Grip Patents (Class 482/49)
  • Publication number: 20090275445
    Abstract: An exercise device having a solid body of elastic material and being substantially homogeneous throughout. The elastic material is a visco-elastic urethane having quasi-liquid properties and substantially faultless memory. The body has a selectively curved continuous uninterrupted outer surface that is generally egg-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: J. Mark Davis
  • Publication number: 20090247369
    Abstract: A hygienic exercise equipment includes thermo plastic elastomer having a composition comprising bamboo charcoal powder, PVC, ZN-CA stabilizer, pour point depressant, ink and at least one of DOP and ATBC. Preferably, bamboo charcoal from 0.1% to 5%, PVC from 35% to 56%, ZN-CA stabilizer from 0.4% to 1.5%, pour point depressant from 0.5% to 1.5%, ink from 0% to 10%, and at least one of DOP and ATBC from 1.0% to 5%. The composition is mixed and tailored to various designs for different exercise equipment, different parts and different portion of the exercise equipment. The internal body in the weight trainer, due to being mixed with the solid powder, has an extremely high density ranging from 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 to 6 g/cm.sup.3, preferably ranging from 4 g/cm.sup.3 to 6 g/cm.sup.3, so the weight trainer can have a high weight, even if fitted into the internal body with small volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Shuo-Hsiu Johnny Chang
  • Patent number: 7594876
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7553259
    Abstract: An exercise device has a central grip with a first and second end. Three peripheral handles are symmetrically disposed around a central grip. Each peripheral handle has first and second radial portions extending from the first and second ends of the central grip, and a peripheral grip portion disposed between is respective radial portions. The peripheral grip portions are parallel to the central grip. The central grip has three partially flattened sides respectively facing each of the three peripheral grip portions. The junction of any two sides forms a curved edge that fits comfortably in the joint of a human finger. The peripheral distance around the central grip is two to three times the peripheral distance around a peripheral grip portion. In various exercises, users can grip a peripheral grip portion by one hand, use both hands to grasp adjacent peripheral grip portions, or grasp the central grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Craig D. Landfair
  • Publication number: 20090156367
    Abstract: A hand exerciser device, comprised of a body having a thumb opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced apart from the thumb opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between the thumb opening and the finger openings where the body is fabricated from a gelatinous elastomeric composition having both sufficient stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device by opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and sufficient resistance for compression of the hand exerciser device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and also returning to the original shape with release of the pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Paul F. Harris, JR., Amy Karpus
  • Publication number: 20090111662
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a therapeutic hand and forearm strengthening device which permits a user to exercise and strengthen specifically isolated hand and forearm muscles, tendons and ligaments in a number of different ways depending on the specific exercise and device configuration chosen by the user. Another object of the present disclosure also provides methods of therapeutically treating a user's hand and forearm using a device according to the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Jody Wagner, Lisa L. Heasty
  • Publication number: 20090048071
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Publication number: 20090017993
    Abstract: An exercising and rehabilitation hand device is disclosed. The hand device according to the invention is portable and controllable by smart fluid-based brakes/dampers to provide a compact, lightweight mechanism whose resistance to motion can be changed on-the-fly, through computerize control, to vary the exercises that can be performed and tune the workout or rehabilitation session to the responses of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Azadeh Khanicheh, Andrew Muto, Allen Fisch, Brian Wienberg, Constantinos Mavroidis
  • Patent number: 7470217
    Abstract: The grip strength device is configured to gauge the grip strength of contracted muscles or aid in exercising particular muscles by providing resistance against the contracted muscles. The grip strength device is inserted into a user's vagina or held in a user's hand. The user either contracts the pubococcygeal or hand muscles depending on the casing used. The grip strength device has a removable casing containing a first fluid, a first bellows, a second bellows and a pressure gauge. The first bellows has a closed end and a first valve in communication with the casing. The second bellows has a second fluid. The second bellows has a second valve connected to the pressure gauge, and a closed end abutting the closed end of the first bellows. Pressure applied to the removable casing is communicated from the first bellows to the second bellows and measured by the pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Danielle E. Jones-Glaser
  • Patent number: 7448985
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7438669
