Turns Solely About Vertical Axis Patents (Class 482/147)
  • Patent number: 11446543
    Abstract: A running deck assembly and a treadmill are provided. The running deck assembly includes: a front running deck; a rear running deck, wherein a front end face of the rear running deck is hinged with a rear end face of the front running deck by a hinge, and a hinging gap is located at a location where the front running deck is hinged to the rear running deck; an annular running belt, which is rotatably mounted around the front running deck and the rear running deck with a clearance; and a flexible layer, which is laid on an upper surface of the front running deck and an upper surface of the rear running deck and covers the hinging gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignees: Beijing Kingsmith Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoqiang Jin, Xiaohui Zhang, Zhifeng Jing, Wei Wang, Chuangqi Li
  • Patent number: 11338165
    Abstract: An exercise device for allowing multiple exercise movements is provided. The device includes a substantially cube-shaped frame, and a unit for doing exercise movements on at least one side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: HIGH STREET TV (GROUP) LIMITED
    Inventors: Josh Hume, Luke Modeste
  • Patent number: 11325021
    Abstract: Novel side rails for self-stabilizing, one-wheeled electric skateboards and related products are disclosed. The angled frame rails of this invention and disclosure lower the center of gravity at the contact points—i.e. a rider's feet on the footpads—by as much as possible without losing any clearance at the front and rear bumpers, and tilt the gyroscope to change the zero-degree level default position. In order to achieve this, the inventive rails herein change to a downward tilt as soon as possible after the axle bolt connection points, then tilt back up before the footpad decks and continue through the front and rear of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a five-degree downward tilt of the rails allows for an approximately one-half inch drop in the center of gravity of the vehicle, thus increasing speed, stability, and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Float Supply LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey McCosker
  • Patent number: 10953283
    Abstract: A base apparatus for accommodating and rotating a fitness balance device for a balance workout routine is provided. The base apparatus comprises a bottom member, a ball bearing plate, a top member, a fastening mechanism, and multiple ball bearings. The ball bearings are disposed in a circular track located on an upper surface of the bottom member. The ball bearing plate is disposed between the bottom member and the top member. Each peripheral hole in the ball bearing plate is configured to accommodate a ball bearing. The top member is in communication with and disposed above the ball bearing plate, and is slidably fastened to the bottom member by the fastening mechanism. The top member comprises a collar for accommodating the fitness balance device, and is configured to rotate relative to the bottom member with the movement of the ball bearings in the circular track of the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: CENTER STRENGTH PILATES, LLC
    Inventor: Wendy Lynn Huber
  • Patent number: 10905369
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for posturography having a measuring platform, which comprises a standing surface for a test person having a base element on which the measuring platform is tiltably supported by means of a tilting apparatus, and having an air cushion means with which an air cushion bearing the base element is formed, wherein a damping member having a damping material is arranged between the measuring platform and the base element, by which damping member a tilting movement of the measuring platform is damped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SENSE PRODUCT GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Kogler
  • Patent number: 10850149
    Abstract: A workout apparatus is designed to connect to an equipment member and engage with hands of the user to facilitate the performance of isometric and dynamic exercises. The workout apparatus includes a bearing having an inner race and an outer race operably connected together and able to permit rotational movement of the inner race, a pair of grip members coupled to opposing sides of the inner race of the bearing, and a bracket coupled to the outer race of the bearing. The bracket allows attachment of the equipment member thereto. The pair of grip members is designed to engage with the hands of the user to facilitate the performance of an isometric exercise. Rotational movement of the pair of grip members and movement of the workout apparatus as permitted by the equipment member facilitate the performance of a dynamic exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan Carl Baldwin, James Parker
  • Patent number: 10456616
    Abstract: The present invention consists essentially of a sloping grip. The grip includes a receiving portion into which the handle of a dumbbell, barbell, Olympic bar, or other weight can be inserted. The grip may be higher and wider at one end, and lower and narrower at the other end, changing the angle between the user's hand and the handle of the weight. The low end is configured to transition easily to the weight handle. The grip may be comprised of rigid materials, such as plastics or woods, substantially rigid materials, such as more flexible plastics, foams, and silicones, or more flexible materials such as less dense silicones, foams, and plastics. The grip may be substantially solid or substantially hollow, depending on materials used. The grip may be formed such that the slope made by the upper surface is anywhere from 1° to 89° to the plane of the weight handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Cole Boysen
