User Leg Supplies Counter Force To User Arm Patents (Class 482/125)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110028288
    Abstract: The archery training device allows an archer to properly train his or her muscles, as well as train for proper archery technique. The archery training device includes a support having a plurality of pairs of apertures formed therethrough. A plurality of elastic members each has opposed first and second ends, which are respectively received within one of the plurality of pairs of apertures and attached to the support. Optionally, the upper end of an elastic band may be releasably attached to the support. A lower end of the optional elastic band is adapted for being held against a support surface by the foot of the archer. In use, the archer grasps the support with the bow hand and grasps a selected number of the plurality of elastic members with the string hand to simulate a string pull of an archery bow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Kim A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7785241
    Abstract: A device for obtaining a predetermined linear force, includes a first elastic force elements and a force output elements in the form of a non-elastic, flexible elongated member, a force transformation elements arranged between the first elastic force element and the force output element, such that a pulling of the force output element creates a tension in the first elastic force element. The force transformation element is arranged and designed such that the pulling force required on the force output element decreases with the distance the force output element is pulled. The device includes a second elastic force element and a second force output element attached thereto wherein the pulling force required on the second force output element increases with the distance the force output element is pulled. The two force output elements are connected to each other such as to summarize the forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Vojin Plavsic
  • Patent number: 7704218
    Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ossur, HF
    Inventors: Palmi Einarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson
  • Patent number: 7628742
    Abstract: A physical training device for a boxer that simultaneously trains the major arm and leg muscles. Elastic cords attached to both feet and both arms of the boxer interact to put tension on the arms when the feet are being moved and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Lloyd Weaver
  • Publication number: 20090253561
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed, including a body portion, a first foot extension, connected to the body portion closer to a bottom of the body portion than to a top of the body portion, and a second foot extension connected to the body portion closer to the bottom of the body portion than to the top of the body portion. The exercise apparatus may also include a first bracing device connected to the body portion closer to the top of the body portion than to the bottom of the body portion, and a second bracing device connected to the body portion closer to the top of the body portion than to the bottom of the body portion. The exercise apparatus may further include a first cord attached to a resistance device, wherein an individual can pull the first cord in order to cause the resistance device to exert a tension force on the first cord and thereby on the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony V. Centrella
  • Patent number: 7361126
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided for enabling a user to obtain a full body workout. By attaching the device at selected positions on the hands, feet, arms, legs, or torso, different muscle groups of a user's body can be isolated for training and strengthening purposes. The exercise device includes two or more pieces of tubing material fitted together in a telescoping manner. Pressurized air within the tubing provides a user with resistance to movement in order to tone and strengthen the muscles. At one end of the telescoping tubing material is a handgrip and at the other end is a strap of a suitable resilient or elastic material that allows a user to securely place a foot or hand in for exercise purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7357761
    Abstract: A universal exercise device comprising a U-shape rigid frame with legs upper portions lying generally in a plane, a bight portion joining the legs at lower portions thereof and handles at an upper portion of the legs. At least one resilient resistance member spans the legs and to yieldably resist elongation when pressed while otherwise holding the frame against the elongation of the resilient resistance member. The lower portions of the legs can be bent outwardly to form generally L-shaped legs with the bight portion lying outside the plane of the upper leg portions or can lie within the plane of the upper leg portions. The legs can be joined together at an upper portion with a crosspiece or free at the upper portions thereof. The crosspiece can be U-shaped and project out of the plane of the legs either forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the bight portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: E. Michael Mattox
  • Patent number: 7223217
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a safety block having two through holes defined through the safety block and two cutouts defined in two opposite sides of the safety block, two elastic strings respectively extending through and securely received the two through holes of the safety block, two safety pads each provided to opposite sides of the safety block to securely connect to one end of the two elastic to allow an operator to work on thigh muscles and two rings connected to a corresponding one of the two safety pads to allow the operator to work on chest muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-San Liao
  • Patent number: 7128699
