Hand, Wrist, Or Finger Patents (Class 482/44)
  • Patent number: 7935026
    Abstract: Extremity therapy apparatus configured to maintain an extremity in a suitable geometry for performing extremity therapy. The extremity therapy apparatus includes two or more arcuate members which are radially repositionable about a common vertical axis with a support member and/or base member. Each arcuate member is configured to maintain a radial element in a suitable geometry with the extremity for performing the extremity therapy by providing a bias force or movement inhibition in opposition to movement of at least a joint associated with the extremity undergoing the extremity therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Tyrone G. McSorley
  • Patent number: 7935035
    Abstract: A gyroscopic exercise device has a pair of handles attached to a housing. A user holds and rotates the handles along cone-like paths causing precession of a rotor, which is rotating about its spin axis, to provide resistance to the user. The device has an axle disc that holds ends of an axle of the rotor. The periphery of the axle disc and the ends of the rotor axle are within a circular race in the housing. A retracting spool allows pull starting. An optional motor attached to the axle disc has a wheel for rotating the rotor about a spin axis by a temporary supply of power from included batteries in one of the handles. An optional abdominal rolling ring provides abdominal exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Tom Smith
  • Patent number: 7935040
    Abstract: An apparatus having a handle device having a handle, and a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The apparatus may be used with an identical second apparatus by an individual for performing a push up exercise. The handle device may be connected to the base so that the handle device can rotate from a first state in which the handle is temporarily fixed at a position which is closer to the top surface of the base than the bottom surface of the base, to a second state in which the handle is temporarily fixed at a position which is closer to the bottom surface of the base than the top surface of the base. The handle device may include a C-shaped member having a first end and a second end, wherein the C-shaped member can rotate with respect to the base about an axis passing through the first end and the second end of the C-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Stan L. Moskowich
  • Patent number: 7914476
    Abstract: A pediatric digital wrap comprising a flexible T-shaped base member having a first end adapted to fold over and substantially cover a finger tip of a patient's injured digit. A removable insert comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive with a non-adhesive center pad provides protection and padding for the injured digit. The removable insert is secured to the first side of the base member so that the insert is placed directly over the wound of the patient's digit when the first end is folded over the patient's finger tip. A finger strap wraps around the periphery of the patient's injured digit below the patient's finger tip and serves to secure the first end of the base member over the finger tip of the injured digit. A wrist strap is disposed perpendicular to the first end of the base member and adapted to wrap around a patient's wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Darlene Ball, Yvonne Morris
  • Patent number: 7896755
    Abstract: Herein is described a swing training device comprising two handles, each handle with a threaded post, a male manufactured head with a male locking device and a threaded receptacle for the threaded post and a female manufactured head with a female locking device and a threaded receptacle for the threaded post, wherein one handle is connected to each manufactured head by screwing the threaded post into the threaded receptacle, and wherein the male locking device is releasably connected to the female locking device thereby forming the swing training device. The device can be used for general fitness training or to improve a user's golf skills while at the same time exercising, gaining strength and flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: William Michael Eddy
  • Patent number: 7887462
    Abstract: A hand exercise device 100 and method for exercising human hands 102 and digits 104 comprising a plurality of separate digit sleeves 110 wherein the diameter and length are such that the separate digit sleeves 110 slide over finger and thumb digits 105, 106 of a human hand 102; a magnetic element 120 is attached with the separate digit sleeve 110 at or near a distal end 116 of the separate digit sleeve 110, wherein the magnetic element 120 will facilitate a desired exercise in multidirectional movements when the magnetic element 120 is approximated near another magnetic 129 or ferrous metal surface 150. The hand exercise device may include a flat or wavy ferrous material 150, 151, 152 or a randomly disposed magnetic field 161 to aid in exercising the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: David Gordon Bearden
  • Patent number: 7867145
    Abstract: A hand exercise device 100 and method for exercising human hands 102 and digits 104 comprising a plurality of separate digit sleeves 110 wherein the diameter and length are such that the separate digit sleeves 110 slide over the finger and thumb digits 105, 106 of the human hand 102; a magnetic element 120 is attached with the separate digit sleeve 110 near a distal end 116 of the separate digit sleeve 110, wherein the magnetic element 120 will facilitate a desired exercise in multidirectional movements when the magnetic element 120 is approximated near another magnetic 129 or ferrous metal surface 150.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: David Gordon Bearden
  • Patent number: 7846066
    Abstract: A light-emitting control circuit and a wrist training ball using the same are described. The wrist training ball includes a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes an electricity generating circuit and a light-emitting control circuit. The electricity generating circuit generates electric power by rotational kinetic energy of the wrist training ball and outputs the electric power to the light-emitting control circuit. The light-emitting control circuit includes first and second light-emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nano-Second Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei-Sung Chuang
