Patents Examined by Lori Baker Amerson
  • Patent number: 7390289
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a bench and board section including a stationary bench having first and second opposite ends, and a board having first and second opposite ends, with the first end of the board pivotally mounted adjacent the second end of the stationary bench, each of the bench and board being formed substantially from a single piece which can selectively support a torso of a person and legs of the person, and a resistance device in contact with the single piece board and which applies a resistance to pivotal movement of the board, while permitting the board to swing up and down against a resistance applied by the resistance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Qingping Wu
  • Patent number: 7112168
    Abstract: Balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform for an individual thereon. The weight and movement of the individual causes the platform to tilt in any direction, thereby attempting to throw off the balance of the individual, causing the individual to work on maintaining balance while on the dynamic platform. The dynamic nature of the platform can be adjusted to correspond to the balancing abilities of individuals. An adjustment mechanism increases or reduces the amount the platform is able to tilt, without requiring the raising or lowering of any component of the platform. An exercise mechanism can also be connected to the platform to further modify the dynamic nature of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignees: Icon IP, Inc., Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Jeremy Butler, Adrian Van Dam
  • Patent number: 6866618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise device generally comprising a mounting element, an exercise element mounted to the mounting element, and a retractable securing element for removably securing the device to a chair. The exercise device of the present invention may be used by a user while seated in a chair and is relatively small, light weight and easily stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Tina Marie Rusinak-Connors
  • Patent number: 6755771
    Abstract: An exercise device for exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A belt fits around the waist of the user while a resilient or stretchable cord is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position. The cord thus increases the force that must be exerted by the abdominal muscles of the user in carrying out this movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Robert S. Wallerstein
  • Patent number: 6723024
    Abstract: A lung and breath control exercise device includes an elongated body with an upwardly open channel. An array of pegs are rotatably mounted on an axle extending along the channel and the pegs may be rotated from a first position against one wall of the channel to a second position against the opposite wall. In use, the pegs are positioned in one position and the device is placed on a level surface a predetermined distance from a human user. The user then blows his or her breath on the pegs to blow them to their second positions in a predetermined order or sequence or to keep selected pegs suspended between positions. This exercises the user's lungs and develops breath control. The immediate feedback provided by the moving pegs is a measure of success and progress, which encourages the user to engage and continue to engage in breath and lung exercises with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Levine
  • Patent number: 6679811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection device for a trampoline, wherein the protection device comprises a plurality of support parts, the two ends of each support part being separately installed with an upper half part and a lower half part; and a protection film being installed between two support parts. Finally, the protection device is combined with a trampoline in order to ensure the safety of a person exercising on the trampoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Sam Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6656098
    Abstract: A restraint and exercise device is provided to treat acute or chronic mechanical pain, particularly lumbopelvic and/or leg pain, and to restore and/or increase range of motion in suitable users. The device is particularly useful during exercise. The device may contain a restraint, such as two straps, connected to a support structure. The straps help restrain a portion of a person's body such as the pelvic region. The portion of the person's body may be restrained in a substantially pain-free position so as to reduce the pain that would otherwise be felt during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: BackProject Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6652419
    Abstract: An integrated exercise machine system that is utilized to facilitate overall physical fitness which includes the detoxification of the body along with the aerobic conditioning of the cardiovascular system. The system was primarily designed to facilitate a proactive approach to the conditioning of muscles that have become fatigued or atrophied in various occupations, such as computer operators, clerical personnel, or other occupations that have limited range of motions, and improve mobility of the elderly and physically impaired. It is a uniquely shaped, portable rebounder that folds with a safety hinge and collapsing legs. An overhead upper body exercise system is adapted to the environment utilizing a dual telescopic primary horizontal overhead bar, adapts to a door frame or wall, and is housed in a cradle unit. There are two adjustable securing straps with a device for attaching and suspending the secondary horizontal bar and/or elastic resistance ropes with varying degrees of elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Eugene Rota
  • Patent number: 6648799
    Abstract: An exercise device, such as a trampoline, that is foldable with long-lasting rigidity in the framework. The trampoline is made foldable by using hinges to connect sections of the frame of the trampoline. The hinges are configured to provide lateral flexibility in the framework, thereby decreasing the stress applied to the hinges (and increasing the life of the hinges) when the trampoline is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: David Hall
  • Patent number: 6634999
    Abstract: A therapeutic back stretching device that stretches and relaxes the muscles in the lumbar section of the spine as well as concomitant muscles, such as the abdominal muscles. The device includes a rigid base constructed from a strong rigid lightweight plastic material. The base has two opposed ends with a plurality of spaced parallel slots between which is selectively fit an arched insert. The insert being formed from a lightweight flexible material and includes an opening in the center thereof to accommodate the spine of a user. The insert can be fit between slots closer or further apart to vary the degree of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Barry Herbst
