Miscellaneous Patents (Class 482/148)
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Patent number: 6206812Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventor: Nash Nizamuddin
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Patent number: 6203473Abstract: A stretching and exercise apparatus (10) includes a pair of parallel legs (11a, 11b) having first ends and second ends. The first ends of the legs define arcuate rocker portions (12a, 12b) having straight distal ends (22a, 22b). A top crosspiece (16) is secured transversely across the legs is attached. The apparatus further includes a pair of handgrips (20a, 20b) that extend generally perpendicularly from the legs pointing in the same direction as the straight distal ends. Optionally, a lower crosspiece (18) may be provided across the legs in parallel with the top crosspiece. Preferably, the top crosspiece is pivotally attached to the legs for selective angular adjustment, and the handgrips and the lower crosspiece are slidably attached to the legs for selective longitudinal positioning. The axis of rotation of the rocker portions closely coincides with the pivot axis of a person's hip joint. The apparatus is used to provide support, control, and leverage during various stretching exercises.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: PearTree Systems, Inc.Inventor: Duncan F. Atwood
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Patent number: 6193637Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: John H. Corbin
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Patent number: 6190291Abstract: A fitness method for an exerciser combines the benefits of isometric-like exercising with isotonic exercising for simultaneous training of the exerciser's cardiovascular and skeletal musculature systems and strength and endurance buildup. The method entails coupling the exerciser's hands together in any one of a number of configurations and generating an isometric-like force during the coupling stage. The coupled hands can then be moved in any number of directions or coupled differently while maintaining or varying the isometric-like force during the movement. In addition, further training can be achieved by moving one or more other body parts during the coupled hand movement. The legs, torso, shoulders, and/or neck can be moved in any number of directions or sequences to exercise different muscle groups in conjunction with the muscle groups being worked by the movement of the coupled hands.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Leonard Schwarz
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Patent number: 6186930Abstract: A push-up trainer having a base and a pair of handgrip assemblies. The handgrip assemblies are each slidably mounted to the base, allowing for lateral movement of the handgrips. Each handgrip assembly allows for rotation of each handgrip around a vertical axis and around its horizontal lengthwise axis. Each of the sliding and rotational motions may selectively be allowed or locked out using a spring biased pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: David P. Ignaczak
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Patent number: 6174270Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf training and exercise device capable of restricting a player's body position and movement to follow a rotation plane variably adjustable in three axes while exerting a lateral force against a player's upper body. The present invention comprises an exercise device for guiding pivotal and lateral movement of a player's upper body including a support standard, a positioning arm including means for variable height adjustment mounted to project from the standard, a rotational axle on the positioning arm defining a primary axis of rotation having adjustment means for positioning the axle relative to two additional axes, a yoke for receiving a player's shoulders rotatively secured by the axle to the positioning arm, and a pair of depending arms spaced apart on said yoke for confining a player against the yoke and for exerting a lateral force against a player's shoulders during rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventor: Michael M. Dagenais
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Patent number: 6165108Abstract: An apparatus and method for exercising and improving the muscle tone of the feminine pelvic floor muscles utilizing an elongated vaginal insert having enlarged rounded ends and a substantially reduced cross-sectional middle portion. The ends of the apparatus are of different sizes in order to facilitate different levels of exercise, thus giving the apparatus a disproportional hourglass shape.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Dipstop, Inc.Inventor: Russell Ralston
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Patent number: 6135931Abstract: A physical therapy device for correcting gait and balance. The device generally includes a rectangular frame having front, back, right and left sides, a vertical member extending downwardly from a center of the back side of the frame and longitudinal grips extending downwardly from intersections of the front side with each of the left and right sides. In use, the user stands within the generally rectangular frame with his forearms extending forward perpendicularly from the body and gripping the longitudinal grip members with the back side of the frame extending substantially horizontally across the shoulder blades of the user and the vertical member extending downwardly between the shoulder blades of the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventors: William V Padula, Od, II, William V Padula, I, William V Padula, III