  • Patent number: 7846076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a training apparatus, in particular for the muscle system of the hand, arm and upper body, wherein the apparatus has an elongate casing with at least an essentially circular internal cross section, in the interior of which at least one ball (5) is situated in a freely movable manner between shock absorbers (6). There are various forms of such training apparatuses. Their disadvantages include relatively monotonous training and the difficulty or impossibility of using them to train during another activity, for example during running. In order to avoid this, the invention is characterized in that the casing is of flexible design over at least part of its longitudinal extent, in that the ends of the casing are fastened to a handle part, and in that handle part and casing lie at least essentially on one plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Smovey GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Salzwimmer, Bruno Bernreiter, Karl Wilhelm Enzlberger
  • Publication number: 20100298099
    Abstract: A handheld exercise device in the form a single nonresilient ball, or a pair of balls, which have a copper surface and have internal permanent magnets embedded within the balls which generate magnetic fields around the outer surface of the ball. The balls may be grasped in the palm of a hand and manipulated so as to combine the therapeutic effects of exercise, copper absorption into the skin, and magnetic field therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Norbert T. Wierszewski
  • Publication number: 20100298097
    Abstract: A device for exercise rehabilitation and evaluation of a joint between bone elements of the hand, of the arm or of the leg of a user includes: a portable housing (1), and magnetically controllable resistance devices (10,11,13). A rotable output shaft (9) is directly connected to the controllable resistance devices. Controllers (18) control for controlling at least the supply of current to the controllable resistance devices. Tools (40, 41) mount on the output shaft (9) and are gripable by or attached to the user during the rotation of the output shaft (9). The tools (40, 41) are in direct connection with the rotable output shaft (9) extending out of the housing (1). Mechanical positioners (20, 21, 22) are adapted to user's morphology that enable positioning the joint at a pre-determined position (x,y,z) in a three dimensional reference system attached to the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Universite Libre de Bruxelles
    Inventors: André Preumont, More Avraam
  • Patent number: 7837599
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus to enable a user to perform upper extremity exercises. The apparatus includes an arm with one end connected to a base to securely support the arm while locating the other end adjacent to the user, proximate the user's upper extremities. The arm is formed with a plurality of joints at or between its ends, each joint having one or more rotational degrees of freedom while providing resistance to rotational movement in the one or more degrees of freedom, such that the free end of the arm can be moved in three dimensional space, and such that the arm is self-supporting. A manipulandum assembly including a plurality of manipulanda is attached to the free end of the arm, each manipulandum being positioned within hand grasping range of the user, and each manipulandum being or representing an object encountered in an upper extremity activity of the user's daily life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rehabtronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Kowalczewski, Arthur Prochazka
  • Patent number: 7806811
    Abstract: Curler exercise apparatus includes first and second frames pivotally mounted to each other at a pivot junction proximate a user's extremity joint for exercising extremity muscles against the bias of a biasing member coupled between the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Danowski
  • Patent number: 7797758
    Abstract: There is proposed a finger protector for a sports glove, including a plate that is connected in one piece with strips to be associated to several fingers of one hand, each strip consisting of a chain of members which are connected in one piece with each other and can be moved relative to each other in two opposite directions by means of through holes extending transverse to the chain direction, and a member band with nipples which are pushed into the through holes. The invention further relates to a sports glove incorporating such finger protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Uhlsport GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Keppler, Thomas Spitzer
  • Patent number: 7794377
    Abstract: A push-up device has at least one tubular element, a spring means located inside the tubular element and providing a spring resistance, and a handle associated with the tubular element and a movable by a user against the spring resistance applied by the spring to provide exercising for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Didier Amzallag, Igor Goldman
  • Patent number: 7753828
    Abstract: A jump rope simulator for aerobic and anaerobic exercise having a hand-held unit comprising a handle, a base length connected to the handle, and one or more concatenated extension lengths attached to the base length. To exercise, the user grasps one or two units, imitates the motions of swinging a conventional jump rope, and jumps up and down, but there is no risk to the user of tripping over a rope as with a conventional jump rope. If the user desires, two units may also be linked together with an easily attachable connector to form a device similar to a conventional jump rope. A user can quickly convert between the two configurations of the jump rope simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Cynthia L. Joy, Kenneth R. Johnson, F. Michael Sophir
