Patents by Inventor Ellen Croft

Ellen Croft has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11135499
    Abstract: A fitness apparatus is described which can be configured to operate both as a bag for carrying and storing exercise equipment and as a fixed anchor to which the exercise equipment can be connected. When operated as a bag, the apparatus can be filled with accessories and attachments that are utilized while performing exercises. These accessories can include, for example, Yoga Ropes, Pilates Springs, or Pulley Ropes. The fitness apparatus is converted to a fixed anchor by unzipping a zipper and turning the bag inside out, thereby exposing straps which are sewn onto the inside of the bag, and wrapping the straps around a door to provide fixed anchor points to which the accessories can be affixed. The straps which are wrapped around the door can be connected to one another on the opposite side of the door from the bag, thereby securing the apparatus to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Publication number: 20180353833
    Abstract: A fitness apparatus is described which can be configured to operate both as a bag for carrying and storing exercise equipment and as a fixed anchor to which the exercise equipment can be connected. When operated as a bag, the apparatus can be filled with accessories and attachments that are utilized while performing exercises. These accessories can include, for example, Yoga Ropes, Pilates Springs, or Pulley Ropes. The fitness apparatus is converted to a fixed anchor by unzipping a zipper and turning the bag inside out, thereby exposing straps which are sewn onto the inside of the bag, and wrapping the straps around a door to provide fixed anchor points to which the accessories can be affixed. The straps which are wrapped around the door can be connected to one another on the opposite side of the door from the bag, thereby securing the apparatus to the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Patent number: 7682298
    Abstract: A collapsible resistance exercise device for compact storage and quick deployment includes a horizontally disposed base support frame and an upright frame pivotally attached to the base frame. The upright frame includes a resistance bar pivotally mounted thereon. In practice, the device is placed on a level surface with the base support frame resting on the surface. The free end of the upright frame is rotated upwardly to a vertical position where it is releasably locked into position to be free standing. One end of a pair of springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on the upright frame. The opposing ends of the springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on a resistance bar, strap or similar device. The exercisor exercises a muscle group by contacting a limb with the resistance bar and repetitively moving the resistance bar against the restoring force of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Patent number: 7137937
    Abstract: A collapsible resistance exercise device for compact storage and quick deployment includes a horizontally disposed base support frame and an upright frame pivotally attached to the base frame. The upright frame includes a resistance bar pivotally mounted thereon. In practice, the device is placed on a level surface with the base support frame resting on the surface. The free end of the upright frame is rotated upwardly to a vertical position where it is releasably locked into position to be free standing. One end of a pair of springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on the upright frame. The opposing ends of the springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on a resistance bar, strap or similar device. The exerciser exercises a muscle group by contacting a limb with the resistance bar and repetitively moving the resistance bar against the restoring force of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Publication number: 20060194680
    Abstract: A collapsible resistance exercise device for compact storage and quick deployment includes a horizontally disposed base support frame and an upright frame pivotally attached to the base frame. The upright frame includes a resistance bar pivotally mounted thereon. In practice, the device is placed on a level surface with the base support frame resting on the surface. The free end of the upright frame is rotated upwardly to a vertical position where it is releasably locked into position to be free standing. One end of a pair of springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on the upright frame. The opposing ends of the springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on a resistance bar, strap or similar device. The exercisor exercises a muscle group by contacting a limb with the resistance bar and repetitively moving the resistance bar against the restoring force of the springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Patent number: 6971975
    Abstract: A compact, low profile, collapsible exercise device with storage base. The device includes a storage case, a rectangular or U-shaped frame pivotally attached to the storage case, a horizontal hinge rod assembly attached to the frame and rotatably mounted on the frame, a resistance bar, a pair of swing arms, each swing arm having a distal end attached to opposing ends of the hinge rod, and proximal ends attached to opposing ends of the resistance bar. The device includes at least two springs, each spring having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends of the springs are releasably attached to spring connectors on the frame. The proximal ends of the springs are attached to the respective swing arms near the proximal ends thereof. In use, an exerciser positions a part of his/her body, such as the hands, in contact with the resistance bar and applies a force sufficient to extend the springs. When the exerciser releases the force, the spring restores to its non-extended length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Publication number: 20050059536
    Abstract: A collapsible resistance exercise device for compact storage and quick deployment includes a horizontally disposed base support frame and an upright frame pivotally attached to the base frame. The upright frame includes a resistance bar pivotally mounted thereon. In practice, the device is placed on a level surface with the base support frame resting on the surface. The free end of the upright frame is rotated upwardly to a vertical position where it is releasably locked into position to be free standing. One end of a pair of springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on the upright frame. The opposing ends of the springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on a resistance bar, strap or similar device. The exercisor exercises a muscle group by contacting a limb with the resistance bar and repetitively moving the resistance bar against the restoring force of the springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Publication number: 20040067828
    Abstract: A compact, low profile, collapsible exercise device with storage base. The device includes a storage case, a rectangular or U-shaped frame pivotally attached to the storage case, a horizontal hinge rod assembly attached to the frame and rotatably mounted on the frame, a resistance bar, a pair of swing arms, each swing arm having a distal end attached to opposing ends of the hinge rod, and proximal ends attached to opposing ends of the resistance bar. The device includes at least two springs, each spring having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends of the springs are releasably attached to spring connectors on the frame. The proximal ends of the springs are attached to the respective swing arms near the proximal ends thereof. In use, an exerciser positions a part of his/her body, such as the hands, in contact with the resistance bar and applies a force sufficient to extend the springs. When the exerciser releases the force, the spring restores to its non-extended length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Patent number: 6328679
    Abstract: A compact, low profile, wall-mountable exercise device. The device includes a modular, wall-mountable rectangular frame, a horizontal hinge rod assembly attached to the frame and rotatably mounted on the frame, a resistance bar, a pair of swing arms, each swing arm having a distal end attached to opposing ends of the hinge rod, and proximal ends attached to opposing ends of the resistance bar. The device includes at least two springs, each spring having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends of the springs are releasably attached to spring connectors on the frame. The proximal ends of the springs are attached to the respective swing arms near the proximal ends thereof. In use, an exerciser positions a part of his/her body, such as the hands, in contact with the resistance bar and applies a force sufficient to extend the springs. When the exerciser releases the force, the spring restores to its non-extended length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Ellen Croft