Patents Examined by S. R. Crow
  • Exercise machine
    Patent number: 4723774
    Abstract: An exercise machine has braking devices positioned directly on the frame of the machine and to which levers are attached for manipulation by the user, the levers being foldable into proximity with the frame to permit ready storage of the device, the frame being provided with an accessory bar enabling the device to be used in an upright position in addition to a prone position, a seat of the device providing for support of the device when in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Maquina Sports, S.A.
    Inventor: Pedro L. Monforte
  • Exercise apparatus with locking means
    Patent number: 4720094
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus having locking means for facilitating adjustable positioning of a portion thereof. The exercise apparatus may take the form of an exercise bicycle or other equipment. The locking means are adapted to have a component positioned within a tubular member of the exercise apparatus and receive an adjustable member passing therethrough. The locking means components are adapted to be moved in a path generally transverse to the axis of the adjustable member and are adapted to provide compressive locking action to the adjustable member in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: James E. Danchulis
  • Tongue positioning and exercising device
    Patent number: 4718662
    Abstract: A device having an outer marginal area for clenched retention between the upper and lower teeth. Tongue supporting members extend inwardly and upwardly from the marginal area to properly position the tongue with the tongue tip in contact with the upper alveolar ridge of the gum. Openings permit passage of saliva through the device. Projections, on a modified form of the device, cause tongue discomfort if the tongue is improperly located below the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Richard B. North
  • Rotary health promoting exercise apparatus
    Patent number: 4717146
    Abstract: The rotary health promoting exercise apparatus herein disclosed includes a base (1) in the form of a frame, a support housing (2) mounted thereon adjacent to one end thereof, a shaft (7) rotatably supported by the housing (2), pedal levers (8) attached to the shaft (7), an electric motor (11) for rotating the shaft (7), and a repose device (26) provided on the base (1) adjacent to the other end thereof for enabling the user (M) of the apparatus to stay in a posture of repose. The pedal levers (8) are rotated or reciprocally moved, while the user (M) stays in a posture of repose. The apparatus moves the arms or legs of the user and also allows him to move them himself, thereby enabling him to continue exercise without imposing any burden on his physical power. It also produces a massage effect which enables the user to recover from fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: G O Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hatsue Nohara
  • Pivotal skipping rope handles having spring resistance
    Patent number: 4714245
    Abstract: A skipping rope handle is formed in two connected parts which are biased apart by a spring. The end of the skipping rope is attached to a button which is rotatable within an end of the handle parts. The handle parts can be held in closed condition by moving a ring axially over the rebated end of the handle part, when the handle has a generally conventional form and use. When released by the ring, the handle can be used for exercising the gripping muscles of the hand by forcing the parts towards one another against the bias provided by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventor: Myung H. Cho
  • Cycle exercisers
    Patent number: 4712789
    Abstract: A cycle exerciser having a wheel rotatably mounted on a frame and arranged to absorb energy applied to the wheel through a pair of foot pedals and/or a pair of handlebar levers. A pedal-driven main drive shaft is connected to a countershaft through a first speed-increasing chain and sprocket mechanism, and the countershaft is connected through a second speed-increasing chain and sprocket mechanism to the energy-absorbing wheel. The main drive shaft is connected through a one-to-one chain and sprocket mechanism to another countershaft enabling the main drive shaft and the other countershaft to rotate at the same speed. The handlebar levers are connected to a pair of drive crank arms which are secured to opposite end portions of the other countershaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Schwinn Bicycle Company
    Inventor: Frank P. Brilando
  • Cycle exerciser
    Patent number: 4712790
    Abstract: A cycle exerciser has a pedal-actuatable drive shaft and a pair of counter shafts rotatably mounted about spaced, parallel axes. First and second sprockets are mounted on the drive shaft and on one of the counter shafts, respectively. Third and fourth sprockets are mounted on the other counter shaft. A fifth sprocket is connected to an energy-absorbing wheel. The first and second sprockets are the same size and larger than the third sprocket. The fourth sprocket is larger than the fifth. A pair of oscillatable handle bar levers are connected to drive crank arms at opposite ends of the one counter shaft. A primary endless chain is in wraparound connecting engagement with the first, second, and third sprockets. A secondary endless chain is in wraparound connecting engagement with the fourth and fith sprockets. Energy is applied to the wheel through foot pedals and/or the handle bar levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Schwinn Bicycle Company
