Adjustable Patents (Class 482/908)
  • Patent number: 10675497
    Abstract: A device for an exercise apparatus includes a linear adjustment system and a sensor coupled to the linear adjustment system. The exercise apparatus includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise. The linear adjustment system fixes the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface. The sensor measures the force exerted on the linear adjustment system. A correlating mechanism is used to correlate the force exerted on the linear adjustment system with the force exerted on the loading interface. The device allows exercisers to exert high or maximum loads in any one of a plurality of positions throughout their entire range of motion without first passing through a weak range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Jaquish Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Edward Jaquish, John Paul Jaquish, Henry D. Alkire
  • Patent number: 8936537
    Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus and method of use. The exercise arm comprises at least one finger, a spindle attached to the finger, and weights sized to reside on the spindle. One end of the exercise arm is rotatably attached at a pivot point to a frame or to a vertical surface; a belt is attached to an opposite end of the exercise arm by means of a belt line. Where the exercise arm is rotatably attached to a frame, dip bars and chin bars are disclosed wherein an exerciser may perform dips and chins. Upward motion by an exerciser wearing the belt is impeded by spindle weights, a belt elastic attached at one end to the belt and at an opposite end to the exercise arm, and/or an elastic member attached at one end to the frame and at an opposite end to the exercise arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Richard J. Hoole
  • Patent number: 8512212
    Abstract: Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load, and a movable press arm operatively coupled to a press arm adjustment assembly that is selectively engageable with the force-transferring assembly. The press arm adjustment assembly includes a moveable swing member having an indexing portion, and an engagement device coupled to and moveable with the swing member, the engagement device being adapted to operatively engage the force-transferring assembly. A locking device is coupled to the press arm and moveable between first and second position to selectively coupled and uncouple the press arm from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Buell Ish, III
  • Patent number: 8485950
    Abstract: A wall-mounted multi-position pulley-based resistance tube exercise apparatus having resistance tube length effectively doubled for increased range of consistent resistance, and having a height adjustable pulley assembly providing a user with the ability to set multiple exercise initiation points so as to provide exercise options for a full body workout at a single exercise station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick R. Adams
  • Patent number: 8439810
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to exercise equipment that includes a pulley and cable mechanism. More specifically, the invention relates to an adjustable mounting device for the pulley so that the pulley may be mounted at different locations on the exercise equipment. This provides the user of such exercise equipment with the ability to adjust and readily fine-tune the position of the pulleys for proper biomechanical alignment with the user's body. Such a mounted pulley may be used on Pilates apparatus, weight and strength training equipment or other exercise equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Baudhuin
  • Patent number: 8403818
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved exercise resistance system to conduct numerous total body exercises. An adjustable elastic resistance cord or flat band may be combined with weights, or each type of resistance may be used alone, in order to vary the means of creating resistance during exercise. The length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band may be adjusted by means of a slip free, length quick adjustment device. The elastic resistance cord or flat band may be passed through the length quick adjustment device which may be secured at various points along the length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band, to change its effective usable length and thus change the level of strength, and range of motion. The length quick adjustment device may be secured by pulling an elastic resistance cord or flat band in one direction, and released by pulling the elastic resistance cord or flat band in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: William T. Wilkinson, Robert Kennedy, Paul McGrath, Juan Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8398530
    Abstract: An exercise device has a bar with attached two arms which press by their free ends with sharp elements against and dig into the ground on the left and right sides of person's body when person is laying on his back and together with rope block and rope with stirrups create support and leverage to lift person's legs and in some cases almost whole body above the ground in the air. Positioning the free ends of the arms in different places along a person's body gives possibility to redistribute tension between person's arms, legs and stomach muscles and creates different intensity of exercises. The numerous stretching and straining exercises can be accomplished by interaction between exercise device and person's legs and hands using body weight. The exercise device has freedom of movement and its arms' ends are not permanently connected to the ground or to anything else.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Efin Rubens
  • Patent number: 8337369
    Abstract: An adaptable mounting plate is secured to and thereby combined with a stilt boot plate. The mounting plate pivotally couples a quick-release ratcheting strap and an adjustable arched heel backer to the stilt boot plate. The mounting plate and backer keep a user's feet in correct position, thereby providing both lateral and forward stability needed during movement. The pivotal quick release ratcheting strap simultaneously drives the user's heel into the arched heel backer, ensuring a secure coupling therebetween, and draws the user's shoe or boot tightly down against the stilt boot plate. The toe strap is also preferably a quick-release ratcheting strap, and is preferably attached in existing toe strap mounting holes. Likewise, the upper calf support utilizes the same type of quick-release ratcheting strap as the ankle, and is preferably mounted with nylon lock nuts through mounting holes on the calf support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Zachary T. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8308620
