Utilizing Frictional Force Resistance Patents (Class 482/114)
  • Publication number: 20140206508
    Abstract: A training device includes a sack into which weights may be inserted, and a tether. A method using a training device includes attaching the device to a person's leg, placing the sack on the ground, moving forward along the ground, and pulling the sack along the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: William B. Hall
  • Patent number: 8529416
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a disc shaped member capable of rotating about a point of rotation. The exercising device also includes an elongated supporting member connected to the point of rotation of the disc shaped member. Further, the exercising device includes a braking mechanism carried by the elongated supporting member. The braking mechanism is capable of contacting the disc shaped member to apply a resistance to the rotation of the disc shaped member. Moreover, the exercising device includes a foot engaging member connected to the disc shaped member. The foot engaging member is adapted to be operated by feet of an individual. The operation of the foot engaging member by the individual against the resistance to the rotation applied by the braking mechanism exercises the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: TK Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Jennings
  • Patent number: 8523745
    Abstract: A person lies supine on a floor surface with her knees bent and her feet resting on a foot supporting portion of an exercise assembly. The person uses her hands to grasp respective left and right handles on the exercise assembly proximate her left and right hips. The person positions her abdomen beneath a strap secured in series with at least one resistance device. The person moves her pelvis off the support surface subject to resistance from the resistance devices. Parts of the assembly may be used apart from the overall assembly to perform other sorts of exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen P. Ihli, Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20130203566
    Abstract: A convertible push and pull exercise machine capable of providing a user with a total body workout using resistance in two lines of motion. The exercise machine can include a base, an adjustable secured seat positioned on the base, and an arm assembly including opposed first and second arm members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the opposed first and second arm members can pivotally be attached to the base. Additionally, the exercise machine can include a resistance arrangement capable of providing a resistance to each of the opposed first and second arm members in at least two lines of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Ian Finestein, Jeffrey Raimo
  • Patent number: 8235874
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rowing machines, and, more particularly, to such rowing machines with internal environments that duplicate actual Olympic-class rowing shells in terms of both dimensions and appearance, and simulate the specific rowing motion and technique that occurs on the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D'Eredita
  • Publication number: 20120190513
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new innovated exercise machine comprising a universal exercise machine designed with extreme ergonomic designs with dimensions less than 34 inches square and no high than 6 inches when compacted and a total weight under 60 pounds. The device is cleverly designed for easy and quick break down for storage under the bed, closet or in any corner of any room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Bonds
  • Publication number: 20120077650
    Abstract: A friction-based exercise device is disclosed. Contemplated exercise devices comprise a segmented shaft having one or more longitudinal patterns running the length of the shafts or shaft segments. Cylindrical sliders can be slid onto the shaft where an interior surface of the slider comprises a complimentary pattern to and frictionally engages with the longitudinal pattern of the shaft. When under a gripping force of a user, the sliders flex inward toward the shaft and increases friction resistance as the user slides the sliders along the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: MAX EXERCISERS INC.
    Inventors: Robert Amstler, James Grimes
  • Patent number: 8070659
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an orthopedic exerciser and its actuating mechanism which, more specifically, are used for therapy, post-surgery rehabilitation or healing of a knee, of a joint, or the muscles of a leg or any other body member. Such exercisers usually allow a combination of exercises that help in the recovery of the joint, but to minimize the chances of further injuring the body part and therefore increase the recovery process, the exerciser must submit the body part to a controlled level of force. The orthopedic exerciser of the present invention includes an actuating mechanism cooperating with a resistance assembly which provides resistance and/or assistance along different directions of movement of the actuating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Robovic, NC.
