Occupant Propelled Support Frame Having Movement Facilitating Feature For Foot Travel Patents (Class 482/66)
  • Patent number: 6001047
    Abstract: A stationary baby walker is provided including a stationary frame. A baby seat is movable along the frame and rotatable for allowing a baby to walk along a path, turn around, and again walk along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Giovanna Ferrara
  • Patent number: 5997444
    Abstract: A system for supporting and assisting physically challenged users for going on foot, the system comprising a supporting assembly, a fixture suspended from the supporting assembly, a body-supporting assembly carried by the fixture for embracing and accommodating the user in seated and standing positions a brake mounted with one of the fixture and the body-supporting assembly for movement in reciprocal directions between a first position spaced from a support surface and a second position for abutting the support surface to stabilize the body-supporting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Kinney L. McBride
  • Patent number: 5961541
    Abstract: An exoskeleton for the support of a patient's body is jointed opposite the hip and knee articulations, and is provided with a number of small actuators that are designed to move jointed parts of the exoskeleton in accordance with the human gait. A control unit is programmed to control the operation of the actuators so as to impress on the exoskeleton the movements of the human gait. A remote control for operation of the control unit allows the patient to transmit commands to the unit in order to start or stop the lower limbs, as well as to adjust the step speed. An electronic virtual reality unit transmits to the patient, through a special helmet, virtual reality pictures and stimulation interactive with the walking movement that is impressed by the exoskeleton on the patient's body. A framework can be used to steady and support the person and allow the person to walk at the same time, and has grips having operating push buttons for the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Benito Ferrati
  • Patent number: 5904168
    Abstract: A walker having an expandable seat adapted to accommodate users of varying body sizes to enter the walker and get in and out of the seat. The walker comprises a front cross bar having two tubular ends, and two side frames rotatably connected to each of the tubular ends of the front cross bar, so that the side frames can be rotated inward and outward with respect to the front cross bar. A telescopic upper crossbar is mounted between the side frames at the upper horizontal tubing for limiting the angular movement of the side frames when a desired position has been selected. The expandable seat includes a tubular rear end, to which a pair of seat support rods are slidably mounted. A bracket is rotatably attached to each of the sliding rods for engaging the side braces of the side frame when the seat is folded down in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Moris Alulyan
  • Patent number: 5897462
    Abstract: A tubular-frame rocking platform is provided with a wheeled platform. To the structure a resistance rod is selectively locked in a forward part of the chair and extends rearwardly through a rearward element of the chair and is provided with a spring and head. When the occupant pushes back to rock the chair backwards, he does so against the opposition of the spring. This done repeatedly has therapeutic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Robert J. St. Germain
  • Patent number: 5888178
    Abstract: An extender unit for an infant walker in which the unit is adapted to extend laterally outwardly away from the walker base. The unit is formed of a plurality of extender segments which can be releasably locked to each other and to the walker base by wheel inserts having one-way locks. Wheel assemblies are inserted into the wheel posts on the extender unit. The extender segments, wheel posts, and wheel assemblies can be shipped separate from the infant walker and assembled to the walker at a use site. The walker device cannot be used by an infant without the extender unit because all wheel assemblies are mounted in the extender unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Welsh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5876309
    Abstract: A new jogging exercise stroller for allowing joggers to move their arms in a more natural jogging motion. The inventive device includes a stroller portion defined by a frame member. The frame member has a pair of rear wheels and a forward wheel. The frame member has a seat portion disposed therein. The frame member includes a lower cross bar and an upper cross bar. The upper cross bar has a pair of annular recesses extending therearound at opposing ends thereof. A pair of arcuate handles are coupled with the stroller portion. The handles each have a lower end coupled with the annular recesses of the upper cross bar. A pair of shock absorbers extend between the pair of arcuate handles and the lower cross bar of the stroller portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Oatess E. Archey
  • Patent number: 5862825
