And User Supplied Counter Force Patents (Class 482/122)
  • Patent number: 8777821
    Abstract: An exercise device for exercising hand, wrist, arm, and upper body muscles having adjustable force resistance and a force setting indicator. The exercise device includes a housing, a first handle connected to one end of the housing, a second handle connected to the opposite end of the housing, an inner spring disposed inside the housing, and an outer spring disposed inside the housing. The outer spring is connected to the inner spring and encases the inner spring. An adjuster knob disposed on the second handle and coupled to the inner spring and configured to adjust a tension of the inner spring and compression of the outer spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Paul F Lando, Kent D Russell, Donald C Early
  • Patent number: 8771154
    Abstract: A gymnastic equipment (1) comprising a frame (10), a load group (20) carried by the frame (10) in a given manner; the load group (20) comprising an elongated elastic body (30) connected to the frame (10) and a flexible member (40) connected to the elastic body (30) in a given manner; the elastic body (30) comprising an arch (30) delimited by two respective end portions (32) (33), each of which being designed to couple with the flexible member (30) in such a manner as to maintain this latter tensioned both at rest and in use, during the execution of a training exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Technogym S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Fedriga
  • Publication number: 20140187393
    Abstract: A completely flexible expander device including at least two gripping elements, each of a material of a resilient strip, either a single strip folded onto itself in the lengthwise direction L thereof, or two vertically adjacent strips having a length L. The at least two gripping elements are connected to one another via a transverse linking element manufactured by directly weaving fibers of fabric and latex together, and are optionally finished at ends thereof by another element for linking by weaving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SVELTUS SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Boyre
  • Patent number: 8702569
    Abstract: A jaw strengthening device may have an upper mouthpiece and a lower mouthpiece. These mouthpieces may be attached to each other by way of a coil compression spring. This allows the upper and lower mouthpieces to shift front and back as well as laterally so that the upper and lower mouthpieces do not track a specific pivot point, but can follow the natural movement of the jaw. A film is wrapped around the spring and expands outwardly as the user bites down on the mouthpieces to push the inside surface of the person's cheek away from the coils of the spring and prevent the coils of the spring from pinching the user's cheek. Additionally, the device may be inserted inside the person's mouth so that the device is not aesthetically obtrusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Martin, Gregory Martin
  • Patent number: 8684894
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the human body includes a substantially nonelastic strap segment having a first end and a second end, a strap housing connected to the strap segment first end with a mechanism to lock the strap at a desired length of extension from the housing, an elastic resistance band having a first end and a second end, with the elastic resistance band first end connected to the strap segment second end, and an anchor point releasably connected to the elastic resistance band second end. A user can grasp the strap housing either directly or by a handle or bar, adjust the length of the strap and elastic resistance band, and affix the anchor point to a cuff, loop, stirrup, or other article to perform stretching and strengthening exercises. Alternatively, the strap housing can itself be affixed to a glove, mat, bracket, or other article, and the anchor point grasped by or secured to the user to perform exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas S. Flynn
  • Patent number: 8657727
    Abstract: A resistance training exercise device includes a stretchable cord having an internal cavity and a governor in the form of a limit band situated within that cavity and including first and second end segments. A retaining member attaches each of the end segments to the cord so as to impart stretching motion to the limit band when the cord is stretched during exercising. The retaining members provided at each end of the limit band each include a cup-shaped outer member and an inner, member having an outer peripheral surface. Each end segment of the limit band is positioned through an opening in the cup-shaped outer member and is secured to the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bodylastics International, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake Kassel, Shi dai Jin
  • Publication number: 20140038793
    Abstract: The present invention sets out a bow shaped portable exercise device having a plurality of interchangeable flexible resistance elements. The device can be utilized to engage several different muscle groups and tissue types, during varying slow stretching and fast force application movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: John F. Hetzel
  • Publication number: 20140011646
    Abstract: An abdominal fitness equipment comprises an elastic rope attached to the main body and a slide lever disposed in the main body. A hooked board on the slide lever hooks over the elastic rope from bottom to top. The hooked board defines an open-hanging hook unit appropriately located with respect to where a horizontal position of the elastic rope is located. The hook unit comprises a curved fin with a low to high-shaped rear part. The slide lever is unhooked from the elastic rope as a loose state, so the front side of the slide lever retracts into the main body. In use, users pull the slide lever to make the curved fin slide and push up to allow the elastic rope to automatically rebound and hang on the hook unit, thereby completing the loading preparation for the tension of the elastic rope and attaining a simple operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Publication number: 20130337982
