Grip Patents (Class 482/49)
  • Publication number: 20130143719
    Abstract: An exercise device (20) having a hand graspable movable part (24) mounted to a mounting part (25) for movement with respect to the mounting part. The mounting part (25) is affixable to a hand movable object (12) so that the hand movable object may be moved by a user by hand grasping the movable part (24) while also executing reciprocatory movement of the movable part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Ali SELEK
  • Patent number: 8449436
    Abstract: A wrist exerciser with a handle and multiple hold positions includes a first exercise ball body and a handle. The first exercise ball body has a first opening, a rotor, and a first hold position for driving the rotor to rotate. The first opening is disposed at a side of the first exercise ball body. The rotor is disposed inside the first exercise ball body. The handle is connected to the other side of the first exercise ball body where the first opening is disposed. The handle is coaxially corresponding to the first opening, and has a second hold position for driving the rotor to rotate, so as to provide multiple hold modes for a user to carry out wrist exercise modes of different postures, thereby increasing interests and enhancing comprehensiveness of forearm muscle exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nano-Second Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei Sung Chuang, Yun Yu Chuang
  • Patent number: 8394045
    Abstract: A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Russell A. Betcher
  • Patent number: 8394003
    Abstract: A handheld finger manipulating device comprising an elongated plunger assembly that moves longitudinally through a longitudinally aligned bore formed on an outer body. The elongated member is longer than the outer body so that when one end of the plunger body is forced into the outer body, the opposite end of the plunger assembly is extended beyond the opposite end of the outer body. At least one magnet and two magnetic attractive substrates are located between the plunger assembly and the outer body that enables the plunger assembly to move to two preset locations within the outer body. During use, the user holds the device in his or her palm and presses against one end of the plunger assembly to forcibly move it through the outer body. As the plunger assembly moves through the outer body, the magnet and the substrates interact to create a slow and then sudden acceleration of the plunger assembly. In other embodiments, enhanced sound and light producing elements are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: David M. Weinstock
  • Patent number: 8376912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball-like exercise device adapted for insertion in the mouth and to be used for exercising, strengthening and/or toning facial and/or jaw muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ball It, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dedvukaj
  • Publication number: 20130012358
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which combines a beverage holder (e.g. a mug) with a compressible device (i.e. a gripper or handgrip) that is usable as an exercise apparatus for a users hands, wrists or forearms. This dual purpose apparatus can function not only as a mug or insulator but also a squeezable exercise device where by flexing and relaxing a user's hand the user conditions their hands, wrists or forearms. The device may also include lights or audio. In some embodiments the handgrip may be detachably attached to the beverage container to allow the independent use of the holder and handgrip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: John Morris Lynn
  • Publication number: 20130012362
    Abstract: A hand rehabilitation device includes a base having an arm support. A first actuator is mounted to the base and includes a first output end. A second actuator is connected to the first output end of the first actuator and includes a second output end. A handle is connected to the second output end. One of the first and second output ends rotates about an axis. The other of the first and second output ends reciprocates in a direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Ming-Shaung Ju, Chou-Ching Lin, Meng-Dar Shieh, Shu-Min Chen, Yu-Ching Lin, Yung-Nien Sun, Pin-Cheng Kung, Chia-Chun Hung, Yi-Ting Lee
  • Publication number: 20120309593
    Abstract: A Baoding ball system has a first ball, and the first ball is a Baoding ball that has ferrous content. Also, a second ball is included and the second ball is a Baoding ball that has ferrous content. A first magnetic connection member is disposed between the first ball and the second ball. The first magnetic connection member includes a first magnetic connection member first magnet that magnetically connects the first ball to the second ball. The first magnetic connection member first magnet has an exterior plastic covering over a magnetic core of the first magnetic connection member first magnet. The first magnetic connection member optionally has a first magnetic connection member second magnet magnetically connected to the second ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Tom Smith
  • Patent number: 8317662
    Abstract: A grip trainer includes a first chamber designed to engage a stick and a second chamber attached to the first chamber. The second chamber is configured to hold an insert. An insert disposed in the second chamber. The insert has a hardness no greater than 60 on the Shore 00 Durometer scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: MaxXcel Sports LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael Siipola
  • Publication number: 20120295767