  • Patent number: 10449405
    Abstract: A rotatable disc exercise apparatus includes a first disc having a first outer planar surface and a first inner surface, a second disc fastened to the first disc and rotatably supported on the first disc by a first annular set of ball bearings and a second annular set of ball bearings. The second disc has a second outer planar surface and a second inner surface facing the first inner surface. A single biasing member sandwiched between the first and second discs resiliently biases the second disc to a neutral rotational position between the discs. The first annular set of bearings is captured between the inner surfaces by an annular outer wall of one of the discs and an inner annular rib of the other one of the discs. The second set of bearings is carried in an annular race between the first and second inner surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Endelman, Christopher J. Savarino, Kit W. Spelman
  • Patent number: 10258821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional exercise apparatus, and particularly to a multi-functional exercise apparatus which is safe and allows various exercises with different setups to be performed by means of a single apparatus. The present invention, relating to a multi-functional exercise apparatus provided so as to impart a sense of stability to a user when exercising while at the same time allowing various exercises with different setups to be performed by means of a single apparatus, comprises: a plate-shaped body (A) forming the floor surface and having a space in the interior thereof; fixed frames (100) fixedly disposed upwardly on both sides of the body (A); rotatable frames disposed upwardly on both sides of the body (A); handle parts (200) connected on one side of the rotatable frames and provided so as to be movable forwards and backwards; and a foot plate part rotatably provided on upper surface of the body (A) and connected to the other side of the rotatable frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Yeonok Jeong
  • Patent number: 10207150
    Abstract: An active exercise and therapeutic system for promoting physical motion, balance and coordination and importantly a variety of therapeutic modalities to a user's foot or feet. The system includes a training apparatus having a stationary base member operatively interconnected with first and second rotating platforms mounted thereon. The first and second rotating platforms are adapted to receive, respectively, the foot of an individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. Stationary base member with rotating platforms mounted thereon can further be positioned upon a specialized mount operative to impart a further range of motion or specific orientation. In further embodiments, the rotating platforms may be provided with a variety of functional modalities, such as calorie counting, distance travelled, and the like, or a therapeutic modality, such as heat, cold or pressure sensation to impart a therapeutic effect to the user's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: INFINITY KEYBOARD, INC.
    Inventors: Mustafa Noorzai, Jack W. Broudy, Omar Noorzai, George J. Huang
  • Patent number: 10065071
    Abstract: An exercise chair that is operable to engage a user's core muscle groups in order to maintain a desired position thereof. The exercise chair includes a base having a plurality of legs. A seat member is rotatably secured to the base. A first mounting plate is secured to the bottom of the seat member. A second mounting plate is secured to the first mounting plate. The second mounting plate is ring-shaped and undulated in form having at least two peak section and at least two valley sections. A wheel assembly is superposed the base and includes wheels configured to engage the second mounting plate and traverse therealong. A mount having a shaft coupled thereto rotatably couples the seat member with the base. In a first position of the exercise chair, the wheels of the wheel assembly are engaged with the at least two peak sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Michal Lorincz
  • Patent number: 9968820
    Abstract: A rotational exercise device is disclosed. The rotational exercise device includes an upper platform rotatably coupled to a base. The base is configured to rest on the floor. Elastic members located in the base interact with posts located in the upper platform to provide rotatable resistance between the upper platform and base. The elastic members may be exchanged to provide a desired resistance. The rotatable resistance permits the user to perform controlled exercise movements to assist in the physical therapy of rotational joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen Matthew Stockhausen
  • Patent number: 9933691
    Abstract: An imaging device has a bearing that has a first ring and a second ring, a first plate that is disposed on one side of the bearing and fixed to the first ring, an imaging unit that is disposed on a side of the first plate, a second plate that is disposed on another side of the bearing and fixed to the second ring, a first inductor that is accommodated in the first plate, and a second inductor that faces the first inductor and is accommodated in the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Okamoto, Futoshi Deguchi
