Patents Examined by Arnold W. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4671506
    Abstract: An amusement device comprises a portable rotary carrousel which is occupant propelled. More particularly, the device comprises a housing anchored angularly on a base and an axle extending upwardly therefrom to accept and support an inclined carrousel. Individuals seated at opposite ends of the carrousel cause the axle to rotate by shifting their weight. Alternatively, the device may include a conventional automobile rear end differential to transmit rotary motion for operation of an external structure. The differential is anchored angularly on the base which has the housing and axle extending upwardly therefrom to accept and support the inclined carrousel. The differential may be operatively connected by a drive shaft, transmission, and universal joint to transmit rotary motion produced by the inclined carrousel for operation of the external structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Donald Sutherland
  • Patent number: 4666147
    Abstract: An invert diving platform affixed to the structure of a common pool ladder anchored to the deck of a pool for providing an elevated platform above the water level for diving. The platform is rigidly attached to the parallel railings of the ladder in a generally horizontal position. The platform is rigidly attached to the curved rungs by two pair of opposed clamps attached to opposed ends of the platform. The clamps are vertically adjustable on the railings of the ladder to allow adjustment of the height of the platform. The clamps attach to railings having various shapes, dimensions and angles to provide rigid support for the platform. An incline plane may be attached to the platform at an angle descending into the pool to provide a slide. A bracing member is connectable to the steps of the pool ladder to provide horizontal stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Richard B. Warman
  • Patent number: 4665388
    Abstract: A signalling device for weight lifters performing exercises involving bending of the knees. The signalling device is provided with mercury switch for sensing deviation of the axis of the portion of the leg to which the device is attached and a buzzer or other signalling device which signals the lifter when that portion of the leg has deviated from the vertical by a preselected amount. The amount of deviation from the vertical required to activate the signalling device may be varied by an optional angle adjustment. The signalling device allows a weight lifter to exercise properly, but effectively, without risking injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventors: Bernard Ivie, Michael R. Miller
  • Patent number: 4662627
    Abstract: A Cartesian diving toy having a transparent vessel for supporting a body of liquid. The vessel has an opening spanned by a flexible diaphragm for selectively applying increasing and decreasing pressure on the liquid in the vessel. A diving assembly is immersed in the liquid and is movable up and down within the liquid in response to changes in the pressure on the liquid. The diving assembly is in the form of a simulated hot-air balloon having a hollow shell for holding a quantity of gas. The shell has an opening at the bottom thereof through which a flexible straw is inserted for supplying the gas. A simulated gondola depends frm the bottom of the shell. A weight is provided within the shell for maintaining the balloon erect while immersed within the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: John D. Utley
  • Patent number: 4662628
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for maneuvering scenery, particularly for stages of theaters and the like. The device includes at least two main rails mounted above the stage, running parallel with respect to each other and symmetrically with respect to the axis of the stage. On each of the rails is a radio transmitter-controlled motorized carriage. A batten having scenic background cloth supported therefrom is suspended from each of its ends by belts extending from each of the carriages. A remote controlled powered winch is provided for each of the suspension belts so that the batten can be raised or lowered through remote control of the winch. The device is particularly applicable to pre-fabricated standardized theater scenery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Inventor: Catherine M. Chatenay epouse Compagnone
  • Patent number: 4657242
    Abstract: A demountable exercise apparatus for installation in conventional doorways comprises a pair of parallel rectangular support members each formed of separable or foldable lower and upper sections. Each support member is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced slots or recesses, in opposed relation, which receive the extensible ends of a horizontal exercise crossbar, and is adapted to receive the ends of an expansible chinning bar. The crossbar is vertically adjustable by positioning in selected slots or recesses in said support members. The chinning bar may be used in conjunction with the vertically adjustable crossbar for performing a more diverse program of exercise, and the crossbar allows use of auxiliary equipment such as an inclined board, a weight bench, ropes and pulley, or several others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: Jose J. S. Guridi
  • Patent number: 4655450