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handgrip exercising device for strengthening the muscles of a hand and fingers. A user performs a handgrip exercise using an elastic recovery force as the user grips a body part made of an elastic material such as a silicon material. The handgrip exercising device of the present invention serves to uniformly distribute force over the whole portions of a palm via the body part in the course of handgrip exercise, performing an uniform muscle strengthening exercise over the whole portions of a hand and fingers without causing a partial muscle pain at a finger muscle while enhancing a user's gripping feeling, so a user can do exercise smoothly and with a good feeling. The handgrip strength can be selectively adjusted by providing an elliptical elastic pipe into the interior of each body part, thus performing an optimum handgrip exercise depending on the strength of a user's finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Jae-Wook JUNG
  • Patent number: 8267844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping device that removably attaches onto a user's wrist to enable the user to grip onto a handle. The gripping device comprises a wrist-wrapping, elongated belt portion having opposite ends, and a gripping structure that extends outward from the plane of the belt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Arthur Michael Kassel, Kenneth Owen Richardson
  • Patent number: 8235872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a handgrip for weightlifting purposes comprising: a first surface for contact with a bar; a second surface for direct contact with a user's hand; and four corners creating a substantially parallelogram shape, where one opposite pair of corners form an angle that is less than a 90° angle and a second opposite pair of corners form an angle that is greater than a 90°, angle. The handgrip according to the present invention securely fits around the bar where said bar is a part of a barbell or dumbbell. The handgrip conforms to a substantially cylindrical shape when the user places it around the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Kent Perry
  • Patent number: 8202205
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base, and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes at least two enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The two enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The two enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: GoBe Healthy, LLC
    Inventor: Catherine Reade
  • Patent number: 8177690
    Abstract: A handheld exercise device in the form a single nonresilient ball, or a pair of balls, which have a copper surface and have internal permanent magnets embedded within the balls which generate magnetic fields around the outer surface of the ball. The balls may be grasped in the palm of a hand and manipulated so as to combine the therapeutic effects of exercise, copper absorption into the skin, and magnetic field therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Norbert T. Wierszewski
  • Patent number: 8172727
    Abstract: An exercise handle for use with a cord and a method for the use thereof, the handle having a channel portion having at least two channel ends that are positioned non-diametrically relative to each other on the channel portion, the channel portion being rounded relative to a center point; a channel being fashioned on the channel portion, the channel being adapted to receive the cord; a grip portion being positioned between the at least two channel portion ends in an off-center relationship to the center point of the channel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Therapyzone, Inc.
    Inventors: David Berman, Lee F. Spieker
  • Patent number: 8152697
    Abstract: An exercise tool is provided to ensure a good degree of freedom in the direction of movement of the wrists and allows the magnitude of the load applied to the wrists during the exercise to be changed easily so as to enable more effective strengthening of the deep muscles. The exercise tool has a first rod body 10 and a second rod body 20 which are rotatable in opposite directions and also movable away from each other against the biasing force of a coil spring 70. Ring-shaped latch portions 71 and 72 provided at respective ends of the coil spring 70 are removably latched by first and second elastic-member latch bodies 50 and 60, respectively, so that the coil spring 70 can readily be replaced with another coil spring 70 having a different elastic force, thereby facilitating changing the magnitude of the load applied during the wrist exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Sanriki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Wakuda
  • Patent number: 8142335
    Abstract: To satisfy one or more of the foregoing objectives, embodiments of a spring collar are provided for removably securing a disc weight to the sleeve of a barbell. In one embodiment, the spring collar includes a resilient wire form having a permanent magnet mounted thereto. The spring collar includes a coiled body having a central aperture, and first and second radial arms extending from the coiled body. The first and second radial arms can be moved toward one another to increase the diameter of the central aperture and permit a user to slide the coiled body over the sleeve. The permanent magnet enables a user to removably secure the spring collar to a ferromagnetic surface when the spring collar is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Emberstone Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin James Leach, Chad Gordon Fuller, Edward Kazor, Patrick Aaron Sidener
  • Patent number: 8133158
    Abstract: Provided is a handgrip including first and second operating arms that are spaced apart from each other; first and second link arms that are sequentially and obliquely disposed between the first and second operating arms, and of which both ends are rotatably connected to the operating arms, respectively, through rotating shafts; and a spring member that is installed to provide an elastic force biasing the first and second operating arms apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Tae Jin An
  • Patent number: 8128541