    Inventor: Eugene J. Szymski
  • Gymnastic and playing device
    Patent number: 4712792
    Abstract: A gymnastic and playing device is shown formed of a rod that is made of bending resistant material and having on each end of the rod a pear-shaped thickened section where the conical sections of each thickened section face each other. The outer portions of each pear-shaped section has a ball-like contour and is comprised of elastic deformable material. The pear-shaped sections have at least one circumferential groove configured to receive the fingers of a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rogall
  • Therapeutic hand exerciser
    Patent number: 4711445
    Abstract: A therapeutic hand exerciser constructed of resilient foam material such as polyurethane of generally cylindrical configuration with an opening passing through an axis thereof, and a strap formed of two "Velcro" (a trademark) woven nylon fastener material joined together passing through the opening and adjustably fastened together at each of the free ends around one's hand or other body member for being adjustable to fit any sized hands or body members. A longitudinal groove extends throughout a length of the material upon the cylindrical surface for receiving within such cut or groove a medicinal substance such as sold under the trademark "Ben Gay", ointment, or other medicament that is applied to the engaging body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Duro Med Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Whitehead
  • Stilt
    Patent number: 4711446
    Abstract: An upright standard is provided having upper and lower end portions and inner and outer upstanding longitudinal sides. A horizontally outwardly projecting foot block is guidingly mounted from the inner side of the standard for movement therealong and a generally rectangular bail closely encircles the standard and foot block and includes transverse opposite end members. The longitudinal groove which runs the length of the upright standard also provides finger grip. The remote oppositely facing sides of the foot block and the standard include horizontal support and adjustment grooves, respectively, formed therein and the opposite end members of the bail are seated in the support groove and one of the adjustment grooves with the latter spaced above the support groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Inventors: Orlan S. Nielsen, Lawrence E. Nielsen
  • Exercise apparatus for use with video game
    Patent number: 4711447
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use in combination with a video game having a chair for a player mounted in a structural assembly which tilts back or forth in response to pushing or pulling, respectively, on a handlebar, and which rotates horizontally in two directions in response to pedaling backwards or forwards of a cycle mechanism. The position of the chair and assembly is measured by electrical devices for utilization by a computer with video screen controlled by a video game program. The resistance encountered by the operator in pedaling and in pushing or pulling on the handlebar is variable by mechanical friction devices so that the operator may adjust the level of his or her physical exertion required to play the video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Inventor: Michael R. Mansfield
  • Bowlers grip exerciser
    Patent number: 4709916
    Abstract: A finger, hand and wrist exercising device, for bowlers, having finger grips simulating the arrangement of the finger holes on a bowling ball. The grips are slidably disposed on the arcuate surface of the exerciser and are spring loaded against compression between the fingers and thumb. The exerciser has a rotatable hand grip knob on the bottom surface. The hand grip knob is loaded in torsion against rotation of the exerciser. The arcuate radius on the exerciser surface being the same as that of a bowling ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: Dean Clark
  • Pre-ski testing and exercising apparatus
    Patent number: 4708339
    Abstract: Pre-ski testing and exercising apparatus comprising a pair of elongated members which may be actual or simulated skis, and which are clamped by appropriate clamping devices to a pair of rigid cross bars, each of which is supported by a pair of rocker blocks. The apparatus allows the user forceably to rock the skis, or simulated skis, forward or backwards, or from side-to-side. Also, one of the cross bars, usually the rear cross bar, may be positioned relatively higher on its rocker blocks than the forward cross bar so as to tilt the skis, or simulated skis slightly forward, even while at rest. The apparatus of the invention prevents the skis, or simulated skis, from rotating freely about their longitudinal axis, and from moving freely independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Questek Corp.
