Patents Examined by Victor K. Hwang
  • Patent number: 7241251
    Abstract: A hand-held exercise device exercise device incorporating a variable stability strength overload distribution system resulting from the even or uneven distribution of weight relative to a center of gravity thereof. The even or uneven distribution of weight providing the variable stability strength overload distribution system results from the attached of a selected number of weights along first, second and/or third planes, each generally parallel to a handle assembly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Patterson
  • Patent number: 7229389
    Abstract: A multifunction exerciser includes a base, a coupler rotatably attached to the base, a lever attached to the coupler and having one or more seats for supporting users, a handle device rotatably attached to the base, and a link pivotally coupling the handle device to the coupler and thus to the lever, to allow the user to elevate himself by rotating the handle device relative to the base. A foot support is rotatably attached to the base, and includes one or more foot pedals to support the user, and a connecting rod pivotally couples the foot support to the handle device and the coupler. The handle device includes a connecting bar coupled between two hand grips, and a connector rotatably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Chou Hong
  • Patent number: 7229392
    Abstract: An exercise system for use in a vehicle includes a frame that has a pair of spaced apart base members. Support legs extend from each base member and a crossbeam is connected to and extends between each support leg. Mounting fixtures are positioned on each support leg and on each base member. Additionally, one or more exercise devices may be removably secured to each mounting fixture. In operation a user may attach an exercise device to the frame and undertake resistance exercises for the arms, legs and torso. Various sized individuals at various strength levels can be accommodated via altering the resistance of exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventors: R. Gary Turnbull, Bryan Scott Turnbull
  • Patent number: 7226400
    Abstract: A weight bench apparatus for to allow a user to lift weights without a spotter. The weight bench apparatus includes a bench assembly being designed for being positioned on a support surface and for supporting the user. A pair of support assemblies is pivotally coupled to the bench assembly for supporting a weight training member being used by the user. A foot assembly is operationally coupled to the bench assembly. The foot assembly is operationally coupled to the support assemblies whereby the foot assembly pivots the support assemblies from a vertical position to a substantially horizontal position to allow the user to freely use the weight training member when the foot assembly is actuated by feet of the user. The support assemblies are designed for receiving the weight training member when the support assemblies are actuated by the foot assembly and pivoted back to a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Maxime Gedeon-Janvier
  • Patent number: 7226401
    Abstract: An exercise machine which includes an elongate frame which forms an enclosure, a resistance assembly located at least partly in the enclosure, a support member for supporting the frame at an inclined position with an upwardly facing front side and a downwardly facing rear side, a seat extending from the front side of the frame at a location at which part of the frame opposes a back of a user seated on the seat, and at least a first actuator which is movable by the user against a first resistance force which is generated by the resistance assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Greenhouse International LLC
    Inventors: Willem Johannes Van Stratten, Michael Roydon Puzey
  • Patent number: 7223213
    Abstract: A dual-direction pulley system is disclosed in conjunction with an exercise machine. The pulley system provides resistance to a pivotally mounted actuator lever when the lever is rotated clockwise and when the lever is rotated counterclockwise. In a preferred embodiment the dual-direction pulley system provides resistance for a seated leg curl/extension exercise machine such that a user can perform leg curls and leg extensions from a single seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric D. Golesh
  • Patent number: 7211032
    Abstract: Exercise device and method in which one or more generally planar blades with major surfaces are attached to the ends of an exercise bar. The bar is gripped with the hands and moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the major surfaces, with movement of the bar being resisted by air resistance encountered by the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Tessema Dosho Shifferaw
  • Patent number: 7211030
    Abstract: A exercise machine has a pulley for user's flexibility to choose between training at the selected weight plates' full weight, or at the half weight when the pulley is engaged. A latching switch is used for easy selection of going between the full weight and half weight mode. A counter weight block is attached to an end of the cable, to keep the tension of the cable when the exercise machine is used in the full weight mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Guofang Cao
  • Patent number: 7207928
    Abstract: A multi-station martial arts practice device with multiple practice board supports with differing board orientations and a base non-permanent installation in a practice facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Wayne Arrington
  • Patent number: 7182715
    Abstract: A kettlebell is disclosed herein having, in its preferred embodiment, a pair of oppositely-facing, generally frustum-shaped weightplates disposed about a first axis that is perpendicular to the axis of its handle. The frustum shape reduces the force of impact against the user's forearm during certain exercise movements. The preferred handle includes places which can be held between the user's thumb and remaining fingers for improved control during other exercise movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignees: Ace Specialty, Inc., Grace Premier Fitness & Wellness, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Anderson
  • Patent number: 7179209
    Abstract: A multiple exercise performance or positioning apparatus comprising a generally upright stationary frame on which is mounted an elongated arm mechanism which is mounted on a pivot mechanism, the arm mechanism extending from a proximal end to a distal end relative to the frame, the pivot mechanism enabling pivoting of the arm mechanism such that the distal end of the arm mechanism is adjustably movable between positions of variable distance away from the frame, wherein a cable mechanism is mounted around one or more pulleys, the cable mechanism having a first end interconnected to a handle mechanism which is mounted at the distal end of the elongated arm mechanism, the cable mechanism being interconnected to a weight resistance mechanism such that a user may grasp and pull the handle mechanism against an opposing force exerted by the weight resistance mechanism through the cable mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Sechrest, Raymond Giannelli, Stephen C. Wendt, Scott Lee