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Patent number: 6120415Abstract: A exercise support pole for assisting a user in stretching out muscles. The exercise support pole includes a generally vertical main pole that has upper and lower ends, front and rear sides, and first and second sides that are positioned between the front and rear sides. A plurality of foot rest members extend generally horizontally from the first side of the main pole and are positioned towards the lower end. A generally horizontal center bar is coupled to the main pole and positioned above the foot rest members.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventors: Jonathan M. Paull, Crystal J. Crouse
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Patent number: 6117054Abstract: A ball therapy device for providing a means of exercise for improving strength, range of motion, and coordination. The ball therapy device includes a generally U-shaped frame with a first and a second leg and a cross member extending between upper ends of the legs. Third and fourth legs are pivotally coupled to the upper ends of the first and second legs. A pair of spacing arms are provided. One of the spacing arms is selectively slidably positionable along the first leg and the associated third leg. The other of the spacing arms is selectively slidably positionable along the second leg and the associated fourth leg. A support arm extends between the spacing arms. A ball sleeve rotatably extends around the support arm. The ball sleeve has a cord extending therefrom. A tether ball is coupled to the cord.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Nahid Soltanpour
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Patent number: 6117057Abstract: There is provided an abdominal exercise system (10) for aiding a user in performing exercises to strengthen and tone his or her abdominal muscles. Abdominal exercise system (10) generally includes a base assembly (100) adapted for angular displacement responsive to a force applied by the user; and, an engagement assembly (150) coupled to the base assembly for transferring the user-applied force thereto. Base assembly (100) includes a pelvic support structure having a substantially planar guide panel portion (130) for supportingly engaging and guiding the user's pelvic region during its angular displacement.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventors: Brad Olschansky, Scott Olschansky
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Patent number: 6106445Abstract: An ergonomic, passive exercise apparatus with elements and attachments emphasizing benefits to the user's head, neck and back muscles. The apparatus is a chair to which an adjustable dual roller headrest is joined. The headrest is adjustable vertically, laterally, with each roller virtually independent of position and orientation with respect to the other. Adjustable drag to rotation and lateral movement is provided for the user to work against while exercising. in addition, removable, location adjustable pairs of disks may be attached to the axles or rollers. The disks extend outward from the rollers to engage the back of the user's head. The disks are of a resilient material and resist rotation of the user's head when in contact with the disks.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Kenneth G. Lay
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Patent number: 6095956Abstract: A connector device for use on a body building apparatus having a body with an opening formed in one end of the body and extending into the body. The connector device has first and second holes extending longitudinally through the body in parallel relationship therewith. Each of the first and second holes has a side communicating with the opening. The central opening has inclined walls extending inwardly from the one end of the body and opposite sides of the opening. A partition extends between the first and second holes transverse to a longitudinal axis of the holes. The partition is located at an end of the opening inwardly of the one end of the body. The partition has a protrusion extending from a surface thereof This protrusion has a pointed end spaced from the inclined walls of the opening. A tensile cord extends through the first and second holes so as to have a portion engaged over the pointed end of the protrusion and residing between the inclined walls of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Tzu-Shien Huang
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Patent number: 6090019Abstract: An exercise system for one or more persons including a frame, at least one game element, at least one striking member operable by a person to engage the game element, and a resistance system connected to the striking member for resisting the movement of the striking member as it is operated by the person, whereby the person performs exercise while operating the striking member to engage the game element.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Bill Price, IIInventor: Bill Price, II
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Patent number: 6090024Abstract: An adjustable inversion supporter includes a supporting base, a pair of supporters spacedly mounted on top of the supporting base, and a pair of shoulder seats which are connected to the two supporters respectively for supporting the two shoulders of an inverse user. Each of the shoulder seats consists of a kidney-bean shaped supporting pad for enabling the respective shoulder of the inverse user to rest and be supported thereon, and an adjustable connector affixed to the supporting pad for connecting the supporting pad with the respective supporter, wherein the two supporting pads are capable of adjusting a distance therebetween by turning each of the supporting pads about the respective supporter so as to match the user's shoulder shape and width.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventor: Yeong Haw Tsou
