Patents Examined by John Mulcahy
  • Patent number: 6203474
    Abstract: A multi-function exercise machine includes a base structure that defines an exercise position. A lever is provided on the base structure for pivotal movement about an axis. The axis is located between opposite end portions of the lever. A handle is associated with the lever so as to be engaged by an exerciser to move the handle about the axis in an upward direction to a raised position and in a downward direction toward to a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position. A first connector is provided on one end portions of the lever to apply selectively a first resistance against movement of the handle in the upward direction. A second connector is provided on the opposite end portion of the lever to apply selectively a second resistance against movement of the handle in the downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 6200243
    Abstract: User adjustable weight device 10 is worn by a user for applying weight to the user. Weight device 10 comprises a strap portion 12 and weight roll pockets 14. Rolls of weights 16 are inserted into and removed from the weight roll pockets 14 so that a desired amount of weight is controlled, adjusted, and achieved by the user as desired. Weight device 10 further has a fluid containing device 24 with a fluid inlet 26. Fluid containing device 24 receives and holds fluid filled by the user through the fluid inlet 26. Fluid is filled into or removed from the fluid containing device 24 so that a desired amount of weight is controlled, adjusted, and achieved by the user as desired. An audio unit 30 is coupled to the strap portion 12 wherein the audio unit 30 is able to play and/or record information. A storage pocket 40 is coupled to the strap portion 12 wherein the storage pocket 40 stores various items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Samuel R. Meranto
  • Patent number: 6196951
    Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps includes a central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping positions. The combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle extensions, both laterally and longitudinally. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise the triceps. The centrally located weight bearing section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central position. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Rodney Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6196947
    Abstract: A jogging exercise stroller having a pair of pivotally connected arms. A user encounters greater resistance pivoting the arms in the direction of motion of the stroller than pivoting the arms in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Anderson
  • Patent number: 6196952
    Abstract: A dumbbell comprises a carrying seat, a plurality of weights, and a weight-adjusting device. The carrying seat is formed of two parallel plates, two hollow rods and a grip. The plates are provided with a receiving cell, a through holes, and a plurality of grooves. Each of the weights has two identical block bodies which are provided with two through holes and a plurality of grooves. Two connection rods are disposed between the bottoms of the two block bodies and are different in length to facilitate the juxtaposing of the weights. The weight-adjusting device comprises an adjustor, and four pins which can be extracted from or retracted into the plates such that the pins are received at one end thereof in the through holes of certain block bodies, thereby coupling the carrying seat with a desired number of the weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 6196950
    Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed for exercising hamstring muscles, adductor/abductor muscles, quadriceps or gluteus maximus muscles of a user. The device includes a base member having a generally flat upper surface portion adapted to receive and support a bottom of a foot of the user. A back member is attached to the base. A heel yoke is attached to the back and is adapted to receive the heel of a foot of the user. A roller arm mechanism is attached to the back and a roller member is attached to the roller arm. The roller member is adapted to contact a top of the foot of the user to secure the device to the foot. Weight plates may be easily attached to and removed from the device to provide a desired resistance for a particular exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel W. Emick
  • Patent number: 6193635
    Abstract: A stackable weight plate for an exercise machine weight stack has a front edge, a rear edge, opposite side edges, an upper face, a lower face, and an aperture extending between the upper and lower face for receiving a weight stack selector stem. The front and rear edges having a matching arcuate curvature with one edge being convex and the other edge being concave, and the side edges are tapered at an angle from the front edge to the rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Robson L. Splane, Ben Ton
  • Patent number: 6190292
    Abstract: An athletic apparatus has a resilient ball having a cylinder glued into a conduit positioned across a diameter of the ball. A pair of handles are removably attachable to the ball to facilitate a plurality of exercises and stretching activities. Each handle has a cylindrical base and a padded handle cover. A spring positioned within the cylindrical base biases a locking portion and an unlocking button through a pair of attachment conduits at the end of the cylindrical base, allowing the locking portion to cooperate with a locking slot located near the end of the cylinder to removably locking the cylindrical base within the cylinder. The apparatus, configured as a simple ball with no handles attached, is functional as a medicine ball. With one handle attached, the apparatus functions as a weighted hammer. With two handles attached, the apparatus functions as a weighted exercise bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Howard Panes
  • Patent number: 6186928
    Abstract: A dumbbell is made up of a carrying seat, a plurality of weights, and a weight-selecting device. The carrying seat is formed of two plates, two hollow rods and a grip. The plates are provided with a plurality of through holes and carrying grooves. One of the two plates is provided with a receiving cell. The weights are formed of two identical block bodies each having two through holes and a plurality of carrying grooves. The two block bodies are provided with two connection rods fastened therebetween to facilitate the juxtaposing of the weights on the carrying seat. The weight-selecting device is disposed in the receiving cell and is composed of an adjustor, and two pins which are disposed in the hollow rods such that the pins are connected at one end thereof with the adjustor, and that the pins are corresponding at other end thereof to one of the through holes of the plates, and further that the two pins can be extracted from or retracted into the hollow rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 6186927
