Patents Examined by Jerome W. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8172730
    Abstract: A stilt device having a front extendible strut and a cooperating rear extendible strut pivotally connected to a base member and a shoe plate, the front and rear extendible struts being disposed in a parallelogram relationship. The rear extendible strut has a rear member and a rear extendible member. A leg support pole is supported at one end by the rear extendible member and extends for its other end to be connected to a workman's leg to provide stability and to thereby enable the replacement of height determining extendible members, the distance from the shoe plate being a common vertical difference that is unchanged the extension of the extendible struts or by components thereof. For stilts of increased height the springs of the damping assemblies are selectively stiffened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Emmert Second Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond L. Emmert
  • Patent number: 8171931
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a valve unit for a rebreather apparatus that recycles gas exhaled by a user. The valve unit includes a housing 5 with a first port for communication with a respiratory system of the user and a first inlet port 9 for breathable gas in said housing, a first exit port for exhausting gas from said housing into a flow channel, at least one separate second exit port 12 for exhausting gas form said housing 5 into an ambient environment, a second inlet port 13 for breathable gas connected to an open loop inlet valve 6 in said housing 5, and a valve body 4 in said housing 5 forming a valve for switching between two operating modes. The valve body 4 is formed as a barrel or cylinder with valve openings sealing against the housing 5, where the valve body 4 forms an internal cavity 18, alone or in combination with the housing 5, in connection with the port 10 for communication with a user. The valve 6 has an outlet in said cavity 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Radikal AS
    Inventor: Lars Erik Frimann
  • Patent number: 8172726
    Abstract: A doorway mounted horizontal bar includes a rod having two ends for attaching to two side moldings of a doorway, two frames attached to the end portions of the rod for supporting a tubular member, and two auxiliary supports each having a lower segment attached to the rod and each having an upper handle attached to the upper end of the frame for being grasped by the user, the lower segments of the auxiliary supports are each attached to the rod with a coupling device, and the handles of the auxiliary supports are each attached to the frame with another coupling device, the coupling devices each include a quick release fastening device for detachably securing the coupling devices and the auxiliary supports to the rod and the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignees: Expectations, LLC, Inversion International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Henry Leier
  • Patent number: 8172727
    Abstract: An exercise handle for use with a cord and a method for the use thereof, the handle having a channel portion having at least two channel ends that are positioned non-diametrically relative to each other on the channel portion, the channel portion being rounded relative to a center point; a channel being fashioned on the channel portion, the channel being adapted to receive the cord; a grip portion being positioned between the at least two channel portion ends in an off-center relationship to the center point of the channel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Therapyzone, Inc.
    Inventors: David Berman, Lee F. Spieker
  • Patent number: 8167777
    Abstract: A support block for supporting the weight of a user above a support surface during exercise includes a support body having a first side, a second side and a support edge. In one embodiment, the first side and/or the second side can be substantially planar and/or can have a substantially similar configuration as one another. The support edge can be substantially orthogonal at least one of the first side and the second side. The support edge includes a curved first section that rollingly contacts the support surface while the support body supports part of the weight of the user above the support surface. The support edge can form at least approximately a 30 degree arc of a circle. In another embodiment, the support body includes a beveled edge positioned between the first side and the support edge. In one embodiment, the support body can be formed substantially from an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Susan Nichols
  • Patent number: 8162807
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one multi-function user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. The user engagement device has two different modes of operation selectable by a user for performing different exercises which exercise distinct muscles or muscle groups. A load provides resistance for both exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 8161966
    Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry R. Grychowski
  • Patent number: 8152701
    Abstract: An improved counterweight module of a weight trainer having two vertical guide rods as well as top, bottom and intermediate counterweight blocks superimposed along the vertical guide rods. It is mainly characterized in that a liner ring assembly is only assembled onto the bottom and top counterweight blocks. The liner ring assembly has upper liner rings set into the top counterweight block and lower liner rings set into the bottom counterweight block. The annular rings of the upper and lower liner ring are mated slidably with two vertical guide rods. Moreover, a guide rod pulling portion is set onto every intermediate counterweight block for penetration of the vertical guide rod. There is a spacing between the guide rod pulling portion and vertical guide rods. The superimposition surface of the counterweight block is provided with a mating portion to enable limitation of every intermediate counterweight block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jyun-Wei Shen
  • Patent number: 8152697
    Abstract: An exercise tool is provided to ensure a good degree of freedom in the direction of movement of the wrists and allows the magnitude of the load applied to the wrists during the exercise to be changed easily so as to enable more effective strengthening of the deep muscles. The exercise tool has a first rod body 10 and a second rod body 20 which are rotatable in opposite directions and also movable away from each other against the biasing force of a coil spring 70. Ring-shaped latch portions 71 and 72 provided at respective ends of the coil spring 70 are removably latched by first and second elastic-member latch bodies 50 and 60, respectively, so that the coil spring 70 can readily be replaced with another coil spring 70 having a different elastic force, thereby facilitating changing the magnitude of the load applied during the wrist exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Sanriki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Wakuda
  • Patent number: 8147389
