Bar Held By Single Hand Of User (e.g., Dumbbell, Etc.) Patents (Class 482/108)
  • Publication number: 20030232705
    Abstract: An inexpensive to manufacture dumbbell hardware design with secure, tight tolerance, non-rotating weights having a central handle with ends having a geometric shape and a central bore at least part way through each end, a means for securing one or more weights to the handle located at least partially within the central bore, and one or more weights, each including an interior element and a cast resistance, wherein the interior element provides tight tolerance with the handle having a circumference and a generally central void of a shape complementary to the geometric shape of the central handle, wherein the wherein the weights are secured by a locking bolt have corresponding threads with the central bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Robert E. Harms, Eugenio Segovia Jr.
  • Patent number: 6656093
    Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell includes one or more weights engaged onto a rod, and a latch slidably engaged in the rod and movable to engage with one or more of the weights for selectively or adjustably securing the weights to the rod. The weights each has a groove for receiving the rod, and each has a channel communicating with the groove for receiving the latch. A fastener is secured to the latch and slidably engaged in the rod for moving the latch relative to the rod. A barrel is slidably engaged on the fastener and a spring may bias the barrel to engage with the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Chen
  • Publication number: 20030207740
    Abstract: A dumbbell system (10) is provided including a base weight member (12) having a ring-shaped body (14) and a handle (18) extending across an opening (16) in the ring-shaped body (14). A plurality of weight rings (20, 22, 24) are adapted to be removably mounted to the base weight member (12) in order to provide a compact dumbbell system which has the capability of providing several weight increments in a compact assembly. The dumbbell system (10) is ideal for use in areas where space is limited. The dumbbell (10) also provides for a unique balanced mass arrangement which alleviates undesired stresses on a user's wrist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Paul J. Fenelon, Lawrence Morgan, Michael P. Sohr
  • Publication number: 20030199369
    Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship relative thereto. At least one weight selector is movable into and out of engagement with different combinations of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20030199368
    Abstract: An exercise dumbbell has at least one weight selector that is rotatable into engagement with various combination of weights at opposite ends of the handle. On a first embodiment, first and second weight selectors are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of a bar for independent rotation relative to the handle. On a second embodiment, first and second weight selectors are keyed to a common bar and rotated together therewith relative to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6629910
    Abstract: Weights are disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and selector rods are selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of weights on each side of the base member. The resulting adjustable resistance assembly may be used on dumbbells and/or weight stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20030148862
    Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell is constructed to comprise a weight carrier pan, the weight carrier pan having a predetermined number of insertion slots. A plurality of flat weights are received in the insertion slots of the weight carrier pan, each having a center through hole. A support bar unit has two bearing plates, a center sleeve connected between the bearing plates, and two suspension racks respectively fixedly fastened to the bearing plates at an outer side, each suspension racks having a predetermined number of insertion slots for the positioning of the weights respectively. A selector is installed in the support bar unit and has two rod members mounted in the center sleeve of the support bar unit, and an adjusting mechanism controlled to move the rod members axially out of two distal ends of the center sleeve into the center holes of the weights to selectively secure the weights to the support bar unit for exercising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: James Chen, Tony Tsai
  • Patent number: 6599222
    Abstract: An encapsulated weight system for resistance training comprising a first dumbbell having a center portion with a borehole disposed axially therein forming an interior load area. The first dumbbell further comprises a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein the first end cap and the second end cap are arranged and configured to releasably engage opposing ends of the center portion, thereby covering the interior load area. At least one weight capsule is arranged and configured to substantially correspond to at least a portion of the interior load area. The weight capsule can be alternately added and removed from the interior load area of the first dumbbell to alternately increase and decrease weight of said first dumbbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Wince
  • Patent number: 6572515
    Abstract: A stabilizer-isolator device for a weightlifting bar, in which the stabilizer-isolator device is capable of stabilizing and isolating exercised muscles with less stress on the tendons. The stabilizer-isolator device generally includes a pair of brace bars having corresponding first and second ends, an annular-shaped collar interconnecting the second ends of the brace bars, and at least one isolator bar substantially transverse to the brace bars and interconnecting the brace bars so as to be spaced apart from the first and second ends of the brace bars. The first ends of the brace bars are adapted to be permanently or removable attached to the weightlifting bar. The collar is disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the brace bars and defines an opening therein. The at least one isolator bar may comprise a single member with a flat surface, or at least two parallel members spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Alfonso De La Garza
