as the user exercises and are coupled to computer hardware with modeling and virtualization software to create the system. These sensor measurements are then sent to a computer for use in the physics based modeling and real-time visual simulation. The computer simulation enhanced exercise device is further provided with features including manual and automatic adjustment of resistance levels, visualization of accurate caloric burn rates and correlation to everyday food items, and network connectivity providing for multiplayer network simulations and directed advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cube X, Incorporated
    Inventors: John D. Neff, Matthew T. Verona, Jerry M. Roane
  • Publication number: 20090036276
    Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical element and a flexible member associated with the cylindrical element. The flexible member is movable between a wound configuration, in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element, and an unwound configuration, in which the member is unwound from the cylindrical element. The apparatus further comprises a recoil means biased to move the flexible member to the wound configuration and a resistance means that resists movement of the flexible member from the wound to the unwound configurations. The resistance means comprises an energy storage device, which is in a geared relationship with the cylindrical element. In a preferred embodiment the energy storage device is a flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Robert Loach
  • Patent number: 7481743
    Abstract: A training machine 10 is for training the muscles of an upper body of a training person M sitting on a seat unit 50 provided in a machine main body, and is provided with an arm unit 60 disposed in the vicinity of the left and right sides of the seat unit 50, having a specified length and capable of making rotational movements against a specified load. The arm unit 60 has the bottom end thereof rotatably supported about shaft tubes 62 extending in horizontal transverse direction and has such a curved shape that a middle part thereof bulges out forward, and the leading end portions thereof serve as grips 611, 612. An electrical load generating unit 80 is provided to electrically give a load in accordance with an external force exerted to the arm unit 60, and locks the rotation of the arm unit 60 at a position where the portions of the arm unit 60 in the vicinity of the leading ends thereof are substantially horizontally held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Konami Sports & Life Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Keiichi Matsubara, Hisashi Mori, Kojiro Minami, Atsushi Yamazaki, Setsu Muraki, Masatoshi Mukai
  • Publication number: 20090017994
    Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device of the rowing machine type, which may impose both flexion and extension forces against motion of a user with respect to the seat and/or arms of the exercise device. Rotation of the seat about a pitch axis may be provided to allow a user to impose forces against the seat pan more comfortably in opposition to seat travel flexion resistance, while rotationally free grips may allow the user to maintain proper orientation of the hands and wrists during exercise using the exercise device. Other improvements are discussed in the detailed description of the invention above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: James A. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20080305934
    Abstract: An apparatus for simulating sculling or rowing on water includes a support frame with foot rests, a sliding seat, bilateral oars that are rotationally coupled to a set of actuators, integrated input velocity and torque sensors, computer and computer display. Each actuator incorporates a mechanical transmission, a rotational inertial mass, a variable linear and a variable non-linear damping element. The damping elements can be controlled manually or automatically by computer programs under user control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Rafael R. Medina
  • Patent number: 7452311
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a dual fulcrum articulated force lever connected to a machine frame. The articulated force lever includes a first force arm and a second force arm. A fixed end of the second force arm is pivotally connected to the frame at a first fulcrum. A movable end of the second force arm is pivotally connected to a first end of the first force arm for pivoting of the first force arm about a second fulcrum. A resistance load is attached intermediately to the first force arm. A handle section is connected to the first end of the first force arm opposite the pivot connection to the second force arm. Movement of the handle section in one direction rotates the first force arm and the second force arm together about the first fulcrum against the load. Movement of the handle section in an opposite direction rotates the first force arm about the second fulcrum against the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Endeavor Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal P. Barnes, Karl V. Vaught, Ross A. Mackert, Jeff L. Freedman
  • Publication number: 20080280736
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rowing machines, and, more particularly, to such rowing machines with internal environments that duplicate actual Olympic-class rowing shells in terms of both dimensions and appearance, and simulate the specific rowing motion and technique that occurs on the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Michael A. D'Eredita
