Including Height Adjustment Feature Patents (Class 482/17)
  • Patent number: 11794050
    Abstract: A portable, foldable barre exercise device providing balance support for a user during exercise may include a pair of legs and a pair of support arms. Each support arm may be pivotally attached to a corresponding leg and may be adapted to be extended upward with the device in an open state. A horizontal exercise bar may be arranged between upper ends of the support arms. The device may further include a pair of weight stacks of removable dumbbells, each attached to a corresponding support arm, and one or more quick release straps for facilitating folding of the device into a closed state for stowage and for strapping the support arms and legs together. The device is lightweight yet structurally configured so as to support a user's entire weight thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Jeff Tuller
  • Patent number: 11547950
    Abstract: A resettable breakaway apparatus may include: a housing having an aperture. A plunger may extend through the aperture, and the plunger may be movably coupled to the housing. The plunger may have a plunger head, and the plunger head may be movable between a first position, in which the plunger head is relatively farther from the housing, and a second position, in which the plunger head is relatively closer to the housing. A tensioner may tension or compress the plunger head in the first position. The apparatus may further include a receiver having a receiver head. The housing may be coupled to a first object and the receiver may be coupled to a second object, and the apparatus may be configured to removably couple the objects together by engaging the plunger head with the receiver head so that the plunger head may be positioned between the first and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Danny Linn Michaels
  • Patent number: 11470960
    Abstract: A stand for holding and dispensing craft materials includes a base having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The base rests on a support surface. A first arm is attached to the first side of the base. A second arm is attached to the second side of the base, spaced apart from the first arm. The arms are perpendicular to the base. Aligned dowel grooves are defined along both the first and the second arm. A ruler is attached to the first second arms parallel to the front of the base and a gap is defined between the base and the ruler. a stand is provided for holding and dispensing rolls of craft materials. The stand includes a dowel. The first and second arms can be attached by hinges to the base upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Susan Brown
  • Patent number: 11351408
    Abstract: An adjustable height balance beam includes an elongate member; opposing upper and lower support columns; opposing base bars; wherein opposing attachment zones of the elongate member are configured for selective attachment to each of the opposing upper support columns, defining a first configuration, and wherein each of the opposing lower support columns is configured for attachment to the corresponding opposing base bars, and the respective opposing base bars, defining a second configuration, for selective height adjustment of the elongate bar relative to the opposing base bars; wherein the height of the elongate bar relative to the opposing base bars may be selectively adjusted when in the first configuration by aligning tension knob ports on the lower support column with a correspondingly selected one of the plurality of linearly displaced apertures on the upper support column to form an aligned attachment channel that is configured for receipt of the tension knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Milliard Enterprises Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Yaakov Landsman, Simcha Bunim Newmark, Sima Kulik, Juan Meng, Jinfeng Zhang, Minsong Wang, Haiyan Yu, Huang Pan
  • Patent number: 11148068
    Abstract: A hurdle assist includes a flexible tubular lower section comprising a first length and a first slit along the first length, a flexible tubular upper section comprising a second length and a second slit along the second length, and a flexible rod which is slidably removably coupled with the flexible upper section. Attaching the hurdle assist to a hurdle mimics a flexible hurdle for the runner to practice without fear of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Mahmoud Niroumand
  • Patent number: 10856655
    Abstract: A collapsible stand for holding and dispensing craft materials includes a base having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A first arm is coupled to the upper surface at the first side of the base by a first hinge. At least one first dowel slot is defined through the first arm. A second arm is coupled to the upper surface at the second side of the base by a second hinge. At least one second dowel slot is defined through the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Susan Brown
  • Patent number: 10604952
