Patents Examined by Jerome Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7491155
    Abstract: A dumbbell system is provided including a base weight member and a handle rotatably attached to the base weight member. A plurality of added weights are adapted to be removably mounted to the base weight member in order to provide a compact dumbbell system which has the capability of providing several weight increments in a compact assembly. The dumbbell system is ideal for use in areas where space is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Paul J. Fenelon, Lawrence Morgan, Michael P. Sohr
  • Patent number: 7491156
    Abstract: A handle has enlargements between a central gripping section and cylindrically shaped opposed end sections. The opposed end sections have free ends formed with male screw threads for the minority of their axial extents. A pair of weights are similarly configured. Each weight includes an inner center, coated outer layer, and a central cylindrical bore, and bushings in the bore. A locking nut is coupled to each free end of the handle. The diameter of the free ends of the handle is less than the diameter of the bushings for the rotatable coupling there between. An end cap is secured with respect to each weight. Screws extend through each end cap and outer layer. The screws extend into the inner center to join the end caps with respect to the weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jia GaoYong
  • Patent number: 7485075
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for an inflatable sound generating interactive training device for a trainee in martial arts. The apparatus includes an inflatable body, wherein an impact sensor switch is configured to generate audible sound via a speaker in response to a predetermined level of impacts to the body. A connecting member has a helical spring coil that is resiliently coupled to a connecting rod. The apparatus also includes a base for ground support with the body, wherein the sound generating module is coupled in the base, wherein the base is connected with the body by utilizing the connecting member, wherein the connecting rod projects vertically for securely supporting the base, wherein a speaker, the impact sensor switch and the sound generating module are electrically connected through the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Malthuke S. Ghim
  • Patent number: 7479094
    Abstract: A strike pod for use with an interactive recreational system includes a vibration conducting base, coupleable to a support frame of the interactive recreational system and being suitable to conduct vibration from one area of the pod to another. A strike receiving shell is disposed adjacent the vibration conducting base to receive a blow delivered by a participant. The strike receiving shell is formed of a material more pliable than the vibration conducting base. A vibrational transducer is in operable communication with the vibration conducting base to detect vibration in the vibration conducting base caused by the blow delivered by the participant to the strike receiving shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Alexander
  • Patent number: 7479096
    Abstract: A machine for training the muscles of a user's body, comprising a main body; a right-use and a left-use arm member extending from the main body at least higher than the user's hips; a right and a left rotational member, which are each established on the respective right-use and left-use arm members so that they freely rotate about and extend away from rotational central axes that extend toward the user; and a right and a left handle, which are each established on the respective right and left rotational members so that they freely rotate about handle central axes extending in a parallel direction to the respective rotational central axes; wherein the user can hold the handles with the user's respective right and left hands, and turn the rotational members, independently of each other, about the rotational central axes, for training the upper body of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Makoto Saikawa
  • Patent number: 7476185
    Abstract: A dynamic hip stabilizer utilized to prevent postoperative and recurrent traumatic hip dislocations. The stabilizer includes a pelvic girdle defining an upper opening for the wearer's waist and a lower opening for the wearer's hips, at least one thigh cuff defining an upper opening for a thigh of the wearer and a lower opening for a lower region of the wearer's thigh, and elastic cables attached to the pelvic girdle and the thigh cuff and extending therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the stabilizer. The stabilizer further includes channeling features associated with the pelvic girdle for guiding and controlling movement of the cables in directions transverse to the longitudinal direction of the stabilizer. The stabilizer may optionally include lateral extensions that connect the girdle to each thigh cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Denis Burke Drennan
  • Patent number: 7473210
    Abstract: An improved skating machine, wherein the improvement involves the incorporation of flexible components including (1) identical first and second pedal connector flexible bars rotatably connected at one respective one to a respective first and second longitudinal pedal bar and rotatably connected at their respective opposite end to a crank axle; (2) a resilient tension means connected at one end to the crank axle and connected at its opposite end to a post which is attached to a portion of a central longitudinal base frame; and (3) at least one transverse interconnecting elastic means transversely interconnecting the first and second longitudinal pedal bars. The flexible components have sufficient elasticity to prevent the machine from locking when the crank and the pedal connector bars are aligned with each other when the pedals are at their extreme left or right position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Hupa International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Hsiung
  • Patent number: 7465258
    Abstract: An exercise device, having a pair of handles—namely a first handle and second handle, and an elastic cord extending through the handles. The elastic cord has a fixed end, the first handle located adjacent to the fixed end. The second handle located along the elastic cord further away from the fixed end than the first handle. The second handle can selectively slide freely along the elastic cord toward and away from the first handle. A novel stopping device is attached to at least one of the first handle and second handle, which is capable of fixing the position of its associated handle along the elastic cord so that the elastic cord may then be tensioned to allow exercises to be performed. The novel stopping device includes a keyhole type slot for the cord terminating in a circular opening and forming a pair of pinch points with a tapering slot whereby the cord is securely held in the circular opening against slippage or accidental removal from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Peter Mortorano
  • Patent number: 7455632
    Abstract: An exercise device for use in connection with various types of exercise and activities, including, for example, Pilates, yoga, core conditioning, stability, stretching, and physical therapy. The exercise device includes an indicator for quantifying resistance force applied by the resistance tube during stretching of the tube. Repeated use of the exercise device can be used to identify strength gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Spri Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Block, Jesse Allen Cartwright
  • 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: 7438673
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for human exercise. A track assembly may have two bottom cross members attached approximately perpendicular thereto and extending approximately horizontally from each side of the track assembly. Two vertical frame members may be attached to a first end of each of the bottom cross members. A handle may be attached at an upper end of each of the vertical frame members. A seat may be disposed in an upper portion of the two vertical frame members for seating to face a second end of the bottom cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Jones