    Abstract: A hand grip strengthening and competition apparatus includes first and second alarms and a power source carried by an elongate body. A first lever is mounted to the elongate body for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position closing a first circuit between the power source and the first alarm energizing the first alarm. A second lever is spaced from the first lever and is mounted to the elongate body for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position closing a second circuit between the power source and the second alarm energizing the second alarm. An elongate flexible, substantially non-stretchable connector has a first end attached to the first lever, a second end attached to the second lever, and length extending from the first end to the second end preventing the first and second levers from concurrently assuming their respective closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Bloom
  • Patent number: 7431680
    Abstract: The operator exercises by gripping a palm bar in each hand. Each end of a static or non-stretchable line or cord is run through a tunnel within a respective palm bar and secured therein, usually with a knot. A pivoting impinger is installed within the palm bar so that its head swings into the bottom of the tunnel against the static line to keep it from slipping out of place. Each end of a different cord, a stretchable one, is anchored within the ends of the palm bar with its mid-portion, usually padded, arranged to snugly encircle the back of the operator's respective hand for support. The mid-portion of the static line runs through a pulley system which has an impingement strap connected to it for anchoring to a wall or door in any one of several ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Sylvester Hinds, Loyd William Bonneville
  • Patent number: 7410451
    Abstract: An exercise machine attachment is provided wherein the attachment may comprise a hook aperture attached to a joint wherein the joint defines bead chain apertures formed within the joint and extending directionally in an oblique or perpendicular manner. The attachment may further comprise first and second bead chains attached to the bead chain apertures. Also, each bead chain may comprise a plurality of beads which are sized and configured to be ergonomically fitted into a weight lifter's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Edward Williams
  • Publication number: 20080103026
    Abstract: A hand gripper having a pair of arms which are rotatably connected to one another around a rotating axis at upper ends thereof and are configured to approach one another and to be separated from one another by rotation around the rotating axis and a compression spring which is interposed between the pair of the arms to provide elastic force is provided which comprises: a first guide one end of which is rotatably supported by a pin at an inside of the first arm and at the same time supports an end of the compression spring and the other end of which is provided with a first rod having a hollow inner side extending toward an inside of the compression spring; and a spring guide which is provided with a second rod being slidably inserted into the hollow inner side of the first rod at one end thereof and is provided with a spring supporting part supporting the other end of the compression spring and a second guide with a sliding protrusion at the other end thereof, wherein the second arm is provided with an elasti
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Tae Jin An
  • Patent number: 7238161
    Abstract: A therapy apparatus includes a container having an interior volume and having an opening providing access to the interior volume and massaging elements freely located in the interior volume of the container. Each massaging element has a generally spherical exterior and has multiple protrusions projecting from its generally spherical exterior. A patient's hand may be inserted into the container through the opening and be moved among the massaging elements to be stimulated by massaging elements contacting the fingers and both the front and the back of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Andrei V. Komkin, Alexander S. Pervov
  • Patent number: 7235038
    Abstract: An arm exerciser includes a forearm section having a grip adjustably positioned in the forearm section via a securing device and an arm section pivotally connected to the forearm section. The arm section has two second pivot holes in alignment with the two first pivot holes of the forearm section so that each of the two pivot assemblies is able to extend through the aligned first pivot hole and the second pivot hole to allow the arm section to be pivotally connected to the forearm section and at least one second support formed on a bottom of the arm section so that two ends of at least one resilient element is able to be secured on the at least one first support and the at least one second support to provide resistance to the pivotal movement of the forearm section relative to the arm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-San Liao
  • Patent number: 7223207
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing having at least a wall portion, at least two apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced from each other, and at least one elongate rod having a center section located between opposite ends. The center section is adapted for slidable movement through the apertures. The friction generating arrangement provides frictional engagement of the elongate rod with the apertures, so as to resist sliding movement of the rod through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Simon Basyuk
  • Patent number: 7210172
    Abstract: A rigid glove has openings at the ends of the fingers such that the ends of the fingers from the most distal joint to the end protrude therefrom. The fingers may be flexed as an exercise. Caps of varying resistance may also be applied to the ends of the glove's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Merle Harrison Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7207930