    Inventors: Guy Gagnon, André Foucault, Patrick Marcoux
  • Publication number: 20110237407
    Abstract: A portable, variable-resistance exercise device comprised of a retractable cable connected to a spring assembly, the spring having a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to vary the resistance exerted on the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Kaleal, Dominic G. Carbone
  • Patent number: 8025608
    Abstract: A unique rope-pulling exercise apparatus that includes a support structure, a continuous rope, and a means for applying resistance to the force applied on the rope by the user, as the rope is pulled in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Marius Popescu
  • Patent number: 8012070
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a handle bar and a resistance assembly, coupled to the handle bar. The resistance assembly includes a housing having first and second opposed parts, and permitting movement of the handle bar about a rotational axis upon applying force to the handle bar. A resistance mechanism resists movement of the handle bar about the rotational axis. A screw, mounted lengthwise along the rotational axis, and engaging a threaded receptacle, adjustably compresses the spacing between the housing parts and modifies resistance to movement of the handle bar. One of the screw and the receptacle is coupled to an adjustment knob setting a user-defined resistance. A clamp, coupled to the housing, removably attaches the exterior of the first housing part to a member. A user grasps the handle bar and moves it by applying force corresponding to the resistance setting. The clamp can be utilized without operating the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Jamos LLC
    Inventors: Joanne G. James, Mary P. Moschos, Neal Rosenblum, Stephen B. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20110190101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for conditioning and the development of strength, particularly for skaters, while maintaining proper skating mechanics. In one aspect, the present invention provides a strength training device for skaters. The device includes a hollow receptacle defining a first chamber in fluid communication with a first opening for placement and removal of fluid within the first chamber. The device further includes a friction surface disposed proximate a bottom member of the hollow receptacle. The device also includes an engagement feature for releasable engagement with a controller suitable for causing movement of the device, wherein during movement the friction surface generates a reactionary counter-force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kirk Schlappi
  • Patent number: 7976444
    Abstract: A shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device is disclosed which enables a user to perform internal and external rotations of both right and left shoulder. The device is comprised of a base plate, hydraulic damper, restrictor arm, actuator arm, elbow cup and hand grip. A smooth, fluid-like movement is achieved during performance of arcuate internal and external shoulder rotations while also providing automatic increases and decreases in resistance to such motion in response to user effort. In certain preferred embodiments, in addition to such automatic adjustment of resistance, the device includes a means of manually adjusting resistance. The device may be utilized to perform the aforementioned internal and external rotations on a user's right or left side without need for making any adjustments to the machine. Range of motion limitations may be set to control the arcuate degree of internal and external rotations performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Binns, Eugene David Protas, Scott Avenarius
  • Publication number: 20110092343
    Abstract: Principles of exercise machine construction, an exercise machine, components of an exercise machine, and methods related to exercising on or constructing an exercise machine that allows for the performance of multiple different exercises, where the user utilizes related arcs of an arm with a fixed path of motion for the different exercises. Generally the arcs will be utilized for both pull-type exercises and push-type exercises and/or for diverging and converging exercises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas J. Habing
  • Patent number: 7927265
    Abstract: The disclosure shows and describes a resistance training apparatus that enables one to use a single machine to exercise antagonistic muscle groups by enabling one to select a first level of resistance in a first direction and select a second level of resistance in a second direction. The apparatus will include a frame assembly, and shaft rotatably mounted to the frame assembly. The apparatus has first and second disks, first and second calipers respectively engaging the disks, and first and second adjustment means that respectively provide varying resistance when one imparts rotating torque is imparted to a first direction or second direction, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Clifford A Stock, Glen Heman
  • Publication number: 20110065553
    Abstract: A portable, easily body-mounted, light-weight hinged brace to build muscle groups by adding adjustable resistance at the joint
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Steven M. Cersonsky
  • Patent number: 7905816
    Abstract: Provided is exercise equipment for performing a variety of exercises for upper body exercises such as push-up, pull-up, and dip styles of exercise as well as core strengthening exercises. In some embodiments, the device allows for vertical and horizontal adjustments to a variety of positions allowing for general use for persons of all sizes and levels of abilities, from the beginner to the highly experienced and athletic person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: G. Lane Murphy