    Abstract: A multi-functional leg stretching apparatus comprises an anchoring device made up of a positioning seat and a retaining block for the winding around of an elastic strap there-through, a fixed inner tube securely mounted at the anchoring device therein with both ends thereof symmetrically protruding outwards at both sides of the anchoring device, and a pair of movable outer tubes that, each having a pedal, and plate-like protective frame with an embedded support plate mounted thereto, are symmetrically joined to both ends of the fixed inner tube thereof. A resilient member is accommodated inside the fixed inner tube to extend outwards at both ends into which an abutting element is respectively adapted to abut against the adjacent outer edge of the movable outer tube thereby, permitting the abutting elements affected by the bounding force of the resilient member to flexibly draw and limit both movable outer tubes gathering towards the positioning seat of the anchoring device thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chililon Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: I Lung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6979286
    Abstract: An exercise bar and cord assembly having a cavity or nest at each end of the bar for connection with a snugly fitting cord emplacement block. The exercise cord, stoppered with a plug in conventional manner, is connected to the block, extending through a tunnel within it. The block may be shaped in any of several ways and a strapped handgrip connection block will serve the purpose. Emplacement channels or slots are optionally present in both the bar and the block. If the block has an axially symmetrical neck, it may be rotated so that the channels are misaligned for improved cord retention. Two modes of exercise are defined in terms of the cord's anchoring means—that is, whether its ends or a mid-portion of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Sylvester Hinds
  • Patent number: 6976942
    Abstract: A portable personal exercise device comprising an elongated, linear rigid bar with opposing ends. An anchor sleeve is fixedly secured to each end and a pair of handles is mounted to the bar for only linear sliding movement between the anchor sleeves. The handles extending outwardly from the bar. The anchor sleeves define the limits of movement of the handles toward the ends of the bar and the handle sleeves and anchor sleeves are provided with the aligned parallel projections for releasably securably receiving one or more elastic bands in alternative arrangements so as alternatively to bias the handles with respect to each other or with respect to the anchor sleeves against relative movement towards or away from each other or towards or away from corresponding anchor sleeves whereby a variety of exercises may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Robert D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6939278
    Abstract: A combined exerciser and therapist table (1) having an exercise pad (2) on rollers (4) on roller tracks (5) supported by an exerciser frame (6) on legs (7) that include height adjustment. The exerciser frame is rectangular with a head end (8) and a foot end (9). The exercise pad includes a torso portion (10) proximate the head end and a leg portion (11) proximate the foot end of the exerciser frame. A vertically oriented foot-end frame (14) is attached detachably to tops of the legs at the foot end. The foot-leg frame includes a 1 plurality of strap hooks (15, 26) that are oppositely disposed for supporting a leg strap (16, 30) at desired spaced-apart distances above the foot end. A horizontal pressure bar (17) pivots downwardly to a desired position above the exercise pad and is pivotal vertically to a non-interference position parallel the upstanding foot frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Carol A. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20040259699
    Abstract: An exercise cane that can be used for mobility, but it is also constructed for use as an exercise device while walking or jogging. The cane also includes optional features such as a battery operated light, a storage compartment, a drinking bottle with a container therefore, and a novel drinking straw that allows a user to take a drink without interrupting the physical workout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Robert D. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20040235624
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided for enabling a user to obtain a full body workout. By attaching the device at selected positions on the hands, feet, arms, legs, or torso, different muscle groups of a user's body can be isolated for training and strengthening purposes. The exercise device includes two or more pieces of tubing material fitted together in a telescoping manner. Pressurized air within the tubing provides a user with resistance to movement in order to tone and strengthen the muscles. At one end of the telescoping tubing material is a handgrip and at the other end is a strap of a suitable resilient or elastic material that allows a user to securely place a foot or hand in for exercise purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20040204302
    Abstract: The invention provides a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, and includes a segment of strap (12) material having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop (14) formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element (26) attached to the second end. The connector element is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member or a clothing article, bearing a receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas S. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6783483
    Abstract: An exercising machine for developing multiple muscle groups by combining two distinct exercise elements into a single attenuated movement. The device includes multiple support housings each with upstanding handgrips extending therefrom. Each handgrip has spring resistant elements interconnected with said housings allowing for axial opposing resistant rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Liga, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6648804
