Patents Examined by Lori Baker Amerson
  • Patent number: 6478721
    Abstract: This invention is an abdominal, and low back exercise machine used to tone and strengthen the muscles of the user. The machine includes a frame upon which a slidable foot rest or carriage and a seat are attached. The machine additionally includes a harness coupled to the carriage through a strap such that as the harness moves in a first direction, the carriage moves in the opposite second direction along the frame. The harness is placed around the shoulders and neck of the user such that when the user sits on the seat and brings the shoulders towards the knees, the legs will be drawn up to the shoulders by the movement of the carriage. This exercise device strengthens the user's upper and lower abdominal muscles. The machine further includes an exercise ball which supports the back or stomach while performing hyper-extension type exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6478718
    Abstract: A mounting platform is provided for access to a trampoline or similar exercise device. The mounting platform removably attaches to the side of the trampoline to provide a horizontal surface from which an individual can move onto or off of the trampoline. An adjustable ladder provides access to the platform and, in one embodiment, can be folded under the platform, which itself can be removed from the trampoline or collapsed to a vertical position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: R. Wayne Rich
  • Patent number: 6475127
    Abstract: A weight bench having an inclining seat assembly and a weight support which can be pushed away from the seat assembly to afford ready egress from the seat assembly. The bench includes a frame to which the seat assembly is pivotally attached, a spring adjustably anchored to the frame and to the seat assembly, and a foot rest. The spring urges the seat assembly into an upright position, but yields to the weight of a person sitting in the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and a seat back fixed to one another such that they incline in tandem. The bench has a weight supporting tray fixed to a support staff pivotally mounted to the frame of the bench at the lower end of the support staff. The support staff is constrained to pivot towards and away from the seat back in an arcuate path not deviating from a vertical position by more than forty-five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jeret C. Koenig
  • Patent number: 6475116
    Abstract: An adjustable grid having a base with a predetermined width is disclosed. Two ends of the base has a respective fixing portion; each fixing portion having a through hole for being passed through by a rope. Each fixing portion having a clamping device for fixing the rope. By the pulling force of the rope, the base can be installed steadily. The base is pivotally installed with an adjustable grid. A positioning device is installed between the base and the grid for positioning the grid as the grid stands uprightly. Therefore, the users may stumble over the grid and the grid can fall down as it is collided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: T. C. Chen Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Yueh Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 6471621
    Abstract: A method of treatment of groups of muscles in orofacial region, of the respiratory system, and of retaining and support system of a body of a patient and including providing a logopedic aid having at least one rubbed balloon and a plurality of valve mouthpieces for inflating the at least one rubbed balloon and characterized by different degrees of difficulty with which the balloon can be inflated, and treating the patient by having the patient inflate the balloon by using in succession valve mouthpieces with an ever increasing degree of difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ballon-Müller AG
    Inventors: Ulrike Hörstel, Susanne Codoni, Barbara Rehm
  • Patent number: 6471623
    Abstract: A push-up exercise holder. The holder includes a seat, a lever that is pivotally installed on the holder, and an elastic buffer element is installed between the seat and the lever. A holding portion of the lever is elevated and positioned on the seat, and a notch is formed between the lever and seat so that as the push-up exercise holder is held, it generates a buffer effect with upward and downward movement of a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: U2ID Incorporated
    Inventor: I Shun Lin
  • Patent number: 6468190
    Abstract: A chest exerciser has a pneumatic resister (1) of linear motion and a selection of handle (8, 9), attachment (29) and/or anchor means (34, 40, 42) that are positional on opposite ends for direction of selectively push exercise and pull exercise to select muscle groups and to specific muscles in the select muscle groups. The pneumatic resister of linear motion can be a cylindrical pump (6, 7), an accordion bellows pump (4), a variously telescopic bellows pump (5), a resilient pump or other pneumatic pump or combinations of pneumatic pumps. The pneumatic resister of linear motion can be selectively resistant to linear motion by means of flow resisters (2, 3) that can be adjustable of resistance or rate of inflow and outflow of air. Separate inflow and outflow resisters (2, 3) can be provided for adjustment of push and pull exercise. Handle means can be different for different sizes of hands and for different positioning of the pneumatic resister in relation to muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Renee S. Fazio, Genevieve M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6468191