    Abstract: A collapsible walker that includes a front frame, a pair of side frames, and a pair of levers. The front frame has a pair of skewed surfaces. The pair of side frames are hingedly attached to the front frame and are parallel thereto when the collapsible walker is in the closed position and are perpendicular thereto when the collapsible walker is in the open position. The pair of side frames have notches therein with skewed surfaces, with the pair of skewed surfaces of the front frame being vertically movable in the notches. The skewed surfaces of the pair of side frames move relative to the pair of skewed surfaces of the front frame as the collapsible walker is achieving the open position, until such time as it achieves the open position in which the pair of skewed surfaces of the front frame and drop down in the notches and mate with, and abut against, the skewed surfaces therein so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween and further rotation of the pair of side frames in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Graham-Field, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Leonard
  • Patent number: 5857944
    Abstract: A stationary baby jumper apparatus is provided. The jumper apparatus includes a support frame having a U-shaped base leg with upstanding ends. A cantilevered seat-support leg is mounted upon the upstanding ends of the U-shaped base leg. A chair seat is suspended from the seat-support leg. Connectors are provided and are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the cantilevered seat-support leg. The chair seat is suspended from the seat-support leg by shock cords that extend between the chair seat and the connectors. Each shock cord includes a first end coupled to a respective connector, a second end coupled to the frame of the chair seat, and an extensible center portion extending between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Cone, Michael S. Rosko
  • Patent number: 5839740
    Abstract: A cart for injured persons, designed as an alternative to crutches for individuals with an injured leg. A padded leg support surface provides a comfortable location upon which the injured leg (or cast) may be rested. The cart is propelled by the individual using the uninjured leg. The front of the cart includes two wheels mounted on forks each having a handle bar that extends upwardly. A front pad is attached to the handle bars to provide a comfortable surface for the user to lean against. Hand brakes are also included for gripping opposing sides of the front wheels to brake the cart when brake levers on the handle bars are activated. The upper ends of both handle bars also include an elastomeric hand grip. The padded leg support surface is supported by a leg support assembly that is configured to be attached to either side of the cart. This allows a user to accommodate a left or a right injured leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Jerral C. Seeger
  • Patent number: 5813948
    Abstract: An adult walker having a suspended seat assembly which may be adjusted to accommodate the user. Included is an adjustable support frame which may be raised and lowered with respect to the walking surface. This walker is accessed from the rear, making it safer and easier to enter and exit. Also included is a ramp for ease of access by a wheelchair user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventors: Robert T. Quigg, James A. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5800317
    Abstract: The invention relates to wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc. used by disabled or recuperating persons in cases of injury or disablement of the lower leg, ankle or foot. In particular the invention relates to an asymmetrical side support four wheel side support kneeling walker to be used when a person's lower leg, ankle or foot is non-functional. Balance is provided by a side extension, similar to a training wheel, which extends outward from the same side of the walker as the immobilized leg. This side extension serves as an outrigger to give the wheels of the walker an asymmetrical arrangement relative to the center axis of the vehicle. The foot and leg support rectangular platform and tubular frame are adjustable. It is preferred that the device be easily folded for storage and constructed of steel tubing for durability and strength and have a hand brake for stability and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Roderick William Accetta
  • Patent number: 5795269
    Abstract: Gait therapy aid or trainer controls the movement of the feet of the user to travel in substantially a straight line, coordinates the walking movement of the user with that of the aid so that movement of the body of the user and of the training device in the direction of walking are essentially the same by interconnecting a pair of foot pieces and the body of the device via a motion controlling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Innovative Therapy Aids Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Allan Bawtree, Kevin James Trawin, Jason Edward Pope
  • Patent number: 5743836
    Abstract: A baby walker including a seat, an annular base frame, two pairs of wheels symmetrically mounted on the base frame, two links connected in parallel between the two pairs of wheels above the base frame, and two crossed supports connected between the links and the seat, wherein the base frame is comprised of an annular upper plate and an annular bottom plate; each wheel is comprised of a circular bottom shell fixedly coupled to the annular upper plate of the base frame and moved with it along the annular bottom plate of the base frame, and an upper shell pivoted to the circular bottom shell and having an arm pivoted to one end of one link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Yin-Ying Lo
  • Patent number: 5728030
