Nordictrack, Inc.

Noordictrack, Inc.

Timothy S Engel

Stephen S Peterson

Weston L Cutter

James R Bostic

Robert A Iverson

Michael E Heutmaker

Frank W Campbell

Dennis J Colonello

Jeffrey E Sandahl

Stanley R Buisman

Edward A Pauls

Craig A Loubert

Harold C Blawd

Edward R Holden

The present invention provides an apparatus that selectively facilitates exercises that approximate the motions involved in walking and cross-country skiing. A base extends from a front end to a rear end, and a treadmill is operatively mounted relative to the base. Each of a pair of foot skates is selectively placed in rolling engagement with an upwardly facing portion of the treadmill or upper treadmill surface. Each of the pair of foot skates includes a one-way clutch roller for rolling forward relative to the upper treadmill surface and preventing rolling rearward relative to the upper treadmill surface. Thus, rearward movement of either skate requires coincidental rearward movement of the upper treadmill surface.

Combination exercise apparatus

The present invention provides a frame that supports a pair of simulator skis above a floor surface. Rear ski ends are pivotally mounted to a rear ski support in rolling contact with a track surface on a rear frame portion. Front ski ends are pivotally mounted to a front ski support in rolling contact with the floor surface. Non-parallel, equal length bars are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of skis, extending from rear bar ends pivotally mounted to the base to front bar ends pivotally mounted to the front ski support.

Downhill skiing exercise machine

Cross-country ski simulaor exerciser

The present invention provides a flexible line guidance and tension measuring device for use on an exercise apparatus to guide a flexible line from a resistance mechanism to an exercise member and measure tension in the flexible line. A fixed member is operatively secured to the exercise apparatus, and a movable member is movably mounted to the fixed member. The flexible line passes over a load bearing pulley rotatably mounted on the movable member. Tension in the flexible line causes the movable member to move relative to the fixed member, and an incremental deflection measuring means measures the relative movement.

Flexible line guidance and tension measuring device

Exercise chair

The prevent invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person exercises. The apparatus 100 includes a support frame 101 and a chair member 102 that is rotatably mounted to the support frame 101. A rotational resistance means 105 is also mounted to the support frame 101. The rotational resistance means 105 includes conical surfaces 255 and 256 that provide frictional resistance through interengagement between one of thirty-two teeth 257 on shaft member 154 and one of three ratcheting members 258a-c on rotatable friction member 155. A rotational arm means 106 is operatively connected to the rotational resistance means 105 to allow application of a rotational force in a given direction of rotation against the rotational resistance means 105. A foot anchor means 103 is mounted to the support frame 101, so that a person seated in the chair member 102 may anchor his feet beneath the foot anchor means 103 in order to perform abdominal flexions. Also, a foot brace means 104 is mounted to the support frame 101, so that a person seated in the chair member 102 may brace his feet against the foot anchor means 104 in order to perform abdominal flexions. Additionally, a pelvis stabilization means 107 and a thigh stabilization means 108 are operatively connected to the chair member 102 to stabilize the pelvis and the thighs, respectively, of a person seated in the chair member 101.

Multi-purpose torso exercise apparatus

Executive-style desk chair for strength training

Exercise rowing machine

An exercise device (1) capable of performing three discrete exercise activities, and including a treadmill (9) suitable for simulating a running or walking exercise, and further including a pair of slidable foot restraints (34, 35) mounted within rails (56, 57) adjacent to the treadmill (9) in order to simulate a cross country skiing exercise. A pair of reciprocating, pivotable foot paddles (58, 59) are cooperatively attached in a first embodiment to pneumatic cylinders (89, 90), while in a second embodiment are cooperatively attached to conical resistance mechanisms (112, 113) so as to simulate a stair climbing activity. A pivotable torso support (11) is provided to assist the balance of a person performing any of the three exercise activities.

Trimodal exercise apparatus

Back therapy apparatus

The present invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person 190 receives back therapy. The apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 designed to rest upon a floor surface 109. A support member 102 is pivotally mounted to the frame 101 above the floor surface 109, and a pelvic belt 103 is secured relative to the support member 102. In operation, the pelvic belt 103 stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the support member 102, and the support member supports some portion of the person's torso including the pelvis. The support member 102 pivots among several positions, including a mounting position suitable for mounting by a person, and a locking mechanism 104 secures the support member 102 in any of a plurality of back therapy positions.

Back therapy system

Cross-country ski simulator exerciser

A multiple exercise unit capable of providing a user with a wide range of strength and conditioning exercises. The exercise unit provides resistance through an isokinetic device which utilizes a clutch mechanism. Lines extend out of the isokinetic device and attach to various exercise elements such that a variety of upper and lower body strength exercises may be performed.

Multi-exercise apparatus

A straight back side chair has a seat cushion and a back member, and includes a low resistance loading device that is operated through a system of cords and pulleys from handgrips. The pulleys are supported on arms that are mounted to the back of the chair and which can be selectively positioned for different types of exercise. The arms can be positioned laterally out from the sides of the chair for doing butterfly type exercise; pushed downwardly at an angle for curls; or positioned overhead above the back of the chair for permitting a person seated in the chair to do pull downs. When the chair is not in use as an excerciser, the arms are folded out of the way so it functions as a side chair and does not visually intrude on the usable space in a room or tend to give the room the look of a gymnasium. The force resistance device is very compact so that it takes little space beneath the seat, permitting a cushioned or padded seat to be used. A panel having a display of counters, force indicators and the like can also be mounted on the chair seat and made to be retractable when not in use.

Growing community of inventors

Mound, MN, United States of America

Timothy S Engel