    Abstract: An abdomen exercise bench includes a frame, which includes a base for resting upon a floor. A generally planar upper body platform is secured to the frame in a position generally parallel to the floor. A generally planar, elongated abdomen platform, having a first end and a second opposed end, is rotatably mounted upon the frame, adjacent to the upper body platform, for rotation about an axis generally parallel to the upper body platform. A restraint is provided for preventing a user from sliding off the abdomen platform during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Cameron
  • Patent number: 6464622
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a bag suspended by a swivel beneath a flat horizontal surface of a support structure adapted to be repeatedly struck by the user. A series of responsive zones are provided on the surface and provide signals to an electronic control system each time a zone is contacted by the bag after being struck by the user. A series of lights are mounted on the surface, each associated with a respective one of the zones, to indicate to a user which zone is to be contacted by the bag. The electronic control system provides a measurable feedback on a monitor of the number of times a selected zone is contacted by the bag within a selected time period. A number of different exercise programs are provided by the electronic control system to test the speed of striking the bag by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fitness Quest Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Clark
  • Patent number: 6461283
    Abstract: An apparatus for plyometrically exercising the muscles of the user's back. The apparatus includes a exercise panel connected parallel to a back panel, the exercise panel being movable in relation to the back panel. Springs are disposed between the exercise panel and the back panel, so that movement of the exercise panel in relation to the back panel requires compression or extension of the springs. A seat panel is provided, which is connected to the back panel and when in use is disposed about perpendicular to the back panel. Body straps are provided for comfortably securing the user's torso to the exercise panel. The user plyometrically exercises his back muscles by rapidly alternately pressing his back against the exercise panel to compress the springs, and then pushing forward against the body straps to pull the springs into tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Barry R. Maron
  • Patent number: 6454683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a workout bench-coffee table that is capable for use as a both a coffee table and a workout bench. In accordance with the present invention, the workout bench coffee table consists of a tri-fold resting portion, a base, and an incline means. The tri-fold resting portion is comprised of three panels, two outside panels hingedly connected to the center panel. Said outside panels each having a width essentially equal to ½ the width of the center panel. Each of said outside panel can fold onto the center panel, to expose a padding which the user can lay on for exercising, while placing their feet on the ground and laying on their back. The tri-fold resting portion is supported by a base. The tri-fold resting portion can be raised by an incline means to allow the user to incline said base, to hold a barbell in a horizontal position so the user can perform the exercise known as, “bench pressing”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: John Kaye
  • Patent number: 6447427
    Abstract: An agility ladder for athletic training and exercise use is shown and described. The ladder has at least two elongated parallel railings spaced by rungs extending between the railings. The railings are preferably flexible so that they may be folded to collect the rungs into a stacked or bundled configuration. The collected rungs may then be mounted on an elongated handle for storage purposes. The rungs are slidably mounted on the railings so that they may be repositioned thereon, but a locking arrangement is also provided to allow the rungs to be firmly fixed in place on the railings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Myrland Sports Training LLC
    Inventors: Steven S. Myrland, James W. Myrland
  • Patent number: 6447429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a body weight driven treadmill, and when the exerciser steps on the treadmill, the exerciser's body weight acts as a loading to tilt the pedal platform upward from the rear back of the treadmill, since the base of the treadmill has a front supporting rod and a rear supporting rod, wherein the radius of the front supporting rod is slightly smaller than that of the rear supporting rod, and the points of contact tangential to the ground are different. Such arrangement can slightly tilt the exerciser's body forward, until it reaches equilibrium and a stable position. When the treadmill is stepped by our legs alternately, the pressing foot will tilt forward, and twist the exerciser's waist. Such body weight driven treadmill is a simple and easy-to-assemble structure and does not occupy much space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Shu-Yi Chen, Wan-Chen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6443876
