Patents Examined by Jerome Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7381168
    Abstract: An exercise resistance cable apparatus for engagement with an activity bay of a support structure. The exercise resistance cable apparatus includes a plurality of serially connected cable/anchor modules. A first of the cable/anchor modules includes a first elastic exercise resistance cable; and, a first cable expansion anchor securely connected to a first end of the elastic exercise resistance cable. Subsequent cable/anchor modules include associated exercise resistance cables and cable expansion anchors. A hand grip is connected to a second end of the first elastic exercise resistance cable. The exercise resistance cable apparatus is particularly adapted to be used with an exercise chair having a frame with a plurality of activity bays positioned at desired locations thereon. The activity bays have slots formed therein that are disposed at the desired orientations for engagement with a cable expansion anchor of an exercise resistance cable apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: John Bowser
  • Patent number: 7377886
    Abstract: A pull exerciser includes two attachment members, two positioning devices respectively attached to the attachment members at a location opposite to a grip portion of an associated attachment member, and at least one resilient cord. Each positioning device includes a positioning block and a positioning plate removably received in the positioning block. Each of the positioning blocks and the positioning plates includes at least one positioning hole. The resilient cord has two ends extendible through the positioning hole of each positioning block and each positioning plate. An end piece is fixed to each end of the resilient cord. The end pieces of the resilient cord are mounted to at least one of the positioning plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Ying-Ching Wu
  • Patent number: 7377884
    Abstract: There is provided an exercise machine in which resistance to movement of an actuation member, such as a handle, is provided and that resistance is able to be varied through the course of a single repetition of a series of repetitive exercises. The variation of resistance with distance along the movement path of the actuation member is, in a preferred embodiment, able to be changed by the selection and fitting of a component having a contoured surface, with which a follower means in the machine interacts to vary the resistance. There is also provided a multi-function exercise machine, that lends itself well to provision of the variable resistance feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: John Michael Schopf
  • Patent number: 7374515
    Abstract: A dumbbell clamp for a barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] utilizes two spaced-apart plates [162] each having a notch [166] for retaining the grip [28] of a dumbbell [26]. A spring-biased lock bar [170] locks the dumbbell grip in the notches during normal use. A clamp bore [178] is provided for secure the dumbbell clamp to a cable [72] by use of a hook [86]. A hand switch receptacle [82] provides an electrical connector from a hand switch [88] on the dumbbell clamp to the safety spotting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael D. Slawinski, Mikael L. E. Olsson
  • Patent number: 7367927
    Abstract: Various exercise systems include first and second selectorized dumbbell assemblies; and a frame having first and second weight supports to support respective dumbbell assemblies. Generally speaking, the systems assume multiple configurations to facilitate both use and storage of the dumbbell assemblies. Many of the systems include at least one body supporting platform that is movable between a first position that is suitable for exercise, and a second position that is suitable for transportation and/or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7364534
    Abstract: An exercise device for providing resisted movement of the ankle through the full range of motion thereof to exercise the muscles in the ankle, foot, lower leg and especially shin area. This exercise device comprises: (a) a base; and (b) a foot receiving member having an ankle section. The foot receiving member is mounted on the base for resisted pivotal movement about: (1) a substantially horizontal axis extending transversely and underneath the ankle section of the foot receiving member; and (2) a substantially vertical axis extending from the base and through the ankle section of the foot receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Gregory Zoller, Anthony Joseph Honerkamp
  • Patent number: 7364533
    Abstract: A unique structure for an indoor exercise bike that provides strength in its design, as well as the flexibility to create an aesthetically appealing frame structure. The monocoque frame design, including two symmetrical halves joined together, forms a very strong, light shell that can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. The seat structure, handlebar structure, drive train and support platforms are all able to be readily attached to the primary frame structure to provide an exercise bicycle that is sturdy, easy to manufacture, and light enough to easily move when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Baker
  • Patent number: 7361127
    Abstract: An exercise device for mounting to a chair, the device including a resistance means having a resilient means with a length. The resilient means is linked to first and second operating means at respective opposite ends of the resilient means, whereby movement of at least one of the first and second operating means permits exercise against the resilient means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Terrence Colin Tremayne
  • Patent number: 7361126
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided for enabling a user to obtain a full body workout. By attaching the device at selected positions on the hands, feet, arms, legs, or torso, different muscle groups of a user's body can be isolated for training and strengthening purposes. The exercise device includes two or more pieces of tubing material fitted together in a telescoping manner. Pressurized air within the tubing provides a user with resistance to movement in order to tone and strengthen the muscles. At one end of the telescoping tubing material is a handgrip and at the other end is a strap of a suitable resilient or elastic material that allows a user to securely place a foot or hand in for exercise purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7361125
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing lat pull down exercises has a main frame having a user support pivot mount, a user support pivotally mounted on the user support pivot mount for supporting a user in a seated position, and an exercise arm having handles for gripping by a user movably mounted on the frame for movement between a start position located above the head of a user in a seated position on the user support and an end position lower than the start position and generally below the user's chin. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user support frame and exercise arm substantially replicates the natural movement of the human body when performing a free bar chin up exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7361123