  • Patent number: 7722301
    Abstract: A headgear device for assisting a user in performing bridge exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck, and exercises performed using the device. The headgear outer surface has an area of low-friction material to allow the headgear to slide on an exercise surface while the user's head supports a portion of his body weight in the bridge position. This allows the user to introduce dynamic resistance into the exercise by moving around on the surface. One or more straps connectable to the user's arms and/or legs can be used to provide stability and/or resistance during the exercise. A friction pad adapted to be removably attached to the outer surface of the headgear can be used to provide resistance to the headgear sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Rosenblum
  • Publication number: 20090239720
    Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user includes an elongate track having first and second ends and a middle portion wherein the elongate track is positionable transverse to a user. The apparatus further includes a carriage movable along the track, wherein that carriage is biased toward the middle portion of the track, and an arm extending substantially perpendicular from the carriage. The arm has a free distal end such that application by user of an alternating torque to the free distal end of the arm urges the carriage in a corresponding reciprocating motion on the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Gordon Albin Osbak
  • Publication number: 20090082181
    Abstract: The gymnastics apparatus, particularly for exercising the extensor muscles of the inferior limbs, thigh muscles and gluteus muscles, comprises a support frame for a gradually-yielding resistant element suitable for contact with a pelvic-abdominal region of the torso of a user moving from an initial position, in which the lower limbs of the user are bent, to a final orthostatic position, the resistant action of the resistant element being directed along a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the thigh bones of the user in movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Mario Salvioli
  • Patent number: 7503879
    Abstract: A stepper including one short post extending downwardly from a toe end of each of two pedals and a sleeve being provided on a tail end of each short post. Both pedals being respectively mounted to a front lateral lever located on a bottom of a base. Both ends of the lever are capped. Both pedals alternatively swinging up and down with the lever as the axis allowing a wider swing angle for both pedals to effectively reduce the height of the base subject to force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sen Liao
  • Publication number: 20090048071
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7491158
    Abstract: A mechanical exercise apparatus for exercising upper extremities, as well as promoting and affecting the natural spinal motions and core stabilization, which relates to the shoulder complex, includes a base to provide stability; a rotator device that is attached to the upper surface of the base; a handle device that is mounted at the rotator device that is slideable; an oval device for repositioning the handle device that is placed in a track fixed in a groove on the upper surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Shahram Danaei-Boroumand
  • Patent number: 7448985
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7438674
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a first strap (1), loops (3, 7) attached to the first strap (1) and an anchorage element (11) that is intended to be fixed to a base, the anchorage element (11) being designed to receive the first strap (1) in such a way that the first strap (1) is displaceable in its longitudinal direction relative to the anchorage element (11). It is significant that at least one loop (3, 7) has such a length/circumference that it may be mounted around the body, e.g. the waist of the chest, of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Torbjörn Sjödin
  • Patent number: 7381159
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stepper, which includes a base frame, two pedal frames bilaterally pivotally supported on the base frame, a friction wheel supported on the middle of the rear side of the base frame, two links bilaterally coupled between the pedal frames and the friction wheel for enabling the friction wheel to be alternatively turned forwards and backwards when the pedal frames are alternatively moved up and down by the user, and an adjustment rod rotatably mounted in the base frame to impart a friction resistance to the friction wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Wei-Teh Ho
  • Patent number: 7374518
    Abstract: The construction of a collapsible rotary torso exercise machine is disclosed. The machine's extended parts fold down and/or detach so that it may be stored in a small space. The machine is also lightweight and therefore portable. Three different types of resistance mechanism are specifically disclosed: 1) piston in cylinder resistance 2) friction resistance and 3) elastic member resistance. The collapsible rotary torso exercise machine preferably has variable resistance and for each type of resistance mechanism disclosed, a mechanism or method for varying the resistance is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bruce Ratner
  • Publication number: 20080076644