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise machine for developing the chest muscles while maintaining correct biomechanical posture and joint movement for the user, thereby maximizing efficiency and safety. The present invention includes a track in which two handles independently slide. The handles are interconnected to either an end bridge or a middle bridge by one or more tensioning elements that are configured to provide gradual and progressively increased resistance as a distance between the interconnected components increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Williams
  • Patent number: 8602951
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a resistance chamber for use in an exercise system. The resistance chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is configured to attach to the first chamber and rotate relative to the first chamber. The resistance chamber also includes a core rod. The core rod resides within the first chamber and the second chamber and is attached to the interior of the second chamber. The resistance chamber further includes a resistance tube, where at least of a portion the resistance tube is configured to be placed between the interior surface of the first chamber and the core rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas Morris
  • Patent number: 8602952
    Abstract: An elastic resistance band that is fabricated by placing two end couplers on each end of a section of elastic resistance material. A pre-tensioned force is applied by incorporating a rigid tensioning member between the two end couplers of the resistance band. The resistance material is stretched during the assembly process, placing the material in a pre-tensioned state. By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user. The rigid tensioning member is a telescoping assembly, wherein the resistance band is placed within an interior section of the telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly comprises a plurality of telescoping tubular members slideably engaged with each other. An expansion end wall aperture and an interior surface of a groove are provided to retain an axial linear motion between telescoping tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Christian Cruz
  • Patent number: 8597164
    Abstract: A personal exercise device comprising a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm wherein each arm includes a handle removably nesting in a sleeve. The personal exercise device further includes two tension members wherein one end each tension member is operably coupled to a handle of each arm and the other end of each tension member is coupled to the sleeve opposing the handle. A resistance element is operably connected to both the first arm and the second arm and configured to provide resistance between the relative rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm. The resistance element may be configured to be operably connected to other resistance elements to allow a user to customize, increase or decrease the resistance. The configuration of the personal exercise device provides a user the ability to seamlessly encounter resistance when applying force in at least two opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Spiraflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Francis, Teryl Kent Rouse
  • Publication number: 20130303343
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise tool for use with a user's body part includes a strip of elastomeric material with an engagement area spaced from and proximate one end. The engagement area defines an opening with a rest perimeter, and the engagement area has an elasticity sufficient to stretch the opening from the rest perimeter to a larger perimeter sufficient to receive the body part when it is inserted with a minimum predetermined force. When the opening is stretched above the rest perimeter, the engagement area exerts a tightening force into the opening to tighten against the body part. A method includes inserting the body part into the opening, fixing the other end of the strip to an anchor, and stretching the strip with the body part away from the anchor while the user is at least partially submerged in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Tritton
  • Patent number: 8562492
    Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body carriage mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A resilient foot engaging assembly extends from the exerciser frame. The resilient foot engaging assembly is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body carriage in the opposite direction. The resilient foot engaging assembly may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The resilient foot engaging assembly includes a unit mounting frame assembly and an independent usable exercising unit, such as an inflated dome or trampoline unit, removably secured thereon. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body carriage and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gerschefske, Jack S. Barufka
  • Patent number: 8556786
    Abstract: A thigh exerciser includes a U-shaped frame having a space formed between two levers, a retaining member coupled between the levers for connecting and retaining the levers of the frame together, and a spring biasing member having two arms engaged with the levers and secured to the levers respectively for securing the spring biasing member to the levers of the frame. The frame includes a projection extended from each of the levers for engaging with the arms and for securing the arms of the spring biasing member to the levers of the frame. The spring biasing member includes a channel formed in each of the arms for slidably and adjustably engaging with the projection of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Chun Hu Chen
  • Publication number: 20130260969