  • Patent number: 6569066
    Abstract: An upper extremity training and rehabilitation device includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, an opening at the proximal end adapted for insertion of an exerciser's hand, and at least one notch formed at at least one of the distal end or the proximal end, as well as a handle disposed within the opening of the base. The device can be used with or without a flexible member attached to the device, the flexible member being used to apply tensile force to the device during exercise. The device can include additional weights that can be attached to the device for various exercises. The handle of the device can also be adjusted to vary the moment arm applied during exercise. The point of attachment of the flexible member and the handle position relative the base can be varied in order to vary the moment arm applied during exercises. A method for upper extremity rehabilitation and training utilizes a base having an opening with a handle disposed therein for grasping by an exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Patterson, Kieth E. Pyne, Charles Poliquin
  • Patent number: 6544150
    Abstract: A weight lifting system has a plurality of weighted disks each disk having an aperture in the center thereof. A barbell with ends each formed to receive the aperture of at least one of the weighted disks thereon and a hoisting belt connected to the barbell is provided. The weight lifting system further includes a connecting star having an aperture sized to fit around the barbell and wherein the hoisting belt is connected to the barbell using the connecting star and a connecting bar. The weight lifting system further provides that the connecting star has a plurality of various sized loops wherein the belt has a connecting bar sized to fit within those loops. A belt for lifting a barbell is provided wherein the belt has a flat portion and a connecting structure attached to each of those ends. The present invention also provides a method for lifting a barbell using a belt including the steps of connecting the belt to the barbell and the lifting the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Anatoly Ivanovich Samodoumov
  • Patent number: 6540650
    Abstract: Weights are selectively engaged by a weight selector assembly for movement during exercise activity. The weights are engaged by a selector member which is operable only when the weight selector assembly is docked relative to a weight supporting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20030060346
    Abstract: A handy weight for exercising is disclosed. The handy weight includes a hollow body having a top handle and a convex bottom. The body is formed with a handhole for a user to grip the handle. Furthermore, the handy weight has a fixed center of gravity sufficiently low enough to enable the body to define a stable equilibrium position, in which the handle is at the top of the body, and enable the body to recover to the stable equilibrium position after being placed away from the position on a bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Hsin-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 6500101
    Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell comprises a carrying seat, a plurality of weights, and a selection device. The carrying seat is formed of two support plates and a connection member. The weights are held by the carrying seat by two connection rods. The selection device is mounted on the carrying seat and is formed of an adjusting mechanism, and two rotary rods which are controlled by the adjusting mechanism to move into or out of the through holes of the weight. A user of the dumbbell can use the selection device to pick out a desired weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Publication number: 20020187883
    Abstract: The present invention is a pair of hand grips that are to be rolled along a surface during an exercise routine. In more detail, each hand grip has an elongated, substantially straight, cylindrical crossbar with a first end and a second end. A first wheel is rotatably mounted at the first end of the crossbar and a second wheel is rotatably mounted at the second end of the crossbar. In operation, the wheels rotate about an axis that is defined between the ends of the crossbar, to move the hand grip over a surface. Movement of the hand grip over the surface can vary, depending upon the particular exercise routine being followed by the user. In order to perform an exercise routine, the user can assume a kneeling position, a sitting position or a bending-at-the-waist position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas I. Lovison
  • Publication number: 20020183174
    Abstract: An adjustable dumbbell includes one or more weights engaged onto a rod, and a latch slidably engaged in the rod and movable to engage with one or more of the weights for selectively or adjustably securing the weights to the rod. The weights each has a groove for receiving the rod, and each has a channel communicating with the groove for receiving the latch. A fastener is secured to the latch and slidably engaged in the rod for moving the latch relative to the rod. A barrel is slidably engaged on the fastener and a spring may bias the barrel to engage with the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Chen
  • Patent number: 6485399