    Abstract: A form for constructing a foundation for anchoring a pole vault standard to a support structure adjacent to a landing pad includes a first frame and a first plurality of connectors defining a first connecting pattern for coupling to a corresponding connecting pattern of a base of the first pole vault standard. The form is installable in the support structure and operable for use in fixedly connecting the first base of the pole vault standard to the form. A pair of forms may be employed for constructing a pair of foundations for anchoring a pair of pole vault standards to a support structure adjacent to a landing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Sportsfield Intellectual, LLC
    Inventors: Sean R. Clark, Andrew P. Hannigan
  • Patent number: 10524566
    Abstract: A collapsible stand for holding and dispensing craft materials includes a base having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A first arm is coupled to the upper surface at the first side of the base by a first hinge. At least one first dowel slot is defined through the first arm. A second arm is coupled to the upper surface at the second side of the base by a second hinge. At least one second dowel slot is defined through the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Susan Brown
  • Patent number: 9993710
    Abstract: A sports apparatus, comprising: at least two support columns, and at least two base structures coupled to the at least two support columns. At least one horizontal support bar is coupled to the at least two support columns. The at least one horizontal support bar is moveable and/or adjustable, and comprises at least two openings. At least one connector, disposed entirely below the lower surface of the at least one horizontal support bar, comprises at least two connecting point coupling the at least one connector to the at least one horizontal support bar at a lower surface of the at least one horizontal support bar by engaging with the at least two openings in the at least one horizontal support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Johnny McCoy
  • Patent number: 9808662
    Abstract: A method for consistently placing a crossbar on a pin on a standard used in a vertical distance field event such as high jump and pole vault. The crossbar has a crossbar end with a directional index on at least one surface. In another example embodiment, the crossbar end has a plurality of ordinal indicia alone or with the directional index. A worker notes the placement of the directional index and the ordinal indicia when placing the crossbar a first time. The worker subsequently places the crossbar making sure the directional index and ordinal indicia appear in the same position relative to the standards and relative to the pin on the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: David M. File
  • Patent number: 9566536
    Abstract: The system and method of training an animal to jump using a variable length oxer. The oxer having one or more jump cups located on an adjustable length arm to provide for a jump of varying depth and/or height. The oxer mounts to a standard using a variety of mechanisms. The mount may comprise a jump cup. The oxer may comprise a counterweight and/or a support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Equioxer, LLC
    Inventor: Andrea Manley
  • Patent number: 9561450
    Abstract: A hurdle has a supporting frame and two crossing rods. The two crossing rod each respectively employing a connecting joint, a spring, an engaging member, and a locking screw engageable with two opposing standing bars. The supporting frame includes the two standing bars and a horizontal aperture. The crossing rod has a hollow rod body, a soft protector jacketed onto the rod body, and a secure aperture disposed through an end of crossing rod. The connecting joint includes a hollow tubal structure with an axial hole, a connecting section with a smaller diameter is disposed at an end, a combining aperture disposed on the connecting section. An end of the spring is a hook end and another end is a screw stem having a threaded section and an inner threaded aperture, and the hook end of the spring is placed into the connecting joint through the axial hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Meng-Lun Chung
  • Patent number: 9486714
    Abstract: A hurdle with movable gate tubes that telescope upon uprights has an automatically movable counterweight inside each leg. Each counterweight is attached to two cables. The first cable runs from the leading end of the counterweight to a cable guide inside the leading end of each leg, then to a cable guide at the intersection of the leg and the upright, then to an actuating rod. The second cable runs from the trailing end of the counterweight to a cable guide at the intersection of the leg and the upright, then to a cable guide near the top of the upright, and then to the actuating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Litania Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan R. Carrel, Christopher E. Bray, C. David Hodge
  • Patent number: 9433873
    Abstract: A jump cup for equestrian activities which includes two curved plates for supporting the ends of two jump poles and two hinges that allows the two curved plates to rotate independently from each other and to a single pinned attachment point to a conventional jump standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Lawrence Lee Howard
  • Patent number: 9039575