  • Patent number: 7753827
    Abstract: A wrist roller exercise device is provided which has a roller rod having opposite handle end portions and which has a central portion and has a spool carrier has a central balanced cable connection point. A cable is connected to the cable connection point and also connected to an elevated frame member to secure and hold the carrier at a desired elevation above ground surface. A spool is attached on the central portion of said rod member with the rod member and the spool each being rotatable relative to the spool carrier. The spool also has a rope connection thereon. A rope is provided which has a first rope end attached to the rope connection and a second rope end connected to a weight object of desired mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel W. Emick
  • Patent number: 7736275
    Abstract: A wrist exercise includes a casing composed of upper and lower casing members mating each other to form a hollow sphere, a retention ring fixed between the upper and lower casing members, a rotor rotatably supported inside the casing by the retention ring. Cavities are formed in opposite sides of the rotor and are each divided into chambers by partitions fixed in the cavities. Holes are defined in an outside surface of the rotor and are in communication with the chambers, whereby, in operation of the wrist exerciser, the rotor is rotated and high-speed airflows are caused between the holes and the chambers due to centrifugal forces induced by the rotation of the rotor, which airflows generate sounds, thereby effecting sound generation of the wrist exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7736276
    Abstract: An illuminating wrist exerciser includes upper and lower casing members, a ring, a rotor, a magnetic element, an illumination control circuit board, a plurality of illuminators, and a coil holder. The upper and lower casing members mate each other to form an interior space receiving the rotor therein. The upper casing member forms in a top portion thereof an opening to partially expose the rotor. Opposite ends of the rotor are rotatably coupled to the ring surrounding the rotor. The magnetic element is mounted to the ring. The illumination control circuit board and the coil holder are received in a recess defined in one of the ends of the rotor. The coil holder forms a bore in which the magnetic element is received. The coil holder carries thereon at least one pair of coils. The illuminators are distributively arranged on an outer surface of the rotor and are electrically connected to the illumination control circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin, Pei Sung Chuang
  • Patent number: 7731633
    Abstract: An exercise glove for intrinsic muscles and method of use. The exercise glove incorporates rigid ribs having rib distal end angles corresponding to patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles. The ribs passively hold the patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles in extension, while the patient actively flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints to obtaining optimal intrinsic muscle stretching. The rib distal end angles may be set by a physical therapist to correspond to individual patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles, or alternately an array of ribs of different rib distal end angles may be provided with the exercise glove, from which rib assortment the physical therapist may choose ribs having appropriate rib distal end angles ribs to attach to the exercise glove. The method includes the steps of using the exercise glove to passively hold metacarpal phalangeal joints in extension, while actively flexing proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Randall K. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100048359
    Abstract: An illuminating wrist exerciser includes upper and lower casing members, a ring, a rotor, a magnetic element, an illumination control circuit board, a plurality of illuminators, and a coil holder. The upper and lower casing members mate each other to form an interior space receiving the rotor therein. The upper casing member forms in a top portion thereof an opening to partially expose the rotor. Opposite ends of the rotor are rotatably coupled to the ring surrounding the rotor. The magnetic element is mounted to the ring. The illumination control circuit board and the coil holder are received in a recess defined in one of the ends of the rotor. The coil holder forms a bore in which the magnetic element is received. The coil holder carries thereon at least one pair of coils. The illuminators are distributively arranged on an outer surface of the rotor and are electrically connected to the illumination control circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: YUN YU CHUANG, MING HUNG LIN, PEI SUNG CHUANG
  • Patent number: 7662068
    Abstract: A two piece finger weight device including a weight member and a strap for connecting the weight member to a finger. The device has an arcuate surface for receiving a strap defined by transversely spaced flanges at each end of the arcuate surface and outwardly extending flanges at the central portion of the arcuate section. The strap is secured to the weight member by interfitting openings in the strap with outwardly extending projections provided on the arcuate surface. The strap is further retained in position by a hinged member secured to one flange member, which hinged member is extended over the strap on the arcuate surface and secured to a projection located on the other flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew S. Geller
  • Patent number: 7621857
    Abstract: A shoulder exercising apparatus has a motion assembly defined by a stacked arrangement of first, second and third stages. The first stage is coupled to the second stage to permit relative one-dimensional straightline motion therebetween. The third stage is coupled to the second stage to permit relative in-plane rotational motion therebetween. The motion assembly further includes means for selectively limiting the relative one-dimensional straightline motion and the relative in-plane rotational motion. A handle coupled to the third stage is grasped by a user. A base assembly is coupled to the first stage of the motion assembly for positioning the motion assembly at a selected vertical height, a selected pitch position, and a selected yaw position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Domenic J. Pompile