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a human head for use in a neck musculature exercising machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of side pads adapted to engage the opposing sides of a human head near the ear portions thereof. The side pads are mounted on respective movable cross members, each of which includes a toothed side portion. A control arm is provided for rotating a gear which is engaged on opposite sides thereof with both of the toothed portions of the cross members. Rotation of the control arm causes the cross members and the side pads to be moved simultaneously by equal distances in opposite directions, either both inwardly toward the head or outwardly away from the head. A locking mechanism is provided to maintain the control arm and side pads in a desired position. Chin pads may also be provided in order to more securely grip the enclosed head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventors: Burton L. Rogers, Jr., Leonard O. Greninger
  • Patent number: 4653808
    Abstract: A supporting device for a person, said device having a posterior supporting face (2) and thigh supporting members (5,6) designed to engage a front portion of the person's respective thighs. A leg (3) depends from the posterior supporting face (2) and is suitably, through a transition member (12), connected to a leg base (13) being provided with casters (14). An anti-tilting device (15) may be provided at the rear end of the base (13). Foot engaging projection (16) may be present to contact a floor upon downward pressure thereon. The supporting device provides a stable 3-points support for a person assuming a standing-like sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Peter Opsvik
  • Patent number: 4650179
    Abstract: A health spa for exercise, recreational and social activities has a first portion for exercise purposes, a second portion for competitive sports activities and "wet" sports activities including a swimming pool, and a third portion intermediate of the first and second portions and intended as a lounge area for socializing. The first portion includes a continuous track, weight training equipment, an aerobics room, and an activities arena for general purposes. The lounge is elevated and overlooks both the activities arena (at one side of the lounge) and, through a glass wall, the pool at the other side of the lounge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: U.S. Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Bond
  • Patent number: 4650180
    Abstract: A sports ground, in particular a tennis court or mini court, is provided using removable panels which are each laid on an isolating plate, and the plates themselves rest on the previously levelled ground through a textile sheet. Connection between the panels is provided by channel sections whose upper horizontal part is fixed to the underface of the facing edges of the panels to be assembled and is extended by vertical flanges. A space is provided between the panels and is extended through openings in the horizontal part of the channel sections for allowing removal of rain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Hubert Blondel
  • Patent number: 4648592
    Abstract: A gymnastic floor structure comprising a panel board assembly, lower floor members spacedly secured to the bottom of the panel board assembly and placed on the gymnasium base floor, an upper floor member, and tighteners which prevent panels of the board assembly from loosening in the connecting directions, wherein the lower floor members are made of synthetic resin foam, the connectors have an almost I-shaped cross section composed of two U-shaped channels integrated back to back, one channel of the connectors is used as a fitting part between two adjacent panels, the fixing part of the connectors is fitted to the side edge portion of one unit panel board and secured with fasteners, and the fitting part is fitted to the side edge portion of the other unit panel board. The upper floor member is an elastic mat and carpet which covers the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Atsushi Harinishi
  • Patent number: 4643211
    Abstract: The collapsible walking frame for use by an invalid comprises a pair of interconnected spaced side frames (10, 12) each including a front member (14) having a handgrip (18) and a rear member (24) pivotally connected to the front member (14). A seat (28) pivotally connected between the front members (14) is movable from an inoperative vertical position to an operative horizontal position. The seat (28) is horizontally supported in the operative position on rear brace (26) and held in the vertical position by being fastened to front brace (22). The front and rear members of the side frames are stably supported in the operative position of the frame by pivotal locking side braces (27) which permit pivotal folding of the frame to the inoperative storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Uniscan Limited
    Inventors: Thomas A. Morris, Leslie D. Norman
  • Patent number: 4643416
    Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle having a passenger gondola the ends of which are adapted to move in substantially vertical orbits diposed on planes parallel to each other. Two supports having a predetermined spacing therebetween are provided from which the passenger gondola is suspended by counter-balanced jibs adapted to move rotatably radially around the ends of the supports. Each support is provided with an independently operated driving element for the rotational radial movement of the associated jib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Guus van der Veen
  • Patent number: 4641835
    Abstract: An elastic cushion formed of a elastic cushion tube and a supporting frame. The cushion tube is slit axially to create a pair of slit edges which are elastically expanded to create a cushion tube of C-shaped cross section. The slit edges of the cushion tube are retained in a pair of spaced-apart axial grooves formed in the frame member so that the cushion tube will elastically deform when loaded in a region generally opposite the expanded slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: GMI Engineering & Management Institute