    Abstract: The selector rod has a dedicated engagement member for each of a plurality of aligned weight plates. Each engagement member is rigidly affixed to the selector rod at a discrete location along the longitudinal axis of the selector rod, and each engagement member extends radially outward from the selector rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6186961
    Abstract: A testing apparatus of a physical capacity assessment system has a support base, a column extending upwardly from the base and a workstation to which load is applied by an individual being tested on the apparatus. The workstation is supported by and adjustable in a number of different planes relative to the column. Also provided are an indicator which shows positioning of the workstation and a measuring device which measures the load placed on the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Reed Hanoun
  • Patent number: 6183430
    Abstract: The invention discloses a portable bathtub massage pad, which can be placed within a bathtub or be hung in a shower room. It comprises a pump, a pad, and a control circuit. The massage effect on human bodies is achieved by the steps of sucking, pumping, and jetting water with the pump to send the pressurized water to the pad that is distributed with water ways inside and jet water on the user via the water outlets on the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ching-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 6183431
    Abstract: A metatarsal fracture neutralizer including a pair of brace elements secured with one another in sandwiching relation about a foot containing a fractured metatarsal, and a plurality of neutralization pads secured to the brace elements in confronting relation with one another. Two of the neutralization pads engage and immobilize the fractured metatarsal and the remaining neutralization pads engage and immobilize the remaining metatarsals so as to prevent movement of the fractured metatarsal due to muscle interconnection between metatarsals, while also permitting a full range of motion at the ankle joint connected to the metatarsals in order to aid comprehensive rehabilitation of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Richard E. Gach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6183401
    Abstract: Supplemental weights are disposed above a weight stack and are selectively movable into the path traversed by the top plate in the weight stack. The supplemental weights are maneuvered into and out of storage positions supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6182658
    Abstract: A fluid control valve for connection between a positive fluid pressure source, a negative fluid pressure source and a device to be connected alternately to the pressure sources, comprising a body having ports for connection to the fluid pressure sources and the device, and a rotary member rotatable with respect to the body and adapted selectively to interconnect the ports, whereby the rotary member is operable on rotation in a single sense to connect alternately the positive fluid pressure source and the negative fluid pressure source to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Zamir Hayek
  • Patent number: 6183400
    Abstract: An attachment or accessory for exercise devices such as barbells, dumbbells, weight training machines or any device utilizing a cylindrical bar. The accessory or attachment is intended for strengthening a user's targeted muscle without the necessity of a forceful grip and provides a safer, more effective, and efficient workout. The device is made up of two parts, which are hinged together, to form a grasping area of 16 square inches as opposed to 4 square inches on a regular one inch diameter bar. The unit is secured to the bar with a latch. There is a palm heel to prevent the unit from rotating and to help keep the shaft approximately 90 degrees to the hand. The strap uniformly spreads the weight of the exercise device over the back of the hand reducing the need of forceful grip for lifting the weights when the hand is over the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Harold Raymond Pope
  • Patent number: 6183402
    Abstract: A vaginal weight is provided which includes a tubular portion with a rounded end for enabling smooth insertion into a vagina. Another flat end and/or roughened surface disposed on the tubular portion enables user sensed vaginal resistance during outward movement of the weight in order to cause enhanced facilitation. A method utilizing the weights of the invention provides for exercising and examining the striated musculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Inmedico ApS
    Inventors: Jan Bredgaard Pedersen, Lise Ebdrup, Jens Axelgaard
  • Patent number: 6179758
    Abstract: An inertial exercise device includes an internal hollow casing containing one or more spherical shaped weights for rolling and/or sliding movement within the hollow casing. The weights have an initial force imparted to them by a user of the exercise device. Once set in motion, the mass of the weights provide an inertia to the exercise by requiring the user to maintain the movement or work against the movement of the weights. Different types of motion can be imparted to the weights so as to provide exercise of varying difficulty and to provide exercise to different muscle groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Alberto G. Domenge
  • Patent number: 6179757
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus for strengthening the arm, shoulder, and back muscles. A weight bearing bar capable of holding free weights is moved through a path as the user draws a pair of elongate handles over the front of the body. As the weight bearing bar is moved, the moment arm of the weight is reduced, thereby reducing the effort required to draw the elongate levers downward as the leverage of the user's muscles declines. The elongate handles are mounted to a moveable assembly which is rotatable over a limited range and also is pivotable toward the user. The apparatus may be placed in a storage position when use is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Jam'n Fitness Corp.
    Inventor: Larry Koenig
  • Patent number: 6179756
    Abstract: An exercise device and method are provided for relieving hip and back pain. The device is a firm solid block with side surfaces contoured to fit between a patient's inner thighs. The device is placed between a seated patient's inner thighs just above the knees. By compressing the knees inwardly against the device, the adductor muscles are activated in isometric contractions. By pulling the knees outwardly, the piriformis muscles are activated in isometric contractions. Both actions relieve specific joint and soft tissue dysfunctions in the pelvic girdle and lumbar region thereby relieving hip and back pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Woodside Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Bertolucci, Joan M. Bertolucci