  • Patent number: 7618349
    Abstract: A method of exercise or manipulative therapy is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first mass of putty, introducing an additive to the first mass of putty, and physically manipulating the first mass with the additive in order to create a combined mass. The combined mass exhibits a noticeable change in stiffness relative to the first mass, yet retains substantially the same weight and color of the first mass. Additionally disclosed is a kit for providing manipulative therapy of varying difficulty to a user. The kit includes a first mass of putty and an additive, which is initially separate from the first mass. If the additive is combined with the first mass, a combined mass is created. The combined mass exhibits a noticeable change in stiffness relative to the first mass, yet retains substantially the same weight and color of the first mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Aaron Muderick
  • Publication number: 20090253555
    Abstract: An exercise ring with properties ideally suited for exercising by a user sitting at a desk or work station is disclosed. The exercise ring is nested within the outer rim of a computer mouse pad such that a user may easily remove the device and use it while seated at a desk or work station and serves the second function as a wrist rest when mounted on the mouse pad. The exercise ring is made of elastic material that exhibits high visco-elastic properties when being manually stretched and contracted. The unique visco-elastic properties cause the exercise ring to exert a larger force on the user's muscles when the ring is being stretched and a smaller force is exerted on the user's muscles while the ring is being contracted. This combination of exercise ring properties has been found to provide an optimum work out when exercising in a confined space and reduces the chance of the user being impacted by an accidentally released exercise ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Manuel Eduardo Tellez
  • Patent number: 7594876
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7572210
    Abstract: A device for training an athlete to grip a ball, which is particularly well-suited to train an individual, such as a girl, to correctly grip a softball. The device may include a body having two or more openings defined thereby. Each one of the openings is configured to have inserted therein at least one finger of a user. When worn by a user, the grip training device causes a ball that is held by the user to be spaced apart from the user's palm and to be gripped by the fingertips, which may provide additional control and speed of the ball when pitched. The grip training device may include, e.g., five openings, wherein each one of the five openings is configured to have inserted therein one of the five fingers of a user's hand, or may instead include a multi-finger opening that is configured to have inserted therein more than one finger of a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Gaspare Frank Marinello
  • Publication number: 20090197741
    Abstract: A hand, wrist and arm exercise and therapy device includes a finger push bar pivotally connected to a base and a wrist support with massagers for massaging the wrist during movement of the push bar. The push bar is moveable between a neutral position, an extended position and a locked stretching position. The massagers may be moved by movement of the push bar to better massage the wrist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Poillucci, James R. Varney, Bryan R. Hotaling
  • Patent number: 7557286
    Abstract: An exercise training device having a stick portion, which may simulate the handle of a drumstick, weight means attachable to one end of the stick portion, the weight means biasing the movement of the stick portion, and providing stimulation to muscles used, for strengthening, flexibility, control, agility and endurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Dino J Capotosto
  • Patent number: 7537577
    Abstract: A low-profile, simple, orthotic glove with wrist support attachment for treating loss or impairment of extensor and/or flexor muscle function in the upper extremities, particularly in the wrist, hand and fingers, due to a peripheral neuropathy. The glove is attractive, comfortable, easy to use, and can be made with an optional wrist support attachment either built into the glove or added as an optional attachment, and can include thermoplastic to provide rigidity. The glove has channels into which interchangeable resilient digit extensor elements, or stays, of varying resiliency are placed such that stays of greater or lesser resiliency can be inserted if the degree of the patient's extensor muscle control changes, or the medical practitioner in charge decides that there is a need to change the support and exercise treatment regimens. The splint also has several improvements for thumb support, additional digit extension support, and for supination of the forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Carolyn Hoyne Phelan, Daniel Robert Baumgartner, Timothy John Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20090093345
    Abstract: A toe and finger stretching device comprising a separator for receiving at least two toes there within, the separator including a duality of shaped openings, each shaped opening adapted for receiving an individual digit of the human foot and the shaped openings being from 0.25 to 2.0? in length, the separator further comprising a stretch width section, said stretch width section interposed between the shaped openings, the separator spreading the toes between 0.25 to 2.0? in width; such that when the toes are inserted into the shaped openings the toes are contactless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: KURT FINDEISEN
  • Publication number: 20090048071
