Nautilus, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140336009 | DUAL DECK EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one example, an exercise device employs a first pivotable treadle assembly including a first moving surface, a first foot platform extending outwardly from a side of the first treadle assembly, and a second pivotable treadle assembly including a second moving surface. In some implementations, the exercise device includes a resistance element operably coupled to at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly to resist movement of the at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly. In some implementations, the exercise device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a slope of at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly. | 11-13-2014 |
20140256513 | UPPER BODY EXERCISE AND FLYWHEEL ENHANCED DUAL DECK TREADMILLS - An exercise device includes a frame, a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface, and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. | 09-11-2014 |
20140187395 | EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USING THE EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device may include one or more leg assemblies operatively joined to a user engagement component. The leg assemblies may position the user engagement component at an initial or rest position, which may be a predetermined distance above a support surface. The leg assemblies may be configured to allow a user to move the user engagement towards the support surface from the initial or rest position. The exercise device may further include one or more biasing or resistance components that are joined to at least one leg assembly and that resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface. The biasing or resistance components may further be configured to return the engagement component to its initial or rest position. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187394 | EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device may include a main body defining an arch-shaped structure, at least one movable support mechanism coupled to the main body and configured to support the exercise device on a support surface, and at least one gripping mechanism coupled to the main body. The main body may be formed from a shape retaining material. The exercise device may further include a biasing mechanism coupled to the main body. The at least one movable support mechanism may include wheels coupled to the main body. The at least one gripping mechanism may include a handle or a recess or an elongated slot formed in the main body. The main body may further include apertures for joining the handle to the main body at various positions. | 07-03-2014 |
20140171269 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LIMITING TRAVEL IN AN EXERCISE DEVICE, AND AN EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH A LIMITING DEVICE - A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability. | 06-19-2014 |
20140080677 | EXERCISE DEVICE WITH TREADLES - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 03-20-2014 |
20130310226 | EXERCISE MACHINE - An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. | 11-21-2013 |
20130190139 | DUAL DECK EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190138 | DUAL DECK EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 07-25-2013 |
20130023383 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LIMITING TRAVEL IN AN EXERCISE DEVICE, AND AN EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH A LIMITING DEVICE - A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability. | 01-24-2013 |
20120190509 | UPPER BODY EXERCISE AND FLYWHEEL ENHANCED DUAL DECK TREADMILLS - An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt. | 07-26-2012 |
20120142501 | EXERCISE DEVICE WITH TREADLES - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 06-07-2012 |
20120010055 | SELECTABLE WEIGHT STACK - A weight stack for an exercise machine may include one or more primary and secondary load elements that are selectively joined to a weight carriage. The load elements may be supported from below by one or more support beams and positioned at spaced apart locations on the support beam when the weight carriage is located at its rest position or when the load elements are not joined to the weight carriage during an exercise. The load elements may include engagement surfaces that engage the beam either directly by contacting the beam or indirectly via a divider structure positioned between the load elements and the beam. For some load elements, the engagement surfaces define a portion of a slot in the load element. The exercise machine may further include a single guide pole that constrains the weight carriage to move substantially linearly and vertically relative to the exercise machine's support frame. | 01-12-2012 |
20120004080 | LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR A WEIGHT STACK EXERCISE MACHINE - A lockout mechanism for a selection mechanism on an exercise machine, the selection mechanism being associated with a carriage for selectively carrying load. The carriage may include a support system adjustable by the selection mechanism for adjusting the amount of load to be carried. The lockout mechanism may include a lockout member configured to prevent adjustment of the selection mechanism during exercise. | 01-05-2012 |
20110319234 | ENGAGEMENT INTERFACE FOR AN EXERCISE MACHINE - An engagement interface for an exercise machine for selectively engaging a carriage with one or more resisting elements may include one or more engagement devices arranged on the carriage. An engagement device may include a reaching or first portion and a flange or second portion. An engagement feature may be positioned on the one or more resisting elements and configured for engagement by at least one of the one or more engagement devices. The engagement feature may include a body, at least one wall extending generally perpendicular to the body, a first tab extending from the at least one wall in a first direction, and a second tab extending from the at least one wall in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first and second tabs may be configured for engagement by at least a portion of an engagement device. | 12-29-2011 |