    Abstract: A leg exercise device adapted for use with an adjustable dumbbell independent of a weight bench. The leg exercise device includes a bracket with a central sleeve that receives the bar of an adjustable dumbbell. Weight plates are attached to one end of the dumbbell bar and secured by a locking collar, while the other end of the bar receives a locking collar to secure the bar within the sleeve. A pair of opposing side portions extend out from the central sleeve and a foot handle is rotatable attached to each side portion. The foot handles include a pair of spaced outwardly extending padded fingers that engage opposite sides of the user's foot. The leg exercise device may be used to do leg extensions or leg curls on a weight bench that does not have an attachment designed for that purpose. The foot handles rotate while leg extensions or leg curls are being done so that the weight resistance automatically adjusts throughout the eccentric and concentric phases of each exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin O. Greene
  • Patent number: 6461282
    Abstract: A dumbbell system is provided including a base weight member having a ring-shaped body and a handle extending across an opening in the ring-shaped body. A plurality of weight rings are adapted to be removably mounted to the base weight member in order to provide a compact dumbbell system which has the capability of providing several weight increments in a compact assembly. The dumbbell system is ideal for use in areas where space is limited. The dumbbell also provides for a unique balanced mass arrangement which alleviates undesired stresses on a user's wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Paul J. Fenelon
  • Publication number: 20020128127
    Abstract: A dumbbell includes a dumbbell body and an instrument, the instrument having a main unit fixedly mounted on the surface of the dumbbell body and sensor means fixedly mounted on the dumbbell body and electrically connected to the main unit, wherein the sensor means detects the number of cycles within which the operator moves the dumbbell body up and down as well as the heart beat of the operator for enabling the main unit to calculate the amount of heat energy consumed by the operator during exercising when the operator presses the thumb on the sensor means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Publication number: 20020128130
    Abstract: A pectorals-focused exercising routine in which springs of left and right hand exercisers are urged in opening movements to windup the springs so that under spring urgency, the exerciser is raised to a ready position during closing movement, and traction to obviate slippage is established using interengaged friction surfaces to maximize spring tension during the opening movement and minimize loss of tension not effective in lifting the exerciser during closing movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: David Miraflor
  • Patent number: 6436016
    Abstract: Disclosed is a weight-lifting apparatus for use by bodybuilders and professional power lifters. The apparatus includes a specially designed dumbbell and dumbbell suspension hook. The dumbbell has ends to which weights may be added and removed to reach certain lifting weights. The dumbbell further has an attached handle from which the dumbbell may be suspended from the hook, which is located on a weight bench. The handle is U-shaped so as to work in unison with the specially designed J-shaped hook. The hook is designed to catch and hold the U-shaped handle, allowing it to drop down into the hook and to self-center the dumbbell at its equilibrium position. The dumbbells and suspension hooks are intended to be used together to eliminate the need for spotters, while optimizing safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony J. Valentino
  • Publication number: 20020098956
    Abstract: A device for working various muscle groups, comprising, at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between the opposing ends; one or more rotating members, that rotate independent of the axle member and comprise an inner contact surface; at least one member adapted to facilitate rotation of the rotating member, wherein one or more of the facilitating member is interposed between the inner contact surface of one or more of the rotating members and the axle member; and one or more fixing members for fixing one or more of the rotating members in an axial position along the axle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jackie G. Rattray
  • Patent number: 6422979
    Abstract: A selector rod is rotated into engagement with each desired weight plate in a stack to provide adjustable resistance to exercise movement. On a first embodiment, the selector rod extends vertically and is movable axially relative to a vertical stack of weights. On a second embodiment, the selector rod extends horizontally and is movable radially relative to a horizontal stack of weight plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20020091045
    Abstract: An encapsulated weight system for resistance training comprising a first dumbbell having a center portion with a borehole disposed axially therein forming an interior load area. The first dumbbell further comprises a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein the first end cap and the second end cap are arranged and configured to releasably engage opposing ends of the center portion, thereby covering the interior load area. At least one weight capsule is arranged and configured to substantially correspond to at least a portion of the interior load area. The weight capsule can be alternately added and removed from the interior load area of the first dumbbell to alternately increase and decrease weight of said first dumbbell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Wince
  • Patent number: 6416446
    Abstract: Weights are disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and selector rods are selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of weights on each side of the base member. Upon rotation of a knob, the selector rods move in opposite directions to engage the desired number of weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6402666
    Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship relative thereto. At least one latch is movable into and out of engagement with desired weight plates to prevent movement of the engaged weight plates in a first direction, and thereby secure same relative to the handle. At least one catch is connected to the at least one latch and operable in a second, discrete direction to encourage the latch to remain engaged with the weight plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6387022