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Patent number: 6068581Abstract: A pelvic floor muscle weight training kit includes a casing with a cap and a bottom, a set of weights, and a retaining member mounted on each of the weights. The cap has a first inside thread, and the bottom has a second inside thread. Each of the weights is different in shape and weight and is replaced in the casing individually. The retaining member has a third thread. The first and second threads of the casing are capable of being threaded with the third thread of the retaining member such that each of the weights is retained in a universal casing individually. The pelvic floor muscle weight training kit also provides for a method of testing and/or exercising pelvic floor muscles.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Timm Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David William Anderson
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Patent number: 6059699Abstract: An exercise device for use with a medicine ball utilizing a support frame with a seat thereon. A medicine ball track is mounted to the frame and is pivotal to a user selectable position of a plurality of positions at which one end of the track is higher than the opposed track end. A seated user facing away from the track initially places the medicine ball at the elevated track end upon torso rotation in one direction. The incline of the track causes a rolling movement of the ball to the lower track end for recovery by the user upon the user oppositely rotating the torso in order to reach the ball at the lower track end. Either end of the track may be elevated so as to provide a balanced exercise. The degree of elevation of the upper track end is adjustable which varies the speed of the ball rolling movement and thus the speed at which the user must rotate between the ball placement and recovery positions. A selector plate positions and maintains the track at a desired inclination.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Anthony Ramsey
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Patent number: 6024678Abstract: A device for vacuuming, which is powered by the leg exercise motion of a user, includes a pair of bellows units which are mounted on the user's feet and a tank which is mounted on the user's back. A hand-held cleaning wand is connected to the tank by a flexible hose. The user alternately compresses and releases the bellows units, overcoming an internally mounted spring, and as the bellows unit returns to its original shape, a partial vacuum is formed therein. The bellows units are connected to the tank by flexible tubes and the partial vacuum draws air into the cleaning wand, thereby vacuuming dirt and debris into the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Inventor: Guillermo Solomon
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Patent number: 5997450Abstract: A combination slant board and abdominal rocker includes a slant board which comprises a rigid body support elevated at one end to incline the body support. The abdominal rocker has a frame with a base section pivotally mounted adjacent to the body support and a grip section spaced from the base section. A neck rest is mounted to the frame between the base section and the grip section. The grip section and the neck rest are located above the body support.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: William T. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5997448Abstract: Physical exercising apparatus comprising, a rigid column having first and second ends and adapted to be positioned vertically between the ceiling and floor of a room, a top plate attached to the first end of the column and disposed perpendicularly to the column for contact with the ceiling, a bottom plate disposed at the second end of the column perpendicularly to the column for contact with the floor, a cam lever interconnecting the second end of the column and the bottom plate for moving the column longitudinally with respect to the bottom plate and locking it in a longitudinal position, a horizontally disposed bar, slidable vertically on the column, for supporting an anchored end of at least one resistive exercise band, a projecting handle slidably mounted on the bar for anchoring the end of the elastic band and a rod attached to the outside end of the bar so that the longitudinal axis of the rod is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the bar and perpendicular thereto so that the elastic band may be trainType: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: Alex Duba
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Patent number: 5984845Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 1999Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Stretch Rite, Inc.Inventor: Scott Powers
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Patent number: 5976059Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of handles with elongated shafts operatively interconnected for rotation along coaxial longitudinal axes. Each shaft has a hand grip at the distal ends to permit a consumer to grip the handle and rotate the handles in opposite directions along their longitudinal axes. Diametric posts project orthogonal from the proximal ends of the shafts and pairs of adjacent posts have an elastic band looped around the posts to resist rotational movement of the shafts.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Matthew G. Brown
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Patent number: 5961429Abstract: A base for exercise devices is composed of a first rod member, a second rod member, a retaining mechanism, and a resilient member. The first rod member has two plates provided with a plurality of slots symmetrically. The second rod member is fastened pivotally with the two plates. The retaining mechanism is mounted on the second rod member and composed of a retaining member capable of a translational motion along the second rod member. The resilient member has an elastic force enabling the retaining member to undertake the translational motion so as to be releasably retained in the plates of the first rod member at such time when the second rod member is turned in relation to the first rod member to be coincident with any one of the slots of the two plates. The retaining member is released by the plates of the first rod member when the retaining member is exerted on by an external force greater than the elastic force of the resilient member.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Hank Hsu