    Abstract: A multipurpose exercise machine requiring only three points of adjustment centrally located. It has a one point height adjustment and two adjustments for the rotating arm assemblies. Dip and chin up bars are attached to the arm assemblies. The machine contains an integrated swingable workout bench. Through the use of a pulley system and counter balance assembly, the cable system maintains tension and provides a constant length of cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Grzegorz Lyszczarz
  • Patent number: 8257231
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lemond Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8221295
    Abstract: An exercise device, comprising an upper body unit including at least one load member having at least one elastic/resilient element and a pair of gripping portions for manual grasping by the user, wherein an applied force exerted onto the gripping portions transitions the element from an initial state to an elastically deformed state, and wherein a reduction in the applied force resiliently reforms the element back toward the initial state. In one embodiment, a lower body unit is also provided including a support base defining a support surface, a plurality of light sources configured to generate discrete lighted regions on the support surface, and a controller configured to activate and deactivate the discrete lighted regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Scott & Wilkins Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Larry C. Wilkins, Vaughan Scott
  • Patent number: 8104987
    Abstract: A locking and unlocking apparatus using an engagement pin with beveled surfaces designed to be inserted between two bodies. As the engagement pin is extended axially into a gap between the two bodies, it moves in a transverse direction to wedge tightly between the first and second body, locking them tightly together. When the engagement pin is retracted, the second body is able to move relative to the first body. A plurality of engagement surfaces placed into one of the bodies allows the mechanism to be locked into a plurality of set positions. These engagement surfaces on the first and second bodies also serve to locate the engagement pin when in the fully locked position, thereby reducing the need for tight tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Noel R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8105217
    Abstract: A grip element for an exercise machine, comprising at least a substantially tubular handgrip (2), forming at least one outer surface (3) to be gripped by the user's hand while performing exercises to develop muscles or the like, and having at least one substantially longitudinal through-channel (4) in which there will engage at least one flexible cable (5) connected to at least one resistant load of at least one exercise machine, the grip element being characterized in that said handgrip (2) comprises means (6) for selective locking of the grip element in any position along the cable (5), the locking means being designed to prevent the handgrip (2) from sliding relative to the cable (5) when the grip element is manually translated and/or rotated in any direction in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Technogym S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nerio Alessandri, Luca Benini, Roberto Malaguti, Paolo Pieri, Marco Casadei
  • Patent number: 8088046
    Abstract: An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Spri Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert T. Flentye, Gregory Niederlander
  • Patent number: 8007411
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: LeMond Fitness Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8002677
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device configurable to allow a user to perform various exercises. The exercise devices include an adjustable bench assembly connected with a frame supporting adjustable arm and cable-pulley assemblies providing a user interface with a resistance system. In some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable bench assembly includes a bench seat and a pivotal back support supported on an adjustable bench frame. The exercise devices also utilize various configurations of adjustable arm assemblies that are selectively positionable for numerous exercises and to suit a user's particular body size and shape. Other embodiments of the exercise devices include a resistance system with a transmission supporting a plurality of resistance packs. The transmission allows a user to conveniently engage any number of resistance packs to change the resistance level for a particular exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan R. Dibble, Patrick A. Warner, Eric D. Golesh, Brent Christopher
  • Patent number: 7998036
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus and methods having adjustable frame members are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, and a force transferring assembly. The support assembly includes a pair of outwardly extending frame members coupled to an upwardly projecting portion by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly enables controllable adjustment of a height of the frame members. The force-transferring assembly includes first and second portions coupled to and extending at least partially along each of the outwardly extending frame members. During an exercise, a training force applied to the first and second portions induces an associated force on the load. The coupling assembly may permit an angle between the outwardly extending frame members to vary freely during an exercise, or may allow a user to controllably adjust and fix the angle during the exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Buell Ish, III
  • Patent number: 7981013