  • Patent number: 6626807
    Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, first and second platforms are respectively provided for supporting a user's arms and knees. Rollers on the bottom surface of at least one of the units facilitate relative movements between the units. A detent may extend from the unit receiving the user's legs to retain the user's calves or ankles on the unit. An elastic cord separable from at least one of the units may extend between the units to provide for a controlled relative movement between the units and to facilitate a collapse of the unit into suitcase size. In another preferred embodiment, a pair of units having straps for grasping by the units hands are provided, one for each of the user's arms. Each unit is rotatable and/or movable linearly on a support surface in any direction independently of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Total Tiger, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Richmond
  • Patent number: 6623270
    Abstract: An abdominal exercise device has an elongated body with a first seating end having a tailbone pad mounted thereon, adjacent a raised second lumbar support end. The lumbar support end has a multi-curved upper surface, including a concave portion between raised side rails that conforms to the lumbar region of a person's body to allow the person to achieve a better, more comfortable workout, with accelerated and improved results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: William Brent Meldeau
  • Patent number: 6616582
    Abstract: A belly exerciser has a pressing board, a shaft, a main body, a rotating disk, a bowl, a pair of connecting sleeves, and a pair of handle bars. The main body has an outer ring, and a main tube having a cross-shaped groove. The pressing board is disposed on the shaft. The shaft is inserted through the main tube. A compression spring is disposed between the pressing board and the outer ring to surround the shaft. A connecting rod is connected to the shaft. A connector is connected to an end of the connecting rod. A post is disposed on the connecting rod. The bowl is disposed on the connector. The rotating disk has an annular center flange to engage with the bowl. The connecting sleeves are disposed on the outer ring to receive the handle bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Zhi-Yu Jiang
  • Patent number: 6616579
    Abstract: A method for performing human isometric exercise includes the steps of sensing an applied force, providing a signal representing the applied force, receiving the signal and comparing the applied force to a preselected force, and providing the result of the comparison to a user in real time. The result of the comparison may be provided in an alphanumeric or other visible display, or by auditory means. The time that force is applied may be compared to a preselected time period, and a message provided to a user to rest when the preselected time period has been reached. The number of repetitions of the application of force during a session may be compared to a preselected number of repetitions, and an indication of session completion provided to a user when the number of completed repetitions equals the preselected number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sensorpad Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk A. Reinbold, Robert J. Goldman
  • Patent number: 6605023
    Abstract: An adjustable weightlifting bench includes a base, a backrest pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a plurality of angled positions, and a seat pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a plurality of angled positions. A linkage assembly interconnects the backrest and the seat, such that seat moves automatically and simultaneously when the backrest position is adjusted. The upper surface of the seat is free from obstruction by the backrest in all positions of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Conner Athletic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch T. Mobley
  • Patent number: 6605025
    Abstract: A therapeutic seat device which in combination comprises: (a) a support (1) having elements (2, 3, 6) for receiving a separate seat member; and (b) a seat member comprising a seat (4) fastened to an elongate element for elastic, resilient interaction with the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jens A. Kjersem
  • Patent number: 6602171
    Abstract: An abdominal exerciser, comprising: a base frame; a seat having a seat pad which is secured on the base frame; an upper arm having a first end and a second end; a lower arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lower arm connecting on and laterally extending from the base frame, the second end of the lower arm pivotally connecting to the first end of the upper arm; a vertical bar being located behind the seat pad and connecting with the second end of the upper arm, the vertical bar having a first end and a second end; a handle pivotally connecting to the first end of the vertical bar; and a resilient mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the second end of the vertical bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Samson Tsen, Jin-Chen Chuang
  • Patent number: 6602172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sport apparatus intended for training, wherein said apparatus comprises a base plate (1) preferably in the shape of a disc as well as rocking skids (4) provided on one side of the base plate. A standing plate (100) is mounted so as to be capable of rotation to the base plate (1) so that a rotation movement can be superimposed to the rocking movement thanks to said standing plate (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: MFT-Multi Funktionale Trainingsgeräte GmbH
    Inventor: Ewald Aigner
  • Patent number: 6599221
    Abstract: A foldable trampoline including a resilient web, a web frame assembly and a plurality of springs includes peripheral frame members pivotally connected to each other such that the web can be positioned between a first position oriented in an approximately horizontal configuration forming a trampoline, and a second position where a portion of the web is oriented at an angle of less than 180° relative the other portion of the web to thereby form a backstop for ball games. Frame assembly members dampen the movement of the frame members relative to each other to thereby control the rate at which the trampoline is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Brian L. Goldwitz
  • Patent number: 6595904
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus providing resistance for hip and knee strengthening without increasing joint loading or shear force beyond that imparted by muscle contraction. A preferred embodiment includes a portable embodiment to allow continued use throughout changes in exercise environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Louis Staffa