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Patent number: 5951443Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for training athletes or rehabilitating disabled or injured individuals. The device is used to assist users with training muscle fibers that are difficult to train. This device will allow a coach to assist the user with the development of muscles. A user portion (14) of the belt (60) is used to harness a user during an exercise. A controller portion (12) may be connected to the user portion (14) for applying and controlling resistance during the exercise. The training apparatus is used to apply the overload (i.e., additional resistance) at single points or in short phases in order to maintain specificity of the learned action; not to train similar but alternate patterns of action that would not be used by the neuromuscular system when executing the original action. In addition, the apparatus allows the controller the option of assisting the user with the training by choosing whether to pull a releasing handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Craig Askins
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Patent number: 5924965Abstract: This invention relates to exercise apparatus 210 for exercising the human body 12 and in particular the cardiovascular system and selected muscle groups. The exercise apparatus includes application means 211 for applying a force to a person's body and support means 214 for supporting the person's body in an attitude whereby they may oppose the application of said force.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: Terence Cecil Vardy
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Patent number: 5894271Abstract: A wafer-like alert unit is disclosed which is affixed to a body surface in a private and discrete manner and provides a private or silent stimulus such as a vibrational signal to the user at selected time intervals to remind the user to flex adjacent muscle groups or to perform isometric exercise. The alert unit is designed to be worn imperceptibly to the public and provide a private and discrete way to maintain an exercise regimen without any wires or bulky control boxes. The alert unit is mounted directly to the body using adhesive or alternatively fitted in a self-adhesive pouch or pocket which is then secured to the body. The alert unit may also be inserted into a fabric pouch that is sewn into an undergarment which is then worn in the normal manner. The alert unit includes a power source such as a battery, a motor which creates a vibrational signal, a power switch, a timer, and means for inputting variable interval settings to allow the user to tailor his or her exercise regimen as needed.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventor: Lee Namisniak
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Patent number: 5863282Abstract: A unique, simple, and effective leg rest system of great versatility for desks, wherein a hinged or retractable panel is disposed within the leg opening of any desk, and is shifted from an inactive out-of-the-way position to an active position which may be parallel to the floor or at an angle thereto as desired, thereby to permit the desk user to elevate and rest his or her legs, feet, and thighs in comfort as well as to achieve desired orthopedic or therapeutic purposes. Various forms of the invention are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Soraya F. MoossunInventor: Mohamed Hassen Moossun
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Patent number: 5846171Abstract: In a competitive balance exercise game played by two participants an elongated game device is employed in the form of an elongated rod having a pair of opposite end portions and a middle portion disposed between and integrally connected with the opposite end portions, and a pair of gripping sleeves each disposed over and attached to one of the opposite end portions of the rod. The material of the rod can vary from being relatively inflexible or stiff to semi-rigid and semi-flexible so that it will bend during play of the game. Each gripping sleeve is long enough to receive both hands of the participant and is comprised of a substantially rubber material.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Roger R. Hollowell
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Patent number: 5823913Abstract: A device for exercising the abdominal muscles and method comprising an informing unit having a sensor, an announciator with a signal-controlling circuit board and a signal reproducer, and elements to enable positioning and retaining the informing unit on the user's belly. The abdominal muscles are exercised by flexing them using the information from the sensor. These attract the user's attention to the exercising of abdominal muscles, by reproducing an exercise command or musical note, serving to indicate to the user to contract muscles, and stop the command, therefore resulting in more efficient development of the abdominal muscles.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Inventors: Alexander S. Aruin, Leonid M. Raitsin
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Patent number: 5820520Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise apparatus which includes a gripping or handle assembly which is grasped at each of its ends by a user's hands. The handle assembly is rotatably mounted on a support having a configuration selected so that when the ends of the handle assembly are grasped by the user, the user is in a position with his hands positioned above his shoulders. The handle is then rotated by the user pulling on one end of the assembly and then the other end, to pivot the handle assembly about a pivot point and stretch the various upper body muscles.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Walter Paul Sieber