  • Patent number: 9802077
    Abstract: There is accordingly provided an exercise apparatus including an inner housing upon which a user may stand. The apparatus includes an outer housing rotatably coupled to the inner housing. The apparatus includes a handlebar coupled to and extending upwards from the outer housing. The apparatus includes a mount for retaining one or more weights thereon. The mount operatively connects to the outer housing and is enclosed within one of the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: My Turn Health and Fitness Limited
    Inventor: Ross MacDonald
  • Patent number: 9789384
    Abstract: A self-balancing board is provided, comprising a platform having a first foot deck portion to substantially support a first foot of a rider, and a second foot deck portion to substantially support a second foot of the rider. A wheel assembly is positioned between the first foot deck portion and the second foot deck portion along a longitudinal axis of the platform, and comprises a wheel having a rotation axis that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the platform, and a motor unit driving the wheel. An orientation sensor senses the orientation of the platform. A controller receives data from the orientation sensor and controls the motor unit in response to the received data. At least one suspension interface between the platform and the wheel assembly has a single degree of freedom generally orthogonal to the rotation axis of the wheel and to the longitudinal axis of the platform, and biases the platform towards a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KOOFY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Ondy Song Qi Ma
  • Patent number: 9724586
    Abstract: A balance trainer set including an inflatable balance board and an inflatable balance roller are disclosed. The inflatable balance board may have a flat, or slightly curved profile taken along a longitudinal centerline and/or a lateral centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TRIM LINE SPORTS LLC
    Inventors: Dan Smith, James Blakeney
  • Patent number: 9707470
    Abstract: A self-balancing board is provided, comprising a platform having a first foot deck portion to substantially support a first foot of a rider, and a second foot deck portion to substantially support a second foot of the rider. A wheel assembly is positioned between the first foot deck portion and the second foot deck portion along a longitudinal axis of the platform, and comprises a wheel having a rotation axis that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the platform, and a motor unit driving the wheel. An orientation sensor senses the orientation of the platform. A controller receives data from the orientation sensor and controls the motor unit in response to the received data. At least one suspension interface between the platform and the wheel assembly has a single degree of freedom generally orthogonal to the rotation axis of the wheel and to the longitudinal axis of the platform, and biases the platform towards a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KOOFY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Ondy Song Qi Ma
  • Patent number: 9623282
    Abstract: A figure trimmer comprises a base, a pedal set, and a rotating assembly. The pedal set comprises a left pedal and a right pedal. The rotating assembly movably connects with the base. The rotating assembly is able to rotate about a shaft of the base. The rotating assembly comprises two ends, in which one end includes a first shaft and the other includes a second shaft. The left pedal can rotate about the first shaft, and the right pedal can rotate about the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hung Ta Tung, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9592417
    Abstract: The multi-purpose fitness device is provided in a comfortable posture such as being seated, face up or face down, to generate twisting of various body sites, loosen muscle stiffness in hypokinetic people, and promote blood circulation intermixed with muscle training, for recovery, maintenance and promotion of health. Dieting, rehabilitation, massage, stretching, cellulite prevention, and metabolic syndrome prevention exercise are addressed. For generating twisting in various body sites, the multi-purpose fitness device comprises: main body having a rotatably supported strut, a repetitive drive unit connectably disposed below the strut, upper and lower wings fixed to both side surfaces of struts, and a pad driver slidably connected on the top part of strut; and pad parts as accessories. By flexibly transmitting rotation of the main body units movable front-to-back, left-to-right and up-and-down to a human body, twisting exercises become possible in exercise bodily free positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Katuyuki Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9586078
    Abstract: An apparatus for human exercise includes a first foot pad attached to a first guided carrier member, and a second foot pad attached to a second guided carrier member. Motion of the first and second guided carrier members is limited to linear translation along a longitudinal axis of a horizontal guide rail. First and second and third elastic members may be attached to and apply opposite elastic forces to the first and second guided carrier members along the longitudinal axis. A transverse frame member is fixed to the horizontal guide rail and is oriented horizontally and transverse to the longitudinal axis. A vertical frame member with a raised hand rail may extend from the transverse frame member. The first and second foot pads may be pivotably coupled to the first and guided carrier members by torsional elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TCDP, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Jones