    Abstract: A sports training agility ladder is usable in a flat ladder position with the ladder rungs on or close to the ground. The ladder may also be moved into and used in a hurdle position where a bridge or center section of each rung is raised up off of the ground. The ladder accordingly provides advantages of an agility ladder and of hurdles. Each rung may have permanently attached left and right tubes forming a frame. Left and right elastic cords may extend through the left and right tubes. The ladder is consequently easily and compactly folded up for storage and transport, and quickly and easily unfolded for use in either the ladder position or the hurdle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Allen Holland
  • Patent number: 8968157
    Abstract: A hurdle includes two base parts, each base part having a hollow space; a counterweight; a gear transmission arranged in each base part to displace the counterweight; tubular elements that include first second tubes displaceable telescopically relative to one another, each of the first tubes being fixed to one of the base parts; locking elements that lock the first and second tubes relative to one another; a bar connecting upper ends of the second tubes; a force-transmitting unit that extends from the hollow space in each base part and is connected to an associated second tube; and guides arranged in each base part, where the gear transmission engages both with the force-transmitting unit and with a driver for the counterweight, where the force-transmitting unit is received in the guides, and where the gear transmission is adapted to cooperate with openings provided in the force transmitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rantzows Sport AB
    Inventor: Goran Lindstrom
  • Publication number: 20140287878
    Abstract: A sports training agility ladder is usable in a flat ladder position with the ladder rungs on or close to the ground. The ladder may also be moved into and used in a hurdle position where a bridge or center section of each rung is raised up off of the ground. The ladder accordingly provides advantages of an agility ladder and of hurdles. Each rung may have permanently attached left and right tubes forming a frame. Left and right elastic cords may extend through the left and right tubes. The ladder is consequently easily and compactly folded up for storage and transport, and quickly and easily unfolded for use in either the ladder position or the hurdle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Allen Holland
  • Patent number: 8517898
    Abstract: A portable hurdle for use primarily athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dieter, Joshua Hoyt
  • Publication number: 20130079197
    Abstract: A portable hurdle for use primarily athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: NIKE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130053219
    Abstract: A hurdle for hurdle racing with two hollow base parts/feet arranged at a distance from one another and designed to rest on a supporting surface, wherein a counterweight is displaceably arranged in each base part, tubular elements extending vertically in relation to the supporting surface are fixed to one end of each base part, with each tubular element consisting of two tubes displaceable telescopically relative to one another, elements for locking the telescopic tubes relative to one another and a bar connects the upper ends of the tubes situated furthest away from the associated base part. A strip-type force-transmitting element extends from the hollow space in each base part to the associated tubular element, and is connected to the tube supporting the bar, a gear transmission device arranged in each base part engages both with the strip-type force-transmitting element and with a driver element for the counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: RANTZOWS SPORT AB
    Inventor: Goran Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 8313417
    Abstract: A portable hurdle for use primarily athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dieter, Joshua Hoyt
  • Publication number: 20120129656
    Abstract: A hurdle includes at least two support structures and an at least approximately horizontal component therebetween. In addition, in at least one embodiment, a height adjustment device for the height of the transverse element above the ground is provided. Each support structure includes two legs, which are connected to each other at an angle in the area of the transverse element. The two legs are connected to each other by an adjustable retaining structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Vojislav Dodic-Portner
  • Patent number: 8057361
    Abstract: A portable workout apparatus comprising a bar, a frame, and a padded structured secured to the frame. The bar is held at an adjustable bar height. The frame supports the bar at the adjustable bar height. The padded structure is secured to the frame, and has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions have a deployed position forming a substantially horizontal surface that forms an opening with the bar and the frame that is adapted to accommodate a user. The first portion is further capable of pivoting, relative to the second portion, to a substantially vertical position for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. McBride, Robert McDonial
  • Patent number: 8029412