    Abstract: An adjustable weight ball for exercising having a cavity where an adjustable number of weights can be secured. There is included a cap that firs over an opening with a handle on one side of the cap and a threaded stem extending away from an opposite side. Barbell weights having a central aperture are mountable on the stem. The free end of the stem is screwed into a nut secured on the floor of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6350221
    Abstract: An exercise system includes a body support which is movable between a first position which is suitable for exercise and a second position which is suitable for transportation and/or storage. On several of the depicted embodiments, the body support is a bench which is movable relative to a weight container, between a generally horizontal orientation and a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6340341
    Abstract: A weight device for maintaining the arm in a proper position for maximizing pectoral muscle exercising. The device includes an arm-capturing bracket, a hand-engaging handle, and a weight-engaging shaft. The arm-capturing bracket includes an upper arm-capturing bracket, and a lower arm-capturing bracket that extends perpendicularly from the upper arm-capturing bracket. The upper and lower arm-capturing brackets are U-shaped plates and meet each other at an elbow-engaging sleeve. The hand-engaging handle includes an arm that extends vertically upwardly from the lower arm-engaging bracket. The weight-engaging shaft extends through and past the elbow-engaging sleeve and receives a weight. In an alternate embodiment, the arm-capturing bracket is adjustable for different sized arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Farrell W. Purcell
  • Patent number: 6338702
    Abstract: An exercise support bar is disclosed having two hand grips rotatably connected to opposing sides of a means for removably securing a dumbbell, wherein the dumbbell rotates freely between the two hand grips. By allowing the dumbbell to rotate, the dumbbell maintains a natural position, i.e., a vertical position, during an exercise session. The preferred means for removably securing a dumbbell is a support block having a channel passing from the top side of the support block to the bottom side and having an opening through a front side of the support block. A T-shaped channel door is pivotally connected to the support block as a means for removably locking the channel. The channel door pivots between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Duke M. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20020003801
    Abstract: A TAG-VLAN system capable of sending tag frames according to the present invention has a switch for sending a packet including VLAN IDs managed by the switch and a terminal for storing the VLAN IDs of the packet sent by the switch, distinguishing when the VLAN ID is the VLAN ID that the terminal itself belongs to and performing setting relating to its own VLAN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Tan Joo Hwa, Katsuhiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6336894
    Abstract: An exercise device that connects multiple vectors of resistance to a common unit whereby manipulation of a user will result in resistance to movement. The device has individual connectable parts and when combined will provide numerous opportunities for rehabilitation, testing, and health/fitness exercise. The device comprises a handle (20) used for gripping, that has on its ends a smaller elongated smooth shaft (24) which on one end has a threaded surface (26) and on the other a bulk head (22) for which a plate (52) is positioned against. Between the plate and the smooth shaft, a washer (40) is placed to reduce friction between plate and handle. The plate is secured on the smooth shaft by screwing a socket head nut (70) onto the threaded portion of the shaft. After the shaft is placed through a washer (66) it is placed adjacent to the plate and combined with a second washer (68) placed adjacent to the previous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: W. David Kestila
  • Publication number: 20020002106
    Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship relative thereto. At least one latch is movable into and out of engagement with desired weight plates to prevent movement of the engaged weight plates in a first direction, and thereby secure same relative to the handle. At least one catch is connected to the at least one latch and operable in a second, discrete direction to encourage the latch to remain engaged with the weight plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20010051566
    Abstract: Exercise dumbbells have pairs of weights disposed at opposite ends of a handle. Selector rods are selectively movable into engagement with various combinations of the weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6322481
    Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship relative thereto. At least one latch is movable into and out of engagement with a desired amount of weight to prevent movement of the engaged weight plates in a first direction, and thereby secure same relative to the handle. At least one catch is connected to the at least one latch and operable in a second, discrete direction to encourage the latch to remain engaged with the weight plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 6319176
    Abstract: A weight plate having rotatable handles is disclosed. By rotating, the handles provide a sure grip to the user, while allowing the user to perform various exercises without adjusting his or her grip on the device. The handles also facilitate the safe loading and unloading of the device on plate-loaded exercise equipment. The weight plate may thus be used as a stand-alone exercise device, as a weight plate loaded onto a barbell or dumbbell bar, or as a weight plate used on plate-loaded exercise equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hampton Fitness Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig D. Landfair