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of exercise utilizing fluid containing bladders. The bladders may be in communication with each other so that compression of one bladder causes the fluid to be transferred to a neighboring bladder. The system may be used to exercise complementary muscle groups. Additionally, the system may be adjustable to provide different workout levels or so that the device can be used to exercise a variety of muscle groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Marctec, LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bonutti
  • Patent number: 7175572
    Abstract: A hand held exercise device includes a pair of dumbbells rotatably attached to a cross bar and which can be held between the hands of a user gripping the dumbbells. Grips are preferably positionable around the dumbbells to require the user to hold the exercise device in an open hand grip. The dumbbells are removably connected to the cross bar to permit use of the dumbbells separately, with or without the grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Top Form Fitness Systems, Inc
    Inventor: William L. Stonecipher
  • Patent number: 7160228
    Abstract: An improved structure finger strengthening device, the design of which features elastic components installed between upper and lower housings and finger sleeves. The fingers of the user are inserted into the finger sleeves, the fingers then forced outward and relaxed inward for conditioning and drilling. At the same time, the present invention provides for simple assembly and component replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Yao-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 7156778
    Abstract: A motocross exerciser having a motocross handlebar assembly with a rotatable throttle grip and brake levers under tension which can be utilized to build up hand and wrist forearm strength. The handlebar assembly mounted on a frame which can be rotated about a vertical axis against torque forces to build up the upper arms, shoulder, upper back and lower back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Chad Blough
  • Patent number: 7147592
    Abstract: A handgrip is modified to have a tethering window cut through one of its upright prongs so that the stem of an impinger can be extended through it to anchor the impinger at the outside portion of the handgrip. Anchoring is accomplished either by the extension of the impinger's tether pegs into sockets or apertures or by trapping the tether within a channel formed there. Once anchored, the impinger's head is positioned within the handgrip's cord tunnel where it becomes forced against stretchable or non-stretchable exercise media including stretchable exercise sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Sylvester Hinds, Richard Michael Hegge, Loyd William Bonneville
  • Patent number: 7104934
    Abstract: A device for exercising hand and forearm muscles includes: (a) a substantially rectangular-shaped support frame; (b) a pivotable lever bar extending down at an angle from a first, inner corner of the frame, substantially bisecting the substantially rectangular-shaped frame when the device is not in use; (c) a pivot mechanism in the first corner of the frame for pivoting the lever bar, an upper end of the pivotable lever bar being affixed to the pivot mechanism; and (d) a weight support mechanism on the opposite, lower end portion of the lever bar for supporting at least one removable weight. Also included herein is a smaller, hand-held hand exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: John Patrick Smith
  • Patent number: 7101315
    Abstract: A wrist exerciser includes a casing comprised of upper and lower casing members mounted together to form a substantially spherical shape. A rotor has opposite shafts rotatably received in the holes defined in the casing for rotatably supporting the rotor in the casing. Illumination elements are mounted on an outside surface of the rotor. A power source is fixed in the rotor for powering the illumination elements. A control circuit is in electrical connection with the power source and the illumination elements for selectively lighting the illumination elements. A transmission device is mounted in the rotor and has an interface circuit connected to the control circuit and a socket connector in connection with the interface circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7077787
    Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus for exercising, conditioning, and strengthening various hand, wrist, and forearm muscles. The apparatus comprises a central coil that has two attached handles. By squeezing the handles, an individual can strengthen various hand, wrist, and forearm muscles. An adjustment mechanism is enclosed which will allow an individual to change the tensile strength within the central coil, requiring a greater amount of power to move the handles together the same distance, thereby enabling the apparatus to exercise the short-twitch muscles (strength muscles) rather than the long-twitch (endurance) muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Wiesman
  • Patent number: 7060003
    Abstract: A portable, stable rope-pulling exercise machine. The machine has a stable support frame, a number of rope pulleys and rope guides mounted on the frame, an endless rope extending around the pulleys and guides to form a path which includes a horizontally extending rope pulling portion, and hydraulic braking assembly coupled to the pulley system for controlling the rate of movement of the rope based upon the strength of the user when said user is pulling the rope. The machine allows a user to pull a rope continuously as in a simulated tug-of-war. The short frame allows the device to be installed anywhere. A seat with a footrest allows a user to gain leverage when exercising with the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Lynn Reynolds, Joseph F. Maestas
  • Patent number: 7037240