    Abstract: An adjustable weight-loaded dip-chin machine. Dip bars and chin bars with means for vertical adjustment are mounted on columns, which in turn are mounted on a base. An arm is pivotally attached to the base, and weights can be added to an arm spindle attached to the arm. A belt is attached to the arm, and the weighted arm spindle resist upward exerciser motion when performing dips or chins. A pivot hook releasably engages the arm spindle in an elevated position for convenience and safety when commencing and ending a squat exercise series. Means are disclosed for adjusting the height of the pivot hook on a column, and for automatically disengaging the pivot hook from the arm spindle when exercise commences. A squat platform is sized to fit between foot platforms, which together form a stable standing area for the exerciser. Squat handles are height-adjustably mounted to the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J. Hoole
  • Patent number: 8137246
    Abstract: The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the loot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen, Günter Gneiting
  • Patent number: 8133158
    Abstract: Provided is a handgrip including first and second operating arms that are spaced apart from each other; first and second link arms that are sequentially and obliquely disposed between the first and second operating arms, and of which both ends are rotatably connected to the operating arms, respectively, through rotating shafts; and a spring member that is installed to provide an elastic force biasing the first and second operating arms apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Tae Jin An
  • Patent number: 8133160
    Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an inertial exercise device has an elongate member with opposing first and second end portions, and a sleeve movably coupled to the elongate member and disposed between the first and second end portions of the elongate member. A first elastic resistance element interfaces between the elongate member and the sleeve. A user-induced rhythmic movement of the sleeve along the elongate member alternatively toward the opposing first and second end portions causes the first elastic resistance element to alternately compress and extend as the first and second end portions of the elongate member oscillate relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fitness IQ LLC
    Inventor: Johann B. Verheem
  • Patent number: 8128534
    Abstract: Trampolines are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a trampoline includes a first support member having a plurality of portions and a second support member having a plurality of portions. A first support member first portion is aligned with a second support member second portion wherein the area between the first support member first portion and the second member first portion is a first plane. A first support member second portion is aligned with a second support member second portion wherein the area between the first support member second portion and the second support member second portion is a second plane. A single piece of first material substantially covers the first plane and the second plane. The first plane intersects the second plane at an angle less than one hundred eighty degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Jump-Street, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Crawford
  • Patent number: 8127766
    Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has an inserting portion and a connecting portion. The inserting portion has an air way tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The connecting portion is connected to the air way tube and has a resilient connector and a connecting sleeve. The resilient connector has a connecting ring connected to the air way tube. The connecting sleeve is mounted around the resilient connector and has a tubular body, a pressing flange formed on the tubular body and at least one slit defined longitudinally in the tubular body and extends through the pressing flange. Movement and vibrations of a patient circuit connected to the tracheostomy tube are not translated into a patient trachea thereby greatly improving patient comfort, safety and quality of life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ti-Li Chang
  • Patent number: 8118718
    Abstract: An abdominal training device includes a stationary base with a user support surface and a hub connected to a track with a friction mitigation unit and a track anchor. A console is slidably mounted on the track and includes a hand support member and a console anchor. A bearing is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the track and supports an elastic resistance element with one end attached to the track anchor and the other end attached to the console anchor. A beam rigidly connects the track to the hub of the stationary base so that the track is at least partially rotatable about the hub of the stationary base. The device may also include an electronic training program that directs a user to rotate the track to specified positions. The device may be part of an abdominal training kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fitness Brands 2, LLC
    Inventors: David Brodess, Michael Casey
  • Patent number: 8118713
    Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry R. Grychowski
  • Patent number: 8118714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-eye coordination training apparatus designed for all sports enthusiasts and martial artists seeking hand speed timing and accuracy. The apparatus offers unpredictable vertical and horizontal target movement, as well as instant adjustability to change the tension and height of the target. This allows the target to travel at varied heights, speeds and distances. The apparatus is effective in isolating the skill of hand eye coordination because it provides minimal resistance. The apparatus is completely portable and can be assembled in any environment in a matter of seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gerard Ramsay-Matthews
  • Patent number: 8113997
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an article of manufacture having at least one curved rail that is supported in an upright position with a supporting mean. The supporting means may be a stand, which may also contain at least one-foot holder and an arm bar. The curved rail or rails contains a seat that is capable of laterally sliding along the curved rail. The seat may swivel and contain handles for additional set of exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Products of Tomorrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Fernandez, Robert Kennedy, Paul McGrath
  • Patent number: 8113993
    Abstract: An exercise grip and method for performing a low cable pectoral muscle development exercise is disclosed wherein the exercise grip is attachable to a cable weight system. The exercise grip includes a body substantially formed to receive thereon the palmer side of a human hand. The body has an upturned flange formed at an outer edge of the body to bear against the ulnar border of a human hand. An elongate finger grip extends from and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upturned flange and is formed to accommodate the curled fingers of a human hand therearound. A thumb recess is adjacent to the finger grip opposite from the upturned flange for allowing a human thumb to bear thereagainst. A hook is affixed to the body proximate to the thumb recess to facilitate attachment to the cable of the cable weight system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Perfect Pecs, LLC
    Inventor: Michael McVan