Patents Examined by Jerome W. Donnelly
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Patent number: 8608628Abstract: An exercise weight includes a weight member, a handle member spaced apart from and substantially surrounding the weight member, and at least one attachment member joining the weight member to the handle member so that the weight member is located inside the handle member. The exercise weight has a relatively narrow profile, or width, to avoid contact with the body during exercise.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Ronald Mathews
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Patent number: 8602953Abstract: A Pilates reformer includes a rectangular frame having two transverse ends connected by longitudinal rails, each transverse end comprising a pair of bases and an interconnecting transverse member. A planar carriage attaches to the frame by springs, and is moveable horizontally against force of the springs by means of rollers along the longitudinal rails. An ergonomic purchase confined to the frame is translatable into a stowed position for spatial efficiency, and into a deployed position that enables a user mounted on the carriage to reach the purchase, one of the transverse ends arresting the purchase when fully translated to the stowed or deployed position. The purchase may be a rotatable bench, a slidable and rotatable jump board, a vertically adjustable ballet bar, or the reformer may include a combination of these purchases.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventor: Amy Christine Jordan
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Patent number: 8602948Abstract: Equipment and methods for exercise of humans are described. An exercise apparatus typically comprises a frame structure that includes a base member that supports a seat with a backrest that can be reclined. There are forward and rear vertical risers that support transverse members. Hooks may be operatively secured to the vertical risers and the transverse members. Generally there is a rotary drive mechanism that moves a left foot cradle and a right foot cradle. There is typically a right hand grip and a left hand grip that are operatively secured to right and left hand cords respectively, and the cords may be operatively secured to the hooks using pulleys. Typically the right hand cord is operatively secured to a right rotary attachment and the left hand cord is operatively secured to a left rotary attachment. Various methods of providing exercise are described using various configurations of the exercise apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventor: Larry H. Bohanan
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Patent number: 8597162Abstract: A mobility apparatus for a patient permitting improved mobility is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a locomotion assembly, a forearm support assembly, a kinematic and kinetic feedback assembly and optionally a back support assembly, where the apparatus provides mobility assistance, while permitting visualization of movement velocity, loaded and unloaded motion, and other information concerning a patients proper use of the mobility assistance apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Board of Regeants, The University of Texas SystemInventors: William E. Amonette, Kirk L. English, William L. Buford, Jr., Billy W. Amonette
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Patent number: 8597166Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fitness apparatus having the following components: a flexible bar which can be set in oscillation upon operation of the fitness apparatus by a user, a grip area arranged centrally on the flexible bar for the user to hold the fitness apparatus and end caps arranged at both ends of the flexible bar, wherein the method includes the following method steps: arranging at least one respective end weight at the ends of the flexible bar, inserting the flexible bar with the end weights arranged thereon into a first molding tool to form the end caps, foaming out of the first molding tool with a first foam material to produce at least the end caps and subsequent hardening of the first foam material. The invention also relates to a fitness apparatus produced in particular with the inventive method.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventor: Frank Klein
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Patent number: 8585557Abstract: An enclosure assembly (22) for use with a trampoline assembly (10) comprises a plurality of support arches (32) including at least a first support arch (32A) and a second support arch (32B) that are hingably secured to a base frame (14). The second support arch (32B) overlaps the first support arch (32A) and is selectively secured to the first support arch (32A). The plurality of support arches (32) can further include a third support arch (32C) and a fourth support arch (32D) that are hingably secured to the base frame (14). The third support arch (32C) and the fourth support arch (32D) overlap and are selectively secured to at least one of the other support arches (32). The plurality of support arches (32) are selectively movable between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration. When the first support arch (32A) is in the upright configuration, one or more of the other support arches (32B-32D) are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: ABC Trampoline Ltd.Inventor: Masato Ikegami
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Patent number: 8585562Abstract: A skiing simulating exercise machine includes a supporting base for supporting a user, a pair of retractable couplers attached to the supporting base, and a pair of handle devices coupled to the retractable couplers for being grasped by the user and for simulating a skiing operation. The supporting base includes a beam for attaching the retractable couplers, the retractable couplers each include a rod slidably engaged in a housing, and a spring biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing for retracting the rod into the housing. The retractable couplers each include a wheel attached to the rod for allowing the rod to be smoothly moved into and out of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Paul Chen
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Patent number: 8584669Abstract: An inhaler (1) is proposed (see FIG. 1), for the inhalation of a formulation (2) from capsules (3) that each contain one dose of the formulation. The capsules are preferably each emptied in a capsule chamber (4) by being set in motion by a stream of air flowing through the capsule chamber. The stream of air can be generated by the inhalation of a user or patient and/or can be generated actively generated by the inhaler. For simple handling, the inhaler has a means for, in particular, automatic filling, emptying and/or cleaning of the capsule chamber, if the latter is used more than once. Alternatively, the inhaler has a large number of capsule chambers that each preferably already contain a capsule and re preferably used just once.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbHInventors: Jens Besseler, Hubert Kunze, Achim Moser, Ralf Thoemmes, Gilbert Wuttke, Dieter Hochrainer, Heinrich Kladders, Christoph Dworzak, Josef Eckert, Antonio Lanci, Markus Mast, Elmar Mock, Andre Klopfenstein
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Patent number: 8585560Abstract: The invention relates to a device for developing hands muscles, formed by a body comprising a partially or fully hollow container (1) fitted with an upper movable cover (2) having one hole or a series of holes provided at one o more points along the periphery thereof for the coupling of transparent flexible tubes (3) which are open at both ends. According to the invention, the lower end (4) of the tube (3) is used for the insertion of a part having a surface that is fully or partially covered, especially in the peripheral area thereof, with longitudinal segments in the forms of pins or needles (6) inclined in the same direction with a variable degree of inclination. The ends (8) os said longitudinal segments are kept in contact with the inner face or wall of the tube (3). The device can be used for therapeutic uses, as a piece of gym equipment or as a toy.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Olexander Punchenko