    Abstract: An exercise device comprising a support bracket and affixed thereto a mounting plate with an aperture configured therein. A handle sized for grasping by the hand of a user is appended to a radial arm which is in turn appended to a shaft for passing through the aperture. The shaft is characterized as having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft being appended to the radial arm at its proximal end and appended to an adjustable resistance device at its distal end whereupon the adjustable resistance device moves with movement of the radial arm. The resistance to motion of the radial arm being varied by varying the adjustable resistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Paul B. Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7291099
    Abstract: A variable resistance exercising device is described for doing isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercises. The device includes a unitary, tortuous rod, which is shaped to include at least one mandrel for receiving several turns of a rope, a first loop for receiving the rope near one end of the mandrel, and an overlapping curl for receiving both the rope and an adjustably mountable anchor strap at an opposite end of the mandrel. The shape of the rod is such that there are no tight radius curves. Also, the rod creates a cord-receiving throat that allows the rope to be readily inserted and removed; yet the throat inhibits the rope from falling out from within the loop when tension in the rope is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: George B. Marczewski
  • Patent number: 7288050
    Abstract: A magnetically resistive exercise device for rehabilitative therapy provides a body with adjustably inclinable planar work surfaces and a curvilinear work surface all formed of magnetically permeable material. A movable exercise piece supportable by or on a user's hand or foot carries at least one magnet for user generated motion over the work surfaces. Therapeutic rehabilitation is provided by frictional resistance to movement of the exercise piece on work surface. The frictional resistance may be adjustably varied by number and strength of magnets carried in the exercise piece and by surface coverings of differing frictional characteristics on the exercise piece, the work surface or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: William T. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7282014
    Abstract: An exercise device which uses two generally opposing grips on guides to guide a user through circular movements for exercise of the human body. The grips may be movably mounted to side supports or a central base. Resistance to the user's movement of the grips may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
  • Patent number: 7226397
    Abstract: A rowing exercise machine includes a resistance mechanism having a first coupling between first and second spaced disks and resiliently deformable and tensionable in a spiral therebetween to resist rotation, and a second coupling between one of the disks and a user handle to resist movement of the handle and concordant movement of the user on a seat along a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Zhi Lu, Mark C. Termion, Eric C. White
  • Patent number: 7223215
    Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a plurality of arms that are joined at a joint assembly. A first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized by a base member at an end opposite the joint assembly. In one embodiment, the base member is a foot pedal and in another embodiment the base member is a frame that includes a seat for the user. A second arm (or in some cases a pair of arms) rotates about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected with the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a first direction. Rotation by the second arm in direction opposite the first, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a user-selected resistance to rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Charles A. Bastyr
  • Patent number: 7223219
    Abstract: Accordingly to one embodiment, an exercise device comprising a T-shaped cylindrical member with an associated mounting assembly that permits the device to be removably mounted to the edge of a door and utilized when the door is closed is described. When an elongated rope with handles at its ends is wrapped around the T-shaped cylindrical member in the desired configuration, a significant amount of resistance to movement of the rope is provided. In one preferred form of exercising using the device, the exerciser provides a small counter force to the handle being held by the arm that is not being exercised and the resulting force necessary to move the handle and rope with the arm being exercised is a much greater than the small counter force as a result of the multiplier effect of the wrapping of the rope around the T-shaped cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Arvin Floyd Liester
  • Patent number: 7223207
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7141003
    Abstract: An exerciser with an adjustable damping device includes a main frame and the adjustable damping device is mounted to the main frame. The adjustable damping device includes a post and two stopper respectively sleeved on two opposite sections of the post. Two sleeves are respectively sleeved on two opposite sections of the post. Two friction washers are respectively sandwiched between a corresponding stopper and sleeve. A shaft extends through the post. A locking set and an adjusting set are respectively mounted to two opposite ends of the shaft to hold the sleeves and two friction washers in place. The adjusting set can reduce the distance between the two sleeves to promote the friction force between the two stoppers, the two friction washers and the two sleeves and provide a suitable damping to the exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Shen Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 7104933