  • Patent number: 9393458
    Abstract: A rotational resistance system is described herein, the system being adapted for a user so as to facilitate exercise of muscles throughout upper and lower extremities of the user's body. The system may include a pair of separate rotational resistance devices in side-by-side relation for placement of a corresponding hand or foot of a user thereon. Each device may further include a support structure, a top surface of which being a rotatable plate, the plate connected to a means for providing resistance and release of resistance thereto. Use of various exercise protocols with the system activates selected under active muscles of the user and releases selected overactive muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Blu Sky Solutions, LLC (DBA Rotex)
    Inventor: John Joseph LaCaze
  • Patent number: 9295873
    Abstract: A rotational resistance system is described herein, the system being adapted for a user so as to facilitate exercise of muscles throughout upper and lower extremities of the user's body. The system may include a pair of separate rotational resistance devices in side-by-side relation for placement of a corresponding hand or foot of a user thereon. Each device may further include a base adapted for placement on a floor or planar surface, a hollow foot support structure on the base, a top surface of which is inclined at an upward angle relative to horizontal as taken from the rear of the foot support structure to the front of the foot support structure, and a rotatable foot plate contained in and serving as part of the top surface of the foot support structure, the foot plate connected to a means for providing resistance and release of resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Blu Sky Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: John Joseph LaCaze
  • Patent number: 9084911
    Abstract: A treadmill for physiotherapy includes a base frame, a support apparatus, and a control apparatus. The base frame has an endless belt and a pair of rails on opposite sides of the belt. The support apparatus is engaged with the rails for reciprocation along the rails. The control apparatus has may adjust the height, direction and location of the support apparatus that that user may sit on the support apparatus and put the feet on the belt to take exercise for physiotherapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: GEE HOO INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventor: Ching-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9079072
    Abstract: Provided is an exercise device including a planar support surface and a rolling joint which is configured to enable a 360° range of motion for the exercise device. In this regard, the user may roll the exercise device along a planar surface in a forward-and-backward motion, a side-to-side motion, or in an arcuate or circular motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Scott C. Agostini
  • Patent number: 8998784
    Abstract: A training apparatus for use by a user in learning balance when standing on one leg and having no external balance support includes a stable base assembly, a support column extending vertically from the stable base assembly, a rigid standing surface member, and means for providing rotation in a horizontal plane to the rigid standing surface member. Rotation may occur at a constant vertical height or as the apparatus is raising or lowering. The apparatus may also include a balancing assembly with a deflectably resilient member. The apparatus promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer cheerleader experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Paula E Sloan, Derick Pickle, Jody A. Sloan
  • Patent number: 8864639
    Abstract: A balance board adapted for riding rail-to-rail, preferably so that at least a portion of a rider's feet will be placed on the board over the elongated roller. The balance board includes an elongated, planar board having a length that exceeds a width. The balance board further includes two pair of stops mounted to an underside of the board, each pair of stops being mounted near opposite ends of the board, and each stop of the pair of stops being mounted near opposite sides of the board. The balance board further includes a traction region between each stop of each pair of stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: GoofBoard Products, LLC
    Inventor: Armin Brown
  • Publication number: 20140287896
    Abstract: An apparatus for balance training and/or fine motor skills training, having at least one movable platform which can be moved in an oscillating manner in at least two dimensions, having at least one counterforce unit which is provided to oppose a force for producing a deflection of the movable platform with a resistance. The apparatus has at least one force transmission interruption unit which interrupts a force flow between the movable platform and the counterforce unit in at least one operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Peter KERN, Ulrich KUEBLER, Matthias SIMNACHER, Marcos ESTELLER VELA
  • Publication number: 20140287895