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Patent number: 5807216Abstract: A device for exercising while being at least partially submerged in water, including a rigid frame adapted to support the weight of a person using the device; and collapsible water container which is at least partially supported by the rigid frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Yoel Arad
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Patent number: 5803884Abstract: The present invention provides an abdominal exercise apparatus having an adjustable curved back support. The machine is used to produce an exercise that isolates, stretches, works, and develops the muscles of the abdominal wall (abs). The machine positions and supports the body to prevent it from unfolding at the hips, eliminating use of the thigh flexors and pain they cause from the exercise. Then it arches the back, which in turn extends the abs fully. In a preferred embodiment, the tension of extension of the abs is adjustable through positioning of back support.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1994Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Gary Owen Sharp
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Patent number: 5792079Abstract: A perineal-discomfort relieving apparatus having a base member with a gripping member and a foot support member attached thereto, a slidable seat assembly on a seat support member, and a stimulating means, adjacent to the seat assembly and the seat support member. The stimulating means is configured of two opposing, off-set rows of alternating ribs and valleys and a set of rollers communicating therewith to permit a sliding movement of the seat assembly along the seat support member, wherein as a user sits on the seat assembly and slides it back and forth across the seat support member, the seat assembly contacts the ribs and valleys to create a vibrating and rocking motion adapted to relieve discomfort in the perineal region of a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: Allen K. Hatfield
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Patent number: 5787898Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Daniel Freimann
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Patent number: 5782728Abstract: A fitness device for controlling the speed and/or direction of a rolling round member. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a round member and a separate hand-held assembly. The hand-held assembly may comprise an upstanding member positioned between a handle assembly and an engaging member. When the fitness device is moved vertically, laterally, in a twisting fashion, or a combination thereof, such that the engaging member contacts the round member during such motion, the speed and/or direction of the round member may be altered.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1995Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Milford D. MorrisonInventor: Milford D. Morrison
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Patent number: 5769763Abstract: The stabilizer devices for aquatic exercising and a device for aquatic exercise are disclosed. The stabilizers may be fixed to the side walls or bottom of a container of water to hold a person in an exercising position. The stabilizers may be made of plastic plumbing pipe and fittings may be portable, supported on, or fixed permanently in position on a container of water. The stabilizers may be rigid or flexible, may be completely immersed in water.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Inventor: Kenneth Lochbaum
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Patent number: 5766115Abstract: The present invention relates to a hip training device, comprising: a base frame, mounted on a horizontal floor; a positioning system, mounted on the base frame; a disc, rotatably supported by the positioning system; and a transmission system, further comprising a vertical bar, eccentrically and rotatably connected to the disc, a horizontal bar, having a front end and a rear end, the front end being attached to the vertical bar, and a rest plate, attached to the rear end of the horizontal bar and pressed against by the abdomen of a user, and having a strap to bind the user to the rest plate; wherein the user during an exercise moves the transmission system with her or his hips, causing a rotational movement of the disc, the disc in turn constraining the transmission system to a circular movement, taking along the user's hips with a training effect for the user's hips.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Kou-Ming Huang
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Patent number: 5762589Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening and toning a person's bulbocavernosus muscle is disclosed which includes a base and a contact portion having a convex elongated upper surface which is fixed relative to the base. The base and contact portion of the device are connected together by hinged connection with a prop moveable between a storage position and an exercise position in which the contact portion is raised above the base. The sides of the contact portion are contoured to reduce the width of the contact portion at the inward end thereof. The contact portion is preferably covered by a layer of padding material on its upper surface. The method of the present invention is an isometric exercise method wherein a convex member is placed on a horizontal supporting surface. The exercise method requires sitting on the supporting surface with the bulbocavernosus muscle resting on the convex member. The bulbocavernosus muscle is contracted and relaxed repetitively to strengthen and tone a person's bulbocavernosus muscle.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Inventor: Clarence Parker, Jr.