    Abstract: An infant training walker has a base platform, a disk-shaped tread member rotatably supported approximately flush therewith, and a belt-shaped restraint spaced above the platform in eccentric relation to the tread member for laterally restraining an occupant of the walker. Preferably, a seat element having leg openings depends from the restraint, and the restraint is rotatable within a tray having an array of toy elements. Thus the occupant is encouraged to exercise in a variety of angular orientations relative to the tread member. The occupant can walk with both feet on the tread member, and can also keep one foot on the platform while moving the other foot on the tread member. The tray is adjustable in height, being supported from the platform on telescoping legs. A vertically extending seat back attachment can augment a back-supporting portion of the restraint when the walker is used by larger toddlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Charles Ping-Chao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5688211
    Abstract: A child exerciser device in which an integral seat and tray are adapted to bounce relative to a bouncer ring. The bouncer ring rotates relative to a cross piece member by means of a lazy susan mechanism. The cross piece includes pivotable legs which are adapted to be adjustably engaged in tubular members extending upward from a base member which allows the device to rock in only one back and forth direction. The top portion of the device is removable from the base member and can be disposed within the base member whereby the collapsed unit can be manually transported and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Myers
  • Patent number: 5590892
    Abstract: A carriage for babies to learn to walk includes an upper plate, a bedrock and supporting poles. It can slide on the ground freely. Brake and slide-resisting equipment have been installed in both sides of the bedrock. The brake and slide-resisting equipment comprises a shaft, a cylinder, and a slide-resisting plate. The shaft enables the slide-resisting plate to move freely in the cylinder. Moreover, the shaft can reach the ground and become fixed. The use of a brake and slide-resisting equipment on one side makes the carriage revolve around the slide-resisting plate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Stephen Hu
  • Patent number: 5579793
    Abstract: A foldable walker (10) includes a first pair of opposed legs (14,16) and a second pair of opposed legs (13,15). A housing (25) is positioned between the first pair of legs (14,16). The housing (25) carries a lock/release mechanism (35) that includes a depressible button (36). The button (36) is connected to levers (45,47) such that when the button (36) is depressed, the levers (45,47) rotate to translate rods (51,53), respectively. When the rods (51,53) are so moved, pawls (68) connected to the rods (51,53) are rotated out of their normal engagement with bosses (60) carried by the first pair of legs (14,16). The first pair of legs (14,16) may then be rotated with respect to the housing (25) so that the second pair of legs (13,15) are positioned adjacent to each other and to the housing (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Health Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Gajewski, Evan T. Ward, Shivaprasad Dhanapal
  • Patent number: 5538268
    Abstract: A foldable walking stabilizer device to assist movement of a physically disabled person, having a base with horizontally aligned opposed arms joined by a connecting arm, rotatable wheel assemblies adapted for rotation responsive to movement by a disabled person, one wheel assembly arranged on each of opposed base arms, upright members extending from each opposed arm above a wheel assemblies, supporting the disabled person between the base arms, and means for regulating movement of the device. The device has a novel spring loaded caster assembly for clearing obstacles, and a braking and tension system which permit the device to be stopped or slowed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5522782
    Abstract: A frame having vertically extending corner posts and horizontal rails therebetween in a rectangular configuration. A support plate positionable in a horizontal orientation with parallel lateral side edges and a circular hole through the center thereof. A child seat positioned within the hole of the support plate. Linear bearing surfaces formed by horizontal slots on facing surfaces of the horizontal rails and the lateral edges of the support plate received within the slots to allow for the smooth linear sliding movement of the plate with respect to the frame. A circular bearing surface formed between the inner edge of the hole and the outer edge of the seat to allow smooth rotational movement of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: Dragan Kurtin, Miro Kurtin
  • Patent number: 5520597
    Abstract: A light weight trainer to help infants to learn to walk safely, efficiently and effectively. A broad base provides a tip resistant trainer that can be easily and quickly adjusted to a comfortable height for different infants. This trainer can be locked into a folded position of minimum volume for packing, transporting and storage without tools. A scaled up model would provide more security and ease of use to adult users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Robert A. Tobin
  • Patent number: 5518475
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving within a region includes a base, a tray and a plurality of legs intercoupling the base and the tray. The tray carries a seat and is constructed and arranged so that a person sitting in the seat may use foot power to translate in any direction within a predetermined region and rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Patent number: 5499955