    Abstract: An exercise grip device includes a jaw member which is of a sufficient width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand, wherein the jaw member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open position to permit receiving a weightlifting bar and is compressible to a closed position enabling engagement of the jaw member with the weightlifting bar in a manner to prevent sliding movement therebetween and while compressed exerts a force on one's hand and forearm muscles. A method includes weightlifting using the exercise grip device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Grip4orce, LLC
    Inventor: James Hartman
  • Patent number: 8128542
    Abstract: An exercise grip device for use on a handle of a sport instrument which is to be swung and has a predetermined exterior size and configuration for a predetermined sport of the type swung to strike an object, wherein the handle has a predetermined cross-sectional configuration includes a generally tube-like member with a lengthwise opening and having about hand-width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand and wherein the tube-like member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open relaxed position has an inner surface having a cross-sectional configuration which is larger than the predetermined cross-sectional configuration of the handle and is compressible to a closed position where the inner surface is maintained in contact with the handle to exert a force on one's hand and arm muscles and wherein the surface includes a nonmetal material which in the closed position engages the handle to prevent sliding movement therebetween by virtue of a non metal to handle contact of the grip device with
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Grip4orce LLC
    Inventors: James Hartman, Robert William Graham
  • Patent number: 8113993
    Abstract: An exercise grip and method for performing a low cable pectoral muscle development exercise is disclosed wherein the exercise grip is attachable to a cable weight system. The exercise grip includes a body substantially formed to receive thereon the palmer side of a human hand. The body has an upturned flange formed at an outer edge of the body to bear against the ulnar border of a human hand. An elongate finger grip extends from and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upturned flange and is formed to accommodate the curled fingers of a human hand therearound. A thumb recess is adjacent to the finger grip opposite from the upturned flange for allowing a human thumb to bear thereagainst. A hook is affixed to the body proximate to the thumb recess to facilitate attachment to the cable of the cable weight system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Perfect Pecs, LLC
    Inventor: Michael McVan
  • Patent number: 8105212
    Abstract: An exercise ring with properties ideally suited for exercising by a user sitting at a desk or work station is disclosed. The exercise ring is nested within the outer rim of a computer mouse pad such that a user may easily remove the device and use it while seated at a desk or work station and serves the second function as a wrist rest when mounted on the mouse pad. The exercise ring is made of elastic material that exhibits high visco-elastic properties when being manually stretched and contracted. The unique visco-elastic properties cause the exercise ring to exert a larger force on the user's muscles when the ring is being stretched and a smaller force is exerted on the user's muscles while the ring is being contracted. This combination of exercise ring properties has been found to provide an optimum work out when exercising in a confined space and reduces the chance of the user being impacted by an accidentally released exercise ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Manuel Eduardo Tellez
  • Patent number: 8105217
    Abstract: A grip element for an exercise machine, comprising at least a substantially tubular handgrip (2), forming at least one outer surface (3) to be gripped by the user's hand while performing exercises to develop muscles or the like, and having at least one substantially longitudinal through-channel (4) in which there will engage at least one flexible cable (5) connected to at least one resistant load of at least one exercise machine, the grip element being characterized in that said handgrip (2) comprises means (6) for selective locking of the grip element in any position along the cable (5), the locking means being designed to prevent the handgrip (2) from sliding relative to the cable (5) when the grip element is manually translated and/or rotated in any direction in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Technogym S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nerio Alessandri, Luca Benini, Roberto Malaguti, Paolo Pieri, Marco Casadei
  • Patent number: 8092411
    Abstract: A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Russell A. Betcher
  • Patent number: 8083649
    Abstract: A wrist exerciser that uses nested semi spheres to work the wrists. It has an outer bowl-shaped housing that can be mounted to a wall, or can he held by the user using a special glove. A second bowl-shaped device called the pendulum has a handle in the center and fits within the housing. A third member called a pressure bowl is fitted into the outer housing. The pressure bowl has an open bottom to let pendulum handle pass through the bottom of the pressure bowl. The user tightens the pressure bowl down to increase the tightness of the pendulum within the outer housing. A user can mount the device on a wall or grip the bottom of the outer bowl. Then, the user holds the handle on the pendulum and rotates the pendulum around the outer housing, back and forth in any desired direction to work the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony C. Cordova
  • Patent number: 8062184