    Abstract: A rower is comprised of a seat on a base, a stepper disposed on the other rend of the base and an oar provided between the seat and the stepper, the stepper being linked to the oar by means of a linkage, a return device being disposed between the base and the linkage for the user to sit on the seat to practice rowing and doing the stretching of muscles of the extremities by the resistance from the stepper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sen Liao
  • Patent number: 7044896
    Abstract: An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a user selected resistance from nearly zero resistance to the user's full body weight, the ability to easily adjust between exercises and between users, and the ability to balance the device between reconfigurations to provide for ease-of-use. The device includes an inelastic adjustable length member with two arms and a grip at both ends, and a centrally located anchor that provides for a distribution of the length between the arms. In one embodiment, the exercise device is compact and can be removably attached to a door frame. When grabbing each of the grips and uniformly pulling away from the anchor, the arms of the device center on the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Randal A. Hetrick
  • Patent number: 6926642
    Abstract: A exercise device for strengthening of the arms and back. The exercise device includes a frame having a base wall and a forked member that is attached to and extends upward from an upper side of the base wall. The forked member includes a pair of arms. A wheel is positioned between the arms and is rotatably coupled to the frame. An elastic band is positioned on and extending around a periphery of the wheel. A tension adjuster adjusts rotation of the wheel. The tension adjuster is attached to the frame for adjusting the rotation of the wheel. Exercise is provided by pulling on the elastic band and rotating the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Roderick D. Lampreda
  • Patent number: 6837837
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of opposing axially-aligned elongated members each having a first end and a second end, first and second wheels being rotatably connected to each of the first ends of pair of the elongated members, respectively, and a connecting bar having each end operatively connected to the second end of each elongated member, the connecting bar being adapted for cooperation with the elongated members to selectively vary the distance between the elongated members, thereby controlling the width between the first and second wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Lee Nethery
  • Patent number: 6821236
    Abstract: A exerciser includes a base having a hub for rotatably receiving a spindle which has a radially extended peripheral plate, a rotary member rotatably engaged onto the spindle, a unidirectional driving device having a frame engaged between the peripheral plate and the rotary member, and a pair of cranks coupled to the spindle for driving the rotary member unidirectionally with the driving device. The frame includes a bore for receiving the peripheral plate of the spindle, and having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Shih Chuan Liang
  • Patent number: 6779280
    Abstract: A gait adjusting device or harness is designed for attachment to an item of footwear, such as an athletic shoe. The harness has a panel with a lower face of predetermined adhering material designed to releasable attach or stick to a carpeted surface. A first set of straps extends from the panel for securing around the top of a shoe with the panel extending transversely across the sole of the shoe with the carpet adhering face facing downwardly, and a second set of straps extends from the panel in a direction transverse to the first set of straps for securing around the heel end of the shoe, securely holding the panel in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Sherry L. Wright, Elizabeth M. Pretorius
  • Patent number: 6773378
    Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a first and a second arm joined at a joint assembly. The first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized at an end opposite the joint assembly. The second arm rotates in a first, or in a second direction, about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected to the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a second direction. Rotation by the second arm in a first direction, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a resistance to the first rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Charles A. Bastyr, Stephen O. Ross
  • Patent number: 6745873
    Abstract: A braking device for an exercising cycle includes a main body, a mounting member, and a plurality of braking mechanisms. Each of the braking mechanisms includes a braking member, a threaded block, and an elastic member. Thus, the braking device can achieve the braking effect without having to provide the brake pad, thereby saving consumption of material. In addition, the braking effect is provided by the multiple braking rods, so that the applied force can be evenly distributed, thereby increasing the lifetime of the braking device. Further, the threaded block can be rotated to adjust the magnitude of the braking force, thereby achieving the exercising effect efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hsi-Yuan Shawn Chen
  • Patent number: 6736766