    Abstract: A patient support for use with parallel bars which includes a carriage which is selectively and movably mounted on the upper surface of the parallel bars. The support has a braking mechanism for braking the movement of the support with respect to the parallel bars. The carriage can be transversely adjusted and includes a pair of upstanding adjustable handles which can be grasped by the patient during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Rolyan, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny L. Becker, Kevin W. Bork, Carl Krippendorf
  • Patent number: 5470294
    Abstract: A baby exercise device comprising an elongated pole section including first and second pole members slidably connected to one another and securable in a fixed position by tightening a thumb screw device connected between the first and second pole members; and a butterfly bar, rotatably mounted on the pole section in a manner such that a lower section of the bar is positioned about eight inches above the floor. Each pole member includes a suction cup connector mounted at a distal end thereof in a manner to allow the sole section to be mounted between the floor and ceiling of a structure with one suction cup in contact with the ceiling and one suction cup in contact with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: T&M Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5451093
    Abstract: An infant seat unit includes a seat or harness disposed on a table, the table being resiliently mounted on a base unit at spaced circumferential intervals displaced away from the seat itself so that the seat and table are free to bounce up and down with respect to the base, and the seat also can be made to be rotatable with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Item New Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiden J. Petrie, John G. Matthews, Stephen E. Lane
  • Patent number: 5433682
    Abstract: An infant exerciser adapted for use in a substantially stationary location has a combined tray and infant seat which are attached to a base such that the tray and seat can be revolved conjointly in an orbital manner. The seat can also rotate about its own axis of rotation, whereby an infant who is positioned in the seat can walk along a circular path and/or turn in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Pediasafe Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Fermaglich, Lois F. Fermaglich
  • Patent number: 5409437
    Abstract: An infant walker comprising an infant carriage unit, a central anchor member including a central pivoting member, and an attachment arm connected to the infant carriage unit and releasably attached to the central pivoting member is provided for allowing an infant to walk only in a circular path about the central anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Lauro, Timothy J. Banach, Edward M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5407246
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 5351700
    Abstract: A walkabout with fall control for assisting people with varying degrees of difficulty walking includes a base frame attached to a adjustable height top frame with a adjustable height seat and a fall control assembly which directs a person toward the seat in the event of a fall. The base and top completely encircle the person. A portion of the top pivots outward to open and allow ingress and egress of the walkabout. The seat is positioned below and at the rear of the top. An open space is provided in front of the seat for a occupant to stand and walk. Multiple upright supports taper in from the larger base to the smaller top joining the two pieces. A number of rolling devices attached to the base allow the walkabout to be moved along a walking surface. The rolling devices includes units suitable for outdoor use of the walkabout. The fall control assembly includes a strap to secure about the occupant and multiple cords fastened to the strap and the top rearward of the front of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventors: Clayton H. Jones, III, Rosalie V. Jones
  • Patent number: 5352144
    Abstract: A toy activated air movement including a loop of a self-supporting flexible sheet-like material. The loop has an interior surface and an exterior surface and a major axis perpendicular to the direction of travel. The loop is formed of a material which at least partially deforms under its own weight and has sufficient rigidity such that a portion of the interior surface of the loop will not contact an opposite portion of the interior surface of the loop when the toy is placed upon a supporting surface. The toy travels along the supporting surface in response to air movement. A plurality of flaps extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the loop generally in a direction parallel to the major axis of the loop. The flaps are angled away from the exterior surface of the loop, whereby air impacting upon the flaps will cause the toy to roll about the major axis along the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald F. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5326118
    Abstract: A unicycle includes a center wheel with two diametrically opposed pedals. Each pedal has a tilt limiting ground contactor such as a wheel or ball affixed to the free end. The ground contactor contacts the ground at the lowest point of pedal travel if the tilt limit is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Research & Design Studio, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard DeRosa