    Abstract: A resistance adjustable rotational exerciser includes a body, two rotary members and an adjustment device. The body has two outer rings with a connection plate connected therebetween. The two rotary members are rotatably connected to the outer rings and each have a handle. The adjustment device has front and rear plates respectively connected to the front and rear sides of the connection plate. The front and rear plates have resistance strips. Springs are located between the connection plate and the front and rear plates. A knob is located at the front plate and connected to connection rods connected between the front and rear plates. The user holds the handles to operate the exerciser in different directions to exercise the muscles and joints. By operation of the knob, the distance between the front and rear plates is adjusted to obtain desired resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 8535207
    Abstract: A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Musachio
  • Publication number: 20130237393
    Abstract: An exercise device comprising a foot carriage slideably mounted on tracks, the tracks are held together parallel to one another and resistance elements provide opposition against the relative motion of the foot carriage. The foot carriage can be a frame carrying wheels and a foot support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mohamed Kerdjoudj
  • Patent number: 8506462
    Abstract: An exercise device has a first frame, where the first frame is generally rectangular and has a head end and a first juncture end. A fixed body support is fixed on the first frame and is configured to support a torso of an exercise participant. A second frame has a second juncture end, a foot end and a pair of rail members extending along opposite sides of the second frame, respectively, between the second juncture end and the foot end. A carriage is mounted on the second frame for movement along the rail members along locations confined between the second juncture end and the foot end. Wheels mounted to the carriage facilitate movement of the carriage along the rail members, among other things, prevent the carriage from tilting upwardly as it is driven toward the foot end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Gregor, Doug Halley
  • Publication number: 20130190147
    Abstract: An integrator for global elastic motion mode of human body comprises an elastomer (1A,1B) and at least five joint fixing elements (2) worn on the joint parts of the human body. Initial points (4) of the elastomer (1A,1B) are fixed on two joint fixing elements (2), and end points (5) are fixed on three joint fixing elements (2). Location buckles (3) allowing the elastomer (1A,1B) to pass through are provided on the intermediate joint fixing elements (2) except the joint fixing elements (2) on the initial points (4) and the end points (5). The integrator for global elastic motion mode of the human body overcomes the shortcoming that exercise apparatus and exercise protective equipment in the prior art lack the ability of integration and protection. The efficiency and security of training are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Hongyuan Luo, Jennifer D. Gu
  • Publication number: 20130178344
    Abstract: A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Walsh, Peter B. Tarlton, William Corrigan
  • Patent number: 8475345
    Abstract: An exercise-cord anchored device is used to detachably secure an anchoring end of an elastic cord, and includes an anchored mount, a biasing member, and a tubular insert. The anchored mount has an inner tubular wall defining an insert opening and having an inserting route, a seat, and a rest wall. The biasing member is disposed in the insert opening. The tubular insert is coupled to the elastic cord, is insertable into the insert opening and is manually movable against the biasing force of the biasing member, and has a protuberance configured to be guided along the inserting route. When the mounting end is pushed manually to permit the protuberance to extend beyond the seat, the protuberance is turned angularly over the seat so as to abut against the rest wall, thereby retaining the tubular insert to the anchored mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20130157817
    Abstract: A handheld exercise device having two pairs of opposing handles that are coupled by resilient members that provide tension to moving one pair of handles away from each other and to moving the other pair of handles towards each other. One pair of the handles are hingedly attached to the resilient members and the other pair are fixedly attached. The exercise device is portable and can be disassembled by detaching at least one pair of the handles from the resilient members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Ron Green
  • Patent number: 8454482
    Abstract: A body contouring apparatus and the method for using such apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible rod, which has two ends and a laminar cross-section. The exercise device can switch between a rod shape and a ring shape. The exercise device has two connecting components, which are disposed at the two ends of the flexible rod, and at least one handle portion, which is female-connected to the flexible rod. When the two connecting components are connected to each other, the exercise device is in a ring shape; and when the two connecting components are not connected to each other, the exercise device is in a rod shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Shuo-Hsiu Johnny Chang
  • Patent number: 8430800
    Abstract: The invention is directed to be a hand portable exercise and training machine to improve the user's initial linear quickness and speed from a stationary or set position. The machine consists of a horizontal beam mounted above the floor with a movable foot sled, a stationary spring retainer bracket and a removable handle bar post and assembly mounted on it. Springs are attached to the front of the foot sled and the opposite end of the springs are attached to the stationary retainer bracket adjacent to the vertical handle bar post. The invention is an exercise device that applies spring resistance to the full range of motion in the user's leg as it pertains to the initial drive phase (first 3-6 steps) of a sprint. The machine can be collapsed for transport and re-assembled without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Joseph Nolan, Brian Robert McGinty