20110312472 | DUAL DECK EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 12-22-2011 |
20110256988 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LIMITING TRAVEL IN AN EXERCISE DEVICE, AND AN EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH A LIMITING DEVICE - A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability. | 10-20-2011 |
20110218079 | EXERCISE MACHINE - An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. | 09-08-2011 |
20110039665 | EXERCISE DEVICE - 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. | 02-17-2011 |
20110034303 | UPPER BODY EXERCISE AND FLYWHEEL ENHANCED DUAL DECK TREADMILLS - An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt. | 02-10-2011 |
20110003668 | ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELL SYSTEM - A dumbbell is described including a handle having a grip and at least one end, an inner plate mounted on the handle adjacent the grip, in a fixed rotational orientation, a support plate rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the inner plate, at least one collar rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the support plate, and rotationally fixed with the support plate, a selector knob rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and rotationally fixed with the collar, a weight plate removably mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and a means for selectively securing the support plate to the inner plate to resist the rotation of the support plate, collar and selector knob with respect to the inner plate and handle. | 01-06-2011 |
20100311550 | EXERCISE MACHINE HAVING ROTATABLE WEIGHT SELECTION INDEX - A weight exercise machine may include an exercise member, one or more weights, and one or more weight selectors. When using the machine to exercise, the user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member. A weight selector may be rotated, pivoted, or otherwise moved to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weights such that displacement of the exercise member causes at least one of the weights to displace, thus providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member. The weights may include main weights and add-on weights for operative coupling to the exercise member via a movable frame. The one or more weight selectors allow for selection of different combinations of weights for providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member. | 12-09-2010 |
20100285928 | VARIABLE STRIDE EXERCISE DEVICE - The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion. | 11-11-2010 |
20100273612 | MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SEAT HEIGHT FOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT - The present invention is a seat height adjustment mechanism for exercise equipment having a seat. Examples of such exercise equipment include: stationary exercise bicycles; road or mountain type bicycles; resistance strength training supporting racks or platforms (e.g., preacher curl benches, military or shoulder press racks, etc.) for use with free weights; and resistance strength training machines that employ as resistance weight plates, deflectable members, elastic bands, springs, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc. The mechanism comprises a member, a telescopic member, and an engagement member. The member extends upwardly and includes a rack. The telescopic member includes a first end telescopically received in the member and a seat end. The engagement member is coupled to the telescopic member and adapted to engage the rack. | 10-28-2010 |
20100248904 | TREADMILL DECK LOCKING MECHANISM - The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for use with exercise treadmills capable of being selectively configured in an operating configuration or a storage configuration. The locking mechanism may utilize various configurations of engagement devices and/or locking members to allow a user to selectively lock a treadmill frame in a fixed position relative to a base frame. | 09-30-2010 |
20100234185 | EXERCISE BIKE - An exercise bike may include a magnetic braking system to resist rotation of a flywheel. The magnetic braking system may be magnets mounted on brackets selectively pivoted relative to the frame to increase or decrease the resistance opposing rotation of the flywheel. The brackets may be pivoted using a brake adjustment assembly joined to the brackets in such a manner that the magnetic forces resisting rotation of the flywheel increase or decrease in a proportional manner over at least a portion of the adjustment range of the brake adjustment assembly. The exercise bike may further include a console that displays information, such as power. The power may be estimated from a look-up table using the crank or flywheel speed of the exercise bike measured using a speed sensor and the tilt angle of the brackets relative to a reference point measured using a power sensor that includes an accelerometer. | 09-16-2010 |
20100093499 | EXERCISE MACHINE - An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. | 04-15-2010 |
20100075812 | DUAL DECK EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 03-25-2010 |
20100062904 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN EXERCISE APPARATUS - 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. | 03-11-2010 |