  • Publication number: 20080261782
    Abstract: One aspect is an energy storage device for a rowing machine simulator having a rowing handle connected to an energy dissipation device. The energy storage device is configured to be disposed intermediate the rowing handle and the energy dissipation device and configured to elastically absorb a predetermined proportion of the force applied to the rowing handle by an oarsman during the early phase of a stroke. The elastically absorbed energy is released during later phases of said stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Campbell
  • Publication number: 20080242519
    Abstract: An exercise device includes: a frame member; a pair of foot rests connected to the frame member; a seat that can be moved along the frame member; and, a back rest that can be pivoted with respect to the seat. By moving the seat along the frame member a user can move between an upright seated position and an extended planar position. By pivoting the back rest with respect to the seat a user can move between an upright seated position and a laid out position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kim M. Parmater
  • Publication number: 20080214365
    Abstract: A rowing or mid-row exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation between start and end positions. The user support frame supports spaced positions on a user's body in the same relative orientation throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames and has at least one handle gripped by the user in performing exercises. The handle is movable in a predetermined rowing exercise path between a start position spaced in front of a user's chest and an end position closer to the chest. A 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: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7381164
    Abstract: A rowing machine having a supporting frame with a seat movable thereon. The supporting frame is pivotally attached to an upright support of a base frame. A lifting device is pivotably interposed between the supporting frame and the base frame for adjusting the angle of the supporting frame relative to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Fitcrew Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7361124
    Abstract: A rowing machine, which includes a machine base, which has two footrests arranged at the front side, a sliding track disposed at the top side, and two sidebars at two sides, two arm oars respectively pivoted to the side bars of the machine base through a respective universal joint, two adjustment screws mounted in the universal units for adjusting friction between a respective friction pad in each universal joint and the associating arm oars, and a sliding seat slidably mounted the sliding track for sitting by the player and lockable to the sliding track by an adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Tseng Chung-Ting
  • Patent number: 7357759
    Abstract: An exercise device has a base, an arm pivotally connected to the base, a plate pivotally connected to the base, and a shoulder support affixed adjacent an end of the arm opposite the base. The arm is resiliently interconnected to the base so as to be resistive of forward movement of the arm. The plate is resiliently connected to the base so as to be resistive of movement between a first position resting flat on the base and a second position angled upwardly from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Loren W. Bonnell
  • Publication number: 20080032871
    Abstract: An exercise treadmill includes a tread belt wrapped around front and rear rolls, a motor, a frame, a control panel, a sensor electrically connected to the motor for sensing a rotation of its driving shaft and generating a sense signal if sensing the rotation, and a controller electrically interconnected the sensor and the control panel for receiving the sense signal and generating and sensing a control signal to the motor. The motor may either stop the rotation of the driving shaft for maintaining the tread mill motionless in response to the user's foot impact thereon less than or equal to a predetermined reverse force or oppose a movement of the tread belt in response to the impact larger than the reverse force. Moreover, the tread belt either maintains at its current position or returns to its original position in response to stopping exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: SING LIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Don-Lon Yeh
  • Patent number: 7318792
    Abstract: An exercise machine that allows an exercise similar to push-ups to be performed safely and has a base, a lever, a pad, a leveling rod, and a resilient element. The base has at least one bracket. The lever is attached pivotally to the bracket and has a front end, a rear end and a handlebar attached to the front end. The pad is attached to the rear end of the lever. The leveling rod is connected pivotally to the bracket and the pad. The resilient element is connected to the pad and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Chih-Liang Chen, Chih-Fu Chang
  • Publication number: 20070293376