    Inventor: Robert J. Christenson
  • Patent number: 4640508
    Abstract: A precessional exercising device utilizing a housing containing a spinning mass which forms the rotor of a motor for spinning the mass. The housing is coupled to a remote handle by a linkage permitting rotation of the handle about two mutually orthogonal axes. When the handle is rotated about one or both of said axes, the corresponding angular movements are transmitted to the spinning mass and its spin axis is rotated accordingly, causing the generation of precession torques which are coupled back to the handle via the linkage to produce an exercise effect when the handle is held so as to resist said torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Gyro-Flex Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Escher
  • Patent number: 4640301
    Abstract: A locking assembly is disclosed which is suitable for releasably locking two articulated pivoting members in a fixed position with respect to each other. The locking assembly comprises a spring biased reciprocating latch, a plunger attached to the latch, and a catch plate adapted to rotate into locking engagement therewith. The plunger and latch are preferably integral with each other, so that the latch contains a minimum number of moving parts. The latch is designed so that simple palm pressure will cause it to disengage from the catch plate, to permit the pivoting members to move with respect to each other. The present locking assembly is of simple design and inexpensive manufacture, and is durable in use. The locking assembly is particularly applicable for use in invalid appliances such as collapsible walkers, where the users have limited manual dexterity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Tubular Fabricators Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Battiston, Sr., Joseph Battiston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4637414
    Abstract: An improved arm piece assembly for a crutch, comprising an inner molded plastic arm piece and an outer removable elastomeric cover. The arm piece is formed with a pair of opposed side surfaces, a pair of end surfaces and a top surface that connects the side surfaces and end surfaces. One of the side surfaces is concave in a direction between the end surfaces to conform to the configuration of the rib cage of the user. A pair of tubular members or sockets are disposed on the interior of the arm piece and receive the bows of the crutch. Each end surface is provided with an opening and a fastening member, such as a screw, interconnects the bow with the respective socket and is disposed in alignment with the opening in the end surface. The elastomeric cover fits snugly over the arm piece and is provided with cushioning ribs on the inner surface which are disposed in engagement with the concave side surface of the arm piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Lamico, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted F. Urban
  • Patent number: 4632390
    Abstract: An exercising device of the weight-lifting type is disclosed wherein the weight acted on by the user includes at least a portion of the user's body weight. The exercising device has a base and a bench for supporting the user above the base. The bench includes a first support for supporting a first end of the bench, and a second support for supporting a second end of the bench. A platform is supported by the base for supporting the first support. An adjustment is provided for adjusting the longitudinal position of the first support on the platform. Additionally, a first exercise bar is provided along with a flexible line for connecting the first exercise bar to the platform to permit the user to raise and lower the bench by moving the first exercise bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Michael L. Richey
  • Patent number: 4630626
    Abstract: An improved crutch tip construction. The crutch tip is formed of a resilient material and has an upper tubular stem portion formed with an axial recess and a lower enlarged head. A concave metallic socket with a reversed upper lip portion is disposed at the bottom of the recess and the lower end of the crutch bow is engaged with the socket. The lower surface of the head of the tip is generally convex and is formed with a plurality of concentric grooves. The combination of the metal socket with the convex lower surface of the head provides a greater surface area of contact between the tip and the supporting surface during use, thereby achieving greater safety for use of the crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Lamico, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted. F. Urban
  • Patent number: RE32815
    Abstract: A height adjustable crutch having a bow comprised of a pair of hollow tubular vertical members which are angled downwardly toward each other with their lower extremities aligned in spaced-apart parallel relationship in their hollow tubular condition. A hollow tubular carrier is disposed between and in abutment with these tubular extremities and the three members are secured, as by bolt through them in the upper area where they are in abutment, and by an integral encircling element at their lower extremities, the encircling element being pinned at externally diametrically opposite points of abutment of such element with the extremities of the tubular members. The tubular carrier is orificed at selective intervals and receives an orificed telescoping foot member provided with at least one radially outwardly spring biased detent. This detent serves to lock the foot member in any disposition relative to the carrier when the detent is passed through any registering orifices of the carrier and foot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Guardian Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred A. Smith