    Abstract: A press bar for supporting a weight during a weightlifting exercise includes a body that has a first end, a second end, and a body-axis that passes through the first and second ends, wherein the body-axis is substantially horizontal when the press bar lies on a substantially horizontal surface. In addition to the body, the press bar includes a handle connected to the body. The handle includes a grip positioned relative to the body-axis. The grip has a longitudinal axis lying in a plane that is vertical when the press bar lies on a substantially horizontal surface. The position of the grip relative to the body-axis is such that the body-axis does not intersect the grip, but does intersect the plane at an angle between 45° and 135°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 8029415
    Abstract: An exercise system includes one or more exercise devices that communicate via a network with a communication system. The communication system stores and/or generates exercise programming for use on the exercise device. The exercise programming is able to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device to simulate terrain found at a remote, real world location. The exercise programming can include images/videos of the remote, real world location. The control signals and the images/videos can be synchronized so that a user of the exercise device is able to experience, via the changing operating parameters, the topographical characteristics of the remote, real world location as well as see images of the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: ICON IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren C. Ashby, Scott R. Watterson, Kirk Lorrigan, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 8025615
    Abstract: An exercise device and method that is suitable to provide lateral stabilization of the exerciser performing a squatting exercise is provided. The device includes an exercise bar, and wheels that are located, in some implementation, at least the width of a doorframe. Some embodiments of the exercise bar further include a means to adjust its length and to cause vertical resistance. The lateral stabilization method includes the steps of aligning the wheels of the wheeled exercise bar to properly engage the vertical guiding surface; and engaging the vertical guiding surface with the wheels of the wheeled exercise bar such that the wheels roll with sufficient frictional or normal force thereon to provide lateral stabilization to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jim Wallace Sargent
  • Patent number: 8025608
    Abstract: A unique rope-pulling exercise apparatus that includes a support structure, a continuous rope, and a means for applying resistance to the force applied on the rope by the user, as the rope is pulled in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Marius Popescu
  • Patent number: 7993246
    Abstract: An improved exercising machine comprising a framework, support members carried by the framework, a pair of guide assemblies with at least two degrees of freedom mounted on a respective support member for movement of the respective guide assembly, a pressure bar or handle moveably connected to a guide assembly, at least one resistive means connected to the framework, force transfer means providing connection between the respective guide assemblies and the resistive means, and dampening means to dampen the movement of the respective guide assembly slidable members which serve to prevent sudden and erratic movements of the guide assembly slidable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: JeffRoy H. Tillis
  • Patent number: 7959541
    Abstract: An ultra light but resistive ball device for exercise is provided comprising: a flexible sheet with least one preliminary broken section of collapse for allowing contraction of the sheet under bias about at least one flex point in response to an exertion of hand grip. The sheet has two free ends extending substantially half the circumference of the ball and partially folded back on the sheet. Two lateral apertures are located at opposite ends of the free ends to permit an uninterrupted collapse of the sheet. A sheath envelopes the sheet to provide a slip resistant exterior surface for grasping the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Man-Young Jung
  • Patent number: 7942785
    Abstract: One embodiment of a multi-functional device for measuring joint range of motion of the wrist and forearm. In general, the embodiment includes a casing (20) containing fluid (23), and a plural number of calibration scale (24) assemblies. The casing (20) is sized appropriately to be gripped in a user's hand, and enables the user to obtain an assessment of his or her range of motion as various motions are performed. Specifically, the various motions made by the user while gripping the embodiment causes fluid (23) to shift inside of casing (20) as a reaction to the downward pull of gravity. The user obtains an instant visual measurement of joint range of motion by viewing the location of fluid (23) on the calibration scale (24) assemblies. The overall design empowers the user to measure his or her own range of motion, which engages him or her as he or she works to re-gain mobility, and provides a positive motivating influence. The device is also suitable for use when performing exercises and stretches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Lori E. Russell
  • Patent number: 7918765
    Abstract: The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the loot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ossur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen, Günter Gneiting
  • Patent number: 7905816
    Abstract: Provided is exercise equipment for performing a variety of exercises for upper body exercises such as push-up, pull-up, and dip styles of exercise as well as core strengthening exercises. In some embodiments, the device allows for vertical and horizontal adjustments to a variety of positions allowing for general use for persons of all sizes and levels of abilities, from the beginner to the highly experienced and athletic person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: G. Lane Murphy
  • Patent number: 7862486