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Patent number: 5755647Abstract: An exercise appliance for conditioning the abdominal muscles of an individual includes a structure presenting a resiliently yieldable contact surface which provides a restoring force against a force applied thereto. The contact surface has a contour suitably sized and shaped to be at least partially fittable in the space formed between a support surface and a static lordotic curve of a lumbar back of an individual positioned with a remaining portion of the back of the individual in contact with the support surface. The structure may provide the resilient yieldability in a form permitting deformation of the contact surface, or may alternately include a rigid member arranged to permit resistive movement thereof in a direction towards a plane of the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Lawrence I. WechslerInventor: Harry R. Watnik
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Patent number: 5735776Abstract: A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball, about 18 inches in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles, secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specialized exercises that use the ball in a tension mode. The ball is only partially inflated so as to provide soft compliant accommodation to various body surfaces, and can be utilized bidirectionally, i.e. either in compression or in tension, in conjunction with various body parts such as hands, legs, knees, feet, etc., for a broad array of isometric muscle exercises directed to overall body strengthening, particularly for persons prone to and/or desiring protection from the effects of osteoporosis. A sequence of recommended exercises may be depicted directly on the surface of the ball. Attachment of the handles to the main ball portion may be made by sonic welding.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventors: Robert L. Swezey, Richard Swezey
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Patent number: 5733225Abstract: A playground apparatus is disclosed which includes four upright posts secured in the ground in a square configuration. Playground apparatus further includes four curved beam members formed from substantially rigid material, each of which is pivotally connected at its midpoint. The adjacent ends of the beams are interconnected by a resilient spring assembly, and the assembled beams define a ring-like support surface upon which children can stand and jump, producing undulating and resilient motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Landscape Structures, Inc.Inventors: Randall G. Watermiller, Steven G. King
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Patent number: 5728031Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use in developing abdominal muscle. The exercise apparatus includes a supporting structure adjustably mounted on a platform and a lever structure mounted on the upper end of the supporting structure for pivoting about a horizontal axis. The lever structure has a first arm which is connected to a handle and a second arm which supports an impact member such as a medicine ball. The exercise apparatus is used by an individual by standing on the platform and pulling the handle toward his or her chest. The individual then pushes the handle away from his or her chest which causes the impact member to swing toward the individual's abdomen. The supporting structure is adjustable so that the impact member can be positioned to strike the abdomen of individuals of different height.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: W. C. Honeycutt, Inc.Inventor: W. C. Honeycutt
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Patent number: 5728027Abstract: A biofeedback system for training the abdominal muscles uses a belt or waistband with a buckle which includes switches, at least one switch modifying a music tape source which is, for example, mounted on the belt. The belt buckle is expandable so that with the abdominal muscles (abs) relaxed, a switch will be in one position, and with the abs tensed, it will be in another, to appropriately modify the sound source. This is fed back to the user via the headphones so that when he recognized the modification the user will be encouraged to re-tense the abs.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Inventor: Robert J. Sinaiko
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Patent number: 5713823Abstract: A mechanical device for exercising selected muscle/skeletal groups in the shoulder region of a user. The device includes a round frame with a support member for stability. A pivot ball is mounted on the underside of the support member at the center of the round frame. Handles are mounted on the upper surface of the support member. A user grasps the handles and then rotates/nutates the device about the pivot ball to exercise the shoulder region and related muscles. Three separate handle assemblies may be used to isolate different muscle/skeletal groups of a user and/or vary the difficulty of the exercise: a standard handle assembly, an isolator assembly, and an angled handle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Inventors: Donald R. Walendzak, Brooks H. Millar