  • Patent number: 5302163
    Abstract: An infant exerciser adapted for use in a substantially stationary location has a frame or base and an inboard or outboard infant seat attached to the frame or base such that the seat can be revolved in an orbital manner. The seat can also rotate about its own axis of rotation, whereby an infant who is in the seat can walk along a circular path and/or turn in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignees: Daniel R. Fermaglich, Lois F. Fermaglich
    Inventors: Daniel R. Fermaglich, Lois F. Fermaglich, Alexander R. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 5275187
    Abstract: A foldable walker that includes a single latch operator connected with each of left and right latches for the walker's left and right side frames, the left and right latches functioning to latch the left and right side frames open in the use position. Use of the single operator by only one of the user's hands allows both the left and right latches to unlatch the side frames from their open or use position, thereby allowing both those side frames to pivot closed into a collapsed or storage position against the front frame. In preferred form, the left and right latches also function to latch the left and right side frames closed in the storage position. In that preferred form, use of the single operator again by only one of the user's hands allows both the left and right latches to unlatch the side frames from their storage position, thereby allowing both the left and right side frames to pivot back open into the use position relative to the front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: Daniel E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5273502
    Abstract: A therapeutic unloading apparatus and method for exercising specific amounts of body weight in an upright position without overloading healing tissue. A support frame is provided to which is attached an automatic winch. The winch is attached to a spring, the spring is attached to a harness cable and thence to a harness. A user is tightly secured within the harness and a load cell is utilized to determine how much weight to unload from the patient/user. After the predetermined amount of weight has been unloaded it is set. Because the load cell is connected to the winch, a constant unloaded value is maintained throughout the range of normal to aggressive exercising for the injured patient. The normal exercising motions of a quick to fast walk, to run, to jog results in multiple vertical oscillations. By means of the spring dampener and the automatic outlay and intake of cable by means of the winch, a constant load is maintained on the user and hence the injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Soma, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Kelsey, Alan Walls
  • Patent number: 5273063
    Abstract: A fold-down detachable utility tray for invalid walkers is disclosed, comprising a generally rectangular tray frame in combination with a pair of locking, fold-down arms each having spring clips for securement to the upright members of an invalid walker. In one preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the tray is located over the pivot point of the locking arms, so that the weight of objects placed on the tray causes the arms to lock more tightly, promoting stability of the tray. The locking arms each comprise an elongated angle bracket provided with a pivot. An actuator arm has a first end movably connected to the pivot and a second end slidingly engaged in a slot in the tray frame. One end of the slot is provided with a upwardly extending locking notch to hold the arm in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Guardian Products, Inc.
    Inventors: C. P. Farr, Nate Ellena, Jim R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5255696
    Abstract: A collapsible walker for elderly and disabled persons including first and second U-shape side frames which are pivotal relative to a front frame, enabling the walker to be collapsed substantially flat. At each corner between the front and side frames, a corner brace is provided in the form of a plastic sleeve which rides/slides on a horizontal rib in the side frame and a connecting rod which connects the sleeve to the front frame A detent in the sleeve snaps into catch slots in the horizontal rib to lock the walker in an open position. A pushbutton on the sleeve permits disengaging the detent from the catch slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Diamond Medical Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Frederic Leonard
  • Patent number: 5255697
    Abstract: A walking support device is provided which allows the user to be placed in the device without lifting and is fully adjustable to provide partial or full sitting support for the user. Additionally, the device may be partially dissembled by hand and be folded to a compact size for easy transportability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Working Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Grauer
  • Patent number: 5232423
    Abstract: Apparatus for exercising and developing lower extremity muscles including a concave track in a form of a circular segment having a predetermined radius and a platform movable along the track. The track is so configured as to allow the primary axis of a user's body to remain essentially normal to the portion of the track in registry with the platform during use so that reactive forces from the track will be directed substantially along the primary axis to promote stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Richard J. Hajduczek