    Abstract: A barbell with rotational grips. The barbell includes a center bar with two grip housings of annular configuration mounted to opposite ends of the barbell. Handgrips are located within the grip housings. Two sets of bearings are diametrically opposed to one another at the ends of each handgrip. A first set of radial wall bearings are perpendicular to the rotational axis of the handgrip, and a second set of sidewall bearings are parallel to the rotational axis of the handgrip. Each grip housing has an interior circumferential groove, with radial and sidewall bearings operatively secured within the groove. Each hand grip is spring-loaded so that a constant force is applied perpendicular to the rotational axis of the handgrips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Spingrip Fitness, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph E. Watson
  • Publication number: 20100311547
    Abstract: A toy device has a resilient tubular housing defining a strip chamber and having an opening at each end. A strip bundle constituting a mutiplicity of elongate strip members are located within the strip chamber and are frictionally retained against inadvertent movement by the compressive force of the resilient tubular housing on the strips and are each linearly moveable relative to said strip chamber and relative to one another. The strips are composed of a polymer such as a vinyl or of other suitable materials and can be marked with educational indicia or game indicia to promote the use of the toy device for educational purposes as well as for entertainment and pleasure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Chesley G. Russell
  • Patent number: 7837599
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus to enable a user to perform upper extremity exercises. The apparatus includes an arm with one end connected to a base to securely support the arm while locating the other end adjacent to the user, proximate the user's upper extremities. The arm is formed with a plurality of joints at or between its ends, each joint having one or more rotational degrees of freedom while providing resistance to rotational movement in the one or more degrees of freedom, such that the free end of the arm can be moved in three dimensional space, and such that the arm is self-supporting. A manipulandum assembly including a plurality of manipulanda is attached to the free end of the arm, each manipulandum being positioned within hand grasping range of the user, and each manipulandum being or representing an object encountered in an upper extremity activity of the user's daily life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rehabtronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Kowalczewski, Arthur Prochazka
  • Patent number: 7824312
    Abstract: An exercising handgrip includes a base, a first handle mounted on the base, a second handle movably mounted on the first handle and disposed between the base and the first handle, a threaded tube movably mounted on the base, a tensile spring mounted in the threaded tube and biased between the threaded tube and the second handle, and a threaded adjusting knob rotatably mounted on the base and screwed onto the threaded tube. The base has two limit ribs. The threaded tube has two limit slots each slidable on the respective limit rib of the base. Thus, the adjusting knob is rotated in the base to move the threaded tube relative to the second handle and to compress or extend the tensile spring so as to adjust the tension of the tensile spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kuang-Chien Hsu
  • Patent number: 7824311
    Abstract: An exercising handgrip includes a first handle, a second handle pivotally connected with the first handle, a damping spring biased between the first handle and the second handle, a threaded adjusting module movably mounted on the second handle and pressing the damping spring, and a threaded adjusting knob rotatably mounted on the second handle and screwed onto the threaded adjusting module to move the threaded adjusting module relative to the damping spring by rotation of the adjusting knob. Thus, the adjusting knob is rotated on the second handle to drive the threaded adjusting module to move forward or backward relative to the second handle so as to change the distance between the first handle and the second handle and to compress or extend the damping spring, thereby adjusting the damping force of the damping spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kuang-Chien Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100255956
    Abstract: Provided is a handgrip including first and second operating arms that are spaced apart from each other; first and second link arms that are sequentially and obliquely disposed between the first and second operating arms, and of which both ends are rotatably connected to the operating arms, respectively, through rotating shafts; and a spring member that is installed to provide an elastic force biasing the first and second operating arms apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Tae Jin An
  • Publication number: 20100255957
    Abstract: A method for isometric exercise safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The method utilizes an apparatus that provides resistance to force and maximizes user/patient comfort. The handle or grip of the apparatus may be squeezed with a force less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby restricting blood flow through contracting muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through use of the method. The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and inducing the user to apply the fractional force, a lesser fractional force or no force for a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CardioGrip IPH, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Clem, Richard Rae Clem, Thomas J. Wernikowski, Joachim Eldring, Nathaniel Longstreet, Steven Wood, Seth Huckstead
  • Patent number: 7789815