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Patent number: 8579772Abstract: An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training of the body of a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus allows the a user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues joining all the muscles in these areas. the apparatus comprises a support structure, two elongate foot platforms and hanging members for attaching the foot platforms to the support in such a manner that they can move in a substantially horizontal X-Y plane with two degrees of freedom. The foot platforms can be hung so that they are either arranged in parallel or have one of their ends closer together than their opposite ends. At least one substantially horizontal connecting member may be provided to interconnect the two foot platforms, either in front, in the middle or in the rear. The support structure is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: BVP Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Piane
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Patent number: 8579773Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.Inventor: Viktor Uygan
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Patent number: 8574134Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Stuart Greenburg
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Patent number: 8574135Abstract: A ball-hitting glove assembly for boxing training has a glove, a ball and a rope. The glove has a palm section, a hand back section and a finger section. The rope is mounted securely on the glove and has a glove end and a ball end. The glove end of the rope is mounted securely on the hand back section. The ball end is opposite to the glove end of the rope. The ball is mounted securely on the ball end of the rope. The ball-hitting glove assembly is easily carried and is convenient for boxing-training at any time when a user travels or exercises outside. This is greatly practical for those who like boxing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Yi-Yi Chen
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Patent number: 8574138Abstract: A slidable exercise apparatus includes a pair of platforms, each platform including a base having opposed upper and lower generally planar surfaces and a generally rigid construction. A pad has a lower surface attached to the base upper surface and has a generally cushioned construction. Each platform includes a plurality of skid plates situated on the base lower surface, each skid plate having a smooth outer surface configured to slide on a floor surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Pantelis Innovations, LLCInventor: Steven P. Geotsalitis
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Patent number: 8568279Abstract: An engagement interface for an exercise machine for selectively engaging a carriage with one or more resisting elements may include one or more engagement devices arranged on the carriage. An engagement device may include a reaching or first portion and a flange or second portion. An engagement feature may be positioned on the one or more resisting elements and configured for engagement by at least one of the one or more engagement devices. The engagement feature may include a body, at least one wall extending generally perpendicular to the body, a first tab extending from the at least one wall in a first direction, and a second tab extending from the at least one wall in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first and second tabs may be configured for engagement by at least a portion of an engagement device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.Inventor: Eric D. Golesh
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Patent number: 8562494Abstract: According to one embodiment, an exercise device in the form of an adjustable resistance multi-use toning system that includes a plurality of elongated elastic bands (tension bands or cables) which can have different tension (resistance) values. Each band has a first end and an opposing second end. The device further includes a hollow sleeve that receives at least a portion of each of the elastic bands so as to at least partially envelope the elastic bands while permitting the first and second ends to be accessible. A first fastener is provided for attaching the first ends of the elastic bands to a support member, such as a piece of exercise equipment, a belt to be worn around a body part of a user; or any other structure to which the exercise device can be attached.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Karl Thomas
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Patent number: 8556780Abstract: A multifunctional linked fitness equipment has an elongated bottom, a seat stand, a front support frame seat pivotally mounted on a front end of the elongated bottom, a rear support frame seat pivotally mounted on a rear end of the seat stand, a link pivotally mounted between the front support frame seat and the rear support frame seat, a front support frame pivotally mounted on the elongated bottom and the front support frame seat, a rear support frame pivotally mounted on the elongated bottom and the rear support frame seat, and at least one resilient member mounted between the rear support frame seat and the elongated bottom. By combining or detaching the front support frame, the rear support frame or the seat stand with or from positioning pins, the fitness equipment can be utilized to selectively exercise the abdominal muscles and the legs based on the users' demand.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
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Patent number: 8556781Abstract: A barbell characterized by a longitudinal bar with two hand gripping portions, with sufficient spacing between gripping portions to provide clearance for the torso, head or neck, where the gripping portions are characterized by first and second diamond-like shaped exterior portions enclosing gripping windows, where the windows each contain at least one gripping bar, non-parallel to the longitudinal bar, where the first and second diamond-like portions have a first and second interior end portions which, with the intermediate region, define a cambered gripping portion wherein the gripping bars and the exterior portion of the gripping windows are designed to provide a plurality of gripping positions and angles for the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: BTF Global Corp.Inventor: Timothy Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 8540610Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a body support assembly in pivotable engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein, in operation, the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user in a prone position against the body support assembly as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. The counter balance assembly may include a reaction arm extending from a rear portion of the body support assembly and pivotable about the frame, and may include a weight bearing end opposite the body support assembly. A method of using an exercise machine includes positioning a user body prone against a body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotally engaged with an exercise machine frame and counterbalancing the user's bodyweight.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventor: John D. Derrick
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Patent number: 8529412Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Resistance DynamicsInventor: Catherine Reade