  • Patent number: 6315699
    Abstract: A modified dumbbell incorporating a means for securing various weighted attachments thereby allowing a user to use one dumbbell for multiple degrees of weight. The modified dumbbell herein generally having an attachable insert assembly and a one-piece dumbbell having a female connector and an incorporated spring-loaded pin. The insert assembly having a male connector is joined with the female connector of the dumbbell yielding the male connector to be engageable with the spring-loaded pin for fixed attachment. The insert assembly may come in various sizes and in either singular or plural form. Further, the one-piece dumbbell and its mating insert assembly may have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Romero
  • Patent number: 6312364
    Abstract: A blow-moldable container, having a centrally located, generally tubular handle spanning a central recess has improved balance and ergonomics over existing blow-molded containers. Such a balanced container has great utility as a handheld freeweight, or as a container for pourable substances. An integrally molded base allows our container to be stood upright on end like a regular bottle. Products may be marketed in such containers under the premise that the consumer automatically acquires a freeweight by purchasing the product. The inclusion of fitably engageable contours on its top and bottom surfaces makes such a container stackable with others of its kind, for ease of packaging, shipping, and storage. A graduated set of handheld fillable freeweights may thus be compactly stored without a special rack. Since blow-molding offers great economy of production for sufficiently large numbers of containers, the average person will now be able to afford an entire graduated set of freeweights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Spriggs Selsam
  • Patent number: 6261211
    Abstract: A dumbbell assembly having a dumbbell. The dumbbell has a center grip disposed between and connecting a pair of weight retaining spools. Each spool has an outer sidewall and a plurality of spaced apart radial flanges extending from the sidewall. An area between adjacent flanges on a single spool define a weight retaining facet. The dumbbell assembly further includes a toroidal shaped weight made from flexible material. The material forms a pocket which is filled with granular material. The weight is adapted to fit over the flanges and engage the facet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Suarez Corporation Industries
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Suarez, Frank Campitelli, Greg A. DeMatteis
  • Patent number: 6261022
    Abstract: A weight lifting system features (i) one or more weights; and (ii) a weight lifting bar configured to selectively engage the one or more weights. The weight has an upstanding first end, an upstanding second end, and at least one and preferably a pair of cross members extending therebetween. The weight lifting bar includes a handle having (i) a grip; and (ii) a cross member coupled to the grip. A gripping member is rotatably coupled to the cross member. Upon rotation of the gripping member, the handle selectively grips the cross members of a selected weight or weights. The weights can then be lifted by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Patrick J. Hald, Rodney Hammer
  • Patent number: 6244999
    Abstract: Machine for exercising muscles wherein at least one lever able to be actuated in rotation to exercise upper body muscles terminates with an elongated portion presenting a first longitudinal axis oriented in a determined direction; a handle being supported by the lever in end position by means of a respective sleeve; a first body substantially cylindrical and able to gripped by a user being hinged to the sleeve in correspondence with a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, the first body being mounted on the sleeve in a manner allowing it to rotate around a determined axis; an adjustment set being provided to adapt the trajectory of the first body to the anthropometric measurements of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Technogym S.r.L.
    Inventor: Nerio Alessandri
  • Patent number: 6241641
    Abstract: An exercise device and business method for employing an existing plastic container as the exercise device. The exercise device is an existing plastic container originally used as a container for a conventional consumer product. Upon depletion of the original contents, the container is to be used as an exercise device by filling it with a suitable benign filler to a level of interest in order to establish a desired weight of the container. The container must be one that includes a handle designed for balanced holding thereof. The associated business method involves the application to the container of instructions for the new use of the container as an exercise device and the associated environmental and health benefits related to recycling of the container as the exercise device. Optional demarcation lines may be applied to the container to define specific weight levels as a function of the filler employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Jonathan Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6234934
    Abstract: A wrist and forearm exerciser for exercising the weak areas of the hands, arms, wrists, and forearms. The wrist and forearm exerciser includes an elongate handle rod and a line with opposite upper and lower ends. The upper end of the line is coupled to the handle rod. A weight support means is coupled to the lower end of the line. A plurality of weights are supported by the weight support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph J. Gorczyca
  • Patent number: 6228003