    Abstract: An exerciser chair has a main frame with a rail, a seat assembly slidably mounted on the rail of the main frame, a stop formed on the rail to limit sliding movement of the seat assembly. A front end of the main frame selectively combines with a bicycling device, footrest device or extending device. The seat assembly has arms for gripping and further has a pivotal backrest to provide a back-extending movement. Thereby, the exerciser chair has various combinations and operational selections in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jao Hsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20070270287
    Abstract: The invention is an exercise machine that is based on the principles of the game of Tug-of-war. It has a base with a sitting means with a plurality of ropes attached to a resistance means. The resistance means is adjustable to increase or decrease the amount of resistance on the rope. The base will have foot rests allowing the user of the device good footing while pulling on the rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Neil McDonnell
  • Patent number: 7294096
    Abstract: Exercise devices having a frame, and upper and lower force receiving members movably mounted on the frame and constrained to move in opposite directions. A resistance device is preferably interconnected between the frame and at least one of the force receiving members to resist movement of the members toward one another and/or to bias the members away from one another. The lower member is configured to support a person's feet, and the upper member is configured to support a person's hands and/or to engage a person's chest. The device facilitates a combination crunch and leg lift exercise that involves both a person's upper abdominal muscles and a person's lower abdominal muscles. The upper member may be resiliently supported in a manner that facilitates exercise of a person's oblique muscles, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Stearns
  • Patent number: 7270630
    Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout by increasing the range of movement possible during a rowing stroke, thereby producing increased strength, muscle mass and/or range of movement. These benefits are achieved by use of, in conjunction with a rowing machine, a handle assembly uniquely configured such that, when a user of the rowing machine grasps the handle assembly and performs an exercise routine which includes a pull phase of a stroke, the handle assembly defines a space in which the body of the user may be received during the pull phase. As a result, the user may extend the pull phase of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Patterson
  • Patent number: 7267639
    Abstract: A compound bicycle exercising device includes two foot pedals rotatably attached to a base, for being operated by users, two handle stems pivotally attached to the base, for being rotated by the users, and two rotary members secured to each handle stem. A spindle is rotatably supported on the base, and includes two followers rotatably attached to each end with unidirectional bearings. Two coupling members couple the rotary members to the followers, and a rotary element is engaged between one of the rotary members and one of the followers, to allow the spindle to be rotated in different direction relative to the rotary member, and to allow the spindle to be continuously driven by the handle stems via the followers and the rotary members alternatively, when the handle stems are rotated relative to the pivot axle in reciprocating action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Hai Pin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7261676
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a shaft rotatably disposed on a base, a housing rotatably engaged on the shaft and having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall which has a groove, a belt wound around the tube for rotating the housing, a barrel received in the chamber of the housing and secured to the shaft and having a slot. A coil spring is received in the housing and has two ends engaged into the slot of the barrel and the groove of the outer peripheral wall of the housing. A cover includes a space formed by an outer peripheral fence, to suitably enclose the chamber of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Jiann Bang Liou
  • Publication number: 20070191191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved rowing exercise device includes one base, two rowing widgets, one driving widget, one footrest widget, one hoisting widget and one cushion. Making use of the driving widget to drive rowing widget, footrest widget and hoisting widget synchronously, operator, who sits on the cushion and stays on the hoisting widget, will be able to operate rowing handle to practice rowing action with hands and his feet will co-operate with the action of sway-forward and sway-backward of the footrest widget to practice stretching-and-bending exerting action at the same time; moreover, hoisting widget can load the operator's body up and down synchronously. By means of harmony-operation, not only the purpose of stretching and exercise hands, feet belly and thorax can be reached, but also improves the effect of reality and fun of rowing sport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 7247128
    Abstract: An exercise assisting instrument assists the user's knee-bending exercise, and lightens a burden and maintains safety of the user. It has a base 10, supporting columns 20, lifting mechanisms 30 consisting of lifting arms, lever arms 40, and a chair 50. A three-member linkage system is formed by the supporting columns 20 and the lifting mechanisms 30, so that the chair 50 may move upward and downward. Further, it is equipped with an upward movement assisting device 33, which provides a force in the raising direction to the hinge point 30a of the lifting arms, so that stand-up movement of the user is assisted and lightening the user's burden is possible. Moreover, a locking device 11 and a stopper 13 are equipped, so the user's safety may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Oga Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Oga