    Abstract: An exerciser device includes two handles attached to the ends of a cable with locking stops, a flexible and longitudinal member, and two rods secured between the longitudinal member and the handles. The users may hold and vibrate the longitudinal members to conduct rhythmic exercises or may bend the longitudinal member when the rods are disengaged from the handles. The users may hold the rods to conduct rope skipping exercises. The rods may also be disengaged from the handles and the longitudinal member and may be acted as a dumbbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ming Chin Chen
  • Publication number: 20030130099
    Abstract: An exerciser device includes two handles each having a hole to receive ends of a cable, and two impringer heads engageable into the holes of the handles and engaged with the ends of the cable, to force the ends of the cable against the handles, and to secure the ends of the cable to the handles. The impringer heads each includes an outer peripheral portion having one or more peripheral grooves to form two or more contact points with the cable, and to solidly and detachably secure the cable to the handles. The impringer heads may be detachably secured to the handles with wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Ming Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 6575883
    Abstract: A wheel and axle exercising assembly with which the operator is positioned horizontally, either face up or face down and moves the assembly forward and backward either feet first, having the feet at the assembly, by thrusting the legs forward and then retracting them; or hands first, having the hands at the assembly, by thrusting the arms forward and then retracting them. Adjustment means are present to position the foot emplacement assemblies either closer to or farther from the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Sylvester Hinds
  • Patent number: 6540651
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising a body part is disclosed as including an attachment structure and a resistance member. The attachment structure is adapted for placement on the body part that is to be exercised. The attachment structure includes a plurality of fasteners positioned at different locations on the attachment structure. The resistance member provides resistance for exercising the body part. The resistance member has a first end and a second end. A resistance member fastener is located proximate the first end of the resistance member and is capable of fastening to at least one of the fasteners located on the attachment structure. The resistance member includes an anchor for removably attaching the second end of the resistance member to an anchor point. An apparatus for exercising a body part may also include a plurality of distinct identifications on the attachment structure for the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Physician Therapy Supply, L.C.
    Inventors: Mark J. Aberton, Cory W. Anderson, Michael H. Bourne, E. Marc Mariani
  • Patent number: 6500105
    Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus includes a chest-expander, two rod members adapted for fastening to two handles at two distal ends of the chest-expander for vertical pulling exercises, two wheels adapted for mounting on one rod member for back and forth body extending exercises on the floor, and a bag adapted for holding parts of the exercising apparatus when the exercising apparatus is not in use or fastening to the other handle of the chest-expander to hold a pad to support the knees on the floor when performing back and forth body extending exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Johnson Kuo
  • Patent number: 6450930
    Abstract: A rehabilitation strap system for assisting in the rehabilitation of a damaged knee. The rehabilitation strap system includes an elongate main strap preferably secured at opposing ends forming a loop having a first side and a second side, a pair of upper handles attached to the main strap, a pair of lower handles attached to the main strap, and a plurality of rungs attached between the first side and the second side of the main strap. The user grasps either the upper handles or the lower handles after positioning their foot within one of the rungs or a bottom portion of the main strap. The user then draws the selected handles towards themselves thereby manipulating and stretching the leg thereby increasing the mobility of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Michael C. Kroke
  • Patent number: 6425844
    Abstract: There is described a knee exercising device comprising a foot support and a pair of wheels attached to the heel of the foot support, wherein the wheels allow the wearer to exercise their knee while sitting or lying down simply by raising their foot and rolling it forward and backward. There is further provided a detachable cord means which enables a user to use their arms to aid the motion of the knee, particularly when the muscle strength of a leg is insufficient for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Tony Azar
  • Publication number: 20020068667
    Abstract: A training device to strengthen the legs of a user while the device is worn by the user is disclosed. The device includes a belt for attachment about the waist of a user and a first foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a first resilient strap. The first resilient strap has a first end coupled to a front portion of the belt and a second end coupled to a rear portion of the belt, wherein the first foot engaging assembly is coupled to the first resilient strap along a central portion of the first resilient strap between the first end of the first resilient strap and the second end of the first resilient strap. The device also includes a second foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a second resilient strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Strachan
  • Patent number: 6390959
    Abstract: An Exercise Apparatus having two parallel springs attached to a frame on each end. The frame is spaced apart by a rotating hand grip located at the end of each spring. The frame has a predetermined length, and is also spaced apart by a rotating band that fits around the forearm of the exerciser. The exercise apparatus exercises the pectoral, arm and back muscles as the exercise apparatus is held in front of the exerciser and the hands while on the hand grip are pulled toward each other. Other exercise positions can be used to exercise the muscles of the chest and the back and are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Dean Tornabene, Charles Perez