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Patent number: 5713817Abstract: A shock-displacing inflatable bag for use in balance games, recreation or exercise comprises a bag constructed of material that does not stretch or otherwise absorb shock. The bag is formed from a single sheet of material which is first joined at a set of opposite edges using a lap seam. The lap seam allows the bag to roll from side to side without restriction. The two open ends of the bag are then joined using sandwich seams. A valve is then mounted over a hole in the bag for purposes of inflation and deflation. Radio frequency heat sealing provides a method for creating strong, permanent seams which can withstand forces imparted to the bag. Denser vinyl coated, woven fabrics provide the best resistance to shock and stretch.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1994Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Inventor: David D. Buchanan
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Patent number: 5692996Abstract: The sculpted weight was designed for use in a weight lifting routine developed by the inventor. The weight facilitates: 1) the doing of "new" weight lifting exercises 2) the doing of traditional weight lifting exercises. Further, it's unique design encourages the user to experiment and be creative while exercising (12). The exercise routine developed by the inventor encompasses an aerobic weight lifting circuit which includes a rotational arm and shoulder exercise as well as more traditional weight lifting exercises. To facilitate the routine the weight is elliptically shaped (12). Further, the weight curves simultaneously in two directions at once (26) (28); has two hand holes for gripping (12); has a center hole for cupping the head in exercises like sit-ups and as a means for storage (16). The unique shape of the weight allows it to conform to the body when necessary and remain aerodynamically comfortable and balanced when in use and in motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Inventor: Paul Widerman
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Patent number: 5681246Abstract: An amusement and exercise device which includes an elongated pole pivotally attached at one end to a base which is removably attached to the ground or floor. Attached to the distal end of the pole is a rope which is manipulated by the user which causes the pole to rotate in a circular path around the base and under the user. The user must coordinate his or her arm and wrist movement and jump over the pole to operate the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Zachary Dougherty
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Patent number: 5679105Abstract: An apparatus for use during the performance of squat-jump type exercises utilizes a weight-laden frame which is grasped by the hands of a user during the performance of the exercise routine and leg members associated with the frame which are spring-biased from a retracted position toward an extended position. During an exercise routine performed with the apparatus, the apparatus is lifted from the floor during a jump phase of the routine and is returned to the floor during a rebound phase of the routine. The spring-biased leg members of the apparatus cushion the effects of the weight-laden frame as the apparatus is returned into contact with the floor and facilitate the lifting of the apparatus during a subsequent jump phase of the routine.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Inventors: Suzanne R. Vittone, Larry W. Vittone
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Patent number: 5655999Abstract: A pliable support apparatus that can be hand-bent to assume various desired three-dimensional shapes to support or enclose objects in a non-slip manner. The apparatus can be used to support an appliance such as a portable music player, while allowing the user to keep his or her hands free. The apparatus forms a continuous shape and is made of pliable, resilient material that can be hand-bent to hang from exercise equipment and firmly support the music player during exercise. Alternatively, the apparatus can be hand-bent to stand freely on a flat surface and support the music player near where the user is exercising. It can be adapted as necessary to conform to and accommodate the shape of the device it is supporting, yet is rigid enough to resist deformity under the weight of the device. The apparatus features a non-slip, resilient outer surface. An optional strap is available to secure the device to the apparatus before or after bending if desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Stephenie M. Drew
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Patent number: 5649884Abstract: A chiropractic device for concurrently massaging and exercising a user comprising elongated hollow cylindrical tubes fabricated of a rigid metallic material. Each tube has a length with an external diameter and an internal diameter with an aperture through each tube. A plurality of welds are provided. Each weld is of a linear extent corresponding to the length of the tubes. The welds couple to and secure together the three tubes along their contacting lengths to form a cluster of tubes in a triangular configuration with each tube coupled to the other two tubes along their entire contacting lengths.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Inventor: Manuel P. Manalo