    Abstract: An apparatus has at least one first connecting element and at least one second connecting element which connect the counterforce unit to the at least one platform, the at least one first connecting element and the at least one second connecting element being arranged on the at least one platform at a respectively different spacing from a center of said at least one platform and transmitting to the at least one platform a counterforce, generated by the counterforce unit, to a rotational component of a deflection of the at least one platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Peter KERN, Ulrich KUEBLER, Matthias SIMNACHER, Marcos ESTELLER VELA
  • Patent number: 8827882
    Abstract: A system for enhancing proprioception, balance, and coordination includes a frame, at least one foot pad having an integrated central rail for mating with the frame, where the integrated track allows for the connection of a plurality of different interchangeable attachments which connect with the frame on a mating track. The plurality of different interchangeable attachments includes a plurality of fulcrums having different shapes acting to alter the level of difficulty to increase a patient's mobility and balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Chad Rogers
  • Patent number: 8814768
    Abstract: An exercise device that includes a base member that includes an upper surface and a cushion seat portion extending downwardly therefrom and a handle cavity defined in and extending downwardly from the upper surface. The device also includes a cushion member attached to the cushion seat portion. The cushion seat portion has a generally convex shape. A handle portion secured to the base member and spanning the handle cavity, and at least a first binding member that is secured to the base member and is configured to secure a user's foot to the upper surface of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Seong Sam Yang, Timothy Nugent
  • Patent number: 8808152
    Abstract: An exercise machine that facilitates exercises for a user's abdominal area, inner and outer thigh areas, upper body, and back areas includes a frame and a plurality of height adjustable legs which allow a user to selectively provide a comfortable height or inclined surface for personal exercise. The apparatus further includes a movable sliding platform assembly providing adjustable resistance. A pair of knee pads is pivotally affixed to the movable platform assembly and allows independent motioning in respective arcuate paths to exercise the user's oblique muscles. When the knee pads are motioned separately, the apparatus exercises the user's inner thigh, outer thigh, and stomach muscles. Additionally, the movable features of the apparatus enable a user to exercise various other specific body areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Trudy R. Midgett
  • Patent number: 8771157
    Abstract: A foot pivot sports training aid is disclosed. The training aid may include a platform coupled to a base. The platform may rotate around the base. The platform may include an upwardly projecting baffle with an inwardly facing contour and/or a sloped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: James Caponigro
  • Patent number: 8585559
    Abstract: A skateboard training apparatus includes at least one apparatus base, a skateboard space formed by the apparatus base, a pair of apparatus rails carried by the apparatus base and a skateboard trick practice space formed between the apparatus rails and communicating with the skateboard space. A skateboard training method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: James R. Shannon
  • Publication number: 20130165303
    Abstract: An exercise device works on a user's abdominal muscles by permitting the user to twist their body. The exercise device may include a disc adapted to spin on its base. Folding handlebars may extend from the base to provide a hand grip for the user. To exercise, the user may stand on the disc and twist their lower body while keeping their upper body fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Donna Niastro
  • Patent number: 8398531
    Abstract: An apparatus for overall bodily mobilization of a human subject may include a frame for resting fixed on the ground, a platform for supporting the subject that can be moved relative to the frame, and motorized operating means for operating the platform relative to the frame. The operating means may be configured to both (1) throw the platform offcenter relative to a fixed axis substantially vertical and (2) rotate the platform about the fixed axis when the platform is offcenter. The platform may be provided with movable peripheral bearing means on corresponding supporting means that are secured to the frame. The bearing means may enable the platform to rest on the frame while tilting it in an adjustable manner relative to the horizontal in a plane passing through the fixed axis and a central zone of the platform when the operating means throw the platform offcenter relative to this axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Genda Limited
    Inventor: Gianfranco Tudico
  • Patent number: 8360943
    Abstract: A balance board has a top side and an under side. The under side is arranged to be mounted on top of a ball with a user balancing on the top side. The board is shaped to define a generally longitudinal direction and a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction. The board is formed from a first top portion defining the topside and having a substantially flat region on its under side and a second lower portion joined to the first top portion and defining a wall at least substantially bounding a portion of the flat region. The distance across the bounded portion in the longitudinal direction of the board is greater than in the transverse direction. With the bounded portion balanced on a ball with a diameter less than the distance across the bounded portion in the transverse direction, the board is enabled to move relative to the ball with at least a degree of spherical rotational freedom and also a degree of translational freedom in directions other than the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas David Smith