  • Patent number: 6368258
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a short strap having an interior surface and an exterior surface with a first end and a second end and an intermediate extent. A first pile-type fastener is provided on the interior surface and a second pile-type fastener on the interior surface. A large buckle has parallel end plates with parallel first and second end cross pieces and a central cross piece. The first end cross piece receives the first end. A long strap has a first end constituting a handle. An intermediate extent of the long strap is coupled to the exterior surface of the short strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Edward J. Emlaw
  • Patent number: 6361516
    Abstract: A posterior ankle splint shaper apparatus is provided forming a shoe having an upper surface opposite a lower surface and including a pair of ankle straps, a pair of foot straps, and a pair of linearly elongated maintenance straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Ronald Hamel
  • Publication number: 20020016240
    Abstract: An exercise device and method of use are provided which allows the user to exercise and strengthen the spinal and abdominal muscles. The device includes a telescoping stanchion which is tension loaded with resilient bands which can be used in multiples to increase the tension and resistance needed. The height of the stanchion can be adjusted as well as its angularly position relative to a base having a seat thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: G. Wayne Conner
  • Patent number: 6309329
    Abstract: An exercise device and method of use are provided which allows the user to exercise and strengthen the spinal and abdominal muscles. The device includes a telescoping stanchion which is tension loaded with resilient bands which can be used in multiples to increase the tension and resistance needed. The height of the stanchion can be adjusted as well as its angularly position relative to a base having a seat thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: G. Wayne Conner
  • Patent number: 6206812
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fitness device which includes a seat, a telescoping means which is attached to the seat at a terminal portion thereof by a pivot means and a support means which is attached to a second terminal portion of the telescoping means. The fitness device is adapted to support the hands and feet of a user who desires to stretch, strengthen and condition various muscle groups in the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Nash Nizamuddin
  • Patent number: 6193637
    Abstract: A series of open dumbbell shaped connectors, each with a male end and each with a female end, sized so that a male end may be snapped into a female end to form a series that may be connected at each to a handle, with the series having sufficient resistance to movement of the handles that forearms and wrists may be reasonably exercised to develop and maintain muscle tone by a user twisting and coiling the series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: John H. Corbin
  • Patent number: 6193638
    Abstract: A Portable General Purpose Exercise Device which functions as a small, lightweight, inexpensive exercise device for use by a human being. This device comprises an inner section of handles which is allowed to slide along an outer section of handles. The two sections of handles are predetermined to be shaped and or otherwise configured for gripping and engaging human body parts. A stretchable means for resistance is interconnected between the two handle sections. When the exerciser moves the handle sections relative to one another both pushing and pulling exercises can be preformed on the same unit by varying the choice of handles gripped and the direction of the force exerted on the chosen handle. This allows the many different sized and configured muscle groups in the human body to be exercised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert V. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6132346
    Abstract: A full mobility resistance exercise system including a nylon vest with a posterior surface and worn around a user's chest. The vest utilizes a fastening means for adjustment of size. A rectangular support plate is attached flatly against and included within the posterior surface of the nylon vest. A horizontally elongated, inverted V-shaped rigid member is attached to the support plate on the posterior surface and perpendicular to the plane formed by the support plate. The rigid member extends horizontally outward and behind the user from the posterior surface of the nylon vest. Two pairs of adjustable nylon straps are worn around the user's knees and elbows. A plurality of elastic cables extends from each nylon strap, at the knee or elbow, to the end of the rigid member in a taut position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: James N. Weeks
  • Patent number: 6120424
    Abstract: The body building apparatus of the present invention has two cylindrical bars, the bars having a gripping surface and optionally being enclosed within a cushioned tubular pad, the bars being releasably connected at opposing ends by two flexible, elastically extendible side members of equal length so that the cylindrical bars and the side members define a rectangle. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of ceiling hooks replace one of the cylindrical bars, the elastically extendible side members being suspended from the ceiling hooks at one end and supporting a cylindrical bar at the other end, the ceiling, the cylindrical bar, and the side members defining a rectangle. In both embodiments, the side members extend to a maximum length under tension between about 20% to 30% greater than their length at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Clayton Arline
  • Patent number: 6093137