    Abstract: A portable hurdle for use primarily athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dieter, Joshua Hoyt
  • Patent number: 8016728
    Abstract: An extender device and system for adjusting the height of a crossbar analogue in pole vault, high jump, horse jumping or other crossbar clearing activities. The system may include a plurality of pulley like devices that maintain a cord spaced about a practice structure. A crossbar analogue is coupled to the cord and the cord arranged so that the crossbar analogue may be readily moved upward or downward. An extender is disclosed that facilitates arrangement and movement of the cord and crossbar analogue in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dale Derry
  • Patent number: 7984696
    Abstract: A cross piece socket assembly includes a first resting bracket spaced from a second resting bracket. The cross piece socket assembly further includes at least one hoop support. The hoop support includes a hoop anchor portion selectively engageable with one of the first and second resting brackets. First and second arms extend from the hoop anchor portion. A cradle socket is fixed between the first and second arms, and the cradle socket is configured to secure the cross piece bar within the cradle socket where the cross piece bar is struck with an impact force less than an impact force capable of causing a horse or rider to fall. When repositioning the cross piece bar at a different height the hoop anchor portion is disengaged from the first resting bracket and moved to the second restring bracket with the cross piece bar continuously secured in the cradle socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Field Jumps LLC
    Inventor: Cynthia Lois Hinds Horrocks
  • Publication number: 20110166000
    Abstract: A power ladder for exercising and fitness is disclosed. Embodiments of the power ladder are lightweight and compact, and fold for easy storage and transport. Embodiments include two flexible plastic side rails and a plurality of rungs connected to the side rails at intervals along the side rails. The rungs connect pivotally and slidably to the rails. The rungs are mounted on telescoping legs so that the rungs may be used in a first position adjacent the ground, in a second position above the ground, and in some embodiments, a third position, mounted higher above the ground than the second position. Using the ladder, persons can train for agility, flexibility and plyometrics, and can thus achieve excellent exercising while having fun. One or more persons or even a team may use the ladder. Larger teams may compete using one ladder or more than one of the ladders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew S. Wight
  • Patent number: 7785233
    Abstract: A hurdle has a crossbar and a pair of vertical legs. The hurdle is designed to give way or collapse when the crossbar is struck by a user to minimize the risk of injury and thereby decrease the user's fear of injury. This is done either by splitting the crossbar into separate left and right sections, or by splitting each of the legs into separate top and bottom sections. This permits the separate sections to break apart from an aligned, end-to-end orientation which they possess in an operative position of the hurdle into a nonaligned orientation after the hurdle has given way or collapsed. An elastic member connects the separate sections and urges the sections back into their aligned, end-to-end orientation when a user picks the sections of the hurdle up and resets the hurdle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas M. Moore
  • Patent number: 7635319
    Abstract: A portable hurdle for use primarily by athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dieter, Joshua Hoyt
  • Publication number: 20090275444
    Abstract: An extender device and system for adjusting the height of a crossbar analogue in pole vault, high jump, horse jumping or other crossbar clearing activities. The system may include a plurality of pulley like devices that maintain a cord spaced about a practice structure. A crossbar analogue is coupled to the cord and the cord arranged so that the crossbar analogue may be readily moved upward or downward. An extender is disclosed that facilitates arrangement and movement of the cord and crossbar analogue in this manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Dale Derry
  • Patent number: 7438668
    Abstract: A hurdle has contiguous trigger tubes along the telescoping tubes. A trigger mechanism inside each trigger tube is used to adjust the height of the hurdle. The trigger mechanism contains a pivoting vertical rod with an inwardly directed perpendicular upper end that extends out of the hole in the trigger tube to form a button and an outwardly directed perpendicular pin at its lower end that engages one of the holes in the upright. The vertical rod has a horizontal pivot bar attached midway along its outward surface. The lower end of the vertical rod is connected to a spring compressed within the trigger tube that forces the pin inwardly and that is further compressed when the button is pushed to release the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Gill Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Watry, Audrea C. Wall
  • Patent number: 7156775