  • Patent number: 8323160
    Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed having at least a base, first and second knee supports which are bilaterally coupled to first and second pivots located off from the center of the base. Independently rotatable knee pads are coupled to the perimeter-side end of the first and second knee supports arranged around a perimeter of the base. An upper extremity support is coupled to the base, and a first base supporting member is positioned at a rear of the base and a second base supporting member is positioned at a front of the base, wherein at least one of an inclination and elevation of the base is determined by adjustment of the base supporting members, wherein the first and second knee supports move around different arcs to generate an elliptical motion for an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Robson Splane
  • Patent number: 8317668
    Abstract: A device for exercising the abdominal and other core muscles of a user comprises a rotatable base having a central opening therein, and a bar removably insertable into the opening. The bar may comprise two or more separable segments and may have provide for the attachment and removal of weights to provide resistance to a user. Also disclosed is a method of exercising using such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Angela Sales, Bruce Coody
  • Patent number: 8241232
    Abstract: A foot pain relief device can advantageously provide multiple angles of inclination, directed pressure against the plantar fascia, as well as ease of manufacturing and assembly. A toe strap, which is fastened around the ankle and the toe(s), ensures that the toes are flexed up. This toe flexing tenses the plantar fascia of the foot. A ball strap can be threaded through a hole in a ball and then operatively coupled with the toe strap. When operatively coupled to the toe strap, the ball strap keeps the ball positioned on the bottom of the foot while allowing ball mobility. The mobility of the ball can provide directed pressure on at least one component of the plantar fascia. Notably, the simultaneous combination of tension to the plantar fascia and directed pressure to the component(s) of the plantar fascia can be particularly effective at relieving foot pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jeannie B. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8206267
    Abstract: A rehabilitation system that combines robotics and interactive gaming to facilitate performance of task-specific, repetitive exercise to enable individuals undergoing rehabilitation to improve the performance of coordinated movements of the ankle, and to practice balance activities, is disclosed. More specifically, the rehabilitation system includes at least one two degree-of-freedom robotic, haptic interface for a mammalian foot and interactive gaming hardware that is coupled to a controller, to provide a virtual reality-like environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Maureen K. Holden, Constantinos Mavroidis, Ye Ding, Joseph Malack, Rebecca Bularzik, Nathan Willard, Timothy Deso, Maciej Pietrusinski, Brian Weinberg
  • Patent number: 8167778
    Abstract: A transmission structure of a waist twirling exercise machine for body-building and a method thereof includes left and right stepping rods which are obliquely or horizontally connected to a machine base, left and right stepping platforms having left and right shafts inserting through lubricating members provided in through holes of the left and right stepping rods, left and right transmission members having first ends connected to the left and right shafts and second ends provided with eccentric blocks, left and right connecting rods having first ends connected to the eccentric blocks of the left and right transmission members and second ends pivotally connected to either of the machine base and pneumatic cylinders. When the left and right stepping platforms are treaded in turn, the left and right connecting rods subject to their lengths will drive the left and right stepping platforms to turn left and right in turn synchronously, enhancing a waist twirling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ying-Chou Lai
  • Patent number: 8137245
    Abstract: A non-electric low impact exercise apparatus comprising a base, a first footpad having a first end and a second end and a second footpad having a first end and a second end, and at least one cross member pivotally attached to the base with the cross member swivelable with respect to the base and pivotally connecting the first footpad to the second footpad with the first footpad and the second footpad swingable in a clockwise and arcing and a counterclockwise and arcing direction along a single plane with respect to the base by virtue of the pivotal attachment to the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick J. Tittle
  • Patent number: 8105221