  • Patent number: 5228708
    Abstract: The present apparatus consists of a frame with a tubular structure, made of the following elements: a number of vertical studs supporting atop cushioned member of a nearly circular shape, the studs rest on a lower frame component having the same bowed shape and a number of casters with braking devices. The frame is selectively completed by a bow-shaped component also cushioned and with fastening means at it sends to allow mounting to the cushioned member. The apparatus also includes a removable an d interchangeable square-shaped seat and a cross-shaped seat having detachable fastening elements, respectively, in relation to ring-shaped pieces in the studs. A flexible and non-extensible band is also provided to be attached to the rings and to surround the body of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Isabel Verdugo
  • Patent number: 5224717
    Abstract: A walking aid device which allows the user to retain a full upright position while providing continuous support of a portion of the user's body weight and allow the user to easily maneuver the device. The device has wheels which support two side sections providing upper portions at approximately elbow height. A brace member joins the side sections and spaces the upper portions thereof at a transverse distance slightly greater than the person's body width. Armrests are attached to the upper portions and extend in the fore and aft direction so as to provide a rear elbow engaging portion with a forearm engaging portion extending forwardly from the elbow engaging portion and having an upright hand grip at the forward end thereof. A transverse rib-rest is provided between the arm-rest means adjacent the rear of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Amy E. Lowen
  • Patent number: 5217419
    Abstract: An invalid walker is disclosed which includes two vertical members with a horizontal support near the top of the walker. The vertical members are relatively coplanar near the bottom of the walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Edward N. Harwood
  • Patent number: 5195935
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises reciprocating footpads to which are coupled a D.C. electric motor. A D.C. power supply and control means are assocated with the motor to vary the voltage delivered to it. A load sensor and isolator sense the voltage supplied by the power supply, and also sense the voltage present at the motor terminals during periods when no power is being supplied to the motor by the power supply. The sensor and isolator also isolate the motor from the power supply during certain periods, namely when the power supplied to the motor by the exerciser is greater than that supplied by the power supply. An electrical load circuit and load set vary the motor load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: SF Engineering
    Inventor: Stanley R. Fencel
  • Patent number: 5190506
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a balancing board of an advanced nature which allows unique maneuverability and whose design renders a smooth performance on virtually any surface conditions both in and outdoors, to promote balance and reflex coordination skills, while providing means for recreation and freestyle maneuvers. The user stands upon a longitudinal deck which engages a precision roller assembly, with means to manipulate the deck so as to achieve linear, pivotal, and sweeping radial motions. The roller assembly contains two independently rotatable wheels mounted to a common axle, each having an interchangeable polymer tire to permit use on diverse surfaces. A special, stepped rail centrally mounted to the lower side of the deck, guides the deck along the roller and furnishes the method whereby the deck is manipulated. A limiting cable maintains the contact between the deck and roller assembly, and defines the longitudinal travel of the deck, producing a desirable stopping action at its boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: Daniel M. Zubik, Dean W. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5158515
    Abstract: An entertaining exercise apparatus that allows a user to be entertained while performing a muscular and aerobic exercise. The apparatus consists of a circular tubular structure (1) that has attached to its upper surface a crankset (4) having a pair of pedals that are operated by the user sitting on a seat (6). In front of the seat is located a fork (11) that includes an adjustable handlebar (13). To the lower surface of the tubular structure is located a primary wheel (18) and a pair of secondary wheels (19). The primary wheel is rotated by a rotating shaft (16) that is made to rotate by a chain (17) that is operated by the pedal driven crankset (4). The three wheels are located equidistant from each other so that the apparatus can rotate or spin on its vertical axis without any horizontal movement. The apparatus is designed to be easily disassembled so that it can be conveniently stored and transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Roberto A. Cortes Turcios
  • Patent number: 5120286
    Abstract: A skating aid with a broad weighted bottom portion having an undersurface formed into a horseshoe shaped runner. A hollow upper portion with external handles fits into the bottom portion. The invention overall height is adjustable by a peg arrangement which determines the depth into which the upper portion seats into the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: David G. Twohig