    Abstract: A starting block is used by a runner in a track event. The starting block contains a rail and a pair of foot pedal assemblies, one assembly connected to the left side of the rail and one assembly connected to the right side of the rail. Each foot pedal assembly contains a pad having a width of about five to twelve inches upon which the runner's foot is placed. Each pad contains markings along its width to enable the runner to place his feet at precisely the desired width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Gill Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Watry, Mark W. Arends
  • 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: 6063005
    Abstract: A track and field board supporting apparatus and hurdle includes a support assembly for positioning on a track or field surface, substantially vertical members emanating from said support assembly and a board holder which facilitates securing a board thereto, wherein the board is aligned properly at/over a desired location on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: United Canvas & Sling, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5967093
    Abstract: An equestrian jumping device using telescopic standards which adjust the height of the jump. The jump height is determined by placing an elongated cup having a pin into predetermined holes positioned on the telescopic posts. The elongated cup and adjustable posts enable one to create a corner obstacle comprising of two poles and three standards. The two poles meet at one end in the elongated cup and then proceed in opposite directions to form a triangle or corner. The advantage of the adjustable standard eliminates the standard from protruding above the pole which could injure either horse or rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Topline Equine, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Vitt, Robert Todd Lewis
  • Patent number: 5913283
    Abstract: An equestrian barrier having a standard, a jump cup that can be adjusted to various positions along the standard, and a pole supported by the jump cup. The standard has notches formed at intervals therein. Each notch is defined by a lower arcuate surface. An end of the jump cup has a corresponding curved surface. When the end of the jump cup is received in one of the notches, the pair of curved surfaces oppose each other and the torsional component of gravity tends to seat an upper surface of the jump cup against an upper surface of the notch. A bracket can be provided to increase stability by engaging a groove formed on an opposite side of the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph S. Coury
  • Patent number: 5662556
    Abstract: A specially designed foldable exercise apparatus is provided for doing pull-ups or chin-ups while the heels of he feet remain on the floor. It includes a chrome-plated steel base with welded upright frame bar supports extendable upward on each side of the base, with an uninterrupted space provided between the upright frame bar supports for the torso of user's body to be placed therebetween. The vertical supports extend upward with one on each side, approximately midway between a front edge and a rear edge of the base, so that the base extends outward in both directions from the vertical support posts. The pull-up supports are fabricated with apertures or notched vertical supports or hooks on the exterior for placement therein of a horizontal support bar which is movable. The support bar is preferably fabricated of tubular steel with rubber caps on each end to prevent slipping off the support posts. An optional cross brace is provided to stabilize the support posts in place in a vertical position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Robert B. Gangloff
  • Patent number: 5622370
    Abstract: A water limbo bar amusement device has a base for supporting vertical support poles. A height adjustment mechanism is frictionally connected to the vertical support poles and a water distribution and spraying unit is in turn connected to the height adjustment mechanism. A limbo bar is rotatably connected to the water distribution and spraying unit and also has a twistable triggering mechanism for actuating the water release mechanism, which releases pressurized water from a chamber to a set of nozzles and rotating fins, thereby getting the user wet. A water release housing has an inlet and an exit port from the chamber. There is a snap action water release mechanism in the water release housing. Upon twisting of the limbo bar, the twistable trigger moves a slidably connected valve body away from the exit port, presses a release pin, and opens a first pressure valve. This causes a decrease in the pressure permitting a second pressure valve to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 5536222
    Abstract: An exercise device designed to be used with a rod or a bar. The exercise device is lightweight and detachable. It does not require clamps or screws to secure it to a tabletop. The exercise device is also portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Jose A. Banda, James R. Langston
  • Patent number: 5527242