  • Patent number: 7229389
    Abstract: A multifunction exerciser includes a base, a coupler rotatably attached to the base, a lever attached to the coupler and having one or more seats for supporting users, a handle device rotatably attached to the base, and a link pivotally coupling the handle device to the coupler and thus to the lever, to allow the user to elevate himself by rotating the handle device relative to the base. A foot support is rotatably attached to the base, and includes one or more foot pedals to support the user, and a connecting rod pivotally couples the foot support to the handle device and the coupler. The handle device includes a connecting bar coupled between two hand grips, and a connector rotatably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Chou Hong
  • Patent number: 7229388
    Abstract: An exercise rowing machine comprising: a main shank pivotally connected therebeneath with a linking-up member at its central area, the linking-up member has a transverse rod with two first connecting portions respectively on its two ends to correspondingly connect with the second connecting portions; and positioning members are provided to fix and release the first and the second connecting portions, so that the connecting rods and the transverse rod can be stretched out, and the operating rods can be collapsed and folded to be within a bottom surface of the main shank to reduce the space for storing and transporting; the main shank is provided on its rear end with a rear supporting stand able to be rotated and positioned to adjust the raising and lowering angle of the main shank relative to a front supporting stand, so that a user can obtain different effects of exercising in pursuance of different requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Lien-Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 7226397
    Abstract: A rowing exercise machine includes a resistance mechanism having a first coupling between first and second spaced disks and resiliently deformable and tensionable in a spiral therebetween to resist rotation, and a second coupling between one of the disks and a user handle to resist movement of the handle and concordant movement of the user on a seat along a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Zhi Lu, Mark C. Termion, Eric C. White
  • Patent number: 7220220
    Abstract: An exercise monitoring system which includes an electronic positioning device; a physiological monitor; and a display unit configured for displaying data provided by said electronic positioning device and said physiological monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Jack B. Stubbs, Kevin L. Schwieger
  • Patent number: 7201709
    Abstract: A training apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the training apparatus includes a base frame, a saddle pivotally carried by the base frame and a handle pivotally carried by the base frame and engaging the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Robert A. Pebbles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7201708
    Abstract: An exercise machine in which a fan has a rotor that generates drag by causing air to move in response to exercising by a user. A deflection structure deflects air that the rotor has moved and is adjustable to control the amount of drag generated by the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Concept II, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Dreissigacker, Peter D. Dreissigacker, Jonathan V. Williams
  • Patent number: 7198592
    Abstract: Abdominal exercisers allow a user to perform sit-ups without straining their back. A set of adjustable handles allow the user to use his or her arms and upper body to assist the upward motion of the torso if necessary, thereby reducing back strain. A head and neck cushion and seat cushion support the user, and footrests hold the user's feet in place. Nonskid pads are attached to the bottom of the abdominal exerciser to prevent it from slipping during use. The abdominal exerciser folds in half for ease of transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Mancini
  • Patent number: 7125370
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for exercising whereby the user is supported by various mechanisms in such as way that the user's shoulder area is free to translate and rotate; the user's pelvic area is free to translate and rotate; or in any combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Grant Schaffner, Jason R. Bentley, James A. Loehr, Daniel P. Gundo
  • Patent number: 7108639
    Abstract: A adjustable rowing machine having a flywheel rewinder coupled by a pull rope with a handgrip for creating a resilience, a supporting frame having a seat movable thereon and a guide device to move along an imaginary circular track, and a base frame. A lifting element is pivotally interposed between the supporting frame and the lifting element for lifting or lowering the supporting frame at a certain angle relative to the base frame so that the exercise position of an operator is changeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fitcrew Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7104933