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for exercising a hand. A doughnut-shaped elastomer is provided. The elastomer is held with the bottom portion nested in the bottom of the palm of the hand and with the top portion gripped by the four fingers of the hand. As the fingers squeeze the elastomer, the top portion of the elastomer rolls or twists while the bottom portion of the elastomer remains stationary in the palm of the hand. The twisting of the top portion causes the elastomer to bow or arch into the hand, supporting the hand and generating a comfortable sensation in the hand while the elastomer is compressed with the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Brent D. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 7025709
    Abstract: A therapeutic glove apparatus has a first glove half formed of a flexible material and shaped to cover one side of a person's hand and has a bladder broken into cells and filled with a viscous liquid, such as a fluid clay material. A second glove half is formed of a flexible material and shaped to cover the other side of a person's hand and is movably attached to the first glove half and also has a bladder having a plurality of cells formed therein filled with a viscous material, such as a fluid clay. Attaching straps have hook and loop material thereon for attaching the first and second glove halves for removably attaching a therapeutic glove over a person's hand. The therapeutic glove allows a person to exercise the muscles of the hands, fingers, and wrists by movement against the resistance of clay while applying heat or cold to a person's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Cynthia A. Riggall
  • Patent number: 7004889
    Abstract: The grasping and lifting aid, according to the present invention, comprises a flexible strap having a first and second end portion. Doubling back and fixedly securing the first end portion to a remainder of the flexible strap, a first loop is formed. The first loop has an opening commensurate with a width of the flexible strap, so that the second end portion can freely pass through. Thus, a second loop adaptable for attaching about a user's wrist is formed. The flexible strap includes a wrist securing portion formed by the second loop, followed by a palm grasping portion having a length adaptable to be spirally wrapped around a weight bar or the like by using several coils in close proximity to each other, without overlapping. The flexible strap also has anti-slip proprieties on a side adaptable for confronting a palm, fingers and thumb of a user. A material for providing anti-slip proprieties is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: James McBride
  • Patent number: 7001317
    Abstract: The Kegel exercising device and method for exercising the Kegel muscle may be employed by a female to prevent incontinence, enhance sensitivity during sexual activity and improve genital health. The Kegel exercising device has two spheres respectively for insertion into the vaginal and anal cavities, and an intermediate curved portion which provides resistance against the front wall and the back wall of the Kegel muscle simultaneously. The device of the current invention thus permits a user to exercise the Kegel muscle without having to manipulate the device with her hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Marcotte
  • Patent number: 7001316
    Abstract: A shaped body (1) of plastic material with rounded outer contours is used for carrying out a method of active motion therapy by filling bulk material (11) of shaped bodies (1) into a container (12). The limbs (13) to be trained are immersed into the bulk material (11) and exercises are carried out. The shaped body (1) is symmetrical relative to a first plane defined by a first substantially oval outer periphery (U1) of the shaped body (1), asymmetrical relative to a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane and defined by a second substantially oval outer periphery (U2) of the shaped body (1), and asymmetrical relative to a third plane defined by a third outer periphery (U3) of the shaped body (1), which is substantially perpendicular to both the first and second planes. The shaped body effects a resistance to motion which is nearly independent of the exercising direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Trelogo KG
    Inventors: Ludolf Jakobs, Angelika Werner-Jakobs
  • Patent number: 6942601
    Abstract: A wrist exercise includes a casing defining an interior space rotatably receiving a rotor. The casing includes upper and lower casing members. The upper casing member has a first mating edge forming a first mating device. The lower casing member has a second mating edge forming a second mating device for mating the first mating device to attach the lower casing member to the upper casing member whereby a circumferential groove is defined between the first and second mating edges. A first retention ring is at least partially fit over the upper and lower casing members and forms an inwardly-projecting portion fit into the groove to securely retain the upper and lower casing members in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 6918862
    Abstract: An exercising device for strengthening hands or limbs has first and second bladders containing fluid with first and second valves that couple the bladders to a fluid pressure gage. Squeezing the first bladder by the left hand causes easy flow through the first valve to the pressure gage in a first direction, whereas the second valve presents a high impedance to flow in the same direction into the right hand bladder, so that the measured gage impulse pressure is proportional to the flow rate of fluid through the second valve indicating left hand strength. Squeezing the second bladder by the right hand produces fluid flow in the opposite direction with the right hand strength being measured in like manner. Alternate bladder squeezing creates a pleasant rhythmic exercise routine and the peak gage pressure indicates progress. The valve configuration enables strength measurement of the weak and the strong with one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: R Allan Comeau