    Abstract: A specially designed foldable exercise apparatus is provided for doing pull-ups or chin-ups while the heels of the feet remain on the floor. It includes a chrome-plated steel base with welded vertical bar supports extendable upward on each side of the base, with an uninterrupted space provided between the vertical bar supports for the torso of user's body to be placed therebetween. The vertical supports extend upward with one on each side, approximately midway between a front edge and a rear edge of the base, so that the base extends outward in both directions from the vertical support bars. The pull-up supports are fabricated with apertures or notched vertical supports or hooks on the exterior for placement therein of a horizontal support bar which is movable. The support bar is preferably fabricated of tubular steel with rubber caps on each end to prevent slipping off the support bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Robert B. Gangloff
  • Patent number: 5520595
    Abstract: A beam of electromagnetic wave is suspended at an adjustable distance above a floor or an ice surface by a mechanism that generates electromagnetic wave energy and detects that same energy bounced back from a reflector plate placed a distance apart from the generator source. This beam of electromagnetic transmission suspended across the distance between the transceiver and reflector keeps an electric switch open and an electric alarm disabled or silent. Whenever the invisible beam is broken or cut by any obstruction, such as a skate's boot or leg, the alarm mechanism is energized and it will signal an interruption. The alarm signal indicates how high the skater did not reach, so that a practicing skater can be certain of step by step upward progress by constantly trying to keep the alarm off or silent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Allan W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5501647
    Abstract: Structural conduits and fittings are interconnected to form a stand having long, horizontal feet that extend close alongside opposite sides of a standard step aerobics exercise step. Upright legs of the stand have lower portions angled upward and outward from the feet, leading to upper vertical portions or columns that are offset outward from the opposite sides of the step. A horizontal hand bar used for balance is supported by the columns and can be adjusted up or down to accommodate users of different heights. The feet of the device can be swivelled so as to lie substantially in the same plane as the top bar and legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Marnie Snyder
  • Patent number: 5352057
    Abstract: A release key for adjustable track hurdles having telescoping members with a biased detent locking assembly located within a pair of longitudinal telescoping members, wherein the detent extends outwardly through aligned apertures in the telescoping members to selectively lock those members in predetermined longitudinal positions. The key features a pressure plate having inner and outer faces, with the inner face having an inwardly extending release protuberance and shaped portion which corresponds in conformation with at least a portion of the outer surface of the telescoping members. The outer face preferably includes a handle to further facilitate manipulation by the user, and the release protuberance is aligned with the biased detent in use and extends at least partially into the aligned apertures when its inner face is placed in contact with the outer surface of the telescoping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Charles R. Zody
  • Patent number: 5334121
    Abstract: An interchangeable/adjustable hurdle component assembly made of a collection of interchangeable parts. The assembly has a plurality of leg support pairs of varying lengths which can be utilized as vertical leg supports or horizontal leg supports. One leg support pair is utilized as a first and second vertical leg support, and one leg support pair is utilized as a first and second horizontal leg support. The first vertical leg support is connected to a first tee and to a first elbow, and the second vertical leg support is connected to a second tee and second elbow. The vertical leg supports determine the height of the hurdle. The first horizontal leg support is connected to the first tee and the second horizontal leg support is connected to the second tee to provide support to the hurdle assembly. A crossbar connects to the first and second elbows. The component parts are tubular for realizing snap-fit connections. Both tees of the assembly are identical and interchangeable as are both elbows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. McPhilomy
  • Patent number: 5199930
    Abstract: An adjustable height training hurdle is provided for which allows variation of the height of the hurdle from near ground level up to regulation height. A slip gear is utilized to create a scissor action of the hurdle legs thus offering incremental adjustment of the hurdle height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Dennis W. Weber
  • Patent number: 5120077
    Abstract: A limbo game device and method of amusement for testing the flexibility of and balance of the players. Each player is required to pass beneath a horizontal stream of water. All successful players, those who remain dry, then make an additional pass beneath the stream of water which has been lowered relative to the ground. The height of the stream of water is successively lowered until only one player remains dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Belli