    Abstract: A muscle exerciser for exercising abdominal and lower back muscles. The exerciser comprising a rigid body (1) consisting of a leg support (2) and a loop support (3). The resilient loop of material (6) is releasably attached to the loop support (3). The exerciser can be used with the leg support (2) behind the upper thighs of a user and the loop of material (6) behind the neck to exercise abdominal muscle groups, or can be used with the leg support beneath the feet, and the loop being gripped above the thighs to exercise the lower back muscle groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Neil Summers
  • Patent number: 6056676
    Abstract: An inventive exercise device is disclosed for facilitating the strengthening of abdominal and back muscles, and includes a resistance member coupled between a lap engageable base and an arm positioning member. The arm positioning member helps to maintain the back of the user in a substantially upright position as the arm positioning member applies and releases reciprocatively and alternatingly in a substantially vertical path of travel of the upper body of the user against the force on the resistance member during repetitions of use of the device. The resistance member resists substantially vertical downward movement relative to the base member to enhance the development of muscle strength by enabling the upper body of the user to contract and expand reciprocatively vertically without leaning forwardly in a safe and effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Cleveophis Adams
  • Patent number: 6048291
    Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device includes a stiff bar terminating in limb engagement members and two flexible elements connected to the center of the bar, extending away from the bar and being provided with its own limb engagement members. The bar can be positioned so that it engages the feet and the flexible members can be positioned to engage the hands or vice versa to perform a large array of exercises. Preferably the flexible members are elastic and have a cross section which increases gradually from said bar to said limb engaging members. The device may be molded as a single unitary piece from rubber-type material with the bar embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Karol Fisher
  • Patent number: 5993362
    Abstract: An exercise device for martial arts conditioning including a belt having rings, a torso harness a hand stirrup for each hand, a knee band for each knee, and an ankle band for each ankle. The harness includes front and back straps and is attached to the belt in the front and the back. A loop is attached on the harness at each shoulder for receiving an elastic cord. At least two more loops are attached to the back strap to receive elastic cords. Specialized channels in the knee band are adapted to receive elastic cords that are attached to the belt and the ankle. A method of use for practicing punching and blocking motions includes passing an elastic cord through the loops on the back harness strap, grasping each end of the cord with either hand, and repeatedly punching and blocking. A method of use for practicing kicking includes attaching elastic bands to the belt, passing them through the specialized channels on the knee band, attaching the cords at the ankle, and repeatedly kicking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Arthur Soroush Ghobadi
  • Patent number: 5984845
    Abstract: A body stretching apparatus includes two handgrip placement straps which are connected to a foot support device. Handgrips are installed onto the handgrip placement strap which are held in place by clips. Adjustable clips allow the handgrip placement straps to be adjusted to proper length. In operation, an operator sits on the floor in a "pike" position, grasping the hand grips in stages to stretch the legs and lower back. The individual handgrips are color-coded or otherwise marked with indicia to indicate different levels of stretching ability. The handgrips are conically shaped to make it easier for the operator to grip. In one embodiment, a back support and back strap helps to position the operator's upper body to prevent injury to the operator's lower back. In another embodiment, adjustable slides on the back strap shorten a distance between clasps on the ends of said back strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Stretch Rite, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Powers
  • Patent number: 5964685
    Abstract: A lap-based exercise device for conditioning abdominals and arms is provided. It includes a horizontal first pair of parallel members, which pair defines an elongate trough that concurrently receives one end of a rigid spanner bar and a linked one end of an associated band tensioning means. The other end of the spanner bar is pinned to a second pair of upstanding, spaced apart members pressing the torso, with such upstanding members being linked at their lower ends to the longitudinal ends of the first pair via a second torso-side crossbar. A third crossbar is pinned to the outer longitudinal ends of the first parallel pair and includes a pair of manually grippable means for activation of the device. Upon curling movement of the grippable means toward the user torso, the spanner bar and the operatively linked tensioning means provide the counter resistance which allows for a smoother range of arcuate arm motion for the exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin O'Brien Boland
  • Patent number: 5945060
    Abstract: A non-allergenic resistive exercise device is described. The device is in the form of a relatively thin elongate band of thermoplastic elastomer. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is in the form of a seamless endless band, while in another, the band is substantially strip-shaped. The bands can be textured to enhance the ability of a user to grip them during use, and the bands can also be printed or otherwise ornamented. The exercise devices of the instant invention are latex-free so as to be non-allergenic, do not require supplemental powdering of their surfaces, and are virtually odor-free. Several methods for producing the bands are also described. In one method, the thermoplastic elastomer material is extruded through an elongate-shaped die to form a cast film, which is solidified and cut to the desired length for use. In this method, the die in desirably substantially dog bone-shaped, in order to produce elongate bands having thickened side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Magister Corporation