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Publication number: 20090029830
    Abstract: A grip strengthener with therapy ball includes a resilient pad and ball. The pad is flat and has at least one side surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a ball mount and a finger slit. The ball mount is defined through the pad and has an inner edge. The finger slit is defined in the top surface of the pad between the ball mount and one of the at least one side surface. The ball is mounted detachably in the ball mount of the pad and has an outer surface, a mounting groove, a top side and a bottom side. The mounting groove is defined around the outer surface of the ball and engages the inner edge of the ball mount in the pad. The top side and the bottom side respectively protrude the top surface and the bottom surface of the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Pang-Ching Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080318734
    Abstract: An special device used for wrist snap developing and exercising for softball pitchers. The device is a new combination of existing devices that provide an effective, practical and economical way to maximize a pitcher's capability through proper training and exercise. The device is comprised of a softball; a tensioner device; a means to adjust the tensioner; and a means to adjustably secure the softball to the tensioner wherein said special device may be used to develop and exercise the wrist, fingers and arm of a softball pitcher. The device includes features that permit full padding of the arm and wrist for comfort and endurance. The device includes features for easy adjustment of the tension and the ball location, plus a quick change feature for switching ball types and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Tim Parnell
  • Patent number: 7462133
    Abstract: A forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a driven yoke, a driven wheel and an adjustable tensioner. The base frame is attached to a stationary object, such as a wall. The handle rod extends from the driver wheel and the handle rod is pivotally retained by the base frame. The driven wheel is forced against the driver wheel. A second embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a tension belt and an adjustable tensioner. A third embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic flow valve and a pair of extension shafts. A fourth embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver gear, a driven gear, a flywheel and an electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Richard L. Herman, Gordon H. Smith
  • Patent number: 7451667
    Abstract: A precessional device having independent control of the output torque generated by the device and the oscillation rate of the device is disclosed. The device comprises a rotor supported by an axle wherein the ends of the axle are supported by a circular race. The circular race is rotatable, and may be driven by a motor or other means, thereby controlling the oscillation rate of the device independently of the output torque arising from the rotation rate of the rotor. The motor may be controlled by a control program that adjusts the rotation rate of the circular race to modify the shape of the resistance curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Winston Hamady
  • Patent number: 7452307
    Abstract: A balance-enhancing and vibration-reducing device is incorporated in a wrist exerciser to enhance force balance and reduce vibration caused in the operation of the wrist exerciser. The device includes a ring mounted in a casing of the wrist exerciser and defining diametrically opposite holes that rotatably receive axles of a rotor of the wrist exerciser. A coupler is mounted to an inner circumference of the ring in position corresponding to at least one of the holes. The coupler includes a tube extending in a radial direction of the ring. The tube forms a central bore to rotatably receive the corresponding axle. A plurality of resilient pawls is formed at a free end of the tube and distributed along a circumference of the free end. A balance-enhancing and vibration-reducing element has a central bore fit over the tube of the coupler by elastically deforming the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7448985
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Publication number: 20080248927
    Abstract: A therapy device and methods thereof for increasing the flexibility and range of motion to the wrist, fingers, and thumb of a person is disclosed. The therapy device is directed to the stretching of the wrist, fingers, and thumb to improve range of motion, especially in such conditions as post-stroke spasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: John Edward Ivey
  • Patent number: 7431680
    Abstract: The operator exercises by gripping a palm bar in each hand. Each end of a static or non-stretchable line or cord is run through a tunnel within a respective palm bar and secured therein, usually with a knot. A pivoting impinger is installed within the palm bar so that its head swings into the bottom of the tunnel against the static line to keep it from slipping out of place. Each end of a different cord, a stretchable one, is anchored within the ends of the palm bar with its mid-portion, usually padded, arranged to snugly encircle the back of the operator's respective hand for support. The mid-portion of the static line runs through a pulley system which has an impingement strap connected to it for anchoring to a wall or door in any one of several ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Sylvester Hinds, Loyd William Bonneville
  • Publication number: 20080214330
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for restricting the distance between a user's wrists is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a removable first wrist cuff with a first fastener for securing the first wrist cuff to a user's wrist and a first attachment member connected to the first wrist cuff. The apparatus also comprises a removable second wrist cuff with a fastener for securing the second wrist cuff to a user's wrist and a second attachment member connected to the second wrist cuff. An elastic member is attached to both first and second attachment members such that, in operation, a user's wrists are respectively encircled by said first and second wrist cuffs and the distance between said first and second wrist cuffs is limited by said elastic member. The apparatus may be used for athletic training such as football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, boxing, and weight lifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew Mitchell Goebel