  • Patent number: 7435206
    Abstract: A weight plate for use with physical fitness equipment comprising a plate body with at least a main throughbore and, possibly, other throughbores passing therethrough. The body additionally has an internal bore within the thickness of the plate body which intersects the main central throughbore. A spring loaded selector pin is movably mounted within the internal bore to selectively engage and disengage the plate body to a post positioned in the main throughbore. A handle is mounted to the selector pin externally to the plate to selectively position the selector pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Nalley
  • Patent number: 7431681
    Abstract: A platform exercise apparatus includes a planar platform adapted for use on a floor and elevated therefrom with an elevating portion. A plurality of holes extend through the planar platform and define attachment bars therebetween. Elastic bands are provided having attachment hooks on one end thereof and a handle on the other end thereof. The elastic bands are selectively detachably attachable to the attachment bars with the hooks. The apparatus is used for exercise by standing thereon, grasping one or more of the handles and stretching the elastic bands. The apparatus is produced by injection molding the planar platform together with the elevating portion. Alternatively, the apparatus is made from a sheet of metal having the perimeter edges thereof bent to form the elevating portion, and by cutting or stamping the holes through the platform for thereby forming the attachment bars. An exercise bench can be used with the apparatus by positioning above the planar platform for thereby retaining the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: William St. Cyr
  • Patent number: 7422547
    Abstract: A novel trampoline at least includes: a trampoline frame; a trampoline mat operatively surrounded by the trampoline frame; and a plurality of trampoline spring members operatively coupled between the trampoline frame and the trampoline mat. Each trampoline spring member at least includes: a first spring coupler located at a first end of the spring member; a second spring coupler located at a second end of the spring member; a first spring member section coupled to the first spring coupler; a second spring member section coupled to the second spring coupler; at least a third spring member section coupled between the first spring member section and the second spring member section, the third spring member section having a spring constant greater than the spring constants of the first and second spring member sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Wayne Hall
  • Patent number: 7419458
    Abstract: A new and unique highly adjustable stationary exercise bicycle is presented incorporating a number of features specifically designed for youthful stationary bicycle users. The improvements over the prior art include infinitely adjustable vertical and horizontal seat heights and handlebar heights which are secured in their positions by a quick release lever rather than the standard pop pins. Also included is a lubrication port that allows the surface between the friction member and the working wheel to be lubricated. An emergency brake for the working wheel as well as a quick way to disengage the working wheel from the pedals is provided. Special pedal cage brackets are placed around each pedal so that the youth's use of such an exercise bicycle is made much more safely. All of the above elements combine to make this stationary exercise bicycle safe for use by children or adolescents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: STS World Concept Ltd.
    Inventor: John Forcillo
  • Patent number: 7416519
    Abstract: A resistance training and massage apparatus simultaneously provides resistance training and massage. A vibrating strap is formed into a loop to extend around a body portion of a user. The strap is displaceable as the user exerts a pulling force on the strap. A motor is coupled to the strap and displaceable along with the strap as the user exerts a pulling force on the strap. The motor imparts vibration to the strap. Resistance means is coupled to the motor for elastically resisting displacement of the motor and the strap, and providing a resistance force to the pulling force exerted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Heck
  • Patent number: 7407465
    Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus for isolating a user's torso muscles during operating conditions includes at least one wheel section that has at least one rim including a plurality of spokes, an elongated axle, and at least one hub including a bearing disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for supporting a user's feet at an elevated position and along a substantially horizontal plane. Such a supporting mechanism is secured to the axle and is disposed adjacent the at least one wheel section to thereby allow a user to perform exercise movements while extended along a generally horizontal plane. The present invention may reside in alternate embodiments wherein various wheel sections cooperate with the supporting mechanism for providing an effective exercising apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: David Alzamora, Sr., Gerardo Alzamora, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7407467
    Abstract: A strength conditioning device for strengthening and conditioning abdominal and hamstring muscles is provided. The device includes at least one flex member, a seat, an ankle support attachment member and an ankle support frame. Each flex member has a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion between the first and second end portions, each middle portion having a curved region. The seat has an upper surface for receiving the buttocks and/or upper posterior thigh portions of a user and is attached to the second end portions of the flex members. The ankle support attachment member is attached to the first end portions of the flex members. The ankle support frame, which is attached to the ankle support attachment member, has left and right ankle support members oppositely positioned on either side of the flex members for supporting the ankles of the user. The device may further include a forefoot bar, attached to the ankle support frame, and configured to support the user's forefeet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jack Diamond, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7396318
    Abstract: A spring arrangement for a trampoline includes a rebounding surface, a frame structure having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a plurality of spring members that are mechanically coupled between the rebounding surface and the frame structure. A first group of spring members are mechanically coupled to the top portion of the frame structure and a second group of spring members are mechanically coupled to the bottom portion of the frame structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the spring members of the first group and the second group are alternately arranged along the frame structure. In another exemplary embodiment, the frame structure is formed by a plurality of frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: CA06, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffry L. VanElverdinghe, Craig Adams
  • Patent number: 7387594
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus has a pair of members exercising a pair of limbs of a user to alternate between and first and second opposite direction motions, such as a stepper or stair climber, and is provided with a resistance mechanism coupled to the pair of members and having first and second modes resisting motion, with the first mode resisting a first member moving in a first direction, and the second mode resisting the second member moving in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. White, Thomas J. Danowski, John J. Hsing