    Abstract: A rower is comprised of a seat on a base, a stepper disposed on the other rend of the base and an oar provided between the seat and the stepper, the stepper being linked to the oar by means of a linkage, a return device being disposed between the base and the linkage for the user to sit on the seat to practice rowing and doing the stretching of muscles of the extremities by the resistance from the stepper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sen Liao
  • Patent number: 7097598
    Abstract: A foldable exerciser includes an operating member connected pivotally to atop end portion of a rear support member, a driving unit provided with two pedals and mounted on a front support member connected pivotally to the rear support member, a saddle-supporting member connected pivotally to the rear support member and disposed under and movable on a saddle-mounting member mounted with a saddle and connected pivotally to the rear support member, a coupling member interconnecting removably and disposed between the operating member and the saddle-supporting member, and a foldable positioning unit interconnecting the front and rear support members. When the coupling member is removed from the saddle-supporting member, the saddle-mounting member and the saddle-supporting member can be folded on the rear support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Lung-Huei Lee
  • Patent number: 7070543
    Abstract: An exercise machine utilizes the inherent capabilities of human muscles to exert greater forces during eccentric functions than during concentric functions. The exercise machine comprises a leverage arm pivotally connected to a frame. A force station is at a first distance from the pivotal connection. During a concentric muscle function, a person lifts first weights on the leverage arm. At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small force to the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection. The small force produces a magnified load at the force station that the person resists during an eccentric muscle function. The leverage arm may be adjustable relative to the floor. The weight of the leverage arm may be counterbalanced. Various embodiments of the exercise machine utilize the same principles of physics for exercising different muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Randy Rindfleisch
  • Patent number: 7052444
    Abstract: A composite motion exercise machine has a main frame device, a user support device pivotally linked to the main frame, an exercise arm device pivotally linked to the main frame device, a slide rail mounted on a first one of said devices, and a traveling member engaging the slide rail for movement along the rail. A first connecting link has a first end connected to the traveling member, and a second end linked to a fixed position on a second one of said devices. A further connection device links the traveling member to the exercise arm device, such that movement of the exercise arm is transferred to the user support to lift the support and user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 7022052
    Abstract: A collapsible boat rowing simulator includes a beam, a T-shaped front support connected to the front end of the beam having a counter and a pair of tread plates disposed thereon, a rear support connected to an underside adjacent rear end of the beam, a middle support secured to a middle underside of the beam, a pair of oars each having a large vertical tube on inner end, a small vertical tube on outer end and a stop rod on a top, a pair of T-shaped tubes each having a vertical portion inserted through the large vertical tubes secured on lower end by a pair of elastic fasteners and a transverse portion rotatably secured to two ends of a crossed rod on the middle support, a pair of arcuate grips each having a vertical axial rod rotatably inserted into the small vertical tubes, a pair of hydraulic cylinders each having one end pivoted a crossed rod of the rear support and the other end pivoted to the elastic fasteners, a seat slidably mounted on the beam having four rollers engaged into a pair of guides in later
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Fen-Ying Lai
  • Patent number: 7004894
    Abstract: An abdominal muscle exercise machine having a body support plate having a lower surface, a front end, and a rear end; front and rear slide shafts; first and second tubular quills slidably interconnecting the front and rear slide shafts and the lower surface of the body support plate for alternate forward and rearward sliding motions of the front and rear slide shaft; a front “T” handle; a roller bracket interconnecting the front “T” handle and the front slide shaft for alternate forward and rearward rolling motion of the front “T” handle along the front slide shaft; and a rear “T” handle fixedly attached to the rear slide shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Ray Trotter
  • Patent number: 6991589
    Abstract: Novel multi-planar rowing machine apparatus as well as exercise methods and protocols to enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout. The rowing machine apparatus of the present invention allows for the rowing motion to occur in multiple planes or stroke axes. The exercise protocols of the present invention provide efficient methods for using the rowing apparatus in decline and incline positions to maximize fitness gains. The apparatus and protocols of the present invention combine gravity and isokinetic resistance to provide full exercise spectrum including strength, muscle mass, and energy system stimulus to major body flexors and extensors. The two-phase resistance provided creates maximum calorie burn per unit of exercise time, and further results in a strength balance in virtually every major leg, arm, and body core extensor and flexor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Patterson