  • Patent number: 6881177
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handgrip 1 comprising a pair of grips 20 and 20? rotatably combined each other by means of a shaft 10 and capable of moving toward and away from each other; a spring member 40 having two combining ends 40? and 40? respectively combined to the grips 20 and 20?, and restoring the grips 20 and 20? to move away from each other; and an adjustment part 50 adjusting a distance between the shaft 10 and at least one of the combining ends 40? and 40? of the spring member 40. With this configuration, the present invention provides a handgrip 1 having an adjustable elasticity structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Tae-jin An
  • Patent number: 6881179
    Abstract: A soft, durable, inflatable, exercise device, preferably trapezoidal in shape is provided to enable a user to apply compressive isometric forces against the device to train, strengthen and/or condition major muscles and muscle groups of the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: FitMetrics Associates Limited
    Inventor: Richard Mostardi
  • Patent number: 6835169
    Abstract: Left and right hand exercisers are formed based upon a modification of the handgrips disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,015, wherein a throughbore is made through the grip, generally vertically through the elongation of the grip, at an angle between 82 and 88 degrees. A flattened tube of nylon webbing, or equal, is disposed through the throughbore, and is either connected to itself to form an endless loop spaced from the body of the grip in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the webbing passing through the bottom end of the grip is retained in place by one of several means. The end of the webbing emanating from the top of the grip may be attached directly to an elastic tube or band, or to a swivel split ring. If the latter, cables or other devices can be appended to the split ring as is known to the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen K. Tamaribuchi
  • Publication number: 20040198557
    Abstract: An exercise device having a solid body of elastic material and being substantially homogeneous throughout. The elastic material is a visco-elastic urethane having quasi-liquid properties and substantially faultless memory. The body has a selectively curved continuous uninterrupted outer surface that is generally egg-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: J. Mark Davis
  • Patent number: 6786849
    Abstract: A hand grip for use in the self-exercise of hand, wrist and forearm muscles. A pair of pivot elements are mounted about a common pin for pivotal back and forth movement so that the head ends of the elements move together and apart. A force resistance elastomeric member having an interior cavity is releasably mounted on the head ends. Forces applied by the user in repetitively squeezing handles together cause the head ends to move apart against the yieldable resistance of the member. The member's elastic memory causes the elements to pivot back as the user releases his or her grip. A slot in the elastomeric member through which the head ends are mounted enables easy interchange between members of different elastic strengths to provide for a wide range of force resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: McCrane, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Faulconer
  • Patent number: 6770011
    Abstract: An elastic exercising wand which can be squeezed, bent, twisted or pulled to benefit certain muscles; and having an elastic band snugly encircling its length under which the exercising operator may repetitively flex the hand or fingers in expansion exercises against its elastic resistance. A tension adjusting ring and attached anchoring hook are optionally present to control the band's resistance and provide tethering means, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Sylvester Hinds
  • Patent number: 6749538
    Abstract: Interlock apparatus for fitness equipment comprises a microprocessor 105 receiving grip signal inputs from grip sensors (101A, 101B) mounted on a load-bearing component of the fitness equipment. Signal conditioners (103A, 103B) provide noise filtering, signal debouncing and digital inputs for the microprocessor. Grips status monitors (106A, 106B) provide grip status signals used by microprocessor 105 to determine the validity of the grip signals. Microprocessor 105 provides validity criteria which changes depending on the grip status inputs. The apparatus detects sensor connection changes and abnormal sensor and circuit operation and modifies logic functions to improve the capability and reliability of safety locks and brakes on the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Michael D. Slawinski, Phillip R. Wills, Henrik B. Christophersen
  • Patent number: 6746373
    Abstract: An exercise device is held in first one hand and then in the other hand, while the second hand is exercised by screwing nuts in on threaded rods against a spring resistance. Both right hand and left hand threads are provided so that exercise of clockwise and counterclockwise motions are required. The nuts have different outside diameters so that the gripping of the nuts will be at different positions to enhance the experience. Also provided are springs of different tensions to adjust the resistance to rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: John B. Bohmer
  • Patent number: 6733421
