Patents Examined by Jerome W. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 9616283
    Abstract: A low stress therapeutic device is provided by utilizing foot plates and guide rails having operationally tracking surfaces of a low coefficient of friction supported by a platform. The device includes a rail stabilizer equipped with extending longitudinally recess or slot and a slideably mounted foot plate having upon its underside a longitudinal projection slideably retained within the rail recess. The therapeutic device may be designed to operate under relatively effortless strain at a low coefficient of friction. The therapeutic device is useful for knee replacement, stroke victims, ACL repair, and other therapeutic treatments requiring a nominal initiating effort of movement for rehabilitation. The device may be provided as a one or two footed device of a light weight particularly useful in a patient sitting or lying position. The foot plates may be appropriately equipped with longitudinally underside tracking guides reciprocating sliding within longitudinal slots provided by a tracking rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Bradley Allen Heineck, Gregory Carl Heineck
  • Patent number: 9616265
    Abstract: A pole vault box with a base pan having opposite front and rear edges, a pole slide, and opposing sidewalls. The pole slide descends downwardly and the sidewalls extend upwardly from the pole slide at an angle from a horizontal axis. A lip extends inwardly towards the pole slide at an angle formed by an axis passing through the lip and by the pole slide in a downward direction. An end plate at the rear edge includes a rotational ledge and a stop board, the rotational ledge is in conjunction with the pole slide and the stop board is in conjunction with the opposing sidewalls and rear edge. The stop board includes lower and upper regions, the upper region curving away from the lower region and the lower region is at an angle outwardly from the rotational ledge. In embodiments, padding can cover one or more surfaces of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Jan E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9616276
    Abstract: Embodiments of a strength training apparatus and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the strength training apparatus includes a base member and a tower structure coupled with the base member. At least one arm is pivotally coupled with the tower structure. A flywheel and a cable and pulley system are associated with the at least one arm, wherein displacement of at least one cable of the cable and pulley system effects rotation of the flywheel. The strength training apparatus may include a selectively adjustable magnetic braking mechanism associated with a flywheel that is configured to apply a selected resistance to the rotation of the flywheel. A torque sensor may be associated with the flywheel and the measured torque during operation of the apparatus may be used to calculate the work expended in rotating the flywheel. In one embodiment, the calculated work may be expressed in units of watts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dalebout, Michael L. Olson
  • Patent number: 9604098
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, two pedals, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, a resistance device, two link rods, two cranks, two limiting rods, and a stride-adjusting device. Each first swing arm has two ends, in which one end pivotally connects to the frame, and the other connects to one second swing arm. Each second swing arm has two ends, in which one end connects to one first swing arm, and the other connects to one pedal. Each crank includes an end connecting to an axle of the resistance device and another end connecting to one link rod. Each link rod includes two ends, in which one end connects to one crank, and the other connects to an area of one second swing arm. Each pedal sildely couples with one corresponding limiting rod, and an end of each limiting rod movably couples with the stride-adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9604090
    Abstract: A weight stack assembly is for an exercise apparatus. The weight stack assembly comprises a plurality of primary weights and a plurality of secondary weights that are located next to the plurality of primary weights. A head plate is on the plurality of primary weights. A primary weight selector mechanism is on the head plate and is configured to couple a user force receiving member to one or more of the plurality of primary weights. A secondary weight selector mechanism is on the head plate and is configured to couple the head plate to a first secondary weight in the plurality of secondary weights, and to couple the head plate to a second secondary weight in the plurality of secondary weights. The secondary weight selector mechanism is configured to engage with the first secondary weight so that the first secondary weight remains balanced in the horizontal direction when a force is applied to the user force receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Mathew R. Meyer, Lee M. Atwood
  • Patent number: 9586073
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are included herein which apparatus includes a longitudinally extending bar body having an exterior surface and extending from a gripping end on a first bar section thereof to a second end comprising a hammer portion; wherein the hammer portion comprises a hammer head and the bar body comprises a second bar section extending from the hammer head at least partially along the bar body configured for receiving at least one weight positioned adjacent the hammer head. The apparatus is useful, for example, as a strength training fitness apparatus, a construction or demolition tool capable of supporting variable weight, and/or a strength training device for training workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Manhammer Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Walker