    Inventor: James J. Perrine
  • Exercise and sporting device
    Patent number: 4708340
    Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening one's grip, wrists, arms and back is disclosed. The device includes a frame having three elongate members that are joined in a point at the top with an elongate extension projecting upwardly up from the apex. The upward elongate extension provides a situs for removably attaching weights. The device is used by sitting it on a flat surface, gripping one of the elongate members near the lower terminus of that member and rotating the device about a fulcrum created by the intersection of the flat surface and two lower terminus points of the two of the elongate members, one of which is the grip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: Nino D'Agosta
  • Exercise apparatus
    Patent number: 4705269
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus including upper and lower body exercising assemblies which are operable in isolation or in conjunction with each other. The upper body assembly includes rotary handle members which rotate a driving sprocket. The upper driving sprocket in turn rotates an upper driven sprocket which is connected via two additional sprockets and an endless chain to the wheel of the lower body exercising assembly. The lower body assembly is a conventional exercise bicycle including rotary foot pedals for rotating a lower driving sprocket which in turn rotates a lower driven sprocket connected to the wheel. The upper and lower driven sprockets are one-directional ratcheted sprockets which can be rotated only by the endless chain joining them to the upper and lower driving sprockets, respectively, to provide the independent operation of the upper and lower body exercising assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignees: William M. DeBoer, Stanley E. DeBoer, Jr.
    Inventors: William M. DeBoer, Stanley E. DeBoer, Jr., Robert C. Hykes
  • Portable exercise device
    Patent number: 4705270
    Abstract: An exercise device adapted to extend beneath a door and provide an anchor for one or more body parts of an individual performing exercises. The device comprises an elongated body having a major length and including a rigid element enclosed in a flexible cover. The device further includes two straps extending generally transverse to the major length of the body. Both ends of each strap are secured to the body to thereby form a loop and at least one end of each strap is releasably secured to the body by a hook-and-loop type fastener of sufficient dimensions that the size of the loop can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Florence Melton
  • Amusement and/or exercising device
    Patent number: 4700947
    Abstract: First and second pads are connected by a member which is wider at the bottom than at the top. Each pad has a ground engaging element associated therewith. A generally semi-spherical bearing is provided between each ground engaging element and its associated pad so that the pads may tilt and/or rotate relative to their ground engaging element. A removable insert is provided for limiting maneuverability and thereby facilitating ease of maintaining balance by beginners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventor: Richard L. Heatwole
  • Exercise apparatus with locking means
    Patent number: 4700942
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus having locking means for facilitating adjustable positioning of a portion thereof. The exercise apparatus may take the form of an exercise bicycle or other equipment. The locking means are adapted to have a component positioned within a tubular member of the exercise apparatus and receive an adjustable member passing therethrough. The locking means components are adapted to be moved in a path generally transverse to the axis of the adjustable member and are adapted to provide compressive locking action to the adjustable member in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventor: James E. Danchulis
  • Portable platform assembly for dancers and the like
    Patent number: 4696470
    Abstract: A portable platform assembly includes a platform (12) and a folding barre structure (14) mounted for pivotal movement about spaced supporting bases (16, 18) on the platform (12 ) between an upright position and a collapsed inoperable position relative to the platform (12). The folding barre structure (14) has a pair of parallel spaced legs (24, 26) adjustable in height and a horizontal barre or rail (34) secured to the upper ends of the legs (24, 26) for supporting the arms or legs of a person thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventor: Edwin H. Fenner
  • Exercise machine having pedals which extend radially against resistive means
    Patent number: 4693468
    Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the forward and backward muscles in the upper and lower muscle groups. A first bidirectional exercise unit is attached to a frame to permit stand-up pedalling against resistance. A second exercise unit is attached to an upstanding vertical section of the frame, and is of adjustable height so that the person who is standing and pedalling on the lower exercise unit may adjust the upper unit to the height of his hands or to a height at which certain muscles may be conveniently exercised. To promote the optimum exercise of certain muscles in the lower muscle group a shank of which produces a significant but yielding resistance to the forces of the body weight and muscular activity of a person pedalling in a standup position is provided for the first bidirectional exercise unit. The upper and lower muscle groups may be exercised in synchronization or at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventors: Paul C. Kurlytis, Clayton A. Carpenter