    Abstract: Provided is a chest expander including: a head having a spring installation part at which a spring is installed and arm connection parts installed at both sides of the spring installation part; a pair of arms pivotally coupled with the arm connection parts of the head at their upper ends; a spring member vertically installed at the spring installation part of the head, and converting movement of the pair of arms approached toward each other into a resilient force generated by compressing or extending the spring to vertically transmit the resilient force to the arms; a pair of links having first ends connected to each arm and second ends extending between the arms; and a spring operation part having a link connection part connected to the second ends of the links and compressing or extending the spring member using power added and transmitted to the link connection part through the links by the movement of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Tae Jin An
  • Patent number: 7762929
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed toward a golf swing exercise device comprising a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body includes a resistance section between the first and second ends. A first coupling element is coupled to the body proximate the first end. A second coupling element is coupled to the body proximate the second end. The first coupling element and the second coupling element are configured to rotatably couple the body to a golf club shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: TC Trust, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Celone
  • Publication number: 20100173751
    Abstract: A grip trainer includes a first chamber designed to engage a stick and a second chamber attached to the first chamber. The second chamber is configured to hold an insert. An insert disposed in the second chamber. The insert has a hardness no greater than 60 on the Shore 00 Durometer scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: MAXXCEL SPORTS LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael Siipola
  • Patent number: 7749140
    Abstract: A quick disconnect and re-connect system is provided for exercise apparatus having a connection assembly for connecting a user-gripped handle to a resistance-bearing cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lindemeier, John M. Cassidy, Thomas M. Kilgriff
  • Patent number: 7736284
    Abstract: A hand-grip accessory includes a body having a deformably resilient cylindrical shape provided with open end portions and an axial bore formed therebetween. The body further has separable longitudinal edge portions adapting the body between expanded and equilibrium arrangements such that the apparatus can be nested about a dumbbell. The accessory further includes a mechanism for tethering the body to a user's wrist such that the apparatus can be maintained within a restricted spatial distance from the user during operating conditions. The tethering mechanism includes a lanyard having oppositely situated looped end portions securely coupled to the body and removably positional about the user's wrist respectively. One of the looped end portions has a fixed diameter while another of the looped end portions preferably includes a coupling slidably mated to the lanyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: George S. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7699757
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort. The system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cardiogrip IPH, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Clem, Richard Rae Clem, Thomas J. Wernikowski, Joachim Eldring, Nathaniel Longstreet, Steven Wood, Seth Huckstead
  • Patent number: 7691040
    Abstract: A grip-handle for coupling to a resistance force provided by exercise equipment. The handle includes a hollow, generally-cylindrical hand hold. A flexion cable is fixed to opposed ends of a central shaft that is coaxial with the hand hold with a pulley guide member having a hook for engaging the equipment cable located therebetween. Generally-planar, circular side members having notched peripheries are fixed to the ends of the hand hold. The diameters of the side members exceed that of the hand hold to maintain the cable in position and removed from the hand of a user during the full range of wrist motion provided by the grip-handle during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Paul A. Schwinghamer
  • Publication number: 20100041521
    Abstract: A finger glove for use in gripping movements with one or more fingers of a human hand enclosed in the glove. The glove includes glove fingers and a palm. At least one glove finger is adapted to include on each side an artificial tendon that extends along an inside of the glove. A yoke is fitted in a tip of the at least one glove finger and intended to surround a tip of an enclosed finger. At each side of the glove finger artificial tendons are connected to the yoke. A system including the finger glove having a force detecting sensor is situated on the inside of the at least one glove finger and is adapted to detect a force between a finger enclosed in the glove finger and a contact surface applied to the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Bioservo Technologies AB
    Inventors: Johan Ingvast, Hans Von Holst, Jan Wikander
  • Publication number: 20090318269
    Abstract: A finger and hand exerciser includes a housing defining four chambers arranged side-by-side in parallel with one another. Each chamber receives a tension adjustment member, a plunger that is reciprocatingly slidable in the chamber, and a helically wound compression spring extending between the plunger and the tension adjustment member. Each tension adjustment member includes a knurled wheel which the user of the finger and hand exerciser may turn to decrease or increase the force the spring exerts on the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: D'Addario & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Alexandru Maxim