  • Patent number: 9586078
    Abstract: An apparatus for human exercise includes a first foot pad attached to a first guided carrier member, and a second foot pad attached to a second guided carrier member. Motion of the first and second guided carrier members is limited to linear translation along a longitudinal axis of a horizontal guide rail. First and second and third elastic members may be attached to and apply opposite elastic forces to the first and second guided carrier members along the longitudinal axis. A transverse frame member is fixed to the horizontal guide rail and is oriented horizontally and transverse to the longitudinal axis. A vertical frame member with a raised hand rail may extend from the transverse frame member. The first and second foot pads may be pivotably coupled to the first and guided carrier members by torsional elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TCDP, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Jones
  • Patent number: 9586077
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that may be used in a bed, primarily for stretching and resistance exercises. The exercise apparatus may be configured with a lower frame and an upper frame. The lower frame is disposed between and connected to a bed frame and a headboard. The upper frame is connected to the lower frame and has exercise equipment attachment couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: David Kabasso
  • Patent number: 9586079
    Abstract: An apparatus for human exercise in certain configurations includes first and second foot pads attached to first and second guided carrier members, respectively. A first curved guide rail portion is coupled to the first guided carrier member, and prevents motion of the first guided carrier member except for translation along the first curved guide rail portion. A second curved guide rail portion is coupled to the second guided carrier member, and prevents motion of the second guided carrier member except for translation along the second curved guide rail portion. A first motion resistor is coupled to the first foot pad and opposes a translation of the first foot pad along the first curved guide rail portion. Each of the first curved guide rail portion and the second curved guide rail portion is curved away from an underlying ground plane, to define a distally increasing rail height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TCDP, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Gilbert Jones, Scott Lee
  • Patent number: 9579535
    Abstract: Exercise equipment, particularly a linear movable structure and associated selectable elastic resistance bands with or without guide track members are designed to allow low-impact exercises for one or two persons at the same time while permitting either or both participants to remain stationary when utilizing the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Baruch Markowitz
  • Patent number: 9566491
    Abstract: The boxing training device is a striking machine with a pair of identical spaced apart upright members affixed to the adjustable base. A block is affixed to the uprights most proximal the top end with a head removably disposed on the block. The head can be selectively fitted with a display unit that offers electronic feedback to the user. An upper impact pad can replace the display unit. A crossbar is affixed to the double action spring hinge of the head. The crossbar has a removable impact pad on each end such that a strike on either pad causes a counterstrike from the opposite pad, as the crossbar provides resisted horizontal rotation about the head via the hinge. Various impact pads are provided and interaction is offered a user with metered measurement and recording of activity, with further interaction available for interplay with existing electronic media and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Greg English
  • Patent number: 9566464
    Abstract: An omnidirectional exercise device including a platform having a top surface and a bottom surface with the top surface extending generally in a first plane. At least one omnidirectional movement assembly is secured relative to the bottom surface such that the platform is supported for omnidirectional movement. A hand securement assembly, which may be in the form of a glove member, is positioned along the top surface and configured to secure a user's hand relative to the top surface such that the user's hand is substantially parallel to the first plane. Each exercise device may include one or more stoppers extending from the bottom of the platform to selectively immobilize the device. A pair of the omnidirectional exercise devices may be joined together to form a system wherein both devices move omnidirectionally in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Adam Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 9566462
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an assembly for engaging an end of a vaulting pole, wherein the assembly comprises a base section comprised of a frame configured to be at least partially recessedly installed in the ground. A platform is connected to the base and comprises a top surface comprising a planar surface configured to enable receipt of an end of a vaulting pole during a pole vault plant and at least one padding tray adjacent to a perimeter of the planar surface, which is configured to receive padding. Optionally, a collar of additional padding may be provided comprising at least one padding, wherein the collar is configured for operative coupling to the top surface of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: UCS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9555281