    Abstract: An exercise device for the mid to lower body muscles comprising an inclined base, a base frame to support the base a first support bar and a second support bar, the first and the second support bar each having a mounting end and a support end, wherein the first support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a first pivot point and the second support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a second pivot point and the first and the second support bar support end are movably mounted on the perimeter of the base such that the first and the second support ends are movable through an arcuate path along the perimeter of the base a first knee pad pivotably attached to the first support bar at the first support bar support end; a second knee pad pivotably attached to the second support bar at the second support bar support end; and a handle attached to the front portion of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Robson Splane
  • Publication number: 20110312479
    Abstract: A foot pivot sports training aid is disclosed. The training aid may include a platform coupled to a base. The platform may rotate around the base. The platform may include an upwardly projecting baffle with an inwardly facing contour and/or a sloped surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: JAMES CAPONIGRO
  • Patent number: 8079941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercising apparatus including a rotatable ball, a handlebar, first and second clutches and a tension adjustor. The rotatable ball has an external surface. The handlebar passes through the ball and has two ends extending outwardly from the surface of the ball to provide handle grips. The first and second clutches support the ball. The tension adjustor is connected to the clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Andre Nortje
  • Patent number: 8075426
    Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus comprised of upper and lower platform members that are rotatably secured to one another by means of a bearing plate assembly. The platform members have a generally rectangular body with at least one side of each platform member formed as an extending finger portion. The extending finger portion of the upper platform member receives thereon a spring loaded foot mechanism. The spring loaded foot mechanism is comprised of a continuous cylindrical member having upper and lower U-shaped ends, the upper and lower ends being orthogonal to one another and forming an L-shaped continuous cylindrical member. A coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member and to the upper U-shaped end by a hook shaped element. The coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member by an elongated rod, the ends of which are received within apertures defined by the coiled spring. The ends of the rod are in turn received within an eye portion of spaced apart eyebolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Tyrome Vontrece Griffin
  • Publication number: 20110287914
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for allowing a user to exercise. The system includes a first plate, where the first plate is configured to rotate about a center point. The system also includes a second plate. The second plate is attached to the first plate and is configured to rotate about the attachment point to the first plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas Morris
  • Patent number: 8062199
    Abstract: A balance board has a top side and an under side. The under side is arranged to be mounted on top of a ball with a user balancing on the top side. The board is shaped to define a generally longitudinal direction and a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction. The board is formed from a first top portion defining the topside and having a substantially flat region on its under side and a second lower portion joined to the first top portion and defining a wall at least substantially bounding a portion of the flat region. The distance across the bounded portion in the longitudinal direction of the board is greater than in the transverse direction. With the bounded portion balanced on a ball with a diameter less than the distance across the bounded portion in the transverse direction, the board is enabled to move relative to the ball with at least a degree of spherical rotational freedom and also a degree of translational freedom in directions other than the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas David Smith
  • Patent number: 8025616
    Abstract: A vertical twist figure shaping machine includes a base, a supporting unit, a tread, a U-shaped element and two handle units. The supporting unit is pivotally supported on the base. The tread is supported on the base. The U-shaped element includes a middle section connected to the supporting unit and two lateral sections extending from the middle section. Each of the handle units includes a bar, a primary handle and an auxiliary handle. The bar is pivotally connected to a related one of the lateral sections of the U-shaped element. The primary handle includes front and rear sections both extending from the bar with an obtuse angle defined between them. The auxiliary handle is transversely connected to the bar in front of the primary handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hito Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan Chun Hsu, Yung Shian Liu
  • Patent number: 8002685
    Abstract: A twisting exerciser includes a base having an arched track arranged along the periphery thereof, two swivel arms each having a front end pivotally connected to a pivot at the top center of the base and a rear end provided with a knee pad and slidably coupled to the arched track of the base, a handlebar detachably fastened to a stem at the front side of the base and having two grips at the distal end and a connection rod for selectively joining the two swivel arms for synchronous movement along the arched track of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Wei-Yu Ho