    Abstract: An adjustable weight kettlebell includes a weight lifting member that rests on top of a vertical stack of weights. A weight selector is rotatable into and out of underlying engagement of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the weight lifting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7976443
    Abstract: An adjustable weight kettlebell includes a weight lifting member that rests on top of a vertical stack of weights. A weight selector is rotatable into and out of underlying engagement of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the weight lifting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7922623
    Abstract: An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Spri Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert T. Flentye, Gregory Niederlander
  • Patent number: 7867154
    Abstract: A tilting inversion exerciser includes a supporting stand having a plate formed in each of two housings, and a curved channel formed in each plate and formed by two end stops, two arms each having a board formed in a casing and pivotally coupled to the plate with a pivot axle for supporting a user supporting table, the board includes a guide pin slidably engaged in the curved channel of the plate, a panel includes an anchor engageable into the curved channel of the plate for forming a shortened moving path between the anchor of the panel and the end stop of the plate, and for limiting the guide pin of the board to slide along the shortened moving path, and a latch member changeably secures the anchor and the panel to the housing at different angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Roger C. Teeter, Lopin Wang
  • Patent number: 7806809
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: LeMond Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7766803
    Abstract: An apparatus, a device, and corresponding methods for exercise which involve a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room, a pulley system having an adjustable resistance device using a pulley ratio technique, a fixed high pull mechanism, a fixed low pull mechanism, a cross-over exercise mechanism, and a lifting bar, the lifting bar having linear bearings and handles, and the handles subtending an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: TuffStuff Fitness Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Carter
  • Patent number: 7753830
    Abstract: Exercise equipment includes a stationary dock and a user support frame engaging the dock in docking relation, including application as a weight training rack and bench including a weight rack frame and a bench frame releasably lockable to the weight rack frame at a plurality of selectable locking locations therealong. A pair of collapsible spotter platforms are mounted to respective upstanding support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Marsh, Clay J. Steffee
  • Patent number: 7731634
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis. A foot link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is a pivotally connected to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the lower portion and a second portion coupled to the forward portion of the foot link, such that a rearward force applied to the upper portion will produce a force on the forward portion having a downward component. An arm enabling/disabling mechanism is positioned on the elongate swing arm below the pivotal connection. The arm enabling/disabling mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, David E. Dyer, Robert Silbernagel
  • Patent number: 7699756
    Abstract: An apparatus for removably mounting an exercise apparatus to a supporting structure such as a ladder-like structure. Various types of mounting apparatus with specially designed brackets having multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories, are used to facilitate easy and quick mounting of several types of exercise apparatus to the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: BVP Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Piane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7674205
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Icon IP, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Gaylen W. Ercanbrack, Jaremy T. Butler, N. Jeffrey Chatterton
  • Patent number: 7651452
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus (11) has a platform (12) divided into a back-rest element (18) and a seat portion (19). The back-rest element (18) is pivotably mounted in the platform (12) about a pivot point (21). The platform (12) has legs (13, 14) at each end thereof, each said leg (13, 14) having an upper part (22) and a lower part (23) pivotably connected thereto about a further pivot point (25). By varying the position of the back-rest element (18) relative to the platform (12), and the position of the lower leg portions (23) relative to the upper leg portions (22), the exercise apparatus (11) can be made to assume each of a range of configurations comprising bench, step, intermediate incline, high and low seated incline and chair configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Progressive Sports Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ross John Weir, Michael Peter Caine
  • Patent number: 7641600
    Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam against which the cam biases the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Lemond Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bingham, Jr., Ryan P. Selby, Neil P. Everson, Paul A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7635321
    Abstract: An apparatus for stretching and strengthening extremities includes a foot placement foundation having an inversion plane, a neutral plane, and an eversion plane. A selectively actuatable adjustment mechanism is connected to the foot placement foundation to permit a user of the apparatus to adjust the incline of the foot placement foundation as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Rehab United Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Hill, Gerald Giraud, Bryan Hill
  • Patent number: 7591766
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: James A. Ellis