  • Publication number: 20130065740
    Abstract: A personal exercise device comprising a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm wherein each arm includes a handle removably nesting in a sleeve. The personal exercise device further includes two tension members wherein one end each tension member is operably coupled to a handle of each arm and the other end of each tension member is coupled to the sleeve opposing the handle. A resistance element is operably connected to both the first arm and the second arm and configured to provide resistance between the relative rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm. The resistance element may be configured to be operably connected to other resistance elements to allow a user to customize, increase or decrease the resistance. The configuration of the personal exercise device provides a user the ability to seamlessly encounter resistance when applying force in at least two opposing directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Paul S. FRANCIS, Teryl Kent Rouse
  • Publication number: 20120329616
    Abstract: The current invention is an isokinetic-exercise ring. Specifically, the invention is comprised of two rigid concentric rings. The inner ring is large enough to fit over a user's shoulders and/or waist. The outer ring is approximately 150% larger in diameter than the inner ring. The two rings are strapped together with elastic cord. A user grasps either inner or outer ring on opposite sides and pulses the invention in and out or in a twisting motion. Pulsing in turn causes the ring not being grasped to oscillate. Oscillation can be achieved in front of, above or around the user's body. By maintaining oscillation, the user will experience an isokinetic exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Vincent Theuer
  • Publication number: 20120295777
    Abstract: A stretching exercise tool of the infinity ? sign shape. The stretching strap made of resilient fabric material is properly sized for grab-and-use. Metal or plastic buckles or other set-ups are eliminated. Machine washable and highly portable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Amir A. Zaki
  • Patent number: 8303471
    Abstract: A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Musachio
  • Publication number: 20120277072
    Abstract: Herein described is an exercise device used to build strength in the wrist, arm, or forearm of the user. The device has two opposing grips and a tension means for generating resistance such that when the user rotates the grips the user works the muscles in the wrist, forearm, and arm. The device herein described may be portable or free standing. The exercise device furthermore contains a means for convenient and efficient adjustment of tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: David Charles Coffey
  • Publication number: 20120202657
    Abstract: An exercise-cord anchored device is used to detachably secure an anchoring end of an elastic cord, and includes an anchored mount, a biasing member, and a tubular insert. The anchored mount has an inner tubular wall defining an insert opening and having an inserting route, a seat, and a rest wall. The biasing member is disposed in the insert opening. The tubular insert is coupled to the elastic cord, is insertable into the insert opening and is manually movable against the biasing force of the biasing member, and has a protuberance configured to be guided along the inserting route. When the mounting end is pushed manually to permit the protuberance to extend beyond the seat, the protuberance is turned angularly over the seat so as to abut against the rest wall, thereby retaining the tubular insert to the anchored mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Wen-Ching WANG
  • Publication number: 20120178600
    Abstract: A thigh exerciser includes a U-shaped frame having a space formed between two levers, a retaining member coupled between the levers for connecting and retaining the levers of the frame together, and a spring biasing member having two arms engaged with the levers and secured to the levers respectively for securing the spring biasing member to the levers of the frame. The frame includes a projection extended from each of the levers for engaging with the arms and for securing the arms of the spring biasing member to the levers of the frame. The spring biasing member includes a channel formed in each of the arms for slidably and adjustably engaging with the projection of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Chun Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 8157712
    Abstract: A resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus is provided. The resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus includes: an elongate resilient member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate resilient member includes an elastic material with a first enlargement at the proximal end, a second enlargement at the distal end, and one or more spaced-apart third enlargements along the length of the elongate resilient member, wherein the first enlargement is grasped by a first foot of a human user or by one or more floor or wall mounted sockets. A method of resistance exercise and a kit including the resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Musachio
  • Patent number: 8152703
    Abstract: An exemplary exercise device descending from an elevated support (e.g., a bar or door frame) allows a user to insert a body part in a loop (e.g., a foot for pull-ups or a waist for push-ups) descending from an elastic resistance unit, which uses a variable number of stretchable elastic members between top and bottom connectors to reduce the effective weight the user has to pull/push up. Each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors has several elastic member sockets, each socket having a socket passage extending through the connector. Each elastic member has an elongated portion between two member plugs sized to resist passing through the elastic member socket passages. Elastic members can be removably and replaceably installed by inserting a portion of each member plug within an elastic member socket, one member plug in each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Robert S. Hinds, Ray Rollins, Glenn Polinsky, John Stephenson
