Abstract:
Systems, devices, methods and computer program products for providing an exercise device access to information stored on a portable memory device. An exercise device includes a data port which is adapted to receive the portable memory device, regardless of its format. For instance, either a Secure Digital or multimedia format memory card may be accessed through the same data port. To access the portable memory device, the exercise device stores the access protocols for each of the various formats. Upon determining that the format of the memory device, the exercise device then selectively applies the appropriate protocols, which may allow read and optionally write access to the portable memory device. The enabled communication allows the exercise device to access data stored on the memory card. The accessed data may include personal user information, exercise programs, and motivational content. The data can be delivered to the user.
Abstract:
An elliptical exercise machine comprising a base support structure, and a pivot joint comprising a pivot mechanism to pivotally connect a front and rear portion of the frame , thereby facilitating a breakaway of the base support.
Abstract:
An abdominal exercise device includes a frame, and upper and lower force receiving members movably mounted on respective portions of the frame and constrained to move in opposite directions. A person using the device is required to stabilize the device while seated on a conventional chair. A resistance device is 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, and additional options are available to exercise a person's oblique muscles, as well.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an exercise device that generally includes two treadles pivotally connected with a frame so that the treadles may pivot up and down about an axis. Each treadle includes a tread belt that provides a moving surface like a treadmill. Each tread belt is supported by a front roller and a rear roller, which is common to both treadles. The treadles are interconnected to provide an alternating upward and downward movement relative to each other. Opposing end portions of the rear roller are rotatably supported at the rear end of the frame. Outer sides of rear end portions of the treadles are rotatably supported by the outer end portions of the rear roller, and inner sides of rear end portions of the treadles are coupled with the frame through an inner support structure that defines a virtual pivot.
Abstract:
The various embodiments of the present invention generally provide a control system and a process for an exercise apparatus configurable into a combined treadmill and stepper mode. The apparatus may also be configured into stepper only and treadmill only modes. The apparatus generally includes a master control unit, a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus, and a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level. Using the first signal, the resistance level, and empirical information, the amount of energy expended by a user of the apparatus may be calculated and the operation of the apparatus controlled. Various sensors, actuators and information, such as that obtained from various data structures, may be utilized in performing calculations and controlling the features, functions and operation of the apparatus.
Abstract:
Proprioceptive or kinesthetic exercise methods and apparatus are described. In one embodiment, a proprioceptive treadmill is described that comprises a foot-contact running surface that rotates about a pair of spaced pulleys, the running surface comprising at least one protuberance protruding upwards from the running surface. Proprioceptive exercise surfaces, exercise bicycles, steppers, ski machines, rowing machines and elliptic exercise machines are also described.
Abstract:
This new foot pad or pedal type exerciser allows for normal walking, jogging, and running in place on pedals (16, 17) reciprocal primarily back and forth, and provides means for returning the pedal from varying stride lengths to a forward step-down position in response to a user's end of stride action of stepping down on the forward pedal and lifting the other foot from the rear pedal. Improved step impact cushioning is provided compared to treadmills, the only other exerciser allowing variable length normal stepping type strides, with cushion means (14, 15) on or under the pedal, some versions providing vertical pedal deflection means (40, 41) to both reduce step-down forces and provide energy to return to the opposite pedal. Mechanical and pneumatic versions are described, as are user powered and motorized versions, both types providing automatic stride length and speed variation and stopping means (131, 132) responding to the user's foot force.
Abstract:
A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints, is disclosed. A base frame (12) supports a pair of reciprocating members (40) which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system (32) attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a closed loop path (71), preferably a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout, and means for orienting the bottoms of the users feet so that foot platforms of the device remain substantially parallel to a reference plane while following the closed, preferably elliptical path. The device may also include linkage (48) to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise.
Abstract:
A spring ring retainer device is described for retaining a spring ring on a spring anchor in an exercise apparatus such as a Pilates chair. The retainer device eliminates metal to metal contact between the spring ring and the anchor to minimize wear and also provide tactile feedback to a user of proper spring position on the anchor. The device is preferably an elongated unitary body having a central semi-cylindrical portion having a first radius, a first curved end portion, and a semi-cylindrical connector portion joining the first curved end portion to one end of the central semi-cylindrical portion, a second curved end portion and a second semi-cylindrical connector portion joining the second curved end portion with the central semi-cylindrical portion.