  • Patent number: 6984196
    Abstract: An abdominal exercise machine is provided which includes a seat, which is pivotally linked to a base frame. At least one link includes a handle that can be actuated by a user sitting on the seat. The user presses the handle away from the seat by flexing the trunk muscles of the user. This curls the user's body into a flexed trunk position. As the handle is actuated forward, the linkage arrangement causes the seat to displace upward. This pushes the center of gravity of the user up, thereby doing work and thereby providing resistance to the movement caused by the exercise. The handle may be adjustable in position relative to the link, thereby varying the load used by the user. Foot supports may also be provided either in front of the seat or behind the seat. The foot supports may be mounted to the frame of the seat frame which supports the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventors: Dean G. Tornabene, Kevin G. Abelbeck
  • Patent number: 6984195
    Abstract: An apparatus for sliding exercise and recreation, such as a sports board including stick-on sheeting having an adhesive outer layer adhered to a substrate such as the underside of a sport board, and an opposed layer consisting of a low-friction, durable material adapted for engaging in sliding contact with the low-friction surface of area sheeting superposed on a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Forrest B. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6981932
    Abstract: A rowing machine is constructed to include a sloping angle-adjustable base frame, a foot rack selectively and pivotally mounted on the base frame at the front side, a rocker arm coupled with a detachable handlebar for rowing exercise to stretch elastic cord members, a slide slidably mounted on two parallel rails of the base frame to support a seat and a collapsible back, and two elastic pull cords detachably fastened to the base frame for pulling by the user sitting on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Chin-Lien Huang, Johnson Kuo
  • Patent number: 6980118
    Abstract: The present invention detects the squaring and feathering of an oar during rowing. The time interval between two consecutive feathers is measured, and it is used to calculate the stroke rating. It is mounted to an oar close to the grip of the oar. An enclosure houses a display, a sensor, a microcontroller, a power source and a clock which is a component of the microcontroller. The stroke rating is displayed on a display. A strap is attached to the enclosure. The strap fastens the enclosure to the oar. The direction of the rotation of the oar from the squared position to the feathered position is shown by the arrow. Because of its small size, the device does not hinder rowing while remaining in plain view of the rower, and because it does not use any external or rigidly mounted sensors it can easily be transported and used on various equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Vanja Buvac, Inc.
    Inventor: Vanja Buvac
  • Patent number: 6971976
    Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular frame, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for supporting a user, and an elongated elastic member extending between the frame and the movable carriage for biasing the carriage toward the one end of the frame. The telescopic rectangular frame has a first frame section and a second frame section that each includes two spaced apart parallel tubular rail members. One set of rail members is telescopically received in the other set of rail members so that the frame is selectively movable between a first storage position and an extended operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Endelman, Brian Janowski
  • Patent number: 6960156
    Abstract: The current invention disclosed a device for directing a concentrated airflow at the user of an air resisted exercise machine. The cowling disclosed in this invention is constructed from either a semi-rigid material or low-porosity fabric and can be removably attached to the cage covering the fan type blades usually associated with such machines. Various means can be used to attach the device to the cage, one means being the use of elastic cords routed through welts. In use, the device of the current invention directs air at the user of the machine. The device is lightweight and portable, and a user can carry the device along for use on machines in a variety of places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 6926647
    Abstract: A folding collapsible rowing machine is constructed to include a folding collapsible base frame equipped with a foot frame at the front side, a sliding seat horizontally slidably supported on the main shaft of the base frame, a rocker fastened pivotally with the main shaft of the base frame in front of the sliding seat, elastic cord members connected between the front end of the main shaft of the base frame and the sliding seat, and a friction wheel block unit coupled between the sliding seat and the rocket and adapted to impart a resisting force to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson KUO
    Inventors: Chin-Lien Huang, Johnson Kuo