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rehabilitating a user's hand. The method comprises providing a block, the block having a plurality of sides, wherein at least one of the plurality of sides has at least one indentation thereon and using the hand to rotate the block. Through the use of a method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention, a user will be able to perform therapeutic hand exercises without the complications of existing therapeutic devices. The present invention provides a durable, cost effective, and easy to use device that will increase hand flexibility, strength and endurance. Furthermore, the device offers significant therapy to the distal fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Durmon Jones
  • Publication number: 20040072653
    Abstract: A color changing putty is provided for therapeutic exercise, comprising a silicone putty and a pigment such that when the putty is worked by the hands, the pigmented putty gives visual indication of color change when it reaches one temperature, and disappears, or reverts back in color, when reaching a higher temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Depco, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice Gregory Minuto, David Woodbury Bean
  • Publication number: 20040063546
    Abstract: A wrist exercise includes a casing rotatably receiving a rotor therein. The casing defines slots that are aligned in pair. The rotor has axially aligned rotation shafts respectively and rotatably received in holes defined in the casing for rotatably supporting the rotor inside the casing. A drive roller is mounted to one of the rotation shafts. A drive bar is partially and movable received in the casing through the aligned slots to drivingly engage the drive roller whereby by forcibly pulling the drive bar out of the casing, the drive roller is caused to drive an initial rotation of the rotor with a high rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Yun Yu Chuang, Ming Hung Lin, Pei Sung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040048720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-generating wrist ball which includes a ball-shaped housing, a revolution ring, a flywheel and a generating and lighting mini-module. The ball-shaped housing has a plurality of protruding arched pieces to enhance the light-concentrating effect and to increase the stability when the fingers hold the wrist ball. The generating and lighting mini-module includes at least two rotor aggregates within flywheel and at least two stator aggregates corresponding to said rotor aggregates being fixed on the revolution ring. The wrist ball is self-generating in operational state by means of the impulse excitation created at the rotational moment of the wrist ball. In addition, the effect of magnetic field line can be enhanced by means of magnets and magnetic metal plates of the rotor aggregates and the stator aggregates. Furthermore, the same magnetic poles of both magnets are arranged in opposite way to prevent the flywheel from interference in rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hsiu-Min Kuo
  • Patent number: 6702725
    Abstract: The upper extremity exercise apparatus is a device intended to be used by humans to exercise their upper extremity. The apparatus exercises the upper limb in multiple planes in gravity assisted, gravity eliminated, and against gravity positions. It can be used in a standing, sitting, or lying position. The exercise apparatus consists of a long tubular structure generally made from plastic. A short movable sleeve, generally made from plastic, surrounds the long tubular structure. The movable sleeve has a slightly bigger inner diameter than the tubular structure's outer diameter. The difference in size allows the movable sleeve to migrate freely along the length of the apparatus. To operate the apparatus, the user positions his or her hand onto the movable sleeve. One hand stabilizes the apparatus while the other hand smoothly moves the sleeve in multiple planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Bernard Hoffman, John Fletcher Farrell
  • Publication number: 20040009846
    Abstract: The above and related objects are achieved by providing a hand exerciser comprising a ball like chamber in a ball like device with or without a clicker, grip like or spring like mechanism in it used to help strengthen the hand, fingers and forearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph O. Smith
  • Patent number: 6673028
    Abstract: A passive movement deivce for exercising a patient's joint is provided. The device includes a resilient foam section and a casing enclosing the foam section within a sealed chamber. The patient's joint is held in position relative to the sealed chamber by a suitable retainer. A vacuum pump is operatively connected with the sealed chamber to selectively provide application and non-application of a reduced pressure, i.e. below atmospheric, to the sealed chamber. The application of the reduced pressure causes the foam section to collapse thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend from a predetermined position. The non-application of the reduced pressure to the sealed chamber causes the foam section to expand thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend toward the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Louis C. Argenta, Michael J. Morykwas
  • Patent number: 6663579
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a device for reducing hand contracture resulting from injury or trauma is disclosed comprising at least one column comprising a plurality of blocks, the plurality of blocks having at least one attachment means enabling the plurality of blocks to be assembled into at least one column, and a securing band able to encircle a hand when the at least one column is positioned at a base of the fingers on the palm and extending toward the fingers of the hand. In addition methods are disclosed for reducing hand contracture using the device of the present invention as well as kits comprising the components of the device of the present invention for assembly by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Joanna Eikanas