  • Patent number: 7588520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dumbbell of the type commonly found in a fitness center to be used as a weight training device during a weight training or exercise program. The dumbbell includes a gripping handle and a pair of collars fixedly connected to opposites ends of the handle. A series of weight plates having correspondingly different weights are adapted to be detachably connected to each other and to each one of the collars so as to enable a user to selectively and incrementally adjust the gross weight of the dumbbell to conform to his weight training program. Each weight plate carries a lock cartridge having an engagement pin moving therethrough between retracted and extended positions in response to a manual pushing force. In the extended position, the engagement pin of an additional weight plate is received within an engagement pin extension channel of an existing weight plate being carried by the dumbbell, whereby to prevent a disconnection of the additional weight plate from the existing weight plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Nalley
  • Patent number: 7563205
    Abstract: A treadmill including a frame, an endless belt having an upwardly-exposed exercise section, a deck disposed underneath the exercise section of the belt, and a cushion assembly positioned between the deck and the frame for providing cushion in order to reduce high impact loads on the user's body. The cushion assembly comprises a lever having a first portion that is operably coupled to the deck and a second portion that is rotatably coupled to the frame. The cushion assembly also comprises a resilient member coupled to both the lever and the frame so that the resilient member resists rotation of the lever as the lever is rotated. The elastic deformation of the resilient member provides resistance to displacement of the deck and therefore creates a cushion effect on the user's feet, ankles and knees as the user's feet contact the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jon C. Alling
  • Patent number: 7553264
    Abstract: An apparatus, a device, and corresponding methods for exercise which involve a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room, a pulley system having an adjustable resistance device using a pulley ratio technique, a fixed high pull mechanism, a fixed low pull mechanism, a cross-over exercise mechanism, and a lifting bar, the lifting bar having linear bearings and handles, and the handles subtending an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: TuffStuff Fitness Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Carter
  • Patent number: 7503880
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and a non-motorized lift assist mechanism coupled to the adjustable incline and configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Engineering Fitness International Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Campanaro, Joy L. Campanaro, Dan McCutcheon, Douglas Dale McMurray
  • Patent number: 7476183
    Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus that varies the angle and resistance of weights applied to upper body exercises. The apparatus comprises a T-handle at an upper end with a junction block at the lower end. The junction block further comprises ears between which fit a swivel of a weight post that removably receives Olympic style plate weights. The swivel and ears are fitted with keyways into which removably fits a retention shaft with keys, thereby providing for adjustment of the angle of the weight post. A further embodiment features a single hand grip and interchangeability of handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel E. Chrest
  • Patent number: 7476186
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus for resistance training includes an adjustment mechanism raising and lowering a platform, e.g. a stand-upon platform supporting the feet of the user. The adjustment mechanism both: a) journals the platform to pivot about a pivot axis parallel to a first lateral axis into and out of engagement with a detent lock; and b) linearly guides translational up and down movement of the platform and prevents side to side canting of the platform about a second lateral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Clay J. Steffee
  • Patent number: 7462141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise device, which includes a vacuum cylinder and a flywheel. The flywheel provides an inertial component to the load, which is particularly well suited for use in space as it simulates exercising under normal gravity conditions. Also, the present invention relates to an exercise device, which has a vacuum cylinder and a load adjusting armbase assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jasen L. Raboin, Jason Niebuhr, Santana F. Cruz, Christopher D. Lamoreaux
  • Patent number: 7438668
    Abstract: A hurdle has contiguous trigger tubes along the telescoping tubes. A trigger mechanism inside each trigger tube is used to adjust the height of the hurdle. The trigger mechanism contains a pivoting vertical rod with an inwardly directed perpendicular upper end that extends out of the hole in the trigger tube to form a button and an outwardly directed perpendicular pin at its lower end that engages one of the holes in the upright. The vertical rod has a horizontal pivot bar attached midway along its outward surface. The lower end of the vertical rod is connected to a spring compressed within the trigger tube that forces the pin inwardly and that is further compressed when the button is pushed to release the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Gill Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Watry, Audrea C. Wall
  • 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: 7381162
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a base, a parallelogrammic supporting device rotatably supported on the base, to allow the supporting device to be rotated and adjusted relative to the base to selected angular position, a seat device is disposed on the supporting device and adjustable relative to the base to selected position. The seat device includes a handle, an actuator coupled between the supporting device and the base, to adjustably support the supporting device and the seat device to the base. A hand grip is pivotally attached to the handle, and coupled to the actuator, to control the actuator, and to allow the users to operate the actuator without departing the seat device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Hai Pin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7377879