    Abstract: New donning-actuated clips and other fastening and tightening techniques for garments are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a garment includes a self-contained fitting and fastening system that, preferably, is reversibly actuated by donning, and therefore requires no additional fastening or fitting step to use—a user need only don the garment in an ordinary fashion. In one embodiment, a lateral tightening and fitting mechanism is provided, which translates donning movements into fitting and fastening force via channeled bands, eliminating lateral play in the garment when worn. In other aspects, the fitting and fastening system is configured to aid in compressing and folding the garment when the system is released and the garment is removed by a user. The techniques of the invention are also applied in the context of sporting garments, such as running shoes, allowing a user to put on well-fitted shoes quickly, with easy entry, and no need for separate lacing or binding steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 9550086
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes an elongated outer elastic hollow tubing having opposed ends and an elongated inner elastic hollow tubing having opposed ends. A connection mechanism at each of the opposed ends is for interlocking the respective opposed ends of the elongated outer elastic hollow tubing and the elongated inner elastic hollow tubing. A pair of handles is positioned at respective opposed ends of the elongated outer and elongated inner elastic hollow tubings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MFAC, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Poirier
  • Patent number: 9545555
    Abstract: An example climbing wall includes: a frame; a plurality of climbing panels connected to the frame; and a plurality of holds, each of the plurality of holds connected to at least one of the plurality of climbing panels with a t-nut, the t-nut including: a flange in contact with the at least one plurality of climbing panels, and a plurality of splines embedded within the at least one climbing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: EVERLAST CLIMBING INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Sudeith, Tracy L. Whitney, John D. Kidd, Benjamin C. Tiffin
  • Patent number: 9539460
    Abstract: A weight training machine for allowing at least two of a user's muscle groups to push or pull simultaneously in a synchronized and unified fashion, having at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism; a first actuating means operatively connected to the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism for allowing actuation of the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism by a first of the user's muscle groups, and a second actuating means operatively connected to the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism for allowing actuation of the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism by a second of the user's muscle groups, wherein actuation of both the first actuating means and the second actuation means simultaneously acts upon and or resists against the at least one common counter or weight resistance mechanism. One embodiment is an exercise machine and a drive or actuating mechanism with a lever and fulcrum configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph K. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9526942
    Abstract: An exercise device for performing exercises employing upper body and abdominal muscles includes a hinge and a pair of guide tracks, each guide track attached to a corresponding side of the hinge. Each guide track includes a central longitudinal slot formed in the guide track, the slot having a plurality of stop positions formed therein, a rotatable pushup handle assembly slidable over the slot between stop positions, and a locking device insertable into a portion of the rotatable pushup handle assembly to lock a lower portion of the rotatable pushup handle assembly in one of the stop positions in the slot, an upper portion of the rotatable pushup assembly still able to rotate while the assembly is in a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: IMPLUS FOOTCARE LLC
    Inventors: Alden Morris Mills, Ian Coats MacColl
  • Patent number: 9492700
    Abstract: A resistance adjusting apparatus includes a seat having a first shaft, a resistance supplier, and an adjusting assembly. The resistance supplier is mounted in the seat and has a second shaft. The adjusting assembly is mounted on the seat and has a tube, a regulating rod, and a pressing block. The regulating rod is moveably mounted through the tube. The pressing block is mounted on a bottom end of the regulating rod, is connected to the seat, and is located between the first shaft and the second shaft. Therefore, a displacement of the resistance supplier is longer than a displacement of the pressing block, and the sensitivity of the resistance adjustment is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9492698
    Abstract: A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates extending upwards from said frame and connected thereto against relative movement therebetween; and a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates above said frame for movement with said plates upon a person jumping thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: VULY PTY LTD
    Inventors: Joe Andon, Wei Yang