  • Patent number: 7416520
    Abstract: Curler exercise apparatus includes first and second frames pivotally mounted to each other at a pivot junction proximate a user's extremity joint for exercising extremity muscles against the bias of a biasing member coupled between the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Danowski
  • Patent number: 7416537
    Abstract: Instrumented orthoses with more sophisticated structures provide for coordinated support and rehabilitation of complex joints and multiple injured joints. Improved instrumented orthoses can include hinges that can rotate in multiple different planes. Particularly preferred embodiments include a shoulder brace with a hand hold and a lower extremities brace. Preferably, a control unit monitors the output of transducers used to instrument the brace. A patient can be prompted by the control unit for the performance of a variety of different monitored exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Stark, Duane Oyen, Blair P. Mowery
  • Patent number: 7381156
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a body having at least one recess formed therein, the recess being configured and dimensioned to receive a finger of a user, and an elastic member removably disposed around a periphery of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Silagy
  • Patent number: 7377888
    Abstract: Rotatable hand supports for performing advanced pushups on a floor or ground surface. The main handle of the supports has a grip portion constructed to be grasped by a user. The base has a bottom portion adapted to contact the floor, a top portion rotatably connected to the bottom portion, and a bearing assembly supporting the top portion on said bottom portion. A support connects the handle to the top portion of the base and supports the handle at an elevated position relative to the base and above the floor. A hand clutch extends from the main handle and can be squeezed to perform hand-grip exercises simultaneously with a pushup exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Temico R. Godbold
  • Patent number: 7351186
    Abstract: A forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a driven yoke, a driven wheel and an adjustable tensioner. The base frame is attached to a stationary object, such as a wall. The handle rod extends from the driver wheel and the handle rod is pivotally retained by the base frame. One end of the driven yoke is pivotally retained by the base frame and the driven wheel is pivotally retained by the other end thereof. The driven wheel is forced against the driver wheel with the adjustable tensioner. A second embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a tension belt and an adjustable tensioner. A third embodiment of the forearm and wrist exercise device includes a base frame, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic flow valve and a pair of extension shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Richard L. Herman, Gordon H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080076647
    Abstract: A light-weight, portable exercise device for conditioning and rehabilitation of human buttocks, thighs, and hips which can also be utilized to condition other parts of the body. The instant invention includes a first and second arm, identical in configuration and joined at a point of rotation. Each arm possesses an adjustable compression member, such as a spring, located in a position distal from the point of rotation. Further illustrated is a multi-bearing stabilization system comprising at least one flexible cable in communication with the compression means and reeved through at least three bearings. This multi-bearing stabilization system ensures consistently fluid operation of the instant invention in order to eliminate any compromise in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Erlinda Fine
  • Publication number: 20080058166
    Abstract: A wrist exercise includes a casing composed of upper and lower casing members mating each other to form a hollow sphere, a retention ring fixed between the upper and lower casing members, a rotor rotatably supported inside the casing by the retention ring. Cavities are formed in opposite sides of the rotor and are each divided into chambers by partitions fixed in the cavities. Holes are defined in an outside surface of the rotor and are in communication with the chambers, whereby, in operation of the wrist exerciser, the rotor is rotated and high-speed airflows are caused between the holes and the chambers due to centrifugal forces induced by the rotation of the rotor, which airflows generate sounds, thereby effecting sound generation of the wrist exerciser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7329211
    Abstract: An exerciser uses a handle and bracket combined with a resistance that opens the bracket away from the handle to facilitate wrist cocking in a backswing region of a simulated swing. As the handle moves downward and forward toward a hitting region of the swing, the bracket moves to a closed position requiring the exerciser's wrists to uncock against the resistance in approaching the hitting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kellion Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 7326122
    Abstract: A training device (10) for strengthening the swing muscle groups of a golfer while enhancing proper muscle memory wherein, the device (10) includes a hollow ball (21?) having a meridian line (22) that divides the ball (21) into two visually distinct hemispheres (23), (24) and further including two pairs of elongated apertures (27A), (27B), (27C) and (27D) which are dimensioned to receive the user's hands and which extend into the hollow interior of the ball (21?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Othili Park