    Abstract: A pedal adjustable system for an exerciser includes a casing composed of an end member and two side plates connected on two ends of the end member. An adjusting unit is received in the casing and has a threaded rod which can be rotated to move the adjusting unit. The tubular body has two side portions which are movably engaged with two slots in the two side plates. Two pivotal plates each have an end connected to the side portion corresponding thereto and the other end of each of the two pivotal plates is pivotably connected to a pivotable unit on which a pedal is connected. The inclination of the pedal can be adjusted by the user to rotate the threaded rod to pivot the pivotal plates together with the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Ming Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 7367926
    Abstract: A new and improved exercise treadmill may include a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is parallel to the first end. Two sidewalls interconnect the first and second end. The treadmill may further comprise a motor in order to drive a belt, which is trained over a front roller and a rear roller. A deck is positioned underneath the belt in order to support the user. The treadmill may also comprise a belt tensioning device, which provides a visual indicator so that the rear roller may be moved on each end in equal distance relative to the front roller. Another feature of the invention is a slot between the side rails and the frame so that an extended member can be inserted therein to lubricate the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Fitness Quest Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Clark
  • Patent number: 7364538
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of formed handles including openings through which ends of a rope or cord are passed. The rope to one handle is knotted and the rope to the other handle is adjustable but becomes fixed when the rope and the handle are firmly grasped. The base is a platform in which part of the user's body maintains contact with during an exercise. The base includes a channel through which the rope passes. Pulleys are positioned on either side of the platform at either end of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Fredrick P. Aucamp
  • Patent number: 7338416
    Abstract: A bar support member that can be used to hold a weight bar in a desired position on a piece of exercise equipment. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can be used to provide a safety stop or spotter for supporting the weight bar in the event that the user cannot return the weight bar to its original bar support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7285078
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of weights has a central hole and a slot extending through the central hole. A shaft has a grip handle. A rotatable spindle extends through the grip handle with a plurality of cam plates adjacent to each end of the spindle and an adjustment knob at each end of the spindle. The cam plates each have an outer diameter adapted to fit the central hole of a weight. The weights include a set of weights positioned adjacent to each end of the rotatable spindle and adjacent to the cam plates. A holder is cooperable with the shaft with protrusion blocks adapted to cooperate with the shaft to form a self-locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 7267641
    Abstract: A muscle training device includes a base seat, a first support arm connected pivotally to the base seat, a second support arm connected pivotally to an impeding unit, and two supporting cushions connected respectively to the support arms. The impeding unit has a housing fixed to the first support arm, a piston unit, first and second fluid chambers formed on two opposite sides of the piston unit, a fluid filled in the first and second fluid chambers, and a passage unit that is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers. The second support arm is turnable toward or away from the first support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Strong Power Engineering Consultant Ltd. Co.
    Inventor: Chin-Hsun Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7244218
    Abstract: An angle adjustable pedal assembly for elliptical exercisers includes a pedal frame and a pedal which is pivotably connected to two sides on an end of the pedal frame. Each side wall has a hole with three notches defined in an inside of the hole and the pedal has two connection plates each of which has a reset slot and a set slot which communicates with the reset slot. A pin extends through one of the reset slot and the set slot, and is engaged with one of the three notches in the side walls so that the pedal can be set at different angle relative to the pedal frame by engaging with one of the three notches in the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Octane Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Man-Mei Lin, Kuang-Shiung Kao, Joe Halfen, Timothy Porth
  • Patent number: 7220221
    Abstract: An exercise device having a body extension mechanism including a press plate mechanism and an articulating seat structure. The press plate mechanism is pivotally connected to a frame forwardly of the articulating seat structure, which is also connected with the frame. The press plate mechanism is operably connected with the articulating seat structure by a transfer link so that when a user actuates the press plate mechanism, the movement of a back support of the articulating seat structure is coordinated with the movement of the press plate mechanism. Resistance for the exercise device is provided by a weight stack that is operably connected with the body extension mechanism through an arrangement of pulleys so that when the user actuates the press plate mechanism a portion of the weight stack is lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Urs Mosimann, Ulrich Schweizer, Vicente Morcillo-Quintero, Victor Pertegaz-Esteban
  • Patent number: 7211030
    Abstract: A exercise machine has a pulley for user's flexibility to choose between training at the selected weight plates' full weight, or at the half weight when the pulley is engaged. A latching switch is used for easy selection of going between the full weight and half weight mode. A counter weight block is attached to an end of the cable, to keep the tension of the cable when the exercise machine is used in the full weight mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Guofang Cao