Traversing Ground (e.g., Crawling, Running, Etc.) Patents (Class 434/255)
  • Patent number: 5226820
    Abstract: A training device for teaching children to ride a bicycle comprising a handle, a loop portion for selectively engaging the child's waist, and means for adjusting the size of the loop portion. The loop portion is placed over the head and shoulders of the child and placed around the child's waist. The adjusting means is adjusted so that the loop portion snugly and firmly engages the child's waist so that when the parent holds the handle, the parent can support and control the balance of the child as the child rides the bicycle. In one embodiment, the training device has an elongated member having first and second ends. The first and second ends are coupled together to form the handle and the loop portion therebetween. The first and second ends can be coupled together using any conventional means including, for example, Velcro hook and loop devices, extrusion or molding techniques, glue, or sturdy tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Larry C. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5201659
    Abstract: A motorized gymnastic training apparatus has first and second planar support members and a central support member attached through the first planar support member into the second planar support member. The central support member has a wheel rotatably mounted on one end thereof. The central support member may have a central sleeve attached through the first support member with a sliding or telescoping member passing therethrough so that the wheel and the second planar support member can be adjusted relative to the first planar support member with a pin locking the sleeve to the telescoping central support member. An electric motor is positioned within the central support member and is coupled to the wheel through a belt and a pair of pulleys attached to the wheel shaft and to the electric motor shaft for rotating the wheel in a forward or backwards rotation responsive to the actuation of a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Riley H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5120228
    Abstract: An intrinsic perceptual motor training device comprising a data recording apparatus for recording when a patients body moves out of a test area. The data recording apparatus includes a pulse generator that generates a signal pulse whenever a beam of light associated with a test area defining elements is interrupted. The pulse generator is coupled to a strip chart to mark a real time strip chart whenever one of the test area defining beams is interrupted. The pulse generator can also be connected to a computer and the signal pulse used in conjunction with data analysis software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventors: William Stahl, James McMullen
  • Patent number: 5024601
    Abstract: A support device for supporting a skater comprising a first extensible frame of inverted U-shaped configuration, the first frame having a first and a second end. A first handle is rigidly secured to the first frame between the first and second end for supporting the skater. The device also includes a second extensible frame of inverted U-shaped configuration, the second frame being spaced and parallel relative to the first frame. The second frame has a first and a second extremity. A second handle is rigidly secured to the second frame between the first and second extremities for supporting the skater such that in use of the device, the skater is disposed between the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Henry E. Barker
  • Patent number: 5008839
    Abstract: A sports training apparatus for injecting actual game timing into team practice includes a portable housing having an on/off switch, a skill level selection switch, an area selector switch for selecting position areas for practice, and two time sequence initiator switches. A light and a horn are attached to the housing for signaling a running of a time sequence, and the end of the time sequence, respectively. A programmable controller is mounted in the housing and connected to the above mentioned switches and light and horn. For baseball, the programmable controller is programmed with up to 29 speed time sequences including those for infielder, outfielder, and steal position areas for pre-high school, high school, college, and professional skill levels. For the infielders and outfielders each are provided two time sequences for practicing plays as follows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventors: John D. Goodwin, Samuel D. Goodwin, Wilford House, James Farrar
  • Patent number: 5002273
    Abstract: A training device for training one player of a game, such as basketball, to closely follow another player of the game, comprises a body-worn member to be worn by the one player; a tether fixed at one end to the body-worn member; and a quickly attachable-detachable connector element carried at the opposite end of the tether for attachment to a mating connector element carried by another training device to be worn by another player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Ilan Sela
  • Patent number: 4988092
    Abstract: A therapeutic walker comprises a floor plate with a center board extending upwardly therefrom to maintain lateral spacing between a child's feet as he walks along the board. The ends of the center board are supported by end plates bearing stanchions which receive the legs of a rail assembly. The rails can be adjusted vertically and horizontally for various sized patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Travis Trout
  • Patent number: 4982951
    Abstract: A walker having wheels rotatably supported for orientation in any direction includes a flexible shaft for coupling rotation of the wheel to a tachogenerator in a supporting column that also carries an electronics cabinet including a relay that turns a tape recorder therein on when the wheel rotates, and off when the wheel is stationary. The electronics cabinet also includes a loudspeaker that reproduces the audible messages recorded on the tape recorder when the tape recorder is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventors: Elyena Foster, Yuly Pulyer
  • Patent number: 4948372
    Abstract: Tennis gauge 10 uses a plurality of adhesive dots 11 and 12 to teach relative positioning of a tennis player on tennis court 1 with respect to the bouncing point of a ground stroked tennis ball. First indicia adhesive dots 11 are positioned along service box centerlines 7 nine feet fore and aft service line 4. Second indicia adhesive dots 12 are attached along the longitudinal service box centerline 7 at points nine feet aft base lines 6. Tennis player uses the adhesive dots to indicate the relative distance behind the bouncing point of a ground stroked tennis ball for the return stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Duane Stotland