    Abstract: A weight lifting system features (i) one or more weights; and (ii) a weightlifting bar configured to selectively engage the one or more weights. A weight of the present invention has an upstanding first end, an upstanding second end, and a cross member extending therebetween. Each of the first and second ends of the weight has an aperture therein. The weight lifting bar features (i) a handle having opposing ends; and (ii) a mechanism for selectively attaching each end of the handle to a corresponding end of the weight when the handle is disposed between the first end and second end of the weight. The mechanism for selectively attaching each end of the handle to a corresponding end of the weight preferably includes: (i) a pinion gear rotatably disposed within a channel of the handle; (ii) a first rod movably disposed within the channel; and (iii) a second rod movably disposed within the channel. Each rod has teeth formed along a length thereof which engage the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Icon Health and Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Hald, William T. Dalebout, F. Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 6224520
    Abstract: A dumbbell includes a bar, a soft cushion wrapping around the bar, two end caps, and two weights as main components. The two end caps respectively are combined with and close on two ends of the bar. Between each end cap and a vertical circular disc is formed a support space for each weight to fit around thereon. Each weight has an elastic annular cloth bag wrapping iron sand, having flexibility to change its shape a bit by force to fit tightly around the support space. A user can replace the weights with other ones of different weight volume. If the dumbbell should fall down on the ground, it might not produce sound because of flexibility of the weights, not hurting a user or a person around, the ground surface or the weights, and thus very safe to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6224517
    Abstract: A weighted flexible exercise device made of a flexible material in an I shape containing a fluid or particulate weight, such device being generally loose and flexible for performing a variety of exercises utilizing its shape as providing both grasping areas and areas which frictionally catch and interact with the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Lisa D. Dereszynski
  • Patent number: 6220988
    Abstract: An improved exercise bar for performing chin-up and pull-up exercises. According to a preferred embodiment, the exercise bar comprises an elongate member having a first upper arcuate portion extending along the length thereof and an angled portion extending downwardly therefrom. A third portion extends from the second angled portion and is preferably oriented such that, in use, the same is in generally perpendicular orientation with level ground. The first arcuate portion is designed to support the phalanx bones of the fingers, whereas the second angled portion supports the bones and muscles located in the palmar sections of the hands. The third portion supports the distal-most ends of the wrist bones. The exercise bar may be mountable upon a wall or may be formed as part of a free-standing apparatus. The exercise bar may further be formed to have a generally arcuate shape for the performance of wide-grip pull-up exercises, or may further include an attachment mechanism for use in lat pull-down exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Michael E. Williams
  • Patent number: 6196952
    Abstract: A dumbbell comprises a carrying seat, a plurality of weights, and a weight-adjusting device. The carrying seat is formed of two parallel plates, two hollow rods and a grip. The plates are provided with a receiving cell, a through holes, and a plurality of grooves. Each of the weights has two identical block bodies which are provided with two through holes and a plurality of grooves. Two connection rods are disposed between the bottoms of the two block bodies and are different in length to facilitate the juxtaposing of the weights. The weight-adjusting device comprises an adjustor, and four pins which can be extracted from or retracted into the plates such that the pins are received at one end thereof in the through holes of certain block bodies, thereby coupling the carrying seat with a desired number of the weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 6186928
    Abstract: A dumbbell is made up of a carrying seat, a plurality of weights, and a weight-selecting device. The carrying seat is formed of two plates, two hollow rods and a grip. The plates are provided with a plurality of through holes and carrying grooves. One of the two plates is provided with a receiving cell. The weights are formed of two identical block bodies each having two through holes and a plurality of carrying grooves. The two block bodies are provided with two connection rods fastened therebetween to facilitate the juxtaposing of the weights on the carrying seat. The weight-selecting device is disposed in the receiving cell and is composed of an adjustor, and two pins which are disposed in the hollow rods such that the pins are connected at one end thereof with the adjustor, and that the pins are corresponding at other end thereof to one of the through holes of the plates, and further that the two pins can be extracted from or retracted into the hollow rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 6183400
    Abstract: An attachment or accessory for exercise devices such as barbells, dumbbells, weight training machines or any device utilizing a cylindrical bar. The accessory or attachment is intended for strengthening a user's targeted muscle without the necessity of a forceful grip and provides a safer, more effective, and efficient workout. The device is made up of two parts, which are hinged together, to form a grasping area of 16 square inches as opposed to 4 square inches on a regular one inch diameter bar. The unit is secured to the bar with a latch. There is a palm heel to prevent the unit from rotating and to help keep the shaft approximately 90 degrees to the hand. The strap uniformly spreads the weight of the exercise device over the back of the hand reducing the need of forceful grip for lifting the weights when the hand is over the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Harold Raymond Pope