  • Patent number: 8152705
    Abstract: A reformer includes a combined mount that serves to attach and support a foot bar assembly, a jump board, and a spring bar. The combined mount is easily and quickly attached to a side rail of a frame of the reformer. A carriage of the reformer include a combined wheel axle and strap attachment point, which eliminates the need for a separate strap attachment bracket. The carriage also include side wheels which are mounted on the sides of the carriage, and which are biased outward so that they contact the side rails of the frame of the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Rooks
  • Patent number: 8128541
    Abstract: An exercise grip device includes a jaw member which is of a sufficient width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand, wherein the jaw member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open position to permit receiving a weightlifting bar and is compressible to a closed position enabling engagement of the jaw member with the weightlifting bar in a manner to prevent sliding movement therebetween and while compressed exerts a force on one's hand and forearm muscles. A method includes weightlifting using the exercise grip device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Grip4orce, LLC
    Inventor: James Hartman
  • Patent number: 8128542
    Abstract: An exercise grip device for use on a handle of a sport instrument which is to be swung and has a predetermined exterior size and configuration for a predetermined sport of the type swung to strike an object, wherein the handle has a predetermined cross-sectional configuration includes a generally tube-like member with a lengthwise opening and having about hand-width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand and wherein the tube-like member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open relaxed position has an inner surface having a cross-sectional configuration which is larger than the predetermined cross-sectional configuration of the handle and is compressible to a closed position where the inner surface is maintained in contact with the handle to exert a force on one's hand and arm muscles and wherein the surface includes a nonmetal material which in the closed position engages the handle to prevent sliding movement therebetween by virtue of a non metal to handle contact of the grip device with
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Grip4orce LLC
    Inventors: James Hartman, Robert William Graham
  • Patent number: 8118726
    Abstract: A body portion fabricated of an essentially rigid material is formed of similarly configured first and second segments each shaped to include a generally spherical interior enlargement, a generally spherical exterior enlargement, an intermediate section between the enlargements, and a slit extending through the exterior enlargement and the intermediate section. The body portion pivots between a collapsed orientation with the slit at a reduced spacing and an expanded orientation with the slit at an enlarged spacing. An operational zone has a plurality of operational components. Application of a radial force to the second section by a user's external anal sphincter muscle causes axial movement of the segments to both contract and retain expanded segments and expand and retain contracted segments to reorient the system between a collapsed orientation and an expanded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Blackford
  • Publication number: 20120010056
    Abstract: The body contouring apparatus and the method for using such apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible rod, which has two ends and a laminar cross-section. The exercise device can be formed in a rod shape or a ring shape. The exercise device has two connecting components, which are disposed at the two ends of the flexible rod; and at least one handle portion, which is female-connected to the flexible rod; wherein when the two connecting components are connected to each other, the exercise device is in a ring shape; and when the two connecting components are not connected to each other, the exercise device is in a rod shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Shuo-Hsiu Johnny Chang
  • Publication number: 20110306477
    Abstract: A flexible, closed loop device that includes at least one indecomposable knot formed that helps define a plurality of adjustable loops. The knot can be easily loosened so that the loop sizes can be adjusted. The knot is easily tightened and locked. In some embodiments, the device includes at least two indecomposable knots. The device is useful in the practice of yoga, Pilates, and other personal training exercises. The device is flexible and easily adjustable, allowing the user to more effectively target specific muscle groups. The device may additionally or alternately be used as a securing and carrying strap for items. Still further, the device may be used as a connecting device to link items together for towing, hoisting, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Brian T. Keen, Frank M. S. Ma
  • Publication number: 20110287909
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a resistance chamber for use in an exercise system. The resistance chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is configured to attach to the first chamber and rotate relative to the first chamber. The resistance chamber also includes a core rod. The core rod resides within the first chamber and the second chamber and is attached to the interior of the second chamber. The resistance chamber further includes a resistance tube, where at least of a portion the resistance tube is configured to be placed between the interior surface of the first chamber and the core rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas Morris
  • Patent number: 8038586
    Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus comprising a member, for placing on the user's back, a shoulder strap, extending out of the member, for passing around the user's shoulder, a torso strap, extending out of the member, for passing around the user's torso, wherein the torso strap has a first strap portion and a second strap portion, a resistance band, a latching member, having a first latch portion and a second latch portion, wherein the latch portions are interlockable and the first latch portion is provided on the first strap portion and the second latch portion is provided on the second strap portion, and a locking member, for securing the latch portions in an interlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Albert Augustus Blissett
  • Patent number: 8021286
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance includes a housing and a cord mounting member coupled to the housing. An elastic cord is mounted to the cord mounting member and the cord mounting member permits movement of the elastic cord. A stop member is coupled to the elastic cord at a fixed location. An adjustable catch member is coupled to the housing and engages the stop member to limit movement of the elastic cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: William Gene Suiter
  • Publication number: 20110218084
    Abstract: An exercise device for exercising the muscles of the human body generally includes a tension cable having a distal end and a proximal end, a harness disposed at the distal end of the tension cable, and a body support, wherein the tension cable is slidably disposed within an opening in the body support, the opening extending from a distal end of the body support to a proximal end of the body support. The device may also include an anchor at the proximal end of the tension cable. Further, the exercise device may include an adjustment member removably affixed to the tension cable in a position relative to the body support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Doherty
  • Patent number: 8012071
    Abstract: An exercise device comprising a flexible band formed in a closed loop, further including at least one tension adjuster associated with the band for selectively adjusting the tension of the loop. The device further includes two handles, associated with the band, the handles being configured to facilitate gripping of the band by a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Kenneth Gideon Grisdale
  • Publication number: 20110201483
    Abstract: A method of performing exercise movements utilizes an elongated flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated flexible member has a generally arcuate shape. In the method, one end of the elongated flexible member is supported in a substantially fixed position. An opposite end of the elongated flexible member is manipulated such that the opposite end is brought toward the one end substantially in a first plane. With this manipulation, the elongated flexible member is displaced from the relaxed position to a flexed position. The opposite end of the elongated flexible member is rotated in a second plane, different from the first plane, while maintaining the elongated flexible member in the flexed position. In a related method, both ends of the elongated flexible member can be manipulated to the flexed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: John C. Holleman
  • Publication number: 20110172067
    Abstract: A resistance exercise device includes at least one stretchable resistance cord, at least one handle with an opening extending longitudinally therethrough and associated with the stretchable resistance cord, a back support associated with the at least one stretchable resistance cord, and a rigid support associated with the back support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Kyler Ross Glauser, Jennifer Ruth Glauser
  • Publication number: 20110160023
    Abstract: Adjustable exercise assemblies which provide a mechanism for varying the resistance of the elastic band for strength training. The adjustable exercise assemblies generally comprise an elongated elastic member comprising first and second ends, a handle comprising an upper flange, a lower flange, and a hand-held grip portion disposed therebetween, and an anchoring member configured for receiving a user's foot. The hand-held grip portion comprises a chamber configured to receive the first end of the elongated elastic member. The upper flange may comprise any one or a combination of a plurality of apertures or looped members configured to fixedly retain the elongated elastic member when the first end of the elongated elastic member is woven through the plurality of apertures and/or looped members. The anchoring member comprises a retaining member configured to retain the second end of the elongated elastic member and a stirrup member coupled to the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: PRODUCT PARTNERS, LLC
    Inventor: Lauren Murphy
  • Publication number: 20110130253
    Abstract: An exercise fitness system involves an apparatus comprising a rigid movable booster bar having two flexible elastic elements attached to the booster with an attachment. The attachments are spaced from each other and configured to allow winding the elastic element upon the booster bar by rotating the booster bar. Each flexible elastic element comprises at least two stages of flexible shock cords, with the stages disposed serially along the length of the flexible element, with adjacent stages having a different elastic stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Conrad R. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7946970
    Abstract: A kit is provided so a person can exercise anywhere the person may be located. Body rockers have a handle to grip, which body rockers alone may be used by a user for many exercises. Elastic cords of varying lengths and strength may be attached to the body rockers with carabiners. By securing a part of the elastic cord to a stationary object, the limbs of the body can be exercised as well as abs and upper body. Door stops may be used to secure the elastic cords between a door and door frame. A rocker cover can be used for back and forth rocking motion of the user. All of these items may be loaded in a workout bag and carried with the user to exercise wherever the user may be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Gerardo Garza, Jr., Isaac M. Garza, Magdiel O. Garza, Ninfa M. Garza