  • Patent number: 4907972
    Abstract: A pair of baby walking straps are disclosed for assisting an infant's first steps. Each baby walking strap has a loop at a first end thereof for placement about the wrist of an adult or for being manually gripped by the adult and second ends which include crossbar elements for the infant to grip in each hand. With such a structure, the baby can be supported and guided with the straps without the adult having to bend forwardly and stress his lower back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Frank Marolda
  • Patent number: 4906193
    Abstract: A perceptual motor training device uses a non-tactile method of training a patient who has suffered some interruption of his neurological functions to recognize the spatial position and orientation of his body and/or the parts thereof. The device includes an alarm that is activated when a portion of the patient's body moves out of a predetermined test area. The alarm alerts the patient without touching the patient so the patient is forced to use his own internal systems to determine the location and orientation of his body and the parts thereof. The test area is defined by beams and/or fields and can include test areas within the overall test area. The device can also be used in conjunction with the training of gross motor developmental sequences as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventors: James McMullen, William Stahl
  • Patent number: 4902000
    Abstract: A toddler walking trainer is set forth utilizing a plurality of rails telescopingly mounted within support posts. The support posts and rails are encased in a resilient covering to enhance safety and comfort to a toddler utilizing the device. The support posts are mounted onto a "U" shaped rigid clamp reciprocatably mounted relative to an opposed "U" shaped clamp of an opposed support rail and post slidably received within a connecting member to grasp a resilient mat therebetween to provide safety and comfort to a toddler utilizing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventors: Robert D. Starks, John H. Starks, Jr., Nola S. Zarate
  • Patent number: 4886050
    Abstract: Apparatus is described which allows a user to simulate crawling motions and provides enhanced movements of the person's truncal spinal muscles and joints. The apparatus comprises a first means for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine and second means to permit relative motion between axial portions of the spine trunk, especially the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk, while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The device contains a fixed portion and a pivoting or swiveling portion, the swiveling portion comprising a pair of pivoted supports which can move in circular lateral paths independent of each other. In the preferred embodiment the user assumes an all fours position and by kneeling or leaning on the swiveling portion engages in a crawling motion alternating movements of each leg or arm, which causes the upper and lower portions of the trunk to move relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Superspine
    Inventors: John F. Iams, Robson L. Splane, Jr., John A. Drusch, III
  • Patent number: 4799475
    Abstract: An apparatus permits a user to simulate crawling motions and provides enhanced movements of the person's truncal spinal muscles and joints. The apparatus comprises a flat base for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine, and hand and knee rests respectively fixed and pivoting relative to the flat base to permit relative motion between axial portions of the spine trunk, especially the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk, while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The base mounts a fixed rest and a pivoting or swiveling rest, the swiveling rest comprising a pair of pivoted supports which can move in circular lateral paths independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Superspine, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Iams, Robson L. Splane, Jr., John A. Drusch, III
  • Patent number: 4757995
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the hitting technique of baseball players, suitable for use in training right and/or left hand hitters includes a stride limiting apparatus having an adjustable elongated restraining member for limiting the length of a player's stride during hitting of a baseball, a pair of removable and adjustable cuff members disposed proximate each ankle of the player utilizing the apparatus and a non-resilient adjustable restraining device affixed to each of the cuff members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: David T. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 4569336
    Abstract: A rehabilitation training device for use by a patient and therapist where the patient has suffered partial or complete loss of function of one of his or her legs comprising a first and second foot support operatively coupled to each to permit limited movement therebetween, the first and second foot support each including a toe strap and heel/arch strap attached to the forward and rear portions thereof respectively to secure the foot of the disabled leg of the patient and therapist's opposite foot thereto and a substantially vertical elongated member including a pair of adjustable leg straps attached to the upper portion thereof to secure the rehabilitation training device to the patient's and therapist's leg pivotally attached between the rear portions of the first and second foot support such that the foot and leg of the disabled leg of the patient and opposite foot and leg of the therapist are attached to the rehabilitation training device whereby the therapist and patient walk in unison forcing the patient
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Jude Wheeler
  • Patent number: 4559015
    Abstract: A method and means are provided for testing and refining bicycle riding skills by laying on the ground a narrow, long rubber track which, when traversed by a bicycle in a straight line at a maximum, safe speed, triggers a built-in buzzing mechanism which produces an audible signal. A scoring device, capable of being hand held, is attached to the track which provides the rider with an immediate numerical score based on skill versus speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventor: Arthur Felesky