20100035736 | ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELL SYSTEM - A dumbbell is described including a handle having a grip and at least one end, an inner plate mounted on the handle adjacent the grip, in a fixed rotational orientation, a support plate rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the inner plate, at least one collar rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the support plate, and rotationally fixed with the support plate, a selector knob rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and rotationally fixed with the collar, a weight plate removably mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and a means for selectively securing the support plate to the inner plate to resist the rotation of the support plate, collar and selector knob with respect to the inner plate and handle. | 02-11-2010 |
20090312158 | TREADMILL - An articulating treadmill is disclosed that includes a support frame, a motor frame, and a base frame. The motor frame is pivotally attached to the support frame along a first pivot line, and the base frame is pivotally attached to motor frame along a second pivot line spaced from the first pivot line. The base frame pivots about the second pivot line from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, and vice versa. The treadmill includes an elevation motor having an extension arm. The elevation motor is attached between the motor frame and a base of the support frame. As the extension arm of the elevation motor extends or retracts, the incline of the treadmill support bed increases or decreases, respectively. The treadmill also includes an adjustable roller system. | 12-17-2009 |
20090291811 | FREE WHEEL CLUTCH MECHANISM FOR BICYCLE DRIVE TRAIN - A clutch mechanism may be positioned in engagement with a slave sprocket of a drive train and a hub of a flywheel to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold. When the drive train is actuated in the forward direction, the slave sprocket and the hub may move together, and when the drive train is actuated in the rearward direction under the influence of a force greater than the break-free force threshold, the clutch mechanism may slip between the slave sprocket and the hub, allowing the slave sprocket and the flywheel to move independently of one another. The clutch mechanism may also include a spring tensioner whereby the break-free force may be adjusted. | 11-26-2009 |
20090264260 | EXERCISE DEVICE WITH TREADLES - An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces. | 10-22-2009 |
20090186748 | ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELL WITH AN ORIENTATION FEATURE - A selectable weight dumbbell system may include a base and a dumbbell. The base may include one or more weight receiving spaces defined by the base's walls and floor. The dumbbell may include a handle and one or more selectively removable weights. The weights may be removably positionable in the weight receiving spaces. A weight and the base may form an orientation feature or key between the weight and the base that compels the weight to be positioned in said one of the weight receiving spaces in an orientation for selective engagement with the handle. The orientation feature or key may include an orientation element, such as a protrusion or the like, and an orientation receiving element, such as a groove or the like. The orientation element may extend from the weight or the base. The orientation receiving element may be defined in the weight or the base. | 07-23-2009 |
20090176626 | UPPER BODY EXERCISE AND FLYWHEEL ENHANCED DUAL DECK TREADMILLS - An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt. | 07-09-2009 |
20090029831 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LIMITING TRAVEL IN AN EXERCISE DEVICE, AND AN EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH A LIMITING DEVICE - A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability. | 01-29-2009 |
20080312045 | VARIABLE STRIDE EXERCISE DEVICE - The variable stride exercise device utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary the user's stride path during exercise. The exercise device allows for a foot engagement member travel path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in versions of the exercise apparatus with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. The exercise device may include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion. | 12-18-2008 |
20080254952 | EXERCISE MACHINE HAVING ROTATABLE WEIGHT SELECTION INDEX - The present invention is a weight exercise machine for use by a user. The machine comprises an exercise member, a plurality of weights, and an index. The user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member when using the machine to exercise. The index is rotated to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weight plates such that the displacement of the exercise member causes the at least one of the weight plates to displace. The plurality of weight plates includes a first weight plate type and a second weight plate type having configurations and masses that differ. The index allows selection of different combinations of weight plates for operable coupling to the exercise member. | 10-16-2008 |
20080207401 | GROUP FITNESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A group exercise system may include: a master exercise device including a variable parameter and being operatively associated with a control system; and a servant exercise device including the variable parameter and being in communication with the control system. In some embodiments, the control system may include a exercise control program configured to control the variable parameter in both the master exercise and the servant exercise device. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to receive communication signals from at least the master exercise device to alter control of the variable parameter in both the master exercise and the servant exercise device from the control by the exercise control program. Some embodiments may involve a group exercise method. Still further embodiments may involve a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for performing a group exercise method when executed on a computer device. | 08-28-2008 |