    Inventor: Colin David Williams
  • Patent number: 5921904
    Abstract: The invention is a portable exercise device which creates a controlled and infinitely variable resistance profile. The exercise device, creates this infinitely variable resistance using springs or elastic bands to create the input resistance versus the use of a weight stack as normally used in most exercise equipment. The advantage of this device over conventional exercise devices is that usage of this resistance medium creates a portable exercise device that can create an infinitely variable resistance profile. The exercise devise may be used while traveling and/or in the home. The ease with which the input resistance elements, such as elastic bands or springs, may be changed makes this device much more versatile for exercising a wider range of muscle groups while using one portable machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Lanny J. Toups
  • Patent number: 5913756
    Abstract: A muscle enhancement device having two elongated tubes telescopically engaged with one another so that a first of the tubes slides axially within a second of the tubes. A spring is positioned within the second tube so as to bias the first tube to normally extend outwardly away from the second tube. The first tube provides a horizontally oriented, curved contact force distribution means designed to be positioned in contact with a surface, such as the abdomen, and the second tube provides an elongate horizontally oriented handle designed to be grasped in the hand. Thus, to exercise a muscle group such as the abdominals, the user simply positions the curved force distribution means against that portion of the body and pulls the handle toward the body with enough force to compress the spring between the two tubes. A visual monitoring means allows the exerciser to see how far each cycle of exercise motion progresses so as to motivate and control the exercise in terms of difficulty and consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Roland Dieter Glaser
  • Patent number: 5885196
    Abstract: An exercise device of the type employing an elastic cable to provide a restoring force comprises a handle attached to a plurality of elastic cables. The plurality of elastic cables are selectively attachable to a retainer assembly to provide a wide range of variation in restoring force exerted against the handle. The plurality of cables may also be enclosed in a flexible sheath to prevent the unattached, inactive cables from becoming entangled with each other or with the attached, active cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kordun, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ned Gvoich
  • Patent number: 5873805
    Abstract: A wrist exercise device has a tube-like handle with rubber grips proximate each end. Resistive tubing is attached to the center of the handle at one end of the tubing, and is attached to a strap at the other end of the tubing. The attachment to the handle is made by an aperture in the handle through which an end of the tubing is passed, and a ball is friction fit into that end of the tubing. The tubing is similarly connected to the strap by forming an aperture in the strap, reinforced by a grommet, and friction fitting a ball into the end of the tubing which is passing through the strap. An exerciser uses the device by anchoring it by passing, for example, a foot through the strap or holding the strap and by pulling or rotating or otherwise moving the handle against the resistance of the resistive tubing. Resistance may be increased by winding the tubing around the handle a desired amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: R & I Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith B. Ayres, James R. Ayres
  • Patent number: 5857945
    Abstract: An elastic exercise apparatus is provided including an interconnection housing. Further provided is an elastic lower closed loop connected to the interconnection housing for receiving feet of a user. Also included is an elastic upper closed loop connected to the interconnection housing for being strung about a rear portion of a neck of a user. By this structure, the loops provide a resistive force upon the user extending legs thereof during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Rudolph F. Papp, Valiant R. Papp, Veronica Papp
  • Patent number: 5855539
    Abstract: A kinesiology testing apparatus which includes a base. A foot treadle is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally attached to the base. A line is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end is secured adjacent to the second end of the foot treadle. Means is provided for securing the first end of the line to a person's arm. When a person has his arm extended out parallel to a floor, a downward force exerted by a foot of the person upon the foot treadle is transmits, via the line, a downward force upon the person's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Raymond Wise
  • Patent number: 5846170
    Abstract: An exercising apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles and for performing stretching exercise including an upper cross bar, a lower cross bar, and a pair of elastic bands or springs. The upper cross bar has a pair of foot pedals fixedly disposed at both ends thereof. The lower cross bar is centrally and fixedly provided with an abdomen pad. Soft packing sleeves are fitted on the lower cross bar at both sides of the abdomen pad. The upper cross bar and the lower cross bar are arranged opposite to each other with the elastic bands or springs detachably connected to both sides thereof such that a substantially rectangular structure is formed. The abdomen pad has insert holes for receiving weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Sung-Chao Ho
  • Patent number: 5842959
    Abstract: An energy expenditure garment is worn underneath outer clothing continuously for an extended period of time during which the user would perform physical activities which are dominantly non-anaerobic so as to burn more calories than would be burned if the resistance garment were not being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: William T. Wilkinson