Patents Examined by Stephen Crow
  • Patent number: 9017233
    Abstract: A lower body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having two posts on two sides thereof. Two swing units are respectively connected to the two posts and an arm of each swing unit is connected with a cam of a transmission unit corresponding thereto. The cam is connected with a piston rod of a resistance unit corresponding thereto and the piston rod is connected with a piston located in a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of each of the cylinders and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with the space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control the fluid in the cylinders to adjust the resistance force when the user swings the pedals and the arms, so that the user's bones and muscles of the lower body are exercised properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Tzu-Yao Tai, Cheng-Yu Kuo
  • Patent number: 9017236
    Abstract: A exercising assembly includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A mount is attached to the second end of the elongated member. A pair of body extenders is provided and each of the body extenders is attached to the mount. The elongated member is positioned between the body extenders. The body extenders are gripped to form a support point for a person's body as the person moves their torso toward or away from the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Freddy N. Aviles
  • Patent number: 9011295
    Abstract: An aerobic step includes a body having a middle exercise area and four sides. A maximum height of the body is positioned in the middle exercise area. The middle exercise area has a domed shape and curves downwardly to the four sides. The four sides define two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides. The middle exercise area includes a layer of material co-molded with and supported by a main body portion which promotes gripping and non-slippage. The layer of material includes a pattern of grooves. Two handles are defined along a lower portion of the body in the form of cutouts. An edge material is co-molded with and positioned on the lower edge of the body for contacting the ground. The body has a convex upper surface, and a concave lower surface which promotes stacking for storage, or for adding additional height by nesting two or more steps together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Prophet Corporation
    Inventors: Amber Orenstein, Ben Ton
  • Patent number: 9011305
    Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention are directed towards solving the need for weightlifting wraps which prevent slippage, increase rebound potential, allow simpler application, and provide greater stability. An embodiment of the invention comprises: gripper wraps made of stretchable material; the gripper wraps having exposed rubber strands on one outer surface of the gripper wraps; the exposed rubber strands arranged in an offset lattice configuration, wherein the exposed rubber strands have a coefficient of friction sufficient to grip the previous layer of wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: John Inzer
  • Patent number: 9005090
    Abstract: A system for performing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (“PNF”) stretching. The system includes a harness portion comprising a harness strap with movably attached buckle portions and a hook receptacle surrounding the harness strap to support the harness strap when the hook receptacle is suspended. The harness strap includes a mini-strap with buckle portions extending in parallel with the harness strap. The harness strap buckle portions mate with the mini-strap buckle portions to form a double loop harness configuration, and alternatively, combine with a single loop enabler to form a single loop harness configuration. An attachment strap is configured for attachment to a fixing structure by a movably attached hooking mechanism, which varies the distance between the attaching end of the attachment strap and the hooking mechanism. The harness portion attaches to the attachment strap attached to the fixing structure to provide a user with a body support while in un-balanced positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Yoga Bent, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel James Latronica
  • Patent number: 9005088
    Abstract: A barbell assembly includes a bar and a weight subassembly adjacent each end of the bar. Each weight subassembly includes a wheel with a predetermined pattern of through holes and an inflatable component around the periphery of the wheel. A hub defines a flange having a plurality of through holes corresponding to the through holes on the wheel for securing the wheel to the hub with fasteners. The hub is secured to the bar with fasteners, or the flange is secured to the bar by welding or with fasteners. An outer end of the bar is provided with a U-shaped swivel having a hook that rotates freely relative to the outer end and the grip portion of the bar. The barbell assembly may be utilized to perform weight training exercises without causing damage to an exercise surface, and may be locked to an immovable fixture using a tether and a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Richard D. Sides, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8998775
    Abstract: An oblong orbital exercising machine includes a main frame, an upright, two swinging handles, a cycle movement mechanism, two tread bars, two sliding bars, two pedals, two cranks, two rollers, two guiding tracks, two pivot members, and two ball bearings. The top face of each of the guiding tracks has an arcuate convex shape to correspond to the respective roller. Each of the guiding tracks has two upward extending side wings formed on two opposite sides thereof. Each of the pivot members has a threaded rod threadedly connected with a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is located between a respective one of the pivot members and a respective one of the swinging handles. Each of the ball bearings is mounted on the threaded rod of the respective pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: High Spot Health Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yen-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 8998783
    Abstract: A push up device includes a support device including a base for positioning on the floor, side supports and a top. A control device at the top includes a push up counter, a timer, and/or an audio signaling device. The support device includes adjustable arms which adjust the relative height between the top and the base. Hand supports extend from opposite sides of the support device. In one embodiment, the hand supports are removably mounted from the support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Prophet Corporation
    Inventor: Amber Orenstein
  • Patent number: 8986172
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for an exercise sled including an upper portion detachably coupled to a lower portion through telescoping leg assemblies located at the corners of the sled. The upper portion includes a flat jumping surface to facilitate jumping or step-up type exercises, and the lower portion includes a sled rail portion to facilitate sliding across a surface, and a weight platform for the addition of plate weights. A number of attachment hooks facilitate the use of cords or handles to perform resistance exercises using the sled as an exercise platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Bachar Corporation