    Abstract: An exercise bench includes a back support and first and second legs pivotally connected to respective ends of the back support. The legs are pivotal between positions extending generally perpendicular to the back support, and positions extending generally parallel to the back support. In addition to facilitating typical bench-related exercises, the bench is available for use as an aerobic step when the legs extend generally parallel to the back support, and as a high-level step when the legs extend generally perpendicular to the back support. Different latching mechanisms may be used to lock the legs in place, and/or the bench may be arranged in an inclined orientation by moving the legs to different positions. Handles and/or foot supports may be provided at one or more ends of the bench, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7357761
    Abstract: A universal exercise device comprising a U-shape rigid frame with legs upper portions lying generally in a plane, a bight portion joining the legs at lower portions thereof and handles at an upper portion of the legs. At least one resilient resistance member spans the legs and to yieldably resist elongation when pressed while otherwise holding the frame against the elongation of the resilient resistance member. The lower portions of the legs can be bent outwardly to form generally L-shaped legs with the bight portion lying outside the plane of the upper leg portions or can lie within the plane of the upper leg portions. The legs can be joined together at an upper portion with a crosspiece or free at the upper portions thereof. The crosspiece can be U-shaped and project out of the plane of the legs either forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the bight portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: E. Michael Mattox
  • Patent number: 7357759
    Abstract: An exercise device has a base, an arm pivotally connected to the base, a plate pivotally connected to the base, and a shoulder support affixed adjacent an end of the arm opposite the base. The arm is resiliently interconnected to the base so as to be resistive of forward movement of the arm. The plate is resiliently connected to the base so as to be resistive of movement between a first position resting flat on the base and a second position angled upwardly from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Loren W. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 7357758
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided that has a treadmill drive motor carriage that can pivot relative to a frame of the treadmill such that the incline of the treadmill can be controlled while the carriage can be moved to a position that permits upright storage of the treadmill on the carriage. This arrangement advantageously permits a walk through treadmill design to be used that can be stored uprightly. The treadmill can be equipped with a console and stanchion that can be folded against the deck of the treadmill. One incline arrangement pivots the carriage using an incline drive carried by the carriage that engages a gear grounded to the treadmill frame. Another preferred incline arrangement uses a four bar linkage movable carried by the frame that is driven by a linear actuator to pivot the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Louis F. Polk, III, Paul M. Theisen, Randy Williams, Kenneth V. Schomburg, Kevin Stevens, Darrin Swagel
  • Patent number: 7357760
    Abstract: Freestanding bag or body with a support member, and a bag or body mountable upon the support member, has at least part of the support member provided with padding to receive a striking blow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jason M. Rios
  • Patent number: 7357762
    Abstract: An exercise bar cord impingement assembly permits exercise in two modes, defined in terms of how cord anchoring is arranged. It also permits exercise to be conducted either with a stretchable cord and handgrip together connected to the bar's body or just the stretchable cord itself so connected. In either case, there are slots in the bar's body to slide the cord through. Specially shaped wells or nests accommodate impingement of the elastic cord and firm handgrip emplacement. The ends of the bar's body are preferably shaped into pipe bowl configuration disposed to insure a good fit and avoid torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas C. Terry, Robert S. Hinds, Lloyd W. Bonneville
  • Patent number: 7354381
    Abstract: A protective cover for a trampoline assembly that includes an attached safety enclosure has a plurality of edge cuts out coinciding with the connections of the bottom of the safety enclosure netting to the portions of the trampoline disposed with the diameter of the supporting frame. Elastic connecting members are provided at the intersection of each cutout with the periphery of the circular cover so that it is fastened to protect the trampoline frame and rebounding mat. The protective cover can be installed and removed without removing the safety enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Jon Greiner, Mark W. Publicover
  • Patent number: 7354382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheeled ambulation, exercise, and lifting apparatus for lifting patients with compromised strength in the legs and for allowing such patients to be mobile with access to a variety of facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Coy L. Warren, II
  • Patent number: 7344482
    Abstract: This new and unique adjustable cantilevered aquatic exercise device offers a clean modern appearing device for exercising on the side of a swimming pool or from the end of a diving board. By mounting two extension arms to two horizontal support arms connected and mounted to the pool deck surface by mounting plates, angle-mounting brackets or slid over the end of the diving board, a single exercise bar may be relocated between pluralities of orifices on the extension arms to achieve a wide variety of elevations to exercise at the side of a swimming pool. This device can be pivoted back from the edge of the pool and remains completely out of the water when in use, not requiring the need to be constructed from expensive materials, and may be finished with a wide variety of rust preventative and cushioned coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Patent number: 7344485
    Abstract: A resistance exercise device including a length of resilient tubing having first and second free ends. Strap handles are connected to the free ends of the tubing. The resilient tubing is threaded through at least one oversized tubular section, constructed of rubberized foam, which section provides padding at pressure points when the resilient tubing is positioned across or around a user while exercising. A support strap is connected to the first tubular section. In a second embodiment, an exercise belt can be used with the present invention. The belt includes a buckle for buckling the free ends of the belt together and a ā€œDā€-ring mounted to one side of the belt. A karabiner is used to connect a strap handle to a ā€œDā€-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ralph Simpson, Pete Draovitch, Steve McGee