  • Patent number: 7172535
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for isolating and strengthening upper back and shoulder muscles including opposed first and second outboard support members containing separate and opposed sets of stacked weights supported for reciprocation vertically, and an upper cross-member containing a pair of aligned upper roller tracks. The frame includes a pair of inboard first and second crossbars supported at opposed ends in upper and lower roller tracks of the frame, such that the crossbars are manipulated in opposed outwardly directions by the user positioned therebetween. Separate cables and supporting pulleys are utilized to extend between first and second crossbars for connections to respective opposed sets of stacked weights, allowing for concurrent movement of weights when each crossbar is moved laterally outwardly and inwardly by user's right and left hands in palm-out orientation, thereby isolating and strengthening the user's upper back and shoulder muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: John F. Volmar
  • Patent number: 7172534
    Abstract: A jump rope simulator for aerobic and anaerobic exercise having a hand-held unit comprising a handle, a base length connected to the handle, and one or more concatenated extension lengths attached to the base length. To exercise, the user grasps one or two units, imitates the motions of swinging a conventional jump rope, and jumps up and down, but there is no risk to the user of tripping over a rope as with a conventional jump rope. If the user desires, two units may also be linked together with an easily attachable connector to form a device similar to a conventional jump rope. A user can quickly convert between the two configurations of the jump rope simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Cynthia L. Joy, Kenneth R. Johnson, F. Michael Sophir
  • Patent number: 7169094
    Abstract: A circular fitness apparatus and method. The circular fitness apparatus includes plural flexible exercise attachments attached to a vertical pole in a hollow circular base that can be selected and used for simultaneous group or individual fitness exercises by plural exercise participants. The circular fitness apparatus is useable for group and individual exercise activities comprising health based, skill based and functional based fitness activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Corepole, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank R. Ardito, III
  • Patent number: 7169093
    Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. Upper and lower pulleys direct a cable into the opposed extension arms such that variations in the cable reaction and tension are minimized when either arm is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Free Motion Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Simonson, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 7153243
    Abstract: Discrete weight selecting members are movably mounted on a handle assembly and selectively rotatable into engagement with respective weight plates to provide adjustable resistance to exercise movement. Adjustable resistance to exercise is provided by rotatably mounting individual weight selectors on a bar, moving the bar into alignment with a group of weights, and rotating respective weight selectors into engagement with desired weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7150699
    Abstract: A water trampoline includes a tumbling unit, a plurality of floating members, and a rope assembly. The tumbling unit includes a bed frame, a tumbling mat, and a plurality of elastic members connecting the tumbling mat to the bed frame. The floating members are connected to and are mounted independently around the bed frame. The rope assembly interconnects the floating members. A ladder is attached to one of the floating members. An anchor unit is connected to another one of the floating members and is spaced apart from the ladder at an angular distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Yen-Shuo Yang
  • Patent number: 7147591
    Abstract: A universal fitness apparatus for force resistance, postural, and balance exercises. A flange assembly is coupled to a longitudinal shaft. The flange assembly can comprise receptacles for receiving handles or it can itself comprise handles. A user can support herself with the handles while performing a variety of exercises that target multiple muscle groups. The height of the handles can be adjusted by sliding the flange assembly along the shaft. Alternatively, the flange assembly and shaft can be mounted to a height adjustable runner coupled to a longitudinal track. A pin and/or lock to hold the flange assembly and/or runner at a particular height can be provided. The flange assembly can be rotationally coupled to the shaft so that the user can move the handles while performing oblique muscle movements. The receptacles and/or the handles can be pivotally movable such that the handles can be stored in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Pentagon South Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. McAvoy
  • Patent number: 7141009
    Abstract: Weightlifting system which is particularly suitable for doing leg presses having an inclined frame, a foot support near the lower end of the inclined frame for receiving the feet of an exerciser, a carriage adapted for receiving the back of the exerciser and being driven in an upward direction along the frame by extension of the legs of the exerciser, a weight bar extending laterally from each side of the carriage, a pair of weight stands positioned to the sides of the frame, and a plurality of weight plates disposed on each of the stands for selective attachment to the bar extending from each side of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Tessema Dosho Shifferaw
  • Patent number: 7141002
    Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention has a bar having a first and a second opposing end. A weight having a central aperture is dimensioned so that the bar can be passed through the aperture. The bar has an end cap having an outer dimension larger than that of the bar and the aperture, with the end cap being situated adjacent the first end of the bar. A clamp secures the weight to the bar adjacent the end cap. An aperture through the bar adjacent the second end of the bar is provided for either pivotal or direct attachment of the gripping plate. The gripping plate may be round, elliptical, continuously variable diameter, or irregular or other shapes. The gripping plate may be firm and flexible and have weights built into the plate itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Louis Connelly