    Inventor: Tyrone Poole
  • Patent number: 8986178
    Abstract: A portable human balance training device for improving the human proprioceptive system, athletic performance, athletic speed, athletic agility, athletic vertical leap, athletic eye/hand coordination, spatial awareness, left/right brain organization and increasing the muscular development of a user. The balancing device has an elongated suspended support structure spanning the length of the device. The balancing device also has an end support structure at each end for suspending and stabilizing the support structure. A flexible line is mounted to the end supports and spans the length of the support structure. The user places all or part of their body weight on the suspended support band and attempts to balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Auburn University, Slackbow LLC
    Inventors: James E. Klopman, Robert C. Engle, Stacy Marable, II, Matthew H. Kirk, De'Varus M. May, Blake T. Hudson, Christopher L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 8986180
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable perturbation device and methods for proprioceptive and reactive balance training and therapy. The perturbation device is manipulated by a user, person other than the user, or mechanical device to impart linear, rotational or tilting movement, or a combination thereof. The device generally comprises a base, a movable assembly positioned on the based and configured to be stood upon by a user. The movable assembly is movable with respect to the base by a manually manipulated assembly connected to the movable assembly. Manipulation of the device may create linear, rotational, or tilting movement, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Balance Dynamix, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. VanBuren, Javvad Qasimi, Chris Relyea
  • Patent number: 8986177
    Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle specific exercise device. The device may provide passive or active resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The device may be low profile, and worn by a wearer, such as beneath conventional clothing. Exercise of selective joints or motion of the body may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tau Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Kaitlin von Hoffmann, Gerard von Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8986173
    Abstract: Dumbbells with resistance bands suitable for performing a variety of exercises are described. The dumbbells with resistance bands include a pair of resistance bands that are affixed to opposing ends of dumbbell weights. Each dumbbell weight includes a means to adjust the length of a band as well as a locking mechanism. The length of each band may be adjusted and locked to provide varying levels of resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Elijah D. Adams
  • Patent number: 8979715
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a removable attachment for installing on a bicycle with the goal of altering the resistance to either front tire or back tire revolution. In this way, the bicycle includes enhanced physical training capabilities allowing the rider to use a bicycle on a standard trainer frame or as a regular bicycle for riding in the usual manner. In one embodiment, the attachment includes a resistance support connected to a bicycle and supporting a resistance device that engages a bicycle wheel or bicycle tire for altering the resistance to tire revolution. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a resistance support attached to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire along with a resistance device removably attached to the resistance support. In one embodiment, the resistance device defines a slot, and the resistance support projects through the slot to position the resistance device against the bicycle wheel or the bicycle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Brian H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8979714
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise device includes a frame supporting guide links which provide for a horizontal component of motion of associated foot support links. A mechanical coupling couples the foot support links to a crank system and intermediate links couple the crank system to the guide links such that a foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a closed generally elliptical path when the crank system rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Larry D. Miller Trust
    Inventor: Larry D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8979716
    Abstract: A portable exercise device includes an anchor portion, a swivel portion, one or more elongate straps, springs or elastic cords, and handles. The swivel portion may allow the elongate straps to rotate without getting tangled. The springs may be placed in series or in parallel with at least part of the elongate straps. Two or more springs, of different lengths, may be placed in parallel to achieve a changing spring constant of the system, depending on displacement of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8979722
    Abstract: A board apparatus for balance exercises and balance games having a platform that tiltable on a base part, freely rotatable around a vertical axis, and mounted movably along the vertical axis. A restoring part generates restoring forces that counteract motions of the platform and can be modified by the user. The restoring part includes four elastomer springs that are arranged at a distance from the center of the base part. The elastomer springs can be offset inward or outward with respect to the center of the base part, enabling accurate adaptation of the restoring forces. When twisting the platform around the vertical axis, the restoring part always returns the support part into one of two initial positions that are located 180 degree opposite to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Extralevel GBR
    Inventors: Maximilian Klein, Peter Lutz
  • Patent number: 8979717
    Abstract: Chin-up assemblies have a mount, a suspension member spaced from the mount, at least one handle that is movable along the suspension member and pivotable with respect to the suspension member, and an arm coupled to the handle. Pivoting of the handle with respect to the suspension member couples the arm to the mount to thereby fix the position of the handle along the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Glickstein, Westin Nelson
  • Patent number: 8974352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. Compound guides are used to achieve elliptical curve pedal paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Paul William Eschenbach
  • Patent number: 8968165
    Abstract: The means for securing weight plates (16) on weight rods (10?, 12) or holder bars provides at least one groove (14) formed in an end region (10?) of a weight rod (10?, 12) or in the holder bar. The weight plates (16) are formed with a radial protrusion (17) in their central bore, preferably extending over only a portion of the circumference. The diameter of the bore at the protrusion (17) is greater than the diameter of the end region (10?) of the weight rod (10?, 12) or holder bar axially next to the groove (14). The protrusion (17) falls into the groove (14) and prevents the weight plate (16) from slipping off the weight rod (10?, 12) or holder bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Hermann Josef Becker