    Abstract: A waist exerciser includes a casing supported on two support posts and two blocks are rotatably connected to two ends of a shaft in the casing. A locking member is movably received in each of the blocks and has a plurality of first holes. Each of the blocks has a plurality of second holes which are located in alignment with the first holes. A belt has two ends which of which has a pin for inserting in the aligned first hole and second hole. Each of the pins has a groove and a periphery of the first hole is movably engaged with the groove so as to prevent the pin from disengaging from the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Tong Huang
  • Patent number: 6440046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various systems that enable users with appreciably limited muscular, body and coordination control to assume ergonomic postures for task seating, standing, ambulation and physical exercise. Particularly, the embodiments of the invention provide secure support and positioning systems to safely aid the user through an entire process involving transfer from a wheel chair to the assemblies. The systems also assist the user to assume a desired posture and provide ergonomic and integral support after the user is situated in the desired posture. More particularly, the use of the present invention does not require the help of a therapist or additional muscle control on the part of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Altimate Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan L. Tholkes
  • Patent number: 6440047
    Abstract: An exercising device for simulating hula-hoop rotations includes: a housing having at least a track annularly formed in the housing, at least a ball rolling or rotably moving in the track upon a hula-hoop rotation by a user who wears the housing of the exercising device, and an audio and visual device provided on the housing to indicate or display the whirling movements audiovisually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Hsiao-Ping Huang
  • Patent number: 6440044
    Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for applications such as resistance exercise equipment, cable reels, garage doors and other equipment requiring a resistive force. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord. The mechanism includes a preload system for applying a preload force to the resistance packs and a visual indicator for indicating the level of the preload force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: SpiraFlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Francis, William N. Nelson, Teryl K. Rouse
  • Patent number: 6440045
    Abstract: An abdominal exercise apparatus which is pivotally adjustable. The apparatus is configured to rest on a floor and support a user's hands and knees during operation and includes a guide member having at least one elongate rail, a movable support member mounted to the elongate rail for slidable movement thereon and a stationary base with the guide member being pivotably mounted to the stationary base for angular adjustment of the guide member relative to the stationary base about an axis substantially perpendicular to the floor. The guide member can be pivoted relative to the stationary base to position the guide member angularly from the stationary base for conditioning abdominal oblique muscles. Furthermore, the guide member can be pivoted approximately 180° to facilitate storage and transport of the apparatus. In an embodiment, control over the sliding resistance between the movable support member and the elongate rail of the guide member is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Kerry R. Gaston
  • Patent number: 6436017
    Abstract: A personal exerciser has a back plate, two connecting plates, at least one elastic member and two lateral arms. Each connecting plate is pivotally connected to opposite sides of the back plate. Each elastic member is connected between the two connecting plates. Each lateral arm is attached to each connecting plate, and the angle of the lateral arm is adjustable relative to the back plate. With such a personal exerciser, the elastic members will be stretched while at least one of the arms is pivoted relative to the back plate. An exercising or conditioning effect can be provided. In addition, because the angle between the back plate and each lateral arm is adjustable, the exerciser can be used in different ways. The use of the exerciser becomes more versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 6432029
    Abstract: An exercise assembly designed to strengthen and stretch predetermined portions of a user's body including but not limited to the muscle group of the abdominal area, the spinal column, and the neck particularly in the area of the cervical vertebrae. The exercise assembly includes a base portion defined by a neck engaging portion and two spaced apart shoulder engaging members mounted in overlying relation to the shoulders and on opposite sides of the neck. Two arm members extend outwardly in a forward direction relative to the orientation of the assembly on a user's body and are structured to be gripped at an outer portion by the hands of the user wherein a lifting force is exerted on the neck during the performance of a variety of specifically defined exercises by a pulling force being exerted on the arm members by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas M. Almeda