    Abstract: A rotational drive device that provides both variable levels of adjustable rotational resistance and also selective direction in which the resistance acts. The device has two mutually rotatable members each having a grasping handle. One member has a shaft serving as an axle for rotatably supporting the second member. A nut threads to the end of the shaft. When tightened, the nut imparts axially compressive forces urging the two rotatable members towards one another. The base rotatable member has a ramped member facing a corresponding opposed ramped member rotatably supported on the shaft. When the ramped members are rotated relative to one another, overall axial length of the base member is adjusted. This adjustment selectively modifies resistance to rotation of the rotatable members. A clutch device selectively transmits resistance forces when one rotatable member is rotated relative to the other in a first direction, in a second direction, and in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond J. Gallant
  • Publication number: 20040043876
    Abstract: A therapeutic exercise device, including receptacle means designed to support a person's lower or upper extremities. A substantially rectangular support base (10) is slidably associated with the carriage (16), in such a manner as to allow a longitudinal displacement of the carriage on the support base. In addition an adjustable resistance arrangement is included to allow increased frictional resistance in between the carriage, and the support base Consequently with increased frictional resistance, increased muscular energy is required to achieve the longitudinal displacement of the carriage on the support base. Thus a more versatile therapeutic device is provided, that permits a simple and accurate measurement of the rehabilitation performance of the lower or upper extremity affected. This device may be employed for strengthening abdominal and back muscles in the process of physical therapy, especially in facilitating Mc Kinsey exercises for lower back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Marin Craciunescu
  • Publication number: 20040033869
    Abstract: A method and system for exercising areas of the body such as the neck, the wrist, the ankle, and the torso which require a wide range of motion and effective resistance over this range. A first member can rotate in relation to a frame and a user interface (second member) is moveable in relation to the first member. As a user pushes on the user interface in any of an X-Y direction the user interface travels in a controlled arcuate three-dimensional motion. The user interface is attached to a lead (rope or cable) which holds the user interface at a rest position and also provides a force on the user interface in the opposite direction of the users force. The lead is attached to an adjustable resistive system and/or a damping system that resists the movement of the sliding assembly. The lead spools in and out of from a central location through a fairlead. Many mechanical configurations can be utilized to allow the user interface to travel in an arcuate path in the direction which it is pushed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Alan L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6676570
    Abstract: An exercise device with an elongated, angular body having a first end and a second end where the first end has a first chuck and the second end has a second chuck is disclosed. The first and second chucks are adapted to hold many different sizes, shapes, textures, and styles of turning knobs. The exercise device includes a tripod upon which the body may be mounted. The device also includes different gear ranges so that a range of resistance levels is available. A variety of different styles of turning knobs may be used with the device in order to provide a range of prehension, or grasping and seizing actions made by the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander Valentino
  • Patent number: 6659921
    Abstract: An exercise harness has a plurality of attachment points positioned on a waist element and a shoulder element, a plurality of gripping means, and a plurality of resistive members. Each resistive member includes a first end adapted to be coupled to an attachment point and a second end affixed to a gripping means. Alternatively, the shoulder element of the exercise harness has a right side and a left side. Each of a plurality of resistive members has a first end and a second end each affixed to a gripping means. Stabilizing means are provided to produce tension in the first resistive member when the other end thereof is pulled. Stabilizing means can be positioned at the user's shoulder and waist regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas K. Vernon
  • Publication number: 20030207739
    Abstract: A device and method for bilateral upper extremity training for patients with a paretic upper extremity, the device facilitating cortical remodeling, sustained relearning and improvement in functional outcomes in paretic and possibly non-paretic upper extremities. In one variation, the device includes a base (2), an adjustable chest plate (31) for placing the user at a set distance from the device and isolating arm movement, an incline plate (3) attached and inclinable relative to the base, two width plates (30, 31) adjustably attached to the incline plate, and two swivel (50, 51) plates adjustably attached to the width plates. In one variation, the swivel plates are swivalable relative to a fixed point in a plane parallel to the plane of the width plates. In another variation, the swivel plates are pivotably attached to the width plates. Other features of the device include a counter for counting user activity, and audible and visual cueing devices for facilitating sustained learning